Rising Heat stars key in Queensland gold medal charge
TOWNSVILLE basketball legend Peter Crawford stood a proud coach when his Queensland U20s side came away with the gold medal, eager to see how the experience would shape the future of two rising Heat stars.
Teenage emerging sensation Richard Peachey is set to make his NBL1 North debut on Friday night, fresh off his role in helping his state to national glory.
He is expected to be joined by Luca Yates, who represented the NBA Global Academy in the Mackay-based Australian championships.
Throughout the rest of the competition there was a Townsville flavour, with the likes of Rory Hawke, Boston Mazlin and Harrison Pennisi impressing for their respective outfits.
But it was of the aspiring Heat pair in Peachey and Yates that gave Crawford cause for excitement about what the rest of 2021 could hold.
Crawford said with the NBL still ongoing and COVID-19 restrictions preventing international talent from taking to Australian courts, there was an opportunity like never before for emerging players to thrust themselves into the national spotlight.
“I think they’ve got the athletic ability and basketball smarts to play at this level, especially this year with the NBL guys not dropping down just yet and no imports in the league,” Crawford said.
“I think the locals at that age group level are going to contribute way more than they normally do — not just in our association but all around Queensland.
“They’re going to be very valuable, and it’s a good stepping stone for them – they’ll be ready for it.”
Coming off last year’s silver medal at the National Championships, deprived of the gold by a missed shot on the buzzer at the final hurdle, Crawford said his side felt there was some retribution to be had.
Inspired by Blake Jones, who became the first player since Patty Mills to claim back-toback MVP honours at the championships, Queensland had the tournament sewn up prior to their last fixture.