IT is Jason Sedlock's night at the Icehouse tonight.

While he would never be one to mention it, Sedlock enters the Pioneers record books as just the second player in club history to reach 200 games.

But, the playing coach has always been a team-first guy and while he has admitted getting a win against Nunawading is his only focus tonight, this milestone should be recognised by all Mount Gambier basketball fans - and the best way to do that is by packing the stadium and being part of this special night.

Sedlock has been a pivotal member of the Pioneers squad since the 2000 season and few would argue about his place in the club's history.

Although he is now an Australian citizen, he was a long serving and loyal import, was co-captain of the 2003 SEABL and ABL championship winning team, is in his second season as coach and now joins former championship winning team-mate Jason Joynes in the 200 club.

Sedlock, from Oregon, attended the Santa Clara University and was roommates with two time NBA MVP Steve Nash, who currently plays for the Phoenix Suns.

During his college career Sedlock was taught to never be complacent on the basketball court, something he still believes in today.

And, while he is not someone who will light up the scoreboard each night, he is the guy every team wants - a hustler who bangs bodies with opposition big men, he loves rebounding, will dive on the floor for the loose ball, is an excellent passer and willingly bleeds if it means the team wins.

Off the court he is a likable gentile giant who seems to get on well with everyone he meets and while he has been described as "a man of few words" away from the sport he loves, he is someone who remains loyal to his friends.

And it can not be lost that Mount Gambier, and to a lesser extent Australia, has been very good to him.

It is believed former Pioneers MVP Jamie Holmes commented one night over a couple of beers, before retiring from the side at the end of last season, that Sedlock was "the typical college geek" before coming out to Australia.

Sedlock told The Border Watch on the eve of the 2007 season just what playing for Mount Gambier meant to him.

"It's been a great privilege to have the opportunity to continue to play basketball at a professional level after finishing my collegiate career," Sedlock said.

"And, to be able to play my entire career with one club, representing my new home town where I live and work is fantastic.

"Although basketball will never be able to compete with footy, the level of support and interest in the Pioneers from the people of Mount Gambier has always been outstanding."

Joynes, who played 270 games with the Pioneers, fondly remembers the first time he met his future teammate and close friend.

"We did an American tour that year (1999) and we were at the LA airport and we couldn't find these two Americans, who were trying out for us, anywhere," Joynes said.

"I was looking for a gangly white Canadian and I eventually saw this tall guy reading a book and thought 'that's got to be him'.

"He was a real laid back country guy."

Joynes and Sedlock would quickly bond on and off the court, with Sedlock's hustle, hunger and fearlessness proving he was willing to do anything for a victory.

"He's an easy guy to get along with and Jason was all about the team," Joynes said.

"He's not a huge scorer, but he's a workhorse.

"He'll give you 110 percent every time."

Sedlock also proved his leadership qualities through actions rather than words.

"He led by example on the floor," Joynes said.

"He's not a big talker, although he talks more now as the coach, but he was more a leader by example."

When talking about that 2003 season, which put Mount Gambier basketball on the national map, Joynes has many fond memories.

"Everyone played their part at the right time," Joynes said.

"All the players played well at different times to help win the championship.

"Playing a home grand final and winning it, that is up there with everything.

"If we go anywhere in the world, and this goes for any of the guys, and then get back together, we've always got that."

Joynes will be one of the faces in the crowd on tonight watching his mate become just the second player to become part of the Pioneers 200 club.

"It will be an emotional night for him," Joynes said.

"It's a big achievement for Mount Gambier, but an even bigger achievement for an American to do it.

"He's hung around, got his life here, works here, is married and now he's coaching."

Pioneers president Darryl Starick said Sedlock is simply "no fuss".

"He just wants to play," Mr Starick said.

"It doesn't matter what the score is or if he's injured, he just wants to be out there giving 120 percent."

Mr Starick said while the club has seen many players come and go, Sedlock's team-first attitude is the reason he is so highly regarded in the sport.

"His respect from peers around the SEABL is extremely high and has been a success for Pioneers player recruitment," Mr Starick said.

"Jason's SEABL career highlight so far was obviously co-captaining the conference and national championship winning team in 2003, but his career still has plenty to offer Mount Gambier fans in the future."

Although Mr Starick has had a close working relationship with Sedlock, the pair have also formed a strong friendship, something the club president is thankful for.

"He's a bit of a mystery man at times," Mr Starick said.

"He just does things when you least expect them.

"He really needs to start thinking about spending more time at home and out in his garden."

Mr Starick also admitted that he is happy Sedlock decided to remain a one-sport guy.

"He's had a couple of failed attempts at a baseball career in Mount Gambier," Mr Starick said.

"He's a huge baseball fan, but we're all glad he's stuck to basketball."

Championship winning coach Sonya Knight first met Sedlock as an assistant coach on the 1999 tour of the USA.

"Jason certainly wasn't the most spectacular import that tried out on that tour," Knight said.

"But, he certainly worked hard at both ends of the floor.

"Jason had a very, very balanced game.

"We also knew he came from an excellent program at Santa Clara."

When talking about her time with Sedlock as player and coach, Knight said she had no regrets in making him a co-captain.

"Jason is one of those guys ideally suited to a captaincy role," Knight said.

"He doesn't say much, but his knowledge and understanding of the game is second to none."

Now Knight, like many in Mount Gambier, considers Sedlock to be a good friend and she is proud to have been a part of his basketball career with the Pioneers, but it is not just a one way street.

"Jason's taught me so much," Knight said.

"He's just a fantastic student of the game.

"He's taught me a lot about how to conduct yourself on and off the court.

"I thank Jason so much for his friendship and for helping me further my coaching career."

Former team-mate Damien Anderson paid Sedlock the ultimate compliment yesterday.

"He would definitely be the best team-mate I've ever played with," Anderson told The Border Watch.

"He pretty much had no ego at all.

"He was more than happy to sacrifice for the good of the team."

When looking back on his time with Sedlock, Anderson was very reflective.

"We've been through a fair bit together," Anderson said.

"I was so happy when he ended up signing with us and was happy each year he re-signed."

Anderson and Sedlock have obviously shared some very special times, but Anderson has one lasting memory of Sedlock that still makes him laugh.

"He's the most un-athletic guy I've seen," Anderson said.

"Just watching him in warm ups wind up and try to dunk it.

"He's the only 6'8 guy who couldn't dunk."

Basketball Mount Gambier's Beth Serle, who has been a valued member of the Pioneers club off the floor for many years, said Sedlock has been an inspiration to his team-mates.

"As a player you could never question his work ethic," Serle said

"He always does the one percenters on the court.

"You could never question his endeavour and he's played with injuries that others would sit out with."

Serle also acknowledged and was appreciative for the input Sedlock has given Basketball Mount Gambier.

"He's been totally supportive of our programs," Serle said.

"He's coached club teams and run coaching clinics.

"He's been exemplary as a role model and we've been very lucky to have him."

So, what does Serle remember most about his play in the championship winning season of 2003?

"His endeavour," Serle said.

"There's no doubt that Jamie (Holmes) was the key man, but Jason did the little things.

"The chemistry between the players was excellent and they did it for each other.

"Being named as a captain showed he was one of us."

Serle said Sedlock is sure to take tonight's game like any other.

"We'll get the same from Seders that we always get," Serle said.

"I personally hope that he has a great game and that the team wins for him.

"He wont be fazed about it and will just go about his job."

Out of everyone at the stadium tonight, the one supporter Sedlock is sure to be thinking of is his wife Sally.

The night is sure to be something the two of them always remember.

"It will be very exciting," Sally said.

"We've got a lot of family and friends coming to watch, it should be a great atmosphere."

Sally has enjoyed watching her husband grow both on the court and in the community during his time in Mount Gambier.

"I'm really proud of him reaching 200 games," Sally said.

"I love how dedicated he is to his basketball.

"He's been through a lot - a player, the championship and now coach - and he's been very loyal.