The McDonald’s Crocodiles have announced the signings of three local rising basketball stars as development players.

Chris Cedar, Steven Costanzo and Max Murray are each products of the McDonald’s Sharp Start Program and Townsville Basketball and have demonstrated to the coaching staff that they have the skills and determination to take their craft to the elite national level.

Max Murray, originally from the Burdekin, has shown over the past two years that he has the commitment and skill needed at the elite level. McDonald’s Crocodiles head coach Trevor Gleeson said that Murray’s inclusion in the development plans of the Crocs was just rewards for his recent good form and hard work.

“Max has played with the McDonald’s Townsville Heat throughout the QABL season and has been a regular at training since I started with the Crocs. His development player contract is his just rewards for his commitment and dedication to basketball and the team,” said Gleeson.

Chris Cedar and Steven Costanzo have also enjoyed a successful year as part of the Queensland Under 20 team and then also advancing into the Australian Under 20 training squad. Both players were considered genuine chances to make the side, however narrowly missed out at the last selection round.

Cedar is the younger brother of rising Crocs star Michael Cedar, and possesses a similar athleticism but a different set of skills for the game. Known for his tough defence and his capacity to lead the team from the point, Cedar shows all the signs of being a future NBL player.

McDonald’s Crocodiles CEO Ian Smythe said the club hoped that Cedar would develop into a great partner at the point for Kelvin Robertson.

“Chris has surprised us at training and has had no difficulty in adjusting to the training intensity,” Smythe said.

Costanzo is currently recovering after shoulder surgery but was snapped up by the Crocs as an investment in the future. As a seven footer, Costanzo’s physical size and presence in the keyway are attributes the Crocs like, and while he won’t be back on the court for a while, it was seen as a priority to secure his services.

As development players, Cedar, Costanzo and Murray will train on court and in the gym with the players and have the right to suit up at home.