QBL Week 1: Coach Interviews
Welcome to Basketball coverage of the QBL. We will have weekly interviews of QBL coaches. This week we have the coaches from defending champions, Ken Furdek from Mackay Men's and Chris Muggeridge from Rockhampton Women's while we also have Derek Rucker (Logan) and Brad George (Ipswich)
Mackay Meteors Head Coach Ken Furdek. How is the off season gone so far? It has been a very productive off season with much of the focus on getting to know one another and establishing our standards as a team. The results in pre season games have been encouraging and they’ve certainly given us confidence and laid a platform for our expectations in Saturday’s season opener. What improvement you feel you have made in your team during the break? Stability in playing personnel has been crucial and the inclusion of a quality NBL point guard in Shaun Bruce gives us added on court leadership to complement Chris Cedar. Nick Wiggins is fitting in well and is starting to forge a solid understanding of how we play. I think TJ Diop is one of the best big men in the league and our local guys are really relishing the extra responsibility and time on court, so we are excited about what we are capable of doing. What are your impressions of the rest of the teams heading into the 2016 QBL season? There is no doubt virtually every team has improved their roster, which is great for the league and further cements Queensland’s standing as one of the country’s premier leagues. You will need to turn up every game and be ready this season. You face Cairns in a crucial game, what do you need to do in order to get the W? We have the utmost respect for Cairns and they will be a genuine championship threat this season. Obviously we need to limit the impact Tragardh and Loughton have on the game, but be equally mindful of their outside shooters. The guys are certainly looking forward to the challenge Is the gap between the top team closing and can Mackay repeat? Our primary goal is to put ourselves in a position to be in the finals. It is always tough going back to back and we know we are the hunted this season and that many of the teams are much stronger. But this group is experienced and knows what’s required to get the desired results. Logan Thunder head coach Derek Rucker
How is the off season gone so far?
Our offseason has been terrific and I am confident in the players' abilities and their commitment to being successful.
What improvement you feel you have made in your team during the break? I have almost started from scratch with the group here. Obviously having Mick Cedar and Justin Baker with me again is tremendous as they are quality players and individuals. They know what I'm about and can help me create a winning culture.
You came so close with Gladstone in 2015, do you feel u have the necessary pieces to overcome Brisbane in 2016? We have a solid team this season at Logan and we will be confident in every game we play this season.
You face Bundaberg at Cornubia, what do you need to do in order to get the W?
Early in the season I like the guys to focus on us as it's hard to scout other teams and really know their tendencies etc. We want to come out and establish our identity in our home opener and set standards for Thunder basketball.
Predictions on how Logan will go in 2016?
No prediction available
Ipswich Force head coach Brad George
How is the off-season gone so far?
We have had a shorter off-season this year due to my commitments and focus on the WNBL. Other than that its been good to see the development of the young Ipswich juniors over the past month. What improvement you feel you have made in your team during the break?
We have added some quality size with both having great versatility and capable of playing and guarding multiple positions. The addition of the Heal girls along side Bree Farley, also add stability and scoring options across all spots. What are your impressions of the rest of the teams heading into the 2016 QBL season?
In recent years the quality of players and in turn teams has been improving. This year particularly we have seen a lot movement from players and teams so expect a few different results this year. Rocky has kept core group so they would be faviourites in my opinion.
You face Gold Coast in a crucial game, what do you need to do in order to get the W?
I don't see it as a crucial game as its the first game of season and you don't win comp in April. But I'm looking at it as a good chance to blood some younger players and give them the opportunity to experience the QBL. This also will allow me to see which girls are wanting to compete, enabling me to gain the confidence in them at this level and use them later down the track.
Do you feel that Ipswich has kept up with the likes of Rockhampton and Mackay for the championship?
Absolutely. Once our two imports arrive and finish their current duties overseas, I believe this group has the potential to win the competition. Give them a couple weeks to gel with the current crop and we have scoring potential at every position, making match ups difficult for any team.
Rockhampton Cyclones head coach Chris Muggeridge How is the off season gone so far?
I’m happy with where we are at, I'm impressed with the effort, intensity and drive to get better shown in our preseason. I feel we are in the best shape physically, mentally and emotionally to defend our Championship.
What improvement you feel you have made in your team during the break?
With the addition of Shanavia Dowdell this season I feel we are much stronger in the front court. Shanavia is a huge threat to any team inside the paint and with Sam Norwood and Rebecca Haynes along side her it will be a daunting task for any team to contain them.
What is your impression of the rest of the teams heading into the 2016 QBL season?
I've got absolutely no doubt that the league is much stronger. Teams have put a lot of work into recruiting quality imports whilst developing their star juniors.
You face Gladstone in a repeat of the 2015 grand final, what do you need to do in order to get the W?
Do the little things right, work hard, work smart and be consistent. Control the boards and execute.
Can Rockhampton repeat this season?
Absolutely!!! That's the plan.
Thank you for participating and all the best for the upcoming season
