QBL Men Grand Final Predictions
This weekend's grand final series between Brisbane Capitals and Cairns Marlins is set to be a blockbuster with both teams finding form at just the right time. Basketball Expressions has asked 15 players, coaches and QBL personalities about who they think will win and why. Ben Wilson (Ipswich Force Guard) Three games in three days is definitely difficult at the best of times but when you are playing against a high tempo team like Brisbane your depth is key. Whilst cairns are talented I do think that Brisbane is the deeper team. Cairns has the advantage inside but Brisbane double everything on the catch so this might make it difficult for Trigger and Loughton to get into their rhythm. I think cairns will steal one but Brisbane will have the legs to get it done on Sunday and win the chip. Brisbane in 3 games
Nate Tate (SWM Coach) Mate this is going to be a great finals series between two strong and contrasting style teams. Brisbane plays fast, aggressive, they're 10 deep and disruptive defence. Cairns have a balance attack, good bigs and solid guards. Just all comes down to who can execute their game plans under pressure and disrupt their opposition out of their offense. In saying all that, although Brisbane is playing cairns at home this weekend, I feel cairns who can play both inside and out have a slight advantage.
Luke Petersen (Former SWM and Toowoomba Coach) The Capitals do a great job of containing penetration and packing it in defensively. Cairns strength is not in their perimeter game and Brisbane's defence will make it hard for them to score enough to win on the road twice. On the other end, Brisbane's shooters and fast offence will open the floor just enough to win 2 out of 3. Brisbane in 3.
Auryn Macmillan (Rockhampton Rockets Player) I'd have to say Cairns, but only if they have a full roster. Brissy is to tough to let anyone walk in there undermanned and expect to get a win. Cairns in two, if they take it to three I think Brisbane will get it.
Big Joe Tertzakian (Longtime QBL Personality) Brisbane will win in 2. They have the most stable roster over the past 4 years. Making 3 of the last 4 grand finals gives them experience, they have home court advantage. These boys are hungry and this is their year!
Darren Best (SC Phoenix-Clippers Player) I think the NBL players they have including Trigger will be to tuff to match. They need to win the first one though. Cairns in 3
Chris Cedar (Mackay Meteors Player) I believe the title will stay in the North. Talking to Cam Tragardh before our quarter final, i said whoever wins between the two of us will win the championship. Cairns are just too well drilled and against Brisbane's full court D they will be fine. Cairns in 2
Erron Maxey (Toowoomba Mountaineers Player) I believe that Cairns will win because they have been playing well during the second half of the season. Everyone knows their respective roles and they play the split and kick offense extremely well, Cairns in 2
Brad WilIiamson (Former QBL Championship winning player) I think cairns will win it in 3. Trigger will step up to the plate and be solid inside and Loughton will make a few Jimmies because after all it is Auchenflower and great shooters hoops. Brisbane can niggle and be disrupting but even though they are at home i cant see them getting the job done.
Mick Cedar (Logan Thunder Player) If Brisbane shoot the way they did against us they have a definite chance and I'm thinking all games will come down to the wire. So in saying that, I have to go with the experience of Cairns. Right across the floor they have a plethora of big game experience at this level and higher and then I think they have a great coach who will have them very well prepared. Tragardh and Loughton will no doubt use their smarts and passing game against Brisbane's pack D and the Marlins will slow the game down and execute them to death. If Cairns are to win they need Jimmy to use his penetration game to create for himself and teammates like he has all year and with the weapons they have it will be hard for Brisbane to stop.
Greg Vanderjagt (Townsville GM) Its no secret that the Cairns front court is all class, Trig & Al are playing really well and will be way too much to handle offensively for the Caps, Chris Daniel has given the fish some great minutes recently and really hurt us last weekend. The backcourt battle for mine is really even, Damon Heuir is the best player in either teams backcourt but Brisbane may have a little more depth here (or guys that have no conscience and are willing to shoot). Having seen how the Marlins have taken apart Mackay and the Heat over the last two weeks I just can't see them losing this series. Pearl will have this group ready and the title will stay in the north for at least another 12 months. The Caps need to shoot the ball at a ridiculous clip from the 3 point line to win 2 games in a weekend against the Marlins. The way Cairns defends I just can't see that happening.
Daniel George (NBN Analyst) Cairns come to Brisbane this week full of confidence after a convincing win over minor premiers Townsville. However Brisbane are the favourites after an incredible display of passionate, skilled basketball in a demolition of Logan. Give Coach Tarrant credit; he has his team firing and I don't see them letting this go on their home court. Brisbane in 2.
Peni Nasalo (Rockhampton Rockets Player) I think 2016 QBL Championship will go to Brisbane Capitals, winning in three games, ending in a close one Sunday.. It'll be a hardfought series with each team needing to control the tempo to which suits their perspective teams. Cairns are clicking at the right time of the season and their big game experienced players wont be in awe of the situation and will definitely be out to spoil the party. Brisbane will use their past experiences of finals as well as the emotion of the home court advantage, to continue their high tempo style, continuously pushing the intensity all game/weekend. So, even though they play two completely different styles of basketball, not much will seperate these teams other than the fact that Brisbane having been in the last 2 Grand Final series ( just coming up short) as well as the home court advantage, will give them the mental edge and determination needed to win this one..
Adam Darragh (Gold Coast Player) I think Brisbane will get the title this year. They play a great up tempo, high octane run and gun style of play and a smothering style of Defence that forces teams into bad shots due to their intensity. They have savvy vets and solid youngsters, they are well coached and have more depth in every position. That's why I think they'll be the 2016 QBL champions.
Brendan Teys (SWM Player) Cairns have charged home towards the end of the season and needed to play playoff basketball just in order to make the playoffs! Brisbane on the other hand have been in this position last year and will be determined on their home floor! I don't know if it's an upset but I think Cairns in three games
