Ipswich Force captain Jason Ralph is hoping the club can keep the core of their men’s 2020 QSL team for next year’s inaugural NBL1 North season.
The Force had a successful QSL campaign, earning a semi-final berth. Along with Ralph’s veteran leadership, Ipswich had a strong roster including the likes of Australian Boomers star Nathan Sobey, the ever-improving Jesse Ghee and hometown big man Mitchell Poulain.
Speaking after the club’s QSL semi-final defeat, Ralph said he is hopeful the club can maintain that core heading into the 2021 NBL1 North season.
“We are building a good team. That's what we said in the huddle afterwards when we were on the court,” Ralph said, via The Queensland Times.
“We need to stay together because this is the best team we've had in a few years now. If we keep our group together, add a few pieces here and there, I'm looking forward to next season.”
Coach Chris Riches echoed his captain’s words, believing the club has laid the foundations for future success.
“The boys played really, really well over the course of the season,” Riches said.
“It's been a situation where we have put together a really, really good foundation, and now go on with some added pieces.
“When it comes to NBL1 North, when we can get guys in, we'll be able to do really well.”
Sobey is the biggest name on the Force’s roster and is clearly a game changer. The Brisbane Bullet averaged a team high 30 points in the QSL and Ralph praised the way Sobey helped develop the squad’s younger talent.
“He's got to weigh up his options as well,” Ralph said of Sobey’s future.
“He's a great guy to have around the group. He's an absolute superstar in this league but he's also a great mentor to the other guys well.”
