Coronavirus: Cairns Basketball to focus on juniors, local comp
Cairns Marlins are unlikely to take the court in 2020 as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, with a clear focus on the junior ranks.
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Cairns Marlins are unlikely to take the court in 2020 as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Marlins have competed in the Queensland Basketball League for years, and already had the makings of a strong squad when a line was put through the first newly-branded NBL1 North.
As many as 10 Queensland State League teams – the tier below the QBL – are working together to consider an alternate season if restrictions are lifted and indoor sports are given the go ahead.
When asked if Cairns Basketball could consider a similar alternative, potentially in league with North Queensland neighbours Townsville and Mackay, general manager Mike Scott said it would likely not happen given half of the Marlins’ squad for 2020 would not be available to play.
Talks were held, Scott said, but any competition would need an under-age focus, like U23s, if it was to proceed.
Scott’s focus, and that of Cairns Basketball, is the resumption of community basketball so the region’s committed junior and senior basketballers get some time on the court. “We need to get our juniors up and running,” Scott said.
Cairns is one of the state’s strongest regions for junior basketball, with highly-talented and credentialed coaches, along with a close working relationship with NBL’s Cairns Taipans, attributed for that long-term success.
The fate of Basketball Queensland’s state championships are yet to be decided.
Cairns was set to host the Under 14 Boys state titles from July 2 to 5, but a decision will be made by BQ on May 22.
BQ will review the QNJBC U12 & U14s on the same date.
Originally published as Coronavirus: Cairns Basketball to focus on juniors, local comp