MACKAY, QUEENSLAND – Mackay Basketball are pleased to announce the appointment of Rhys Martin as new head coach of the Global Product Search Mackay Meteorettes, for the clubs’ inaugural 2020 NBL1 North campaign.

Martin will take over the reins from Ian Haughton, who steered the team for the past two QBL seasons.

A 268-game National Basketball League veteran, Martin will return to the Sugar City where he played for the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors in 2010, 2011 and 2015. Martin was captain of the Meteors 2011 championship winning side, leading the club to its first ever men’s QBL title.

While it will be the first time the 33-year old will lead a squad from the sidelines in Queensland’s top league, Martin brings coaching experience from his days in Illawarra, where he was formerly the head coach of the Illawarra Academy of Sport. More recently, Martin has been assisting the North Gold Coast Seahawks with coaching and player development, while also running camps and specialist clinics for aspiring players in South East Queensland.

The three-time QBL champion was excited about returning to Mackay and taking on the challenge of coaching the Meteorettes.

“Mackay Basketball is a fantastic club. I’m familiar with how the organisation operates, the people there and for me, this is a great way to help develop their basketball community through coaching,” Martin said. 

“I’ve always had a desire to transition into high-level coaching and this is a positive step on that path.”

“The Global Product Search Meteorettes have been one of the benchmark teams in the QBL over the past decade and I’m thrilled for this opportunity to keep setting that standard.”

“It won’t be easy and will certainly have its challenges, but I’m eager to help shape and mould the team into being a title contender.”

Mackay Basketball NBL1 Program General Manager Joel Khalu was also enthusiastic about the appointment of the former Australian international representative.

“I’ve known Rhys for a long time and have always thought he’d make an exceptional coach,” Khalu said. 

“His understanding of the game is outstanding. As a player he sees and reads situations before they happen, and we are pleased that he’ll be bringing that basketball knowledge to our women’s program.”

“Having him in this role will be fantastic, particularly for our younger Meteorettes players who’ll be able to learn so much.”

With a women’s coach now locked in for the 2020 NBL1 season, the club will continue with player recruitment.

“We’ve been in discussions with a number of players and agents, but for us, it’s about finding the right fit,” Khalu added.

“Having Rhys in place, particularly with his profile, this will help fast track player signings over the coming weeks.”

The Global Product Search Meteorettes open the 2020 NBL1 North season on April 25 at the McDonald’s Mackay Multi-Sport Stadium against Toowoomba.