NBL champion Damon Lowery might be writing for Fox Sports activities Australia throughout the upcoming season – right here’s his preview of the 2024/25 marketing campaign!
First a disclaimer: To all of the gamers, coaches and directors, the next opinions are mine and mine alone. It’s ALWAYS enterprise – and NEVER private. So, if I identify you, disgrace you, offend you or slap you on the again and put your identify up in lights, simply settle for it for what it’s and transfer on.
In the course of the 12 months I’ll be doing a weekly column titled “Hooyah & Harden Up”. For individuals who have no idea, “Hooyah” is a Navy Seal battle cry designed to have a good time an impressive achievement, whereas “Harden Up” is reserved for those who have let their staff or themselves down.
Earlier than we launch into “Hooyah & Harden Up”, let’s arrange the season with slightly preview based mostly on the video games performed just lately on the Blitz on the Gold Coast.
Listed below are the groups ranked backside to high, in my humble opinion.
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CAIRNS TAIPANS
Coach: Adam Forde
You’ll be able to’t miss him, he’s the stocky dude usually in a black polo prowling up and down the sidelines like a bouncer on the footpath outdoors a nightclub. Intense and tremendous proud, Forde has a knack for getting the very best out of his younger gamers and leads with a ardour typically unmatched.
Strengths
The Taipans have some of the proficient level guards in Taran Armstrong. For younger Taran, the NBA ain’t distant and if he can take his recreation to the subsequent stage, he’ll be on Draft boards unquestionably.
Rob Edwards is a bucket however must share the rock extra, Pedro Bradshaw is shortly adapting to the bodily model of play within the NBL, and Tanner Groves is figuring out the place he suits within the line-up.
These three new imports ought to be leaping out of their pores and skin to impress, however I don’t anticipate any of them to leap within the water in Cairns as a result of jelly fish, crocodiles and snakes. New recruit Kyrin Galloway will give the locals a lot to get enthusiastic about along with his athleticism whereas Sam Wardenburg is about for an enormous season.
Weaknesses
Moreover the insane humidity, jellyfish, crocodiles and snakes, Cairns’ major difficulty is having simply 4 gamers from final season the place they completed 12-16, in eighth.
Swiss Military knife import, Tahjere McCall, had the keys to the Taipans’ automotive, and drove it straight to the wreckers. Now the keys are within the arms of a P-plater in Armstrong, and Forde may have belief him to channel his internal Oscar Piastri and drive to outlive.
My large concern is the participant turnover and the actual fact this staff will take some time to gel collectively on the courtroom. Sadly, Armstrong suffered a tear in his child cow (calf) and will miss a month or so.
Prediction
tenth. Anyone’s gotta end final, however I’ve little doubt they’ll be extremely entertaining and aggressive particularly when Edwards will get going.
The large ticket?
I gained’t be the one one shopping for a ticket to observe Armstrong in motion, as loads of NBA groups might be sending their scouts to see him in individual. He attended the Adidas Europe pre-draft camp and made the All-Camp staff. He’s already labored out for 9 NBA groups so when you’ve got the possibility to see him, take the chance as a result of he gained’t be right here an excessive amount of longer.
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
Coach: Petteri Koponen
He’s solely 36 and may simply be the 2nd finest guard on the staff. A European champion in his personal proper, he performed within the Finland nationwide staff, and with golf equipment Virtus Bologna, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and the Honka Playboys. He solely just lately retired and is now able to make his mark on the sidelines.
Strengths
All NBL 1st staff participant, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, is the spearhead of this new-look staff and might want to replicate his 2024 season for the Breakers to have any hope of successful.
Former Taipan Sam Mennenga brings his pectorals and dimension throughout the ditch, in addition to Former NBA participant Jonah Bolden.
Weaknesses
Dropping your chief and head coach, Mody Maor, on the eve of the season is an enormous loss. Not solely did Maor coach along with his coronary heart on his sleeve however he guided the Breakers to the Championship Collection in 2023 and received again into the playoffs final 12 months.
If Anthony Lamb’s achilles didn’t betray him, I imagine they had been on their method again to the Championship Collection. With simply two returning gamers and a brand new coach, it may take some time for this staff to get on the identical web page.
Prediction
ninth – “Huonoa tuuria” meaning “Dangerous Luck” in Finnish!
The large ticket?
The human blur, Parker Jackson-Cartwright is quicker than a hearsay and VP of the “Lil’ Massive Man Society”. PJC was 1st staff All NBL24 and 1st staff All Put Derek Rucker Again in his Field. In case you go watch him play, I assure you’ll not be upset!
I’m additionally eager to see Subsequent Star, Karim Lopez, from Mexico. He’s a lock for the NBA in a number of years, and he doesn’t understand it but however I’ll be chatting with him in Spanish: “Espero conocerte, Karim.”
Kings produce sturdy end to topple NZ | 00:50
MELBOURNE UNITED
Coach: Dean Vickeman
Led by the reigning Coach of the Yr, the seatbelt signal is on so United followers: return to your seats, sit down and buckle up! Turbulence is coming. After coming oh so near a championship final season, ultimately dropping to the Tasmania JackJumpers in 5, there’s been important change within the staff.
Strengths
Chris “The Gladiator” Goulding will lead the League in triples made whereas the return of NBA champion with Denver, Jack White, might be a welcome one.
United boast the very best defensive back-court within the League with Shea Ili and Matthew Dellavedova recurrently placing opposition guards in strait jackets.
Weaknesses
I simply don’t see sufficient inside scoring, United misplaced 14 ft value of people with the departures of Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Ariel Hukporti.
Whereas Marcus Lee returns with championship expertise and elite defence, he’s not bringing a whole lot of buckets. The lack of 6’7 NBA sure Luke Travers is one other large loss who leaves an enormous void.
Prediction
eighth – Hey, 8 continues to be a great quantity. A lil’ champion from the Hawks (me) wore No.8 again within the day. I do know the United followers gained’t like studying it, however I really feel their squad has gone backwards on paper and lacks the identical scoring threats of earlier years. Goulding is gonna should have one other profession season and might be carrying an enormous weight on his shoulders but once more.
The large ticket?
Chris Goulding, aka CG43, is the Russell Crowe of the NBL and John Cain Enviornment is his Colosseum. No participant relishes the massive stage like CG43 and he’s in vary as quickly as he parks his automotive out the again. You can be entertained!
BRISBANE BULLETS
Coach: Justin ‘don’t name me Timberlake’ Schueller.
The Bullets completed final season with a file of 13-15, that landed them seventh. Justin lastly has the roster he needed with imports Chris Smith and Shannon Scott not round. He additionally confirmed Nathan Sobey the door and Aron Baynes has seemingly retired – though he’s but to say that formally. The Bullets gained the Blitz, and Massive Tyrell Harrison put everybody on discover, by taking out the Ray Borner MVP medal averaging 17 & 7.
Strengths
Josh Bannan is getting loads of NBA curiosity. Coming off an NBA Summer time League run with the LA Clippers, his star will solely proceed to rise.
Tyrell Harrison is among the most expert bigs within the League, and he might be ably backed up large teen sensation and skyscraper, Rocco Zikarski. The 7’4 younger big will get pleasure from his final season within the NBL as his aircraft ticket to the NBA is all however assured.
Weaknesses
As with all imports, it’s a wait and see. However I don’t see sufficient offensive firepower on this staff. The Bullets averaged 88 factors final season and on paper, it seems to be comparable. In my thoughts, they’re not potent sufficient to crack the six-pack.
Prediction
seventh (once more)
The large ticket?
Import James Batemon is properly travelled and took out the MVP award in France’s 2nd division (which is 1 extra MVP than me). He additionally made the All 2nd Staff within the ferocious Israel league. At solely 6’1, I’m contemplating making room for him within the “Lil Massive Man Society”, however he is likely to be a tad too tall.
Bulletts half methods with Aron Baynes | 00:50
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
Coach: Mike ‘I lastly have my roster’ Kelly
Accidents final season to rattling close to everyone resulted in a 10-18 file and the dreaded picket spoon. The guts and soul of the Heartland, Mitch Creek, has been ripped out and his 21 factors and seven rebounds a recreation are off to China. The Phoenix have moved on from imports Alan Williams, and mi Puerto Rican Amigo, Gary Browne.
Strengths
NBL champion Derrick Walton Jr, 2x NBL Champions Angus ‘Danny’ Glover & Jordan ‘The Bounty’ Hunter. To not point out All NBL 2nd Staff Nathan Sobey who simply fell into Phoenix’s lap.
Weaknesses
It’s a model new staff however just one basketball is allowed. My questions are: can this a lot expertise coexist, and who’s gonna exchange Mitch Creek? It’s gonna should be a collective effort for the Phoenix to rise.
Prediction
sixth
The large ticket?
Derrick Walton Jr hails from the nice state of Michigan and is some extent guard savant! His means to carve up defences and create for himself and others is unmatched.
I’m additionally hanging to see Sobey unleashed in inexperienced. Sobey is a Warrnambool product and can relish being again in Victoria. After the Bullets gave him the ‘Godfather’ experience out of city, might be out for revenge and nonetheless has a lot to show.
Goorjian sees vivid future for Boomers | 01:50
ADELAIDE 36ERS
Coach: This may change by the point that is printed, however it’s at present Mike ‘I used to be Assistant Coach for 2 days’ Wells.
The 36ers completed ninth final season with a 12-16 file. CJ Bruton began the season, however was changed by his assistant and membership legend, Scott Ninnis. In a sensational flip of occasions, Ninnis (who simply signed a two-year contract) was sacked two weeks into the pre-season and was changed by his assistant, Wells.
Dangerous information and Excellent news for the 36ers … Jarell Martin’s ankle damage is worse than first thought and can miss the beginning of the season. However … have you ever ever heard of Montrezl Harrell? He’s performed 515 NBA video games and gained the NBA sixth man of the 12 months award in 2020.
Strengths
The South Australians! All 9,000 of em clearly care about what’s occurring contained in the Adelaide Leisure Centre, however they’ll SHOW UP!
Sharpshooter and the supremely assured DJ Vasiljevic will look to make this staff his personal, and dominant large man Isaac Humphries might be by his facet each step of the way in which.
Weaknesses
A propensity to upset the basketball Gods with entrance workplace shenanigans. The 36ers remind me of the fact TV present “Survivor”. In case you’re the coach of Adelaide, you by no means know once they’re gonna say, “Convey us your torch”.
Prediction
Even regardless of the instability, I nonetheless assume they’ve the expertise to complete fifth
The large ticket?
Apart from eager to see Harrell, it’s exhausting to go previous the “Human Torch” Dejan Vasiljevic. Few gamers within the League can hit the ignition swap and get hotter than Townsville within the summertime.
DJ is a two-time NBL champion and the chip on his shoulder is larger than any chip you’ve ever had. DJ feels he was snubbed by the Australian Boomers in Paris, which is able to solely add to his fury.
PERTH WILDCATS
Coach: John ‘The Actual Deal’ Rillie
After getting off to a sluggish begin which had the Pink Military out for blood, Rillie turned the season round and completed 17-11 and 2nd on the ladder. Eventual champions Tasmania put a fork of their postseason however they’re set to bounce again once more.
Strengths
I’ll put it in capital letters: BRYCE COTTON. Completed.
Weaknesses
Whereas he’s the clear power, he will also be a weak point as a result of generally the Wildcats may be too reliant on Cotton. It’s a double edged sword that even essentially the most skilled coach must be cautious dealing with.
Prediction
4th
The large ticket?
In case you don’t wanna pay to see a 3 x NBL champion, 4 x League MVP, 7 x scoring champion and seven x All NBL 1st Staff participant, Bryce Cotton play, you’re the most important tight ass in Australia.
Apart from Charles and Yvonne Cotton’s son, I’m eager to see Subsequent Star, Izan Almansa, in motion. One of the vital profitable youth gamers in historical past, Almansa is right here to springboard himself excessive onto NBA Draft boards.
Toohey reveals off absurd expertise for Kings | 02:05
SYDNEY KINGS
Coach: The GOAT, Brian Goorjian.
A 6 x NBL champion and 4 x Australian Olympic coach. The Kings redefined “dysfunctional” final season however will profit from Goorjian’s management and a star-studded roster that must be seen to be believed. After a 13-15 season and fifth positioned end, head workplace determined coach Mahmoud Abdul Fattah needed to go.
Strengths
The return of Xavier Cooks who realised he may get nice dumplings in Sydney in addition to Japan. Cam Oliver makes his NBL return, and the recruitment of Olympian and nice two-way Pit Bul, Bul Kuol make this a nasty facet. And don’t overlook former MVP Jaylen Adams, who’s devastating when he’s at his finest.
Weaknesses
Dropping Jordy Hunter and Jonah Bolden makes Cooks the tallest participant on the staff, which is a matter in my thoughts. I believe the Kings is likely to be too small when it’s will get to all the way down to the nitty gritty.
Prediction
third
The large ticket?
I’m eager to see a number of issues in Sydney this 12 months. One being 2023 MVP & NBL Champion, Xavier Cooks! Born in Ballarat and raised in Wollongong, Cooks signed with the Washington Wizards however returns to run it again with the Kings. Xav’s 6’8 do all of it package deal is exclusive to the League and he’s my tip to win MVP once more.
The opposite factor I’m to see is Keli Leaupepe’s arms. This man is a person mountain and may bench 180kgs.
TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS
Coach: Reigning NBL Champion, Scott ‘The Massive Stogie’ Roth
4 years in the past the JackJumpers had been only a idea, and in simply three years, they climbed to the mountain high. Roth is a system, and he can inspire his staff to grind out a win underneath any circumstances.
Strengths
Milton Doyle, Olympian Will Magnay, and the complete state of Tasmania that packs out My State Financial institution Enviornment each single night time. The JACKY WAY is the benchmark of the League and enjoying down there’s something else!
Weaknesses
Jack “Two-Method” McVeigh is now an worker on the Houston Rockets and might be sorely missed. However outdoors of his absence, I can’t see many different downsides. Some may say they’ll endure a dreaded Championship hangover however I can’t see Roth permitting that to occur.
Prediction
2nd
The large ticket?
The President of the “Lil Massive Man Society”, Jordon Crawford. He stands simply 5’6 however no person will overlook when he went nuclear within the first quarter of recreation 5 within the championship collection. With strikes the League has by no means seen, the ankles of opposition defenders are once more in critical jeopardy.
ILLAWARRA HAWKS
Coach: The Hawks began final season with Jacob Jackomas, however after 2-7, the bosses pulled the pin and promoted assistant coach, Justin Tatum – the daddy of NBA champion Jayson.
Justin went 12-7 the remainder of the way in which and reignited a fan base and participant group. They completed final season 14-14 in 4th. All NBL 1st teamer Gary Clark determined to take his abilities to Japan.
The Hawks have settled on 6’7 import Darius ‘Higher’ Days (*that nickname is underneath building). Darius made his debut on the Blitz and confirmed everybody he is likely to be youthful model of Clark. At solely 24, he has the three-ball, inside recreation, and the motor to enrich a really sturdy roster.
Strengths
Familiarity with the core of the staff already underneath contract heading into the season. Sam Froling and Tyler Harvey averaged 15 factors apiece final season and can solely get higher collectively.
Weaknesses
Justin Tatum arrived again to Australia late and hasn’t had a whole lot of time on the courtroom along with his staff.
Prediction
Cue the attention roll however I’m calling it; The Hawks would be the champs and I predict former Hawks Champion Damon Lowery will make a idiot of himself on the Championship afterparty.
The large ticket?
Tyler Harvey all the way in which! The left-handed sniper is a pathological scorer and easily can’t assist himself. I’ve misplaced monitor of what number of game-winning pictures he’s made. Tyler enters his fifth season with the Hawks and has his eyes on the prize.
And eventually…
THE NBL
Coach: Larry Kestelman has accomplished what nobody predicted, aside from himself, and that’s to reinvigorate basketball in Australia. The billionaire businessman has the Midas contact and is displaying no indicators of slowing down in what might be his ninth season as proprietor of the League.
Strengths
Booming participation and curiosity. The NBL is the quickest rising sports activities league in Australia and is taking all comers by storm.
Weaknesses
Dropping gamers to Asia. Whereas the NBL is joyful to see gamers head to the NBA because it highlights the calibre of gamers we’ve within the League, the cash being thrown round in Japan and different international locations is difficult to match. The NBL has to maintain constructing its sturdy connection to the NBA to point out gamers the League is their finest pathway to make it to the massive time.
The large ticket?
Spherical One in Perth is gonna go off! For the primary time, all groups will converge on Perth, Western Australia, to play their season openers multi functional place.