Pat Koopman | 25th August 2011| Daily Mercury

THE McDonald’s Meteors will relish being the hunted, rather than being the hunter, in their 2012 Queensland Basketball League championship defence.

The Meteors have been in celebration mode since their historic men’s title triumph against the Rockhampton Rockets last Saturday night at Candlestick Park. But the thoughts of victorious coach Grant Kruger have quickly turned to their championship defence.

The Meteors will not be fazed by the prospect of being the hunted in 2012, according to Kruger.

“We finished second in the grand final (last year), so we still were a bit of a target and I think we dealt with that fairly well this year,” he said.

“So next season, hopefully if we can keep all of those guys together that we had this season it will only help us to be able to back up and obviously take the pressure that comes with it.”

Kruger said in a perfect world the playing roster of 2011 would return intact next year.

But much will depend on the NBL commitments of stars Rhys Martin, Tim Coenraad and Deba George.

“It will all depend on how their season goes and if the clubs will allow them to play in the ABA again at the end of the season,” Kruger said.

“So far all of the players have said that they are interested and want to come back here to Mackay.”

Matt Gange is working locally, while centre Michael Kingma has also expressed a desire to remain in Mackay.

“It will all depend on whether Michael goes to Europe and gets a contract in Europe again or not,” Kruger said.

“If he doesn’t go over to Europe he said he would definitely be staying here in Mackay ... he loves it here in Mackay, loves the people and the place.”

It was widely accepted that the Meteors came of age as a team as the season unfolded, playing some of their best basketball in the final weeks leading into their finals campaign.

“I think that showed in those last couple of weeks the way we were able to come out and

dominate teams, and get a good early lead and were able to play comfortable basketball after that,” Kruger said.

“If we can keep that group together it would only make life easier for us as coaches and as a team to gel and everyone get

together ready for next season at the start of it.”

Kruger will enjoy a brief break before his full attention turns to 2012.

“I can’t wait to get everything started again,” he said.

“Definitely, I’m going to miss the basketball.”