QBL Transactions: Ray Willis returns to Power, Gregory signs with Rockets
Gladstone reload with the return of Ray Wills
Gladstone Port City Power announced that last year import Ray Willis is returning back to Gladstone for the 2016 season. Willis played an instrumental part, averaging a double-double in Power surge to a semi-final game for the first time in their history. Wills is currently playing for the Sundsvall Dragons in the Swedish first division, averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds a game The Wills signing follows the team announcement of young guards Yassine Ghomari and Jake Allen returning to the Power for 2016. BE Take: Given that Derek Rucker played a key part in creating the team last year, there was a reasonable fear that Gladstone was going to struggle given Rucker’s departure. However, give credit to the Gladstone organisation for maintaining several key pieces rather than have to go through another rebuild. Willis give them that multi-faceted player that can score, rebound, pass and defend.
I’m particularly intrigued with the prospect of Ghomari and Allen returning, both players some promise and have the opportunity to have breakout seasons with the departure of Michael Cedar. It will be interesting to see what direction the Power take with their second import, whether they go for an inside-outside forward, a guard or a post player. I still think they need one more legitimate unrestricted local if they want to return to the playoffs in 2016.
Rockhampton signs Jordan Gregory Rockhampton have sign their first import of the year with former University of Montana standout Jordan Gregory signing for the Rockets. Gregory was the Grizzlies top scorer in 2014-15 with 17.0 points per game and was named in the Big Sky All-Conference First Team. Gregory will replace Dominic Cheek as Rockhampton main guard
BE Take: This is massive coup for the Rockets, which isn’t at all suprising giving the willingness to attract imports with big NCAA Division I pedigree. Rockhampton was always going to reload having an ordinary season in 2015 for their standards. Gregory can play both guard spots, and is an exceptional shooter. A smart player and plays great off the pick and roll. With Mitch Philp returning its likely to see Gregory in more of a shooter role, and from footage I saw last year he can make tough shots. One of the players to watch in the 2016 QBL season.
