Paul Morello won the Westpac Three-Point Shootout at Vodafone Arena last Saturday night, netting $10,000 for Merinda Park Basketball Club.

The Westpac Three-Point Shootout – the largest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere – went down to the wire in front of 6249 fans, with Paul needing to sink all five of his final baskets to secure the win.

Like a true champion, Paul held his nerve in front of the massive crowd to claim victory on the final ball.

“There were so many people there, when I started off I was a bit shaky and nervous and I needed a bit of time to get into it,” Paul said.

“I started off pretty bad but luckily on the last rack I hit five from five.

Paul finished with eight of 15 successful shots from behind the arc to defeat Melbourne East representative Lachlan Magee, who finished a close second with seven of a possible 15 baskets.

“I was even more nervous watching Lachlan because it was so close,” Paul said.

The three-point pro said the result capped off one of the best experiences of his life.

“The Westpac Three-Point Shootout is probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Paul said.

“Just going along to watch the Dragons play was great but then to shoot at halftime was really fun. At the end it was good to win it and to get some money for the club.”

The $10,000 cash bounty will be used to benefit all 53 junior teams at Merinda Park.

“We’re looking at getting new club jackets for all the juniors and we also want to try to get our disabled team back together,” club president Gordon Edwards said this week.

The club’s plans are good news for Paul, who would love to see his team in new gear.

“I was hoping the club would go for new uniforms because a lot of people don’t like ours!”
While Paul will now take his three-point prowess back to his local league, he can’t wait to return to the Dragons’ camp next season.

“I’ll definitely be back next season to watch the Dragons play, I just love the game!”