What would’ve been the top talents to watch at the Basketball Qld u14 Boys State Championships

It may have been cancelled due to Covid but here’s who would’ve been the stars to watch at the Basketball Queensland Under-14 Boys State Championships. SEE WHO MADE IT

They have missed out on the chance to shine on the big stage but the Basketball Queensland Under-14 Boys State Championships would have featured some of the country’s next generation of stars.

The tournament, which was scheduled to start in Toowoomba tomorrow, was cancelled due to the Covid lockdown in many areas of the state.

But from athletes who play with maturity beyond their years, tenacious defenders and dynamic offensive talents – we thought we would still take the chance to recognise some of the top talents we would’ve seen represent their clubs at the tournament.

See who made thee list below.

CAIRNS MARLINS

Name: Noah Kirk

Position: Guard

Basketball Idol: Patty Mills and Kobe Bryant

Player description: Noah is an amazing court leader and can control the game with his court vision and passing game that player’s much older than him can’t. His leadership is developing every game and has a very bright future ahead of him.

Name: Tayshawn Pedro

Position: Forward

Basketball Idol: Giannis

Player description: Tayshawn plays the game with such passion and is someone you need on the floor when the game is on the line. His never say die attitude on defence has seen some massive chase down blocks in the open court.

GOLD COAST WAVES

Name: Louis Razon

Position: Off guard

Player description: A team player, who works and plays hard. Has speed and agility and can score at will

Name: Sam Scott

Position: Power forward

Basketball Idol: Kevin Durant

Player description: Strong and reliable. Plays hard on both ends of the court, cleans up boards under the basket well. A very smooth player that gets the job done.

LOGAN THUNDER

Name: Kobe Fui

Position: Forward

Basketball Idol:

Player description: A tough and physical big, who has guard skills with the ball and the ability to go coast-to-coast and finish at the basket as well as make strong moves from the post. Can be one of the best rebounders in the competition. Kobe is also a great leader.

Name: Elijah Tuupo

Position: Forward

Basketball Idol:

Player description: A hardworking and versatile bottom-aged player who is one of the rising talents in the state. A player with incredible offensive talent with the ability to make an impact from the perimeter as well as inside the keyway. Also has great mobility to guard multiple positions on the floor on the defensive end.

MACKAY METEORS

Name: Isaac Carter

Position: Forward

Idol: Kevin Durant

Player description: A forward who takes the challenge defensively.

Name: Taj Goodwin

Position: Guard

Idol: Michael Jordan

Player description: Taj is a dynamic guard who is an elite scorer for his age.

NORTH GOLD COAST SEAHAWKS

Name: Mitchell Chen

Position: Forward

Basketball Idol: LeBron James

Player description: Tall, athletic and skilful forward who has a great all skill set and nose for scoring the basketball.

Name: Kobe Cross

Position: Point Guard

Basketball Idol: James Harden

Player description: Long and athletic point guard who can score the ball, shoot the 3 point shot and is a tenacious defender.

NORTHSIDE WIZARDS

Name: Angus Kearney

Position: Point Guard

Basketball Idol: Kevin Durant

Player description: Fast, with good handles and vision. Knows the value of a good passing game. Generally calm in stressful situations.

Name: Flinn Hoysted

Position: Centre/Power Forward

Basketball Idol: Kenvin Durant/Ja Morant

Player description: Flinn is a tall and athletic and likes to drive to the basket. He works hard defensively regularly stealing/intercepting the ball and converting this into fast break points for his team.

ROCKHAMPTON ROCKETS

Name: Zac Shields

Position: Combo Guard

Idol: Kobe Bryant

Player description: A crafty guard with a tight handle on the ball who can shoot and finish at the ring.

Name: Elijah Girdler

Position: Centre

Idol: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Player description: A skilled big man who can finish with a variety of post moves and a jumpshot to match.

SOUTH WEST METRO PIRATES

Name: Jalen Huber

Position: Point Guard

Basketball Idol: Unknown

Player description: Good decision maker, tough on ball defender

Name: Jesse Anthony

Position: Shooting Guard

Basketball Idol: Steph Curry

Player description: Strong driver, and good mid-range shooter

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS SPARTANS

Name: Oliver Crum

Position: Guard/Forward

Basketball Idol: Ja Morant

Player description: Oliver plays a key role in the Spartans team, usually playing a power forward however during the second half of the season and finals he played a shooting guard and impressed at that position. Has an outstanding basketball IQ, can read the defence exceptionally well and attacks hard and finishes the shot. He is also an unselfish player, who would always looks to kick the ball to the open player to score. Oliver’s work ethic and dedication to the team is phenomenal and he always puts in the extra effort to keep on developing his skills. He always gives 110 per cent at training and never drops his head.

Name: Joshua Rheinberger

Position: Forward

Basketball Idol: Ben Simmons

Player description: Joshua’s greatest asset as a player is his defence. Every game, Joshua would accumulate steals and would have to guard the opposition’s best player to try and shut them down. With an impressive work ethic, he never gives up and is always encouraging his teammates to do better. He has a great attitude and always works extremely hard at training. 

SUNSHINE COAST PHOENIX

Name: Ryder McCormack

Position: small forward

Basketball Idol: Jamal Murray

Player description: Ryder is a competitor, never gives up and his energy is contagious. 100% commitment.

Name: Joshua Bartlett

Position: Power Forward

Basketball Idol: Anthony Davis

Player description: Joshua uses his strength and speed to influence the game at both the offensive and defensive ends. As team captain, you will hear Joshua supporting and encouraging his team.

TOWNSVILLE HEAT

Name: Kai Hughes

Position: Forward

Basketball Idol: Bam Adebayo

Type of Player: Kai is an athletic forward with a good range shot and is dynamic getting to the rim. He is an excellent on-ball defender and uses his length to his full advantage.

Name: Regan Blatchford

Position: Guard

Basketball Idol: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Type of Player: Regan is a strong shooting guard with great three point range. He mixes his game up well posting up around the basket and finishes will with both hands.

Originally published as What would’ve been the top talents to watch at the Basketball Qld u14 Boys State Championships