NBL1 Mackay Meteors coach Joel Khalu: Jerron Jamerson, Freddy Webb were so good, now I’d like to see a Territory NBL1 team

The Mackay Meteors coach was so impressed with two former Darwin Basketball League stars in his triumphant NBL1 North outfit, he’d now like to see a Territory team compete at that level.

TRIUMPHANT Mackay Meteors coach Joel Khalu cannot wait to see a Territory team join the NBL1 North competition.

They were his thoughts after former star Darwin Basketball League guards Jerron Jamerson and Freddy Webb helped his team prevail in a thrilling home grand-final series win over Cairns, taking out both games 81-78 and 86-83.

Former Darwin Basketball League star Jerron Jamerson was outstanding for Mackay Meteors in the 2021 NBL1 North Grand Final series against Cairns Marlins, winning the series MVP award. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Jamerson was the deserving series MVP, scoring 23 and 24 points respectively and finishing Game 2 with a double-double.

“I’m 100 per cent supportive of that (a Territory team joining the NBL1 North competition),” Khalu said.

“There’s is definitely enough talent in the Territory for that to happen, and they would be competitive at this level straight away.

“I hope so (this is the start of a strong connection between the Meteors at NT Basketball).

“I’ve got a great relationship with (DBA executive officer) Kerri Savidge and I’ve played with (Territory basketball mentor) Timmy Duggan.

Hayden Wicks, Chris Cedar and Ansett junior Freddy Webb celebrate their NBL1 North triumph over Cairns Marlins. Picture: Matthew Forrest

“You see a lot of Territory basketball players head south and do well, but with an NBL1 team they won’t have to move and can play at a high level.”

Khalu was full of praise for Jamerson and Webb.

“When we needed big plays, Jerron took over,” he said.

“His game is NBL-ready with his knack for scoring.

“Freddy has been a welcome addition to our team.

“We’re trying to help him be our floor general, and for his first season at this level we’re really pleased to see him evolve.”

Khalu said all his players worked tirelessly.

“We built our culture around how hard we trained,” he said.