The support of long-time friend and captain Steve Coffey gave Spencer an insight into the culture that had been maintained in the squad in the years without him. Coffey continually checked up on Spencer each week during his rehab progress and was a helping hand and kind voice which left him feeling appreciated and valued. He says, 'it gave me an insight into what playing for the Redbacks could be like not just in basketball but in life overall'. He and RMIT got talking, had a meeting with head coach Rovetto, and then a subsequent meeting with his soon-to-be teammates. Everyone was welcoming and keen to have him on board and as they say, the rest is history.
Alongside the friendships, the desire to replicate the victories of the past, while also laying the foundations for an even more successful future is what spurred his decision to re-join RMIT. The decision to re-join the squad is already repeating the fruits of their labour, with the Redbacks pulling off a nail biting 93-85 victory on opening night against the Chelsea Gulls at the Patterson River Stadium last Saturday. With the added pressure of being in the starting line-up, Spencer pulled out a 13-point performance in his comeback game in front of adoring family and friends.
Ultimately Spencer hopes he has given enough back to basketball whether it be 'through coaching, providing enjoyment for spectators, or through the passing of knowledge to younger teammates'. Spencer humbly admitted 'For a guy with not the greatest array of skills, I’m thankful I made it this far'.
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Written by RMIT Student Adam Miller