FIRST NBL, THEN COMES THE NBA
COAST TALENT’S REMARKABLE PRAISE
FORGET the NBL and watch for the NBA.
Rollers coach Mick Conlon says Jack McVeigh’s basketball story is far from complete despite the 21-year-old yesterday confirming a three-year deal with Adelaide.
The move into the national league was hardly a secret but remains somewhat bittersweet for Gold Coast ahead of this weekend’s QBL tip-off.
McVeigh, who has spent the past three seasons at the University of Nebraska, appears likely to remain with his junior team for now and his elevation into the NBL is seen as a win for Gold Coast pathways.
Conlon, though, says the 204cm swingman’s journey may not end at the 36ers.
“He actually has NBA potential,” he said.
“He’s athletic, can shoot the ball and is a very solid defender.
“He is a 6’8’’ shooting guard with a 7-foot wing span.”
The Rollers, who face Brisbane Capitals at The Southport School on Sunday, will line up without last season’s superstar, NBA talent Torrey Craig.
It’s one-man offensive role set to be shared by a deep Gold Coast roster.
“While we have lost Torrey Craig as an NBA player, we’ve actually got other good talents,” Conlon said.
“But we are not trying to get it done by one player this year but by 10.
“We don’t need just one player who can score and win a game off their own back.
“We've got the depth to do it; we’re getting the guys in shape.”
McVeigh, who represented Australia at under-19 level, this week said he’s ready for the challenge of the NBL.
“I can come in and be aggressive from the get-go and spread the floor and put it on the floor and make some plays on the offensive end,” McVeigh said.
“They (36ers) play fast, they play hard, they get in people’s faces and all that good stuff.
“Obviously, they’re led by a good coach and they play an exciting style of basketball and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”