2012 London Olympian, Townsville Crocodiles Legend, Townsville Basketball Junior and fan favourite Peter “PC” Crawford has returned HOME to join the Beehive-QSolutions Heat for the 2016 QBL season. Arguably the biggest signing in the league in 2016, Crawford brings of wealth of experience and professionalism to the Townsville program. 

Townsville Basketball QBL Program Manager, Greg Vanderjagt was delighted to have his former Crocodiles team mate joining the Heat for the 2016 season.

“With PC joining the program this year it takes the team we have put together to another level. His ability to score has certainly not deserted him, Pete has proven over the last 17 years he is an elite shooter at any level in this country, he is a dedicated professional and will really add a new dimension to the Heat this year. Its only 4 years ago PC was an Olympian, he is in an elite club and he can help our program in so many ways”.

“We want to be in the playoffs in 2016, and the with the strength of the northern conference in the QBL we feel we have recruited a team who can compete and beat anybody in this league”.

“Pete will be a great mentor for the young players on our roster, especially guys like Ethan Betts, Jarrad Figg, Matt Wight and Marsahll Ware. Those kids are going to be future stars and having the ability to learn from PC on a daily basis is so valuable to their development” Vanderjagt added.

Crawford most recently played for the West Adelaide Bearcats in the South Australian Premier League, averaging 17ppg and shooting the 3 at 43% after playing one season for the Adelaide 36ers in 2014/15. A native of Mt Isa, who completed his high school and junior career in Townsville, Crawford shared his excitement to return home this season.

“I’ve been away for a couple of years now and Basketball keeps bringing me back home. I’ve always loved playing in Townsville and the community support here always makes your feel so welcome. I know I can help the Heat win games in the QBL this year and I’m excited to get on the training court with the team”. 

“Vandy (Greg Vanderjagt) has been keeping me updated as we have been going through this process of getting me back here about the team. I’ve heard really good things about Josh Wilcher and I know Mirko well from our time at the Crocs together. Its going to be a lot of fun this year with the group Greg and Rod have put together, hopefully the fans get down to The Furnace every week to support a really talented group of players”.

Crawford will also take up an off-court role with Townsville Basketball as the Aussie Hoops program coordinator helping to expand the reach of what is already one of Queensland largest Aussie Hoops centres. Vanderjagt shared his excitement about Crawford also joining the front office.

“Having PC in this operational role is a huge asset for Townsville Basketball. His profile in the community and ability to help young players learn is another great resource we now have at TBI. I can’t wait to see the growth in our association over the next 12 months with Pete on board”.

The Beehive-QSolutions Heat will open their season on Sunday May 1^st at “The Furnace” against the Cairns Marlins. There are still limited season tickets available for 2016. If you’d like to secure you seats for every home game this year give Townsville Basketball a call on 4778 3400.

Peter Crawford Profile:

Born: 6^th November 1979 – Mt Isa. QLD

Height: 193cm

Weight: 88kg

High School: Townsville State High School

NBL Playing Career:

1999 – 2004 – Townsville Crocodiles

2004 – 2009 – Perth Wildcats

2009 – 2014 – Townsville Crocodiles

2014 – 2015 – Adelaide 36ers

Total Games: 489

Career Stats:

10.8 PPG

2.2 APG

3.5 RPG

Career Achievements:

2005 – NBL Most Improved Player

2011 – All-NBL Third Team

2012 – All-NBL Second Team

2012 – London Olympian

For more information please call Townsville Basketball QBL Program Manager Greg Vanderjagt on 0421 631 587 or email greg@townsvillebasketball.com