The one to beat is Heat
13th (4-14)
Brad Walmsley
TBA
Paul Aleer and Harold Ridgeway
(Toowoomba Mountaineers), Kyle
Tipene (Mt Gambier Pioneers), Jared
Blanchard (Rockhampton), Stephen
Kiir (North Gold Coast Seagulls),
Nathaniel Koko (Savannah Pride),
Nathan Druitt (local)
Casey Walker, Cirkook Riak, Matt Hancock (Waverley Falcons), Boti Hajos (Brisbane), Nathaniel Musters (Aris Leeuwarden), Patrick Ciganovic (West Adelaide Bearcats), Tyler Allen
They say size matters. And at Gladstone there is no shortage of tall timber. Paul Aleer (pictured) stands at 208cm, Stephen Kiir 205cm, Harold Ridgeway 203cm and Nathaniel Koko 196cm. And there’s youngster Mitch Knight (196cm), who demands more minutes.
With an improved roster, coach Brad Walmsley will be looking for major improvement after a disappointing 2018 campaign. Will be aiming for a place in the top eight.
14th (3-15)
Adam Tyrus
Robert Linton
Robert Linton, Tom Howard
(Aussie rules), Marcus HolmquistPollock (Seahawks junior), Earl Jones,
Brent Wallace, Jordan Lum Kon
(Gladstone Power)
Jerron Jamerson, Stephen
Kiir, Remy Lawyer, Jalan Manumaleuga, Jesse Lomax
He’s still only a teenager, but local product guard/forward Cameron Goldfinch shapes as a key for the Seahawks after averaging 32 points per game last season. US import Quinton Campbell (pictured) is also back after a successful off-season stint in Europe.
Last year was a learning experience for the young Seahawks. They have reportedly enjoyed a strong pre-season and will have much more depth off the bench this season. Looking forward to seeing some improvement after a disrupted 2018 season. 1st (15-3), won grand final over Cairns. Rodney Anderson TBA Jonathon Mines (NCAA) Justin Baker, Harry Froling, Jordair Jett
Point guard Josh Wilcher (pictured) is the driving force of the Heat’s offence as he enters his fourth season in Townsville. Another to watch for is Jonathon Mines, an experienced NCCA shooting guard who has trialled with the Brisbane Bullets, he will be looking to clinch an NBL contract with a big season for the Heat.
The two-time defending champions have lost some class in Baker, Jett, and Froling and they are yet to finalise their full roster for this season. The Heat could be slow starters as they adjust to a new game plan, but with Wilcher and coach Rodney Anderson back on deck they should still be a finals threat.
7th (9-9), lost quarter-final to Townsville.
Mick Conlon
TBA
Anthony Petrie (Brisbane), LJ
Rose (BC Valga-Valka), Spencer
Parker, Jaryd Eustace, Jalen Manu
Brent Wallace, Matt Adekponya, Deon Mitchell, Dwayne Vale
The signing of former
Bullets Anthony Petrie (pictured) is a huge plus and along with fellow NBL veteran Rhys Martin gives the Rollers balance and leadership. Both imports are talented and versatile players. An athletic wing, Spencer Parker has played at a high level in Europe while LJ Rose has just completed a season in Lithuania and has G League experience with the Utah team. Another promising signing is 200cm combo guard Jaryd Eustace, who has played under Conlon at Ipswich and offers versatility
Coach Mick Conlon is aiming for a top-four finish. The imports may hold the key. 8th (9-9), lost quarter-final
Neal Tweedy
James Mitchell
Shaun Bruce (Adelaide 36ers),
Sean O’Mara (Xavier University),
Nelson Kahler (Brisbane Capitals),
Jamaal Robateau (SC Phoenix)
Jack Lopez (Sydney), Ray
Willis (USA), Malcolm Bernard (USA)
Point guard Shaun Bruce
(pictured) has been hailed the perfect player for the Rockets, with his experience, leadership and playmaking ability sure to prove invaluable. Sean O’Mara arrives from Finland, where he averaged about 20 points and 10 rebounds for BC Nokia. At 208cm and 115kg, the hulking centre will more than shore up the middle.
After the Rockets’ first-round play-off exits of the past two campaigns, point guard and former QBL MVP Bruce will work with arguably the greatest coach in QBL history to orchestrate the Rockets’ return to glory.
6th (13-5), lost quarter-final to Brisbane Capitals.
Nathan Arousi
Isaih Tueta
Jalen Bradley (Nebraska), Brandon Conley (Texas), Chris Kann (Rockhampton), Toby Zaremba (SC
Phoenix) James Griffin (US College)
Lance Hurdle (US), Eric
McAlister (Phoenix), Zane Meehl
(Phoenix), Zeke Meehl (Phoenix), Pete
Walker (US), Rory Sutton (injured)
Isaih Tueta (pictured) will again be important while brother Josh is also poised to play a key role this year due to the roster not being as deep as last year. Imports Jalen Bradley and Brandon Conley will also prove crucial in the core five and will add plenty of strike power.
They finished fourth last year but Rip City face a tough challenge this year after suffering a big turnover of talent. Coach Nathan Arousi is counting on the young squad delivering a fresh, up-tempo game style. CHASING three straight QBL crowns, emerging dynasty Townsville Heat have been nominated by rival coaches as the team to beat again in the 2019 season.
While the reliable Josh Wilcher remains, there has been plenty of movement within the Heat squad, with Jono Mines, who has had a training stint with the Brisbane Bullets, arriving.
Townsville Basketball boss Greg Vanderjagt obviously was not out there on the court, but his departure from North Queensland to Geelong would seem to be a blow to the Heat’s three-peat ambitions.
Vanderjagt, a former NBL player, was influential behind the scenes in recruiting players and assisting dual championship-winning coach Rod Anderson on the bench.
Gold Coast Rollers coach Mick Conlon, in his second year in charge, believes the boys from the ’Ville will again be there at the business end of the season.
“I think you can’t go past the two-time defending champs,” Conlon said.
“Rod (Anderson) is a quality coach and his core of veterans are still there to teach the new guys the way of Townsville.”
Cairns coach Jamie O’Loughlin, whose side surprised many last year when they made it all the way to the decider against Townsville, thinks it will take a month of the season to sort out who are the favourites.
“I have tried to keep my eyes and ears open about what the rosters look like across the board, but I do not know,” O’Loughlin said.
“Josh Wilcher is coming back to defend the title and they have Jono Mines, as well as two very, very good imports coming in.
“They will be strong, no matter what. But they were not the only strong team last year and they will not be the only strong team this year.”
Rockhampton look set to be the big improvers.
The signing of former league MVP Shaun Bruce is a huge boost and new Rockhampton Basketball general manager Cameron Tragardh has put together a promising roster.
Conlon agrees and also thinks his Rollers are also on the rise after grabbing two retired NBL veterans.
“(Rockhampton coach) Neal Tweedy has put an extremely strong squad on the floor and any team with Shaun Bruce will be a big danger team,” Conlon said.
“I’d like to say we are going to be tough and adding Anthony Petrie and Rhys Martin, we have two very talented vets plus a very deep core.”