QBL Transactions: Teys returns to SWM, Fisher signs with Cairns
Brendan Teys returns to South West Metro Pirates
Brendan Teys returns back to his junior association South West Metro Pirates after an absence of 3 years. Teys has solidified himself in the NBL over the past few years with the Adelaide 36ers. Teys averaged 3.7 points (47.6% from the field) in 26 games BE Take: Teys has always been a Pirate through and through. His return essentially gives the team shooting guard they have been craving for since Rasmus Bach. What is more important they get a player of Teys calibre under the Grabau Rule, meaning he will be unrestricted will allow them to get two import bigs. If Ryan Vines (was initially rumoured to play for Brisbane Spartans has since pulled out) returns, couple with the addition of imports, Jarred Bairstow and an improved bench they should be well back to return into the playoffs.
Anthony Fisher signs with Cairns Marlins
Cairns Taipans development player Anthony Fisher has signed with the Marlins for the 2016 QBL season. Fisher, has spent time as a development player for the Perth Wildcats before heading to Cairns. Prior to Marlins, Fisher was a key player for SEABL outfit Ballarat Mines averaging 12.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 2015. BE Take: Fisher add another dimension to their guard rotation. That would also require that guys like Damon Heuir and Shaun Bruce return to the Marlins, which isn’t confirmed yet. What is the biggest issue right now with Cairns is their frontcourt is losing Matt Andronicos to SEABL and Matt Smith retiring. Would be a hard task to get a quality centre in such a short time. What I anticipate that might happen is that Pearlman might get desperate and look at Taipans bigs like Cameron Tragardh, Matt Burston or Alex Loughton to fill in. Problem is all three are in their 30’s and with injuries concerns you would doubt their participation in QBL. If he can’t find a big, James Mitchell and Chris Daniel are undersize to play the 5, causing them all sorts of problems.
Jorden Page rumoured to sign with Mackay Meteors According to a very reliable source, Jorden Page is seriously rumoured to join the 2015 QBL Champions Mackay Meteors. Page comes from that ultra-talented 1990 age group that Queensland has produced plenty of stars and has college experience at NCAA Division I powerhouse, Saint Mary’s. He last played in 2012-13, averaging 6.9 points 1.8 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 19.1 minutes but suffered a serious injury while at Saint Mary’s.
BE Take: Impressive move by the Meteors. Losing Matt Adekponya and Tyson Demos was always going to sting Mackay’s chances of repeating but in Page they get a quality unrestricted guard. Page will get his opportunities and could form a strong backcourt with Chris Cedar. The concern is how long will it take him to get back to his best after a 3 year layoff. Still need more unrestricted players in the post Khalu era, but with Mackay cash flow, that shouldn’t be an issue.
