THE Mackay Meteors are losing Coach King, the man who was instrumental in almost landing the QBL team its first state title last season.

QBL men’s coach of the year Leonard King said yesterday he was moving his family to Brisbane, leaving in mid-January.

It is understood he will be taking up a state coaching position there, but he would not confirm this yesterday.

“I’ll be looking at things down there,” he said.

“I’d rather not have to coach against the Meteors.

“I’ve been here for three seasons, and the last thing I want to do is to go somewhere else and coach a team against them.

“My job is basketball and I want to keep coaching. I’ll see what is going on down there.”

King and Mackay Meteorettes coach Wade Rebetzke were named men’s and women’s coaches of the year after a stellar season in 2010, when the Meteors made the grand final for the first time, only to lose to Rockhampton Rockets, and the women made the finals.

King is credited with drawing together what is regarded as one of the best men’s basketball teams ever assembled in Mackay, which included a “Big Four” with NBL experience.

Mackay Basketball has advertised for a general manager, whose job will include that of the Meteors coach. Applications close on Friday.

King said while he was disappointed to be leaving, he was confident that most of the players from last season’s squad would back up next year and that the Meteors would be competitive again.

Originally from Florida in the United States and with professional coaching experience in the US and New Zealand, King said he was proud of many things he had achieved in his three years in Mackay.

“I’m proud that we have seven local players here now who are equal to any of those in the QBL,” he said.

“I’m proud that we now have a $6 million commitment from the government for a new stadium.

“I’m proud that I had a chance to work at the grassroots in Mackay, and I’m proud of the juniors that we have coming through.

“I’m proud that every time our boys (the Meteors) stepped on court in Mackay last season we didn’t lose, and we made it all the way to the grand final.

“I’m pleased to be a part of it, but a lot of people put a lot of hard work into it.”

King said he had had no idea what to expect when he came to Mackay three years ago from New Zealand, where he was a representative coach.

“I had no idea what Mackay was like, what the people were like or how long I would stay,” he said.

“I’d like to think that I’m leaving our QBL programs in a strong position.

“All of our sponsors have committed to come on board next year, and I’m sure the fans will come as well,” he said.

Media Article Provided by: Daily Mercury