FOLLOWING a disappointing start to the 2025 Big V Youth Championship Men’s season, Melbourne Tigers guard Denzell Prezens says the team is only going to improve on a weekly basis.

The Tigers fell to the Casey Cavaliers in Round 1 last weekend to the tune of 13 points at Casey Stadium, with the home side running away with it in a 32-20 final quarter. Although the Tigers were in it at three quarter time, the Cavaliers were too good down the stretch, handing Melbourne its first loss of the 2025 season.

Despite the loss, Prezens is still confident in the side’s ability to learn from the match and should be better for the experience overall.

“With a relatively new group, we’re still finding our feet and getting that continuity as a team,” he said. “There’s a few things we need to work on to be able to get the result that we want. But all in all we think we’re headed the right way.

“If we could fix up a few things, we probably want to work on the offensive end, and dealing with a bit of pressure from the other team. Once we do that, we should be alright from there.”

In that match, Prezens had five points and four assists, with his on-court leadership proving invaluable for the side. A creative guard who can score himself but also thrives in creating for others, Prezen adds plenty to a Tigers side that is still getting to know one another.

“I try and be a real floor general, leading the team and just being that voice on the floor,” he said. “I think using my speed is a strength of mine, as is getting guys open and putting guys in the right spots.

“I definitely want to expand on that leadership role, and as we have got a few younger guys coming through the program, providing guidance and support for them. I want to make sure they feel comfortable and confident on the court as well.”

The Tigers will have the opportunity to bounce back this week, with two games on the horizon for Round 2. Their first clash will be against the Dandenong Rangers, who opened their account with a massive 114-78 win over Waverley.

It was a statement performance from the Rangers to start the season, and Prezens said the Tigers are aware of how strong the opposition looks heading into Round 2.

“They had a big win against Waverley,” he said. “If we can match their defensive intensity, and then hopefully get our offence going, then we should be good from there.”

The Tigers then back it up on the Sunday afternoon, when they take on the Knox Raiders at the State Basketball Centre, also fresh off a Round 1 win over the Keilor Thunder to the tune of five points. Although Prezens admits Melbourne has not seen too much of the Raiders heading into the clash, he says the side expects a fierce battle on Sunday.

Season 2025 is a different look for the Tigers, with a lot of their former players moving up an age group and leaving the team. However, Prezens says the group of players that are currently hitting the floor give plenty to be excited about.

“With having a new team and guys that have aged out, we are just trying to take it game by game and see where things progress from there,” he said. “It’s really exciting with the new group we have got, and there is a lot of fresh, new talent.

“We could go all the way [this season] but we are just taking it game by game for now.”