MACKAY, QUEENSLAND – In a huge sporting coup for the Central Queensland region, Basketball Queensland (BQ) are proud to announce the ConocoPhillips CQ Cup, a new senior representative competition that will tip-off in October.
Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Bundaberg will do battle on the hardwood over 2-months, giving each association an opportunity to showcase its basketball talent.
With both a men’s and women’s division, the ConocoPhillips CQ Cup will provide local players with the chance to compete at the next level, delivering a pathway to catapult players on to a Queensland State League (QSL) or NBL1 North roster in 2021. Central Queensland bragging rights will also be on the line with sides all vying to lift the ConocoPhillips CQ Cup in its inaugural year.
BQ Chief Operating Officer Joshua Pascoe praised the four clubs on their initiative and collaboration with BQ to make the league a reality this year.
“With a starvation of high-level sport during the COVID pandemic, it’s exciting that the collective work of these Central Queensland associations will get this league off the ground, with the goal to continue running the competition annually,” Pascoe said.
“With the cancellation of the 2020 NBL 1 season and logistical issues for these associations to be involved with the QSL, it was extremely important that teams in Central Queensland were still able to compete at a senior representative level. To be able to provide a platform for not only the players, but the wider basketball community to support, is a huge step for Central Queensland hoops enthusiasts.”
“It is extremely exciting for all involved and I know that we all can’t wait for the season to commence. We’re also thankful to ConocoPhillips for coming onboard as naming sponsor in year one,” Pascoe added.
The 8-week season will see home and away series played between contending teams, with the semi-finals and grand finals being hosted at the clubs who possess the best win-loss record at the conclusion of the regular season.
Mackay Basketball NBL1 North General Manager Joel Khalu said that participating in new competition was essential for local player development.
“With the 2020 NBL1 North season being cancelled due to COVID-19, our senior representative players have not competed since August last year,” Khalu acknowledged.
“Without the CQ Cup, it could have ended up being twenty-months before those players got to hoop at a high level again, so it was very important for us to help get this thing off the ground.”
“I think the league will be very competitive. There’s lots of pride associated within these four associations, so nobody will want to lose.”
“It will be fantastic for the development of our players, especially with the aim for it to become an ongoing season, played at this same time each year. This is another pathway for our young players to aspire too.”
“It’s also going to be sensational that our fans and sponsors will get to watch our McDonald Meteors and Global Product Search Meteorettes in action at McDonald’s Mackay Multi-Sports Stadium this year, especially in our new corporate box grandstand,” Khalu added.
Round 1 on Saturday, October 10 stages a mouth-watering rivalry clash with Mackay visiting Rockhampton, while Bundaberg will host the Gladstone Port City Power men and women at Autobarn Arena.