NBL1 Central season preview 2020 ins and outs plus analysis for SA basketball clubs
Stars have switched allegiances, young guns are set to fire, clubs are eyeing silverware and a spot in a national finals series when the inaugural season of NBL1 Central tips off this Saturday night.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- 36ers stars set to fire Rockets for NBL1 Central launch
- How to get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
One of the most highly-anticipated SA basketball seasons in recent memory will begin when NBL1 tips off for the first time in the state on Saturday night.
Adelaide’s 10 clubs will play in the Central conference of the Australian second-tier competition for the right to take on the best clubs in the country from NBL1 South and North in a national finals series.
And with the league’s stars switching allegiances, a stack of gun recruits and the chance to show their talents on a bigger stage, it’s no wonder SA’s rising women’s basketball stars are itching to join the competition.
Southern Tigers guard Bella Stratford, who was part of Bendigo Spirit’s WNBL roster this past season, said NBL1 was held in a high regard here and overseas.
Watch LIVE coverage of the NBL Grand Final with ESPN on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
“I know the exposure is definitely going to be different with the social media and marketing which is really good, especially for female athletes,” said Stratford.
“I know all coaches with the recruiting process for schools in America ask if the Premier League is part of the NBL1 so it’s well known all over the world.”
West Adelaide point guard Jasmin Fejo has also been touted as a youngster to watch this season.
Fejo, who won the 2019 Merv Harris Medal as the competition’s best female under-21 player, was keen to help West go better than its elimination final exit in 2019.
“I followed the NBL1 last year and it really helped expose those players so it’s going to be really exciting being part of it,” said Fejo, a development player with Adelaide Lightning this past season.
CENTRAL DISTRICTS
Last season: Men – 6th, Women – 11th
Coaches: Men – Matt Atkins, Women – Sean Richards
Roster: Jimma Dau, James Adcock, Joel Offereins, Gebereal Baitey, Spencer Williams
Key ins: Men – Gebereal Baitey (import), Spencer Williams (import), James Adcock (Southern), Joel Offereins (WA). Women – Alexis Gillard (import), Kristina Arsenic (West Adelaide/import)
Key outs: Men – De’Vaughn Jones, Jordan Riewer, Lual Diing, Jordan Centenera (Southern), Chol Luk. Women – Jazmen Boone, Chloe Webley (Norwood)
There has been a major overhaul of the Central Districts’ women roster with the side aiming to bounce back from 2019’s bottom-placed finish.
Lions coach Sean Richards said he was aware this season would be a tough one for his young side.
“We are in a rebuild stage because 15 of the 17 girls who were in the program from 2019 left the program at the end of last year,” Richards said.
“It’s a major rebuild.
“There’s a lot of enthusiastic but inexperienced young players in the team. That would be the best way at summing it up.
“We are looking forward to it but it’s going to be a very difficult year for them.”
American Alexis Gillard and 193cm Serbian centre Kristina Arsenic, who spent last season at West Adelaide, join Central’s women.
The Lions’ men threatened to push into the top five last season but fell away, losing six of their last seven matches.
Coach Matt Atkins, who takes over from Ricky Simpson, is one of several new coaches in the league this season.
It was a positive turn around however and the club will be hoping rising star Jimma Dau can continue to progress and lead their bid to return to the finals.
Gebereal Baitey, a tenacious defender from division three US college Emory, and Coe College big man Spencer Williams have been brought in as imports.
EASTERN MAVERICKS
Last season: Men – 11th Women – 4th
Coaches:
Key ins: Dane Miller (import), Dante Thompson (import). Women – N/A
Key outs: Men – Brandon Morris, Novian Cherry, Devon McGee (Woodville). Women – Carmen Tyson-Thomas (Norwood), Kedeisha Kartinyeri (Sturt)
Eastern’s hopes of returning to the women’s final suffered a significant blow with Halls Medallist Carmen Tyson-Thomas departing for Norwood, while fellow starter Kedeisha Kartinyeri joined the Sabres.
Import Steph Ratliff, who has spent the last few months playing football for SANFLW club Sturt and Brooke Basham will likely be key to the Mavericks’ chances.
For the men, imports Brandon Morris and Novian Cherry have left along with Devon McGee.
Morris, who averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds per game last season, will be particularly missed for the side which won three games in 2019.
Plenty will be needed from incoming imports Dane Miller and Dante Thompson.
Forward Miller played G-League for the Oklahoma City and at division one college Rutgers while fellow American Thompson is a big man who most recently played in Spain.
FORESTVILLE
Last season: Men – Champions, Women – Champions
Coaches: Men – Andy Simons, Women – Simon Pritchard
Key ins: Men – Brandon Brine (Norwood). Women – Elem Ibiam (import), Zali Grosser (Southern)
Key outs: Men – Majok Deng, Akol Deng (Norwood). Women – Chelsea Roberts (WA), Ella Sawyer (college), Katia Stamatelopoulos, Megan Quinn, Oceana Paulina Hamilton
Forestville coach Andy Simons expected his reigning premier side to start slow, despite retaining the core which led it to last season’s men’s title.
Cairns Taipans forward Majok Deng is the only major out for the Eagles, with Southern Tigers premiership shooter Brandon Brine arriving from Norwood.
“I’m feeling like we’re not where we need to be at the moment, to be honest,” Simons said.
“We’ve still got plenty of work to do so we’re probably going to start a little slowly to begin with, which isn’t always unusual for us but probably more so than normal.
“That’s due to a combination of things. We haven’t seen (Brendan) Teys yet, a slight change in personnel, (Michael) Harris hasn’t come back from the Sixers yet and a few injuries.
“Our goal is always to try and finish top three and go from there.
“I don’t think the competition will be better than what it was last year, but I think it’s going to be more even.”
The Eagles defeated Mount Gambier in last season’s decider, with the Pioneers moving to NBL1’s South conference for 2020.
There is change on the cards for the Eagles’ women with highly-credentialed former Bendigo Spirit WNBL coach Simon Pritchard at the helm.
Pritchard previously led Norwood’s women’s side for five seasons.
He replaces title-winning mentor Monica Bello, who stepped down following 2019’s grand final triumph.
He previously led Norwood’s women’s side for five seasons.
Chelsea Roberts, who led Forestville in scoring last year, has left for WA club Rockingham Flames but the Eagles made a late splash announcing an import signing on Tuesday.
Former South Carolina University captain Elem Ibiam, who has also represented the Nigerian national team and played professionally in Finland and Belgium, joins the club
NORTH ADELAIDE
Last season: Men – 4th, Women – 9th
Coaches: Men – Nathan Hawkes (men), Women – Brenton Johnston
Key ins: Men – Anthony Drmic (Southern Tigers). Women – Leah Metcalf (import/returned), Jess Good (Norwood/UK), Danni Angley (Sturt)
Key outs: Men – Alex Starling (South Adelaide), Bijan Johnson. Women – Sophie Byrne (retired), Mariah Seals, Eliza Joynes
A new home and an impressive off-season has North Adelaide eyeing success in both the men and women’s competitions.
The Rockets have left their home of almost 50 years at Hillcrest to move to Lightsview and now call the Lights home.
But it will be back to the future in other ways for North Adelaide’s women with the return of two pieces, who were integral to the undefeated 2018 title.
Coach Brenton Johnson is back in charge after a year off and the Rockets have also lured import and 2018 league MVP Leah Metcalf back to the club.
Club legend Jo Hill will serve as Johnston’s assistant.
But that they were not the only off-season splashes from the club.
The Rockets also secured the signature of former Adelaide Lightning and Norwood forward Jess Good.
Good – a four-time Flames premiership player – spent last year in the UK playing for Women’s British Basketball League side Sevenoaks Suns.
North finished ninth under Jason Joynes last season but will undoubtedly be a side to watch out for in 2020.
Two-time Woollacott Medallist Alex Starling departed the men’s side for South Adelaide but Adelaide 36er Anthony Drmic makes for a more than handy replacement.
Drmic told The Messenger he was keen to team up with 36ers teammate Jack McVeigh at the Rockets and was hoping for silverware.
“Coming over to play with Jack, that was the main thing,” Drmic said.
“Our goal is to win the whole thing and then go over to Melbourne to play in the national finals and showing out there as well.
“I haven’t won a premiership in a while, didn’t win one in college and haven’t won one in the NBL, so we’ll hopefully get it started and win one in NBL1.”
Bijan Johnson departs but the Rockets have retained import Tobias Dowdell.
NORWOOD
Last season: Men – 3rd Women – 7th
Coaches: Men – Mike Malat, Women – Derrick Washington
Key ins: Men – CJ Turnage (Southern), Akol Deng (Forestville), Lucas Valk (West Adelaide), Daniel Barker (Eastern Mavericks), Matthew Fauser (West Adelaide). Women – Carmen Tyson-Thomas (Eastern Mavericks), Chloe Webley (Central Districts).
Key outs: Men – Brandon Brine (Forestville), James Legan. Women – Cheyenne North (Woodville), Tess Bruffey
How do you bounce back from a preliminary final loss?
Sign the reigning Woollacott Medallist of course.
After falling to Forestville in the battle for a grand final spot last year, Norwood did just that by luring star forward CJ Turnage from Southern Tigers.
It was arguably the biggest off-season coup in the league and the Flames will hope it means going at least one better than 2019’s effort.
Norwood will be led by a new coach in American Mike Malat, who takes over from Michael Rogers
The club lost shooter Brine to the Eagles but have also added Bearcats duo Lucas Valk and Matthew Fauser.
It was an unusual finals absence for Norwood’s women last season, who will also have a new coach in Derrick Washington.
And the Flames, like the men’s side, will look to respond with a big signing.
Last year’s Halls Medallist Carmen Tyson-Thomas has signed on a two-year deal with the club.
Both 2019’s imports Cheyenne North and Tess Bruffey depart.
SOUTH ADELAIDE
Last season: Men – 10th, Women – 10th
Coaches: Men – Jamie Petty, Women – Richard Dickel
Key ins: Men – Alex Starling (North Adelaide), Tanner Giddings (import), Sam Johns (Southern), Codey Ellison (Southern), Isaiah Omamogho (Southern), Todd Davies, Women – Olivia Thompson (Forestville/netball), Ashleigh Spencer (West Adelaide), Darby Maggard
Key outs: Men – Zach Allmon, Dakota Zinser, Tom Hall. Women – Anne Hatchard, Brianti Saunders, Hannah Stewart
South Adelaide’s performance on the court this season may well be impacted by what its stars do on the football field.
The Panthers men’s side enters the season under second-year coach Jamie Petty stocked with talent, including two-time Woollacott Medallist Alex Starling, ex-Adelaide 36ers development player Sam Johns and his Southern Tigers premiership teammate Codey Ellison.
However, each Saturday before the trio take to the court they will be lacing up their boots.
Ellison and Johns have signed for SANFL club Norwood while Starling will play for Barossa, Light & Gawler Football Association side Gawler Central.
Second-year coach Jamie Petty did not shy away from the fact football would have an impact, but was pleased with the line-up assembled.
“We don’t have a crystal ball to predict what impact that will be,” Petty said.
“But Codey has done it (both sports) before, Sam is a great athlete and the thing with Alex, which people probably underestimate a little bit, is the level of competitor he is.
“He has this unique ability to will himself through really tough situations physically.
“It will certainly have an impact, but we’re prepared for it and we’ve also got a good amount of depth to cover as well.”
Versatile big man Tanner Giddings (Canadian NBL) fills South’s second import while
point guard Isaiah Omamogho, son of Panthers great Michael Ah Matt, returns to the club after a season at Southern.
South’s women also slumped to 10th place last season and have brought in former WNBL and Forestville star Olivia Thompson to lead the revival.
Thompson had a year off basketball in 2019 to play netball and comes with an impressive resume, including a Halls Medal.
Ashleigh Spencer arrives from West Adelaide however Adelaide Crows AFLW footballer Anne Hatchard does not return.
SOUTHERN TIGERS
Last season: Men – 5th, Women – 6th
Coaches: Men – David Morrell, Women – Matthew Clarke
Key ins: Men – Viont’e Daniels (import), Koop McCaloop (import), David Humphries (WA), Brandon Holloway (WA), Harrison Mills (returned), Jordan Centenera (Central Districts), Nick Wurm. Women – Jade Redmon (import), Teige Morrell (Woodville)
Key outs: Men – CJ Turnage (Norwood), Anthony Drmic (Southern), Sam Johns (South Adelaide), Codey Ellison (South Adelaide), Hamish Staude, James Adcock, Hamish Burns. Women – Ta’rea Cunnigan, Zali Grosser (Forestville), Tara Dodman, Lauren Fisher
An almost brand new Southern men’s side will take to the floor with many of the members of its successful teams in recent seasons moving on.
Reigning Woollacott Medallist CJ Turnage is the biggest loss to Southern while captain Sam Johns has switched to the Panthers and will be joined by big man Codey Ellison.
Title-winning coach Dean Nyberg has also left the program and has been replaced by David Morrell.
The Tigers have signed point guard Brandon Holloway, who has experience playing in the UK and Austria, forward Harrison Mills returns and Jordan Centenera crosses from the Lions.
Former Washington State University starter Viont’e Daniels and Koop McCaloop fill the import spots.
Southern’s women ended last season sixth, just missing out on a finals berth.
The Tigers do have a new coach this season with 2019 assistant Matthew Clarke taking over from Tracy York.
Imports Jade Redmon and Tiege Morrell join the roster and should lead the way alongside youngster Bella Stratford.
Although Stratford, 18, will only feature with Southern for some of this season after being accepted into California State University, Fullerton.
STURT
Last season: Men – 9th Women – runner-up
Coaches: Paul Rigoni (men), Marcus Wong (women)
Key ins: Men – Joel Spear (Diamond Valley Eagles), Jordan West (West Adelaide), Max Calligeros (Southern). Women – Nicole Seekamp, Kedeisha Kartinyeri (Eastern Mavericks), Jade Johnson (college/returned)
Key outs: Men – CJ Rivers, Nik DeSantis (Mount Gambier). Women – Danni Angley (North Adelaide
One side looking to make a jump up is Sturt.
The Sabres have brought back Paul Rigoni, who coached the club in 2016 and 17, to lead the side off the back of a ninth-placed finish last season.
And Rigoni will have an improved roster at his disposal.
Former West Adelaide big man Jordan West and ex-36ers development player Joel Spear have signed while forward Max Calligeros returns from Southern.
“I took some time off, refreshed, missed in and keen to go back to coaching full-time again,” Rigoni said.
“For us, it’s about blending the new guys, experienced guys we already have and giving opportunities to some younger guys.
“We think we can be pretty competitive.”
Sturt’s women suffered heart break in last year’s grand final with a three-point loss to Forestville.
But the Sabres will take solace in the fact they took out the minor premiership after a dominant season and have also made a big recruiting splash.
Adelaide Lightning captain Nicole Seekamp arrives and brings significant quality and experience.
Expect Sturt to be well and truly back in contention.
WEST ADELAIDE
Last season: Men – 7th (men), Women – 5th
Coaches: Men – Corey Maclean, Women – Joe Noone
Key ins: Men – Nate Sheppard (import), Robert Sampson (import), Lachlan Hunter (Mount Gambier), Mitchell Hunter (Mount Gambier). Women – Jennie Rintala (WA)
Key outs: Men – Bryan Jefferson, Tom Kubank (Mount Gambier), Shane Hayward, Patrick Thomas (USA), Blake Truslove (retired), Matt Fauser (Norwood), Lucas Valk (Norwood). Women – Kristina Arsenic (Central Districts), Ashleigh Spencer (South Adelaide), Alexis Eckles
There has been a significant turnover in the West Adelaide men’s roster with stalwarts Patrick Thomas (USA), Blake Truslove (retired) and Tom Kubank (Mount Gambier) departing.
Both of last seasons imports, Bryan Jefferson and Shane Hayward, also do not return.
Corey Maclean is in charge of the Bearcats again and appears to have two strong signings in imports Robert Sampson and Nate Sheppard.
Athletic forward Sampson should compete well down low and provide some shooting while Sheppard has a history of strong scoring seasons and the Bearcats will look to get the ball in his hands.
The Bearcats women made the finals last season but bowed out to Mount Gambier in the first knockout.
Coach Boti Nagy departs after one season and is replaced by Joe Noone.
Adelaide Lightning centre Jennie Rintala headlines the signings after previously playing in WA’s SBL while Serbian import Kristina Arsenic heads north to Central Districts.
WOODVILLE
Last season: Men – 8th, Women – 8th
Coaches: Scott Whitmore (men), Paul La Mott (women)
Key ins: Men – Bryan McGriff (import/Norwood), Joey Hewitt (import), Devon McGee (Eastern Mavericks). Women – Ionna McKenzie (import), Cheyenne North (Norwood/import)
Key outs: Men – Josh Clippinger, Jonathan Perry. Women – Tiege Morrell (Southern Tigers), Sherrie Session
Woodville coach Scott Whitmore is bullish about his Warriors side as they aim to improve on last year’s eighth-placed finish.
Prolific American scorer Bryan McGriff, who averaged 23 points per game for Norwood in 2018, returns to the league with Woodville.
The club has also signed import guard Joey Hewitt and Devon McGee (Eastern Mavericks).
“We’re in a good situation where we’ve kept the majority of our players and been able to add three new ones,” Whitmore said.
“We’ll be a bit deeper and more potent offensively.
“With Bryan (McGriff) you know what you’re going to get offensively but what I didn’t realise is how good a defender he is as well.
“And Joey Hewitt, he’s going to surprise some teams. He’s smooth, sound fundamentally and will contribute on both ends.”
US-born Paul La Mott replaces inaugural Adelaide 36ers coach Mike Osborne as coach of the Warriors’ women, who also finished eighth in 2109.
Tiege Morrell departs the club for Southern Tigers while imports Ionna McKenzie and Cheyenne North arrive.
ROUND ONE
Saturday, March 14
■ Forestville v Woodville – Wayville
■ South Adelaide v Southern Tigers – Marion
■ Sturt v Central Districts – Pasadena
■ Eastern Mavericks v West Adelaide – Mount Barker
■ North Adelaide v Norwood – The Lights