The Castec Rural Pioneers have re-signed 2023 captain and 2022 Golden Hands award winner Kane de Wit for the 2024 NBL1 South season.

The fan favourite was a national championship player with the Castec Rural Pioneers in 2015 and 2017 before leaving Mount Gambier for two seasons.

In three seasons back with the Pioneers the 26-year-old has become a vital member of the team and contributed significantly to the team’s success.

In 2023 de Wit had a solid all-round season averaging 5.38 points per game, 3.38 assists and 3.96 rebounds.

Castec Rural Pioneers Head Coach Richard Hill said it was great to have de Wit continue his basketball journey with the Pioneers.

“Kane is a hardworking, strong leader who is coming off a very good season as our defensive player of the year,” he said.

“I’m looking for Kane to continue to improve. This is a great first signing for us.”

Club president Tom Kosch was also delighted to have de Wit recommit to the Pioneers.

“Kane committing to the club provides stability to head coach Richard Hill and our men’s roster for the 2024 NBL1 South season,” he said.

“Whilst it was not the result that our club had hoped for, Kane led the Castec Rural Pioneers to a preliminary final in 2023 in his first year as captain.

“The de Wit family have been synonymous with basketball and our club over its history.

It has been a pleasure to watch Kane commit and choose the sport and give back to the Pioneers just as his dad Ray and family have done so over the time.”