Wicks keen to go from zeroes to heroes
YOUNG Mackay Meteors player Hayden Wicks is looking for the Queensland U20 side to go from zeroes to heroes in the national titles next month.
The point guard will be playing for his sixth successive state age team at the titles from February 13.
He has memories of last year at Canberra when the team finished last.
"We've got to make a statement this year," Wicks said emphatically.
"Everyone is going all right so there's no reason why we can't win every game and, hopefully, the championship for Queensland."
Wicks, 18, was named most valuable player for the U20 Meteors, who played in the Tropical Youth League in December, and he re-signed this week for the senior team's 2013 QBL season.
He has played in Queensland teams at U16, U18 and U20 levels, not missing selection for the past six years.
He said his already extensive experience in Queensland representative teams was a good preparation for his next goal of making the step up to the NBL.
"I reckon I've been improving each year I've been in the nationals," he said.
"This will be my fourth year with the Meteors, and I played in junior Meteors teams before that.
"Hopefully, this year I can go to the next level with an NBL club. This is the year I think I'm capable of it."
Coach Joel Khalu said the Meteors would look at an increased role for Wicks in the QBL program this year.
"Hayden has worked hard over the 12 months and there has been a definite improvement in his game," Khalu said.
"He'll be playing against the top juniors at the national championships in Tasmania so it will be a good opportunity to see where he stacks up in Australia's elite."
Wicks will attend a training camp in Brisbane this weekend. He heads to the national championships on Wednesday, February 13.
