JACK’S A RIPPER

QBL BUZZER-BEATER

“SPECIAL talent” Jack McVeigh has outlined his NBL potential by firing the Rollers to a buzzer-beating 95-94 victory over the Phoenix.

In a thrilling conclusion at The Southport School last night, the 21-year-old’s jump shot turned what could have been a miserable weekend for the QBL club’s men’s team into an inspiring one.

The 204cm swingman col- lected a rebound with just seconds left on the clock before twisting to land the decisive shot as a bell sounded.

After a disappointing 88-77 loss to the Pirates on Saturday, Gold Coast coach Mick Conlon was full of praise for McVeigh, bound for NBL club Adelaide next season.

“He’s a special talent and we’re lucky to have him,” he said.

“We wanted the ball in his hands.

“He took the right shot and it was a gutsy shot because not a lot of guys want to shoot that, but he wants to step up.”

Conlon said the youngster showed the poise which landed him a deal at the national level.

“If I was putting a team together he’d be one of the first guys I’d sign,” he said.

“He’s a great character and is a really positive guy and loves a celebration and is just infectious.”

Following their first loss of the season on Saturday, Conlon said he was delighted with his side’s ability to bounce back last night.

“Proud, really proud,” the coach said.

“I challenged them at halftime to show their heart and they did it.

“They really stepped up and played their pants off.

“It wasn’t a great game (on Saturday) for us but it was good to be able to ignore that with another game straight away.”

QBL neighbours the Seahawks remain winless after they went down 105-86 to the Phoenix on Saturday despite the best efforts of import Jerron Jamerson (43 points).