Sydney Kings guard Biwali Bayles is joining the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors for NBL1 2022. Picture: NBL Media

MACKAY, QUEENSLAND – Mackay Basketball are excited to announce that rising star Biwali Bayles will join the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors for the 2022 NBL1 season.

The 20-year-old is currently playing for the Sydney Kings in his maiden National Basketball League (NBL) campaign. Across ten appearances, Bayles is averaging 5.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists and has been touted as a potential NBL ‘Rookie of the Year’ candidate.

The 185cm point guard represented Australia at the 2021 FIBA Under 19 World Cup and in seven games donning the green and gold, averaged 6.7 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.6 steals per contest. Bayles is also a graduate of the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence program and was one of just four Aussies to attend the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp in Chicago back in 2020.

In addition, Bayles also spent a season playing college basketball for the University of Hawaii in the USA.

McDonald’s Mackay Meteors NBL1 North Head Coach Joel Khalu was thrilled about inking Bayles.

“This is a huge signing for us,” Khalu said.

“There were many clubs chasing Biwali for the upcoming NBL1 season and we were fortunate to have won that super-competitive race.”

“The reason why everybody wants Biwali in their program is because he’s an outstanding young man who plays with a real passion for the game.”

“He’s tenacious defensively, which suits our culture perfectly and offensively, he’s aggressive, crafty and can create for both himself and others. He can also score the ball in a variety of ways.”

“I love the energy that he brings to the floor and I’ve also heard excellent things on how great of a teammate he is too.”

“Overall, I couldn’t be happier that he’ll be our leading floor general this season.”

Bayles was also pumped about suiting up in the Meteors red and black.

“I’ve heard great things about Mackay from many different people, especially on the professionalism and the way the club goes about things,” Bayles said.

“The team is also coming off winning the 2021 NBL1 North Championship, so I’m keen join a program that’s going to be competing for another title.”

“I feel like Mackay provides the perfect situation for me to continue with my NBL off-season development and I’m looking forward to playing alongside those guys up there in the North.”

Bayles will join his McDonald’s Mackay Meteors teammates at the conclusion of the NBL season.