JK SAYS - VOLUME 2
- May 5, 2016
- 3 min read
SOLID START SETS UP SUPER SEASON
Last weekend’s opening round success has certainly set the stage for an exciting twenty-sixteen QBL competition. With multiple ‘big-name’ transactions taking place in the off-season and the slog of the pre-season grind now complete, games that meant something finally tipped off last Friday night. I was fortunate to be in the Mack for their season debut against Cairns and throughout that
matchup, both teams showcased multiple reasons for why they should be in early discussions as title contenders. The game began with plenty of spark, with both teams displaying that fiery North Queensland nature that has become synonymous with Marlins vs. Meteors matchups in recent years.
Covering my ‘custom fade haircut’ by putting on my coaching hat, over 40-minutes the Marlins did
a good job of controlling the tempo and their offensive execution was solid. They looked more like
a team that is playing at the halfway point of the season, rather than in their first official hit-out.
Alex Loughton showed his NBL class on the way to securing a game-high 27-points and 11-
rebounds. All four of his three-point makes came at critical moments, making sure momentum
stayed for the most part, with the visitors. James Mitchell opened his 2016 campaign in
respectable fashion as well, threatening the Mackay defence from the outset, finishing with 17-
points in an inspiring inside-outside display. Papua New Guinea National Team representative
Aron Farmer was another key contributor for the Fish, stepping in bigtime off the bench to tally
13-points, while 12-year QBL veteran Curt Ahwang’s three-point dagger in the closing minutes of
the fourth quarter proved to be the decisive blow.
The defending champs competed with their typical hard-nosed toughness and showed glimpses of
greatness. They battled hard defensively, however a down night shooting-wise from behind the
arc hurt their ability to maintain consistent scoreboard pressure. Don’t expect backcourt duo
Shaun Bruce and Chris Cedar to combine for another 2-for- 12 three-point shooting performance
again anytime soon and look to see them bounce back with redemption in round two. New import
Nick Wiggins’ 23-point haul was an ominous sign that he’s going to be a major offensive threat in
the league, while foul trouble was the only thing that slowed down T.J Diop, after he converted on
his first four attempts from the field.
In other news, congratulations to Kurt Thompson from the Brisbane Capitals on receiving QBL
Player of the Week honours. Kurt is both an outstanding competitor and one of the true ‘good
guys’ going around in the League. His near triple-double of 25-points, 10-rebounds, 9-steals was
an impressive individual performance and the Caps 93-73 defeat of Bundaberg shows that they
are picking up right where they left off from last year’s successful crusade.
JK’s ROUND TWO GAME OF THE WEEK
Logan Thunder (1-0) @ Rockhampton Rockets (1-0)
With both teams coming off big wins and impressive starts, this is definitely shaping up to be a
Friday night cracker at Hegvold Stadium. The front court battle will be one of the highlights and
who comes ahead with points in the paint will go a long way to determining the winner of this
clash.
The marquee matchup for me is between sharp-shooting guards Jordan Gregory and Michael
Cedar. While I am yet to see Gregory play in person, word is the American import can shoot the
lights out and his 4/9 three-point barrage in round one definitely resembled that. Cedar, a league
veteran and big-game player got his season off on the right foot also, converting on 4/7 from
downtown last week against Bundy. When Mick’s jumper is in rhythm, there’s not too many
players that have the ability to shoot the ball from range as well as he does.
There’s no doubt that Rocky’s home-court advantage at the Launchpad is going to be massive in
this duel, but I’m calling the upset and tipping Logan to get a five-point road win. (And cue
Rockhampton’s finest booooing me now - wouldn't be the first time, wont be the last! Haha!)
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.
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