Kings coach backs Cougars National Finals chances

Two-time NBL champion assistant coach of the Sydney Kings and Cockburn Cougars club legend Fleur McIntyre has backed the Cougars ahead of the NBL1 National Finals.

The 270 games veteran of the SBL (now NBL1 West) and five-time MVP winner never grasped a championship with the club, with the Cougars winning their first women’s title this past weekend against the historically successful Willetton Tigers. 

McIntyre was wide awake for the 9:30pm tip-off on the east coast for the NBL1 West women’s Grand Final and was lost for words when they clinched their first title. 

“(I was) overjoyed and overcome with emotion watching the Cougars make history and win the NBL1 championship,” she told NBL Media. 

“I’m so happy for Tyrone Thwaites,  Kirsty (Whitfield) and all the players, staff and entire club both past and present members. And especially for all the former Cougars women and coaches that poured their heart and soul into the team over many years with friendships forged for life. 

“(There were) messages have been flying back and forth between us all this week and after the win last night - to witness them finally breakthrough was beautiful.”

While the Cougars are basking in championship glory, they will quickly turn their attention to the National Finals, hosted in Joondalup, WA.

The Life member said the Cougars are definitely a chance to win the entire tournament.

“The Cougs can definitely win a National Championship,” she said.=

“Now they’ve broken through and won the NBL1 West, why stop there?! Might as well go win the national competition as well!” 

Get your tickets to see the Cockburn Cougars at the Coles Express NBL1 National Finals this weekend, starting on Friday against the NBL1 South Bendigo Braves here.