Former Jets captain focuses on comeback

FIONA GOODALL/Fairfax

MAKING A RETURN: Stacey Lambert in action for the Manawatu Jets.

Relevant offers

Former Manawatu Jets captain Stacey Lambert is targeting a comeback for next season's campaign and believes the side can be championship material.

The 34-year-old shooting guard or small forward hasn't played in the National Basketball League since 2008, when he took a break from the game as he struggled to balance family, work and basketball commitments.

He also received a two-month ban for testing positive for using marijuana in the same year but said at the time his choice to step down was unrelated to the ban.

Lambert, who has played more than 200 games in the NBL, said he had spoken with Jets coach Ryan Weisenberg about returning to the fold, although nothing was confirmed yet.

"I'm trying to get into shape and I'm probably going to make a decision around December," he said.

"I just need to see whether I'm wanted.

"I suppose the issue for me is getting the balance with my family life, my personal life and work."

The former Junior Tall Black watched the Jets play this year as they meandered to a five-win 13-loss season.

"I think they were very underpowered ... They punched above their weight.

"I think if they had a little bit more firepower next year, they'd be legitimate contenders."

Adding an experienced veteran like Lambert to the roster for next season would be a savvy move by the Jets, who tried a similar thing with Callum Brock this year, but his knee injury curtailed hope of it being a success.

Lambert first played for the Jets in 1995 and said he wouldn't expect to come back to the side and be the go-to man.

"Being away two years, my enthusiasm to learn is back. I'm really not sure what role I'd have.

"I'd like to think I'd still have an impact in the league."

Lambert said he was working out with the Jets squad and running to work on top of regular gym sessions in a bid to get back in shape.

Weisenberg is in the United States and is expected back in Manawatu this month.

- © Fairfax NZ News