Mackay Meteors players to breakout in NBL1 season

Standing on top of the NBL1, Mackay has a difficult job to hold onto its crown for 2022. Coach Joel Khalu has identified the breakout players who will increase their roles this season.

Being crowned the best team in Queensland is a tough ask for any squad, but to repeat those efforts is even more difficult.

But that is what the Meteors are planning for, with the road to the repeat paved with challenges after losing three of its grand final heroes.

Captain Chris Cedar has left Mackay in a move south, where he’ll play for Southern District Spartans, while Finals MVP Jerron Jamerson will return home to Darwin and Harry Froling has signed with Hobart.

The departure of three key starters for Mackay will make a championship tilt more difficult, but Meteors head coach Joel Khalu is confident his troops would step up to the challenge.

“I believe we have the best bench in the league, we’ve got guys who have been there and done it,” he said.

Hayden Wicks, Chris Cedar and Freddy Webb after the NBL1 North grand final between Mackay Meteors and Cairns Marlins, September 11, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

“I had a squad last year where I could go to the bench and find guys who didn’t play big minutes and get good production out of them, so they are all ready for bigger roles.”

Khalu identified three players he was excited to see on the court in 2022.

Kye Medhurst

The long-range shooter spent 2021 as a rotation option in the Mackay line-up, but his heroics in the grand final series against Cairns helped seal the 2-0 sweep.

Medhurst averaged 4.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and less than one assist a game in 2021, but in Game Two of the NBL1 finals the forward scored 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in 28 minutes of game time.

Khalu said Medhurst’s confidence was driving new standards at training in the preseason.

“He has just continued with the confidence from the grand final, he’s shooting the ball really well and scoring in a variety of different ways,” he said.

“It’s not a huge sample size but what he’s doing in the men’s competition in the off-season is scary, he’s got a lot better offensively, so he’ll be a really strong piece for us.”

Medhurst is expected to compete with Viliami Foketi for the starting role, but it is more likely Medhurst will retain a bench role with more minutes than in 2021.

Khalu said Wicks was set to increase his role in 2022, with the guard shedding weight in an effort to get a greater role.

Hayden Wicks

Hayden Wicks has been a long-term player for Mackay, and will continue with the side in 2022.

The back-up guard averaged 3.4 points, 1.1 assists and 1.7 rebounds a game in 13 minutes a game.

But Khalu said Wicks was set to increase his role in 2022, with the guard shedding weight in an effort to get a greater role.

“He came to me in the off-season and said he wanted to have a bigger role in 2022, and I said go out and put the work in and he’s done that,” he said.

“Wicksy has worked himself into the best shape physically since he was 18 years old.

“He’s lean and quick, he’s back to what Hayden used to be as a kid, so he’ll be primed for a bigger role this season.”

The NBL1 North premiers Mackay Meteors, September 11, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Max Cain

Max Cain rode the bench in 2021, getting inconsistent minutes throughout the season.

When the young guard got an extended run on the floor, he proved to be a good scorer for the side.

Cain averaged just 3.2 points in less than four minutes per game, but against Rockhampton he took advantage of more playing time, with 10 points in 10 minutes.

Despite not winning a game at the under-18 state championships, Cain was a shining light for the Meteors, averaging 23.5 points per contest.

“Max is coming off the under-18s state championships where he played really well,” Khalu said.

“He’s just made the Queensland team as well, so his confidence is sky high.

“He’s also spoken to me about a bigger role this season, so it’ll be good to see the impact he can have this season when he’s on the floor.”