Anderson slams disrespect
TOWNSVILLE Heat coach Rodney Anderson has launched a scathing attack on their QBL rivals ahead of this weekend’s semi-finals, declaring the two-time champions still don’t get the respect they deserve.
The Heat are aiming to become the first men’s team to win three consecutive titles and they’ll travel to the Gold Coast tomorrow night to take on the Rollers for a place in the grand final series.
Townsville has been a basketball powerhouse over the past four years, making at least the semi-finals, but Anderson felt the southern teams still looked down on their achievements.
Anderson, who will coach his 100th QBL game this weekend, said the Rollers had talked themselves up as title favourites and the Heat were determined to show them otherwise.
“It p****s me off. I can’t stand that we’ve won two championships and people are still trying to pick us apart … we’ve earnt those two championships,” he said. “I still don’t think we’ve got the respect that we’ve deserved.
“Winning championships isn’t easy, building a winning culture is not easy, and we’ve done it over the last four years.
“We want to go and show that Townsville basketball is something that needs to be respected.
“To see southern teams that haven’t won a championship since Noah was in nappies, it’s great to have that North dominance and we’re going there to protect our trophy.
“They can talk, we’re just going to go down there and perform like we’ve always done.”
The Heat are set to welcome back the steadying influence of Peter Crawford for tomorrow night’s semi-final after he missed their past two games following knee surgery.
Anderson admitted the veteran sharpshooter still won’t be at full fitness, but he lauded Crawford’s ability to always make the best play for the team.
“Spacing the floor’s really big and even in games where it’s not just him shooting the three, it’s him seeing that we need to get back to the basket,” Anderson said.
“He’s got the best shot fake I’ve probably ever seen and then his ability to just keep someone on the hip and go and get a basket for us. He’s always had that steadying effect on us.
“I remember a game in Mackay, we started the game with 10 straight threes and then he came on, got back to the basket, got to the free throw line, and everything steadied from there.
“We pushed away and won by a fair bit so his leadership and experience is just unrivalled in this competition. The physio said he’s ahead of where he probably should be ... he’s ready to go and he’s pumped.”
Meanwhile, the Townsville Flames will also be chasing a grand final spot when they host the Gold Coast Rollers at Townsville Basketball Stadium tomorrow night.
Tip-off is at 7pm.