2016 QBL Men Season Previews
Brisbane Capitals
Coaching Staff: Geoff Tarrant (HC), Mick Tarrant (AC), Sean Connelly (AC)
2016 Roster
Returning: Aaron Anderson, Dusty Rychart, Kurt Thompson, Anthony Kopcikas, Drew Phillips, Christian Lam, Seb Windsor, Tom Malloy, Ryan Jeffries, Zac Carter, Alex Barker
The Gist: One of the better team in the QBL in recent memory, the capitals were oh so close coming within a whisker of winning just their second QBL championship. they have an unchanged team from 2015. Dusty Rychart is having a Tim Duncan esque career and is the backbone of their frontcourt. They have strong guards with import Aaron Anderson, Ryan Jeffries and Kurt Thompson and stacked with quality backups (Anthony Kopcikas, Drew Phillips, Seb Windsor and Jacob Davis). While Dusty Rychart is a quality the rest of the forwards and bigs aren't up to scratch. They have stability in the roster and have a team chemistry of sorts, but they are also predictable and have done nothing to reinvigorate the team. Logan and SC Phoenix have improved but Brisbane is still the top dog in the central pool. In terms of the QBL Championship it's too close to call with all the little thing that could determine who wins, Brisbane need home court advantage or at least a semi final home court, so they can't afford any screw ups (see Suncoast in 2015). If it doesn't happen it's another year without a championship for this group
Predictions
MVP: Dusty Rychart X-Factor: Aaron Anderson Youth Player:Jacob Davis
Best / Worse Case Scenario: QBL Champions / Make Semi Finals
Prediction: 1st in Central Pool, Make Semi Finals
Bundaberg Bulls
Coaching Staff: Larry Daniels (HC), Mick Catlin (AC)
2016 Roster
In: Scheraun King, Daniel Sims, Jai Soloai, Jemoine Mann
Out: Ricky James, Dwayne Radcliffe, Beau Bergen
Returning: Willie Shackleford, Luke Iacobucci, Cam Duncan, CJ Kennedy
The Gist: Bundaberg had a disappointing 2015 season after returning to the playoffs in 2014. Ricky James is gone and replaced by Scheraun King who recently play in the Saudi Arabian league. Dwayne Radcliffe is gone too after a disappointing season. Enter Jah Soloai who was solid in very limited minutes for Ipswich and should be given the opportunity at Bundaberg. Daniel Sims is a huge question mark in terms of his attitude, but if he can put it together he has the scoring and athletic ability to be a major contributor in this team. Willie Shackleford is still in town and will anchor their rebounding and low post.
Bundaberg hasn't done much to improve and honestly they are wasting Shackleford prime years. They need better contributions from their youngsters in particular Luke Iacobucci and Cameron Duncan. They could win a game or two, but i'm too sold on them, another disappointing year.
Predictions
MVP: Willie Shackleford X-Factor: Daniel Sims Youth Player: Luke Iacobucci
Best / Worse Case Scenario: Miss Playoffs
Prediction:5th in Central Pool, Miss Playoffs
Cairns Marlins
Coaching Staff: Jamie Pearlman (HC)
2016 Roster
In: Cameron Tragardh, Alex Loughton, Anthony Fisher, Aron Farmer
Out: Nathan Sobey, Corey Maynard, Shaun Bruce, Matthew Andronicos, Matt Smith
Returning: Chris Daniel, James Mitchell, Curt Ahwang, Aaron Bin Tahal, Damon Heuir
The Gist: Cairns have gone through a revamp with major changes (Bruce, Maynard and Sobey are gone, as well as Andronicos and Smith). They have definitely upgraded in the frontcourt with veteran NBL players in Alex Loughton and Cameron Tragardh. Taipans development player Anthony Fisher should compliment Damon Heuir who is expected to have a bigger role in the backcourt. Still got a lot of experience with Ahwang, Mitchell and Daniel as well as Bin Tahal
They still have the best coach in the QBL in Jamie Pearlman and the fact they run a lot of NBL stuff will ensure the continuity in the offence and defence. The biggest question mark is Taipans going to let them play for the majority of the season or will they pull the plug on the veterans. That indecision makes it very difficult to predict Cairns in a tough northern pool.
Predictions
MVP: Cameron Tragardh X-Factor: Anthony Fisher Youth Player: Aaron Bin Tahal
Best / Worse Case Scenario: QBL Champions / Miss Playoffs
Prediction: 3rd in North Pool, Make Quarter Finals
Gladstone Port City Power
Coaching Staff: Brian Waters (HC)
2016 Roster
In: Marvin Williams Jr, Tevin Jackson, Tyler Allen
Out: Justin Baker, Michael Cedar, Illiwa Baldwin, Rowan Gray, Dale Iwanicki,
Returning: Ray Wills, Jake Allen, Yassine Ghomari, Troy Robinson,
The Gist: Gladstone had a tremendous 2015 season, coming within a basket of a grand final appearance. The majority of the team (Baker, Cedar, Baldwin) has left the team while Brian Waters replaces Derek Rucker as head coach. Not all is lost with Ray Wills still in town and is joined by Marvin Williams Jr. (not the NBA one) an undersized but powerful post player. Expect Yassine Ghomari and Jake Allen to have a major role in the team as will newcomer Tevin Jackson.
With a strong northern pool, the Power are on the decline. While i can see them cause an upset or two, i honestly can’t see them returning back to the playoffs
Predictions
MVP: Ray Wills X-Factor: Marvin Williams Jr. Youth Player:Tyler Allen
Best / Worse Case Scenario: Miss Playoffs
Prediction: 5th in North Pool, Miss Playoffs
Gold Coast Rollers
Coaching Staff: Pero Cameron (HC)
2016 Roster
In: Adam Darragh, Scott McGregor, Thalo Green, Dwayne Vale, Jason Aucoin, Christian Salecich, Jayden Tom, Lonnie Fundeburke, Jackson Parr
Out: Shaun Gleeson, Jordan Teo, Travis Derochowski
Returning: James Whitby, Simon Stevens, Andrew Lomakin
The Gist: Gold Coast got the coach they wanted in Pero Cameron, who is hoping to make amends of the circus that the Rollers in the past two years, back into relevance. Gleeson and a bunch of youngsters make wave for the old brigade (Darragh, McGregor, Green, Vale, Aucoin) - P.S. Hope the association has stocked up on Dencorub, they’ll need it ! Add two imports (Sullivan and Funderburke) and some quality local players (Salecich) all of a sudden you have a team capable of a playoff appearance or more.
Just on the acquisition of Pero Cameron is enough to make a difference with his international experience as a player and as a coach. Time management is crucial to ensure that they can get the most out of them. Salecich should be the focal point of the team and expect Sullivan to have a better performance in 2016.
Predictions
MVP: Christian Salaciech X-Factor: Scott McGregor Youth Player: Andrew Lomakin
Best / Worse Case Scenario: Make Semi Finals / Miss Playoffs
Prediction: 1st in South Pool, Make Quarter Finals
Ipswich Force
Coaching Staff: Mick Conlon (HC), Nick Such (AC)
2016 Roster
In: Ben Wilson, Brent Wallace, Jaryd Eustace, Matthew Strybos,
Out: Zarryon Fereti, Jah Soloai, Adam Koppitke, Marty Leahy, Tim Weigh
Returning: James Legan, Kyle Harvey, Jason Ralph, Kane Bishop, James Kuon
The Gist: Suffered a major loss with the retirement of Zarryon Fereti, Fereti was a key part of the Ipswich force and will hope Jaryd Eustace can replace him at some capacity. Ben Wilson should make a big impact with his ball handling and defence, but won't be available until June. James Legan and Kyle Harvey are back as Ipswich’s imports, while Brent Wallace has been added to the squad.
Defence is a major issue in this team and they haven’t done anything to improve on that, While Wallace seems to have improved during the offseason, Legan defence is getting worse by each play. Harvey is one my favourites, hard working player that gives his everything for the team. With the south pool so evenly match make a prediction is so hard to make.
Predictions
MVP: James Legan X-Factor: Brent Wallace Youth Player: Jason Ralph
Best / Worse Case Scenario: Make Quarter Finals / Miss Playoffs
Prediction: 3rd in South Pool, Miss Playoffs
Logan Thunder
Coaching Staff: Derek Rucker (HC)
2016 Roster
In: Justin Baker, Michael Cedar, Daniel Sepokas,
Out: Heath Gameren, Steven Broom, Tafutu Nuku, Zachary Vey-Johnson
Returning: Thomas Ammar, Mitch Young, Sean Carroll, Kyle Keirnan, Simon Taylor, Jarred Thompson, Jacob Lacey
The Gist: Got a legitimate coach (Derek Rucker) brought quality acquisitions (Baker, Cedar and Sepokas) and kept a number of quality players (Young, Ammar, Keirnan and Carroll). They have lost a couple of former local player in Heath Gameren and Steven Broom who have retired. Cedar and Baker are known quantities and know Rucker coaching schemes off by hard. Sepokas is a former Waratah MVP and should be a good compliment for Rucker to run his offence.
While Logan looks in prime position to make the playoff the improving SC Phoenix they need to take care of that, before looking at making an extended run to the playoffs.
Predictions
MVP: Justin Baker X-Factor: Mitch Young Youth Player:
Best / Worse Case Scenario: Make Semi Finals / Miss Playoffs
Prediction:2nd in Central Pool, Make Semi Finals
Mackay Meteors
Coaching Staff: Ken Furdek (HC), Peter Duck (AC)
2016 Roster
In: Nick Wiggins, Shuan Bruce
Out: Tyson Demos, Matthew Adekponya, Braydon Hobbs
Returning: Chris Cedar, TJ Diop, Brad Rasmussen, Luke Harvey, Mitch Gamblin, Tendekai Machado,
The Gist: The defending champions have gone for a transformation. Joel Khalu has left and is replaced by former assistant coach Ken Furdek. Fan favourites Hobbs, Adekponya and Demos are gone. Former NBA D-League Nick Wiggins makes his debut as Meteors import and Shaun Bruce should do a great job replacing Hobbs. Chris Cedar is back in town and as well as a host of locals (Diop, Rasmussen, Harvey and Gamblin).
You know what you will get out of Bruce and Cedar, Wiggins is the big question mark. Signs from preseason indicated he should be alright but with a loss of depth this season they need the top players in great form. With Cairns and Rockhampton improving will have and see if they can repeat as QBL champions
Predictions
MVP:Chris Cedar X-Factor: Nick Wiggins Youth Player: Tendekai Machado
Best / Worse Case Scenario: QBL Champions / Make Quarter Finals
Prediction: 2nd in North Pool, Make Grand Final
Rockhampton Rockets
Coaching Staff: Neal Tweady (HC), Darren Richardson (AC)
2016 Roster
In: Jordan Gregory, Shaun Gleeson, Auryn McMillan, Ray Turner, Chris Kann
Out: Chehales Tapscott, Dominic Cheek, Brad Williamson, Glenn Scott, Peni Nasalo, Brent Wallace
Returning: Mitch Philp,
The Gist: Rockhampton had a disappointing 2015 and it was time to revamp their squad. Gone are Chehales Tapscott and Dominic Cheek. Ray Turner is rumored to come back to Rockhampton with Tom Garlepp being his replacement. A trio of Philp, Gleeson and ew import Jordan Gregory is going to be a hard assignment for teams to guard, while adding Auryn McMillan as a unrestricted player is a genius move. The bench is pretty thin (losing Scott, Williamson and Nasalo could potential sting them)
If their starting 5 is as good as advertised, Rockhampton should be the team to beat in QBL. I believe Rockhampton and Mackay are neck and neck in term of who should be the QBL champions, they look pretty even but i believe having a veteran coach in Neal Tweedy will be the difference.
Predictions
MVP:Auryn McMillan X-Factor: Shaun Gleeson
Best / Worse Case Scenario: QBL Champions / Make Semi Finals
Prediction:1st in North Pool, QBL Champions
South West Metro Pirates
Coaching Staff: Nate Tate (HC), Mick Downer (Technical Advisor)
2016 Roster
In: Brendan Teys, Tanner McGraw, Alex Boardman, Luke Pittle,
Out: Ish Hollis, Ryan Stephan, Verle Williams, Ivan Ninkovic, Robert Sullivan
Returning: Ryan Vines, Jarred Bairstow, Adam Tolo, Shaun Guy, Jackson Pollock, Steve Kiir,
The Gist: South West have added some quality players with the returning Brendan Teys, import Tanner McGraw (lead NCAA division II in rebounding) and former Northside Wizards players Alex Boardman and Luke Pittle. They have scrambled to get Jason Conrad as their second import. Nothing against Conrad, but quality seven footer imports don't choose this league, they are in Europe or the NBA, meaning there must be some major issues in his game. I think getting Teys, will help their shooting guard position which was a liability. Jarred Bairstow should have a breakout year and i expect Vines to have a good year. Will be interesting to see how Nate Tate does in his first year of coaching
Predictions
MVP:Jarred Bairstow X-Factor: Jason Conrad Youth Player: Alex Boardman
Best / Worse Case Scenario:Make Quarter Finals / Miss Playoffs
Prediction: 2nd in South Pool, Make Quarter Finals
SC Phoenix
Coaching Staff: Warrick Meehl
2016 Roster
In: Eric McAlister, Lester Ferguson, Jorden Page, Zane Meehl, John Janssen, Malakai Mitchell
Out: Mike Stone, Eren Moses, Tavita Karika, Bede Hooper
Returning: Zeke Meehl, Michael Goff, Darren Best, Josh Walters, Nelson Kahler
The Gist: Warrick Meehl returns to the Sunshine Coast as the Phoenix make a new start in the QBL. Jorden Page and Zane Meehl are great upgrades for the Phoenix at the guard position and both imports Eric McAllister and Lester Ferguson look solid upfront. Bring guys like Josh Walters and Nelson Kahler will solidify the bench too. Nice acquisition of getting John Janssen and Malakai Mitchell to the Phoenix.
Last year they were plagued by inconsistency and struggled throughout the season. If McAlister and Ferguson are the real deal, they should challenge for that second spot in the Central pool along with Logan. Could come in handy if Brisbane managed to get first place in the regular season.
Predictions
MVP: Jordan Page X-Factor: Zane Meehl Youth Player: Nelson Kahler
Best / Worse Case Scenario: Make Quarter Finals / Miss Playoffs
Prediction: 3rd in Central Pool, Miss Playoffs
SC Rip
Coaching Staff: Nathan Arousi
2016 Roster
In: Rory Sutton, Scott Kenny, Michael Jenkin, Lance Hurdle, Zac Williams-Hook, Jack Ocwieja, Ben Glover, Matt Donaldson,
The Gist: The newest team in the QBL, or as i call it the kneejerk reaction for losing Northside, SC Rip are making an impact with their signings. Former NBL import Lance Hurdle is a high risk, coming off after a two year absence due to injuries. If he is fit, he could be a huge impact for Rip and entertaining for the league. Scott Kenny makes his return to the QBL and i’m surprised he's an enigma, he can either score 40 without a sweat or flip off his coach! They are expected to get a second import and have a bunch of journeymen in Rory Sutton, Michael Jenkin and a bunch of locals. Jack Ocwieja should be a good signed once he returns from college.
They are bound to have a rollercoaster of a season, but they have the talent to upset a couple of team. If Hurdle and Kenny struggle to perform they could be in a rough season.
Predictions
MVP:Lance Hurdle X-Factor:Scott Kenny
Best / Worse Case Scenario: Miss Playoffs
Prediction:4th in Central Pool, Miss Playoffs
Toowoomba Mountaineers
Coaching Staff: Anthony Corcoran (HC)
2016 Roster
In: Chris Whitehead, Aron Pantano, Syd Hume
Out: Jeremy Kendle, Anthony Dickerson, Stephen Kluck, Don Stephens,
Returning: Charles Dickerson, Cameron Weber, Erron Maxey, Manylok Malek, Aaron Howard
The Gist: Losing the reigning MVP is going to suck for the Mountaineers, and they are hoping that fellow Bellarmine alumni Chris Whitehead is just as good. Whitehead is a lot similar to what Brisbane import Aaron Anderson is. They have lost local role players like Stephen Kluck, Glenn Reiman and Anthony Dickerson. Aron Pantano should help off the bench and same with Syd Hume.
What a lot of people don't understand is how good the partnership between Kendle and Maxey was. If Whitehead can get Maxey going, Toowoomba should get into the playoffs. But losing players and uncertain over the fitness of Charles Dickerson and availability of Josh Derksen, but doubt in my mind whether this team can return to playoffs
Predictions
MVP:Erron Maxey X-Factor: Charles Dickerson Youth Player:Josh Derksen
Best / Worse Case Scenario: Make Quarter Finals / Miss Playoffs
Prediction: 4th in South Pool, Miss Playoffs
Townsville Heat
Coaching Staff: Rod Anderson (HC)
2016 Roster
In: Mirko Djerc, Josh Wilcher, Peter Crawford
Out: Mitch Norton, Chris Kann, Corban Wroe, Keegan Tudehope
Returning: Brendan McCully, Tom Howard, Matt Rees, Luke Brennan, Jack Todd, Marshall Ware,
The Gist: Townsville have gone through several change losing their backcourt (Norton and Wroe) and replacing them with Wilcher and Mirko Djeric. Peter Crawford returns to his junior association and should be a great veteran presence for a young team. There is talk that Luke Schenscher will join the Heat but i have been told they need to work on the point system (apparently they are trying to re-classify PC points).
Schenscher uncertain puts a huge spanner in making a correct prediction for the Heat that could be a force with him (given the bigs that are in the north and the production). Without him they could easily end out of the playoffs.
Predictions
MVP:Mirko Djeric X-Factor: Peter Crawford Youth Player: Tom Howard
Best / Worse Case Scenario: Make Quarter Finals / Miss Playoff
Prediction: 4th in North Pool, Miss Playoffs
