SHEPPARTON, Australia. - Former Ridgeback, Jayden Coke began his professional basketball career in Australia this past Saturday, joining the Shepparton Gators as they look to make their mark in the Big V.
 
Coke played one season with the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks where he averaged an impressive 22.2 points per game along with 9.1 rebounds per game. Jayden would take home the 2023 men's basketball MVP award for his contributions to the team last season. 
 
"My time with Ontario tech was a learning process, it helped me study the game of basketball and finding ways to get better everyday" says Coke when asked about his time with the Ridgebacks. "Head coach Deluxshan, he helped me and challenged me everyday and helped me be able to show my talents to the fullest and be capable to lead and bring a culture to a program."
 
Coke's move to the pro level came from the help of Ridgebacks assistant coach, Sharmarke Mohamed, who recruited Coke, showed him the program and laid out a road map for going pro after his time with the Ridgebacks.
 
Coke shined in his first game for the Gators, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 boards including the first championship basket for Shepparton in 20 years. The Gators picked up their first win of the season on April 7, beating Western Port 76-71.
 
"I feel like the team is already strong. They brought back their locals who just won last year in the Big V and moved up a division to the championship division" said Coke when asked about his new team, "(The team captain and head coach) are really excited to get things rolling this season."
 
Coke looks to bring energy to the team on and off the court and help them make a splash in their division, while enjoying the sunshine in the land down under .
 
"I can wear shorts and t-shirts everyday," said Coke. "it's across the world from us so not knowing anyone from out there is a fun challenge."