JK SAYS - VOLUME 1
Knowing how much I would miss the competition and never being a person to just sit back and
spectate from the sidelines, for a new challenge this QBL season I thought I’d try my hand at being
more of an analyst. Over the upcoming months I’ll be getting my Keyboard Warrior on, sharing
thoughts on topics from around the League through Basketball Expressions.
Game On…
‘SEVEN REASONS FOR FANS TO CHECK OUT QBL GAMES IN TWENTY-SIXTEEN’
7. JORDEN TURNING OVER A NEW PAGE…
I personally can’t wait to see Jorden Page back hoopin’ again and fans should be excited too. I
think the unfortunate run of injuries he’s suffered, has given Page the exact motivation required
to show any doubters how good of a player he STILL is. Don’t be surprised to see him as one of the
few Aussies hanging out among the league leaders in scoring this season, dropping the occasional
30+ game as he goes about his business on the Sunny Coast.
6. THE GARBAGE MAN IS STILL TAKING OUT THE TRASH…
Positive news for Capitals supporters with Dusty Rychart lacing them up for another season. The
QBL’s version of Tim Duncan keeps on fuelling the engine room for Brisbane and after two grand
final losses in the past three years, championship motivation levels for Dusty and his teammates
will be at an all time high. Brisbane’s roster staying consistent has definitely helped their cause
and their relentless style of play at both ends of the floor is always tough to beat. I think the Caps
will be there at the business end of the season, with Dusty Being Dusty, quietly leading the way.
5. THE ‘RAY SHOW’ RETURNING TO ROCK-VEGAS…
Great for anybody that loves watching the game being played above the rim, not so great however
for the teams playing against the guy who’s mostly hanging out up there. Ray Turner’s return to
the Rockets once again solidifies their position as a legitimate contender. When Turner last played
in 2014, Rocky won their second consecutive QBL title, with the ultra-athletic forward collecting
the Finals MVP award in the process. If he brings back that same form (and bounce) at both ends
of the floor, not only will he put bums on seats and guys on posters, he’ll also position himself to
be in the running for League MVP honours.
4. G.M VANDERJAGT BRINGING THE HEAT BACK TO TOWNSVILLE…
Vandy’s hard work and commitment as G.M has paid off with Townsville putting a team on the
floor that’s ready for instant success. He along with Heat Coach Rodney Anderson, have recruited
a squad that contains both local flavour and the key pieces of a championship puzzle. ‘PC’ coming
back to the Ville is fantastic, not only for the fans, but also young players looking for a quality role-
model. Put the former Olympian alongside another classy NBL veteran in Luke Schencher, junior
standout Harry Froling, shooting machine Mirko Djeric and you already have a formidable line-up
that will be fun to watch.
3. CAIRNS PULLING THE TRIGGER…
Following his latest NBL season with the Taipans, Cam Tragardh said to me (in Basketball
terminology) “I’m a killer, I need to go kill…” To reclaim that ‘killer instinct’, Trigger has decided to
re-join the Cairns Marlins for his NBL off-season. A former League MVP, championship winner and
arguably the QBL’s greatest ever offensive threat, Trig’s return puts the Marlins automatically into
discussions as title favourites and gives fans at the Fish Tank a star that will get BULK buckets night
in and night out.
2. THE LEADERSHIP CONVENTION ON THE GOLD COAST…
The Rollers have signed New Zealand Tall Blacks legend Pero Cameron to mentor this year’s side,
which is already a reason for sporting enthusiasts on the G-C to put down the surfboards and
watch some Basketball. Along with bringing an outstanding Basketball I.Q and calves the size of
small countries, Pero did exactly what was needed to make his team legit - Recruit veterans from
the region. Enter Adam Darragh, Dwayne Vale, Scott McGregor and Thalo Green. Combined these
guys have played a Zillion NBL games and while their best days may be behind them (Vale will no
doubt call and abuse me as soon as he reads this) the experience, leadership, poise and winning
mentality they all bring are critical ingredients to a successful team. Christian Salecich & Simon
Stevens can both shoot lights out, so that makes six, high-quality Aussie’s listed on a roster before
you even add in two imports. This is definitely a group that can make waves this season and Gold
Coast fans have no reason not to roll with them.
1. MACKTOWN GETTIN’ WIGGY WIT IT…
In the off-season Mackay lost two dynamic, game-changing players in Tyson Demos and Matthew
Adekponya. To replace both their on-court skill sets and ability to get the crowd involved, the
Meteors brought in U.S import Nick Wiggins.After stints in the NBA & D-League and posting impressive pre-season numbers, Wiggins is already shaping to be the real deal for the #MacktownIsMyCity faithful. Put him alongside the best backcourt in the league (Chris Cedar & Shaun Bruce) and you have a ‘Big 3’ that on any given night could give opposition nightmares. I hope you’ve stretched your legs Macktown fans, cause you’re going to be on your feet a lot during games this season at the Crater.
Disclaimer: This article was prepared or accomplished by Joel Khalu in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the view of the Basketball Expressions.
