The Townsville Beehive-QSolutions Heat are excited to announce the retention of star QBL forward Justin Baker for the 2018 season. The 2017 player’s player award winner for the Heat will return for a second season with the team aiming to defend their first title in 17 years.

Re-signing Baker was a high priority for the Heat after the classy forward helped the team secure their first title in 17 years. His consistent form throughout the season was a key factor in the Heat’s success. Baker poured in 19.8ppg & 7.7rpg while shooting an incredible 54% from the field making him one of the top power forwards in the QBL.

Heat head coach Rod Anderson shared his thoughts on returning a key piece to his sides championship defence.

“Bakes (Baker) was always a priority signing for us following the championship win. He brings so much to our group on and off the floor, not only is he one of the top power forwards in the QBL and has been over a number of years now, he is a high-quality individual. Justin is a pro on the day to day, he’s the kind of person you want around your program”.

“He carried a huge workload for us last year and hopefully we can lighten that a little this season. We know what we are going to get with Baker, night in, night out. I also know that our Townsville Basketball community is pumped to have him back for another year, the work he did with kids in our association was first class, he brings so much more value than his production on court”.

TBI General Manager Greg Vanderjagt shared his delight in returning Baker for his second season in Townsville.

“We targeted Justin very early in our recruitment to bring back this season. We couldn’t have been happier in 2017 with what he produced in helping lead the Heat to a championship. The work he does every day in being a true pro is a credit to his character and commitment to our program”.

“The QBL is a very good league, probably the best winter league in Australia now. You can’t win in this league without players who know what it takes to compete at this level, veteran players and players who are willing to sacrifice for the good of the group. Justin ticks all those boxes”.

Baker is currently playing for Apoel in the Cyprus National League where he is averaging 13.5ppg, 6.0rpg and shooting 63% from the field for the fourth placed Nicosia based team. Most recently Baker poured in 23 points against playoff contender Etha in a win for Apoel. Baker will return to Townsville in April following the conclusion of the Cypriot League playoffs.