MACKAY, QUEENSLAND – One of the Northern Territory’s top basketball prospects has signed with the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors for the 2021 NBL1 season.

21-year-old Freddy Webb joins the Meteors for his maiden NBL1 campaign, following a two-year stint at Central Maine Community College in the United States and standout performances in the 2020 Darwin Basketball Premier League.

Playing for Ansett in Darwin’s top men’s basketball competition last year, Webb averaged 19.7 points, 4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, while also being named Under 23 Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and a member of the All Star 5.

Wanting to test himself at the next level, the point guard started investigating teams to play NBL1 for in 2021. Webb received multiple offers from teams in the NBL1 Central (South Australia), however after having a conversation and then participating in a training session with McDonald’s Meteors Head Coach Joel Khalu, said the decision to sign with Mackay made more sense.

“I spoke to a lot of people in Darwin about the NBL1 and potential destinations of where I should try and play and where I could definitely get better. I heard great things about the Meteors program and thought it would be the ideal place for me to continue with my development,” Webb said.

“I also heard the NBL1 North would be a stronger overall level than the NBL1 Central and that helped sway my decision, particularly as I want to play against the top guards nationally to see how I stack up.”

“There’s also guys in the Mackay program who’ve been there and done what I want to do, so the opportunity to learn from them was also really appealing.”

“Coach Joel (Khalu) has talked with me about my role in the team and my goal is to have a solid NBL1 rookie season and play my part in helping the team to compete for a championship. I’m also going to work as hard as I can to try and get an opportunity at the NBL level as well.”

McDonald’s Meteors Head Coach Joel Khalu said Webb suited the style of play he wanted to implement this NBL1 season.

“Freddy is a quick, dynamic guard, who can defend multiple positions on the floor. I really like how he goes about his business and it’s rare to find a player with his poise and maturity at age 21.”

“While he can impact the game defensively, Freddy’s also got the ability to score and create for others.”

“He’s going to be a valuable contributor to our group and I’m looking forward to seeing how he progresses throughout the season.”

The McDonald’s Meteors commenced official pre-season training this week in preparation for their first NBL1 North game on the road in Townsville on Friday, May 14.