After a fantastic and fascinating regular season, here are your final Power Rankings for 2011. Final rankings reflect how teams performed based on expectations. 

THIS WEEKS THEME:
Doctor Who

 

The one and only, these 2 might even get David Tenant status… 

 

Mackay

Having seen the Townsville debacle live I would have given you no chance that Mackay would finish the season with home court advantage. To their credit they have been outstanding down the stretch and beaten everyone they needed to which will give them as good a chance as any to take it out. Martin has balanced the team well but if they miss him or Coenraad for any games, I worry we might see the ugly team resurface. If they can keep Deba efficient and Kingma can hold down the paint defensively they will win but I worry about the latter happening for 40 minutes.

 

Gold Coast

When will Gibbo be available? This team has been fantastic but lack his polish when he is Boomer bound. McGregor has been great, particularly in Gibson’s absence but they are a team by committee who will face some genuine stars in the next few games. However, they are rough, tough and will not beat themselves which is more than you can say about everyone else. If they can keep it ugly enough and get the right matchups I think it would be great for the League if they can shake it up and go all the way.

 

The real character of the show (and the season) always packing more than first thought.

 

Northside

Small ball is back baby! They rode some injuries and illnesses while still securing a home playoff game. Here is where the trouble begins… Once again this matchup does not suit them but all they have to do is get hot to make the semi’s. Teams have beat them up in round 1 in the past and this will be no different, perhaps the growth and maturity of Goulding will be the difference and show us if he has reached the next level.

 

Brisbane

Ryan has done a great job with this group, particularly when you consider where they were at last year. This is the blueprint for going young and then adding someone who will improve the development of the group while giving you a chance to win games. Can they beat the Coast? Absolutely. Can they go past that? I doubt it but who cares. They have raised our expectations and we need to remember where they have come from to celebrate what a fantastic journey it has been.

 

Always threaten to steal the show but ultimately replaceable.

 

Townsville

The only reason this group is so low is that I thought they wouldn’t lose a game. One of the most stacked groups for a while; they seemed to pound on weak teams and lose big games. I can’t quite put my finger on it but something is missing. Blanchfield has gone from strength to strength and I can see the backcourt enjoying the physicality of the playoffs. They could win the final by 30 and no one would be surprised but they need to toughen mentally as a group or Rocky will knock them off in Game 1.

 

Cairns

This team is a lot younger and less talented than people think. They have had a very good year given what they have to work with and without a couple of real disappointers would be up with Brisbane and Northside as the pleasant surprises. Vale and Brebner have been rocks while everyone else played great roles.

 

Ipswich

Peaked and then fell off the face of the Earth. I did not think Berendorf was that important to this team but clearly I was wrong. On a positive note it has been great to see the resurgence of Brad Williamson who struggled last year and this season has bounced back to give NBL teams something to think about. Black will need to occasionally look at the rim and Stolly will need to continue to be 28 again for them to advance but they can definitely beat you up.

 

The pleasant surprise, you can’t kill them off.

 

Toowoomba

The Mountaineers should be very proud of what they have done this season. For a group that had not won in 2 years they had a very solid year and could have had more wins. If they can keep the young blood coming through and have complimentary players around them then the future is bright for the Toowoomba region.

 

A lot powerful, a little crazy and incredibly dangerous. Sneak into the playoffs and everyone fears them

 

Rockhampton

A 4 win Pirate team in a loss that almost knocked them out of the playoffs? This is not the Rockets team I have come to know and love. They appeared like a juggernaut early but just kept losing games. I know I have been out of the loop with this team but can someone explain Ryan Jefferies play/role to me? Steve Weigh is a stud and they have great Aussie talent on the perimeter plus Pero and an import. Not a lot more you would want but write their playoff hopes off at your peril.

 

Bundaberg

The mighty Bulls did not quite live up to the lofty expectations. Hansen looked hurt for most of the year and Davis couldn’t find his niche in their offence but it was the other end that hurt them. They couldn’t control the tempo from the point and although Shack dominated the glass for them they lacked an interior defensive presence. Sadly they may need to bite the bullet at some stage and roll with only one of the dynamic duo to get the point guard they so desperately need.

 

Gladstone

All things considered this team improved as the year went on but battled a tough schedule and a very slow start. Borgan didn’t quite progress in his second year but this team is only a good Australian player away from pushing the North and making a playoff run.

 

South West

The Pirates came home with a wet sail (pun intended, I wanted to use it so much I don’t even know if it means what I want it to) after an extremely slow start. The plague of losing close games from the year before reared it’s ugly head again and then a group that couldn’t afford any injuries lost some key guys at key times. This was however a disappointing year and Pirate land will need to work extra hard to maintain the momentum generated from the Jason Cameron era. The good news is they have some great young talent and fantastic people behind the scenes to get the job done.

 

Shined in moments but never quite hit the heights as the robotic dog sidekick

 

Maroochydore

The V dog did a good job and the infamous Toowoomba ‘victory’ may have propelled them up the list but 2 wins is still a very long and painful year. They fought hard throughout and the region has always done a great job of producing guards which will always give them a chance moving forward.

 

 

Caboolture

Whilst at the bottom of the list, I think the Suns have actually taken steps in the right direction. Give me this season without paid stars and promoting young talent over last season where they struggled almost as much with a higher payroll and infinitely more talent. It is great to see them commit to some kids and give them a chance, lay a foundation and follow the Capitals lead down the road.

 

MY BRACKET:

Townsville over Rocky

Gold Coast over Brisbane

Ipswich over Northside

 

Mackay over Ipswich

Townsville over Gold Coast

 

Townsville over Mackay