Queensland claims under-20 men’s national championship in Mackay after controversial final

Queensland basketball won the under-20 men’s national championship despite losing in the Grand Final against the NBA Global Academy.

Queensland won the under-20s men's national basketball championship on Friday, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Queensland men’s basketball won the under-20s national championship in unusual circumstances this week, after losing the final to the NBA Global Academy side.

The finals finished in Mackay on Friday, with Queensland losing in the last match of the tournament 69-90.

But since the NBA Global side is an invited team to the competition, they could not claim the national championship.

Despite the somewhat controversial finish to the tournament, Queensland players and coaches were celebrating the victory post-match.

Preston Le Gassick provides defence, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson watched the finals on Friday, and said he could not believe the talent showcased throughout the week.

“The under-20s championship players are eight-feet tall, and they play like demons,” he said.

“This is a very big basketball town, and this was a stake in the ground and a pathway-providing program for people itching to get involved in the sport.”

Harrison Pennisi inbounds the ball at the under-20s national championships, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Queensland coach Peter Crawford said the side had bright futures ahead of them.

“They’re a really special group of players,” Crawford said.

“All of them could play internationally, and I expect most of these guys to make a living out of playing basketball.”

Free throw shooting at the under-20s national championships, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Crawford was part of a contingent of Townsville-raised players and coaches to feature in the tournament, including Richard Peachey for Queensland, as well as Luca Yates and Rory Hawke for the Academy side.

Townsville Heat’s Peachey was proud of being able to bring a gold home, regardless of the final result in the last game.

“Bringing a gold back up to the north, I know all the guys back home were rooting for me,” Peachey said.

Yaak Yaak prepares for free throw for the NBA Global Academy, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

“I feel really privileged to be a part of this team, and being from Townsville makes it even better to get up there and get ready for the NBL next season.”

Queensland captain Blake Jones was awarded the Bob Staunton Medal for the best player in the tournament.

Blake Jones at the National championships, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Originally published as Queensland claims under-20 men’s national championship in Mackay after controversial final