Early tip for tight contest

THE voice of the Queensland Basketball League believes every club has genuine finals claims in 2018 in what is shaping to be the most competitive seasons in recent memory. The last time a basketball was thrown in anger in the QBL, the Townsville Heat were crowned champions for the first time in 17 years as they proved too strong for Mackay across their three-game series, 2-1. Since then, several coaches have moved on and there have been plenty of big-name signings up and down the Queensland coast ahead of the 2018 campaign. Commentator Jon Guarna, who watches more QBL than anyone else in the state in his role with Nothing But Net Media, is confident every club can turn up to their round-one game full of optimism. “I feel as though I say this every season, because I probably do, but I think this season is going to be one of the most competitive we’ve seen for a long time,” Guarna said. “On paper, nearly every club can legitimately feel as though they are contenders for a finals spot. “There are a lot of new faces in the competition which introduces a bit of the unknown but also a great amount of intrigue. “We’ll also see a few new faces on the sidelines as well as some familiar faces in new places.” Guarna, the play-by-play announcer for Basketball Queensland’s QBL TV game of the week, believes the 2018 season could reach a new high standard of quality competition with National Basketball League talent as well as exciting American imports adding depth to the rosters at all clubs. “What I think has changed year on year is the depth of talent across the competition,” Guarna said. Guarna expects the Gold Coast Rollers, Southern District Spartans and Gladstone to be the big improvers in 2018.