The 10 NBL1 Central players set to shine in the 2021 finals series
The NBL1 Central finals are set to tip-off this Saturday and we’ve selected an eye-catching player to watch from each side. Check out the top 10.
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NBL1 Central teams placed second to fifth in the men’s and women’s leagues will hit the court this Saturday, with elimination and qualifying finals on show from 6.15pm.
The North Adelaide Rockets will take on the Southern Tigers in the men’s elimination final, while Forestville faces Norwood in the qualifying final.
Forestville takes on North Adelaide in the women’s elimination and Sturt takes on South Adelaide in the qualifying final.
Top men’s team Sturt will have a week off, as will the Southern women’s team.
Ahead of the finals, we’ve selected a must-watch player from each side.
Here is our list.
SAM DALY (STURT SABRES)
As the floor general of the regular season’s strongest team, Daly is capable of unlocking any defence.
The Sabres guard averages 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists a game, all while shooting 51 per cent from the floor.
He is also a fantastic defender who has the ability to lock down any star guard or forward in the competition.
MICHAEL HARRIS (FORESTVILLE EAGLES)
Harris is currently one of South Australia’s best young talents.
He has previously played for the 36ers and, according to Eagles coach Andrew Simons, “is currently on the fringe of the NBL”.
Harris has experience performing in big games and is one of the league’s best scorers.
With evenspread averages of 22 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5 assists a game, Harris is comfortably one of the better players who will feature in this year’s finals.
CJ TURNAGE (NORWOOD FLAMES)
CJ Turnage has been one of the most dominant big men in South Australian basketball for some time now.
The veteran Flames forward averages 24 points a game on 50 per cent shooting.
An underrated aspect of Turnage’s game is his passing – he possesses high basketball IQ and is always able to find the open man.
With strength and smarts to his name, he’ll be a tough task for any finals team.
VERLE WILLIAMS (NORTH ADELAIDE)
This North Adelaide guard is a key part of an electric Rockets offence.
Averaging 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3.5 assists, Williams can do it all.
Coach Dean Nyberg describes Williams as “a dynamic guard whose speed and athleticism allows him to play much bigger than his size.”
He’s capable of producing big performances in the bright lights, his recent 24 point, 7 rebound show against Norwood for example, and he will be a handful for opposing guards in this finals series.
KOOP MCCALOP (SOUTHERN TIGERS)
McCalop is an athletic center capable of making big, momentum-changing plays.
He brings high energy to every contest, which suits finals basketball perfectly.
“He’s a great defender and rebounder,” coach David Morrell said.
“He’s an exciting, athletic big man who often makes very big highlight plays dunking and blocking shots.”
TEIGE MORRELL (SOUTHERN TIGERS)
Morrell is one of the most skilful players in the women’s competition.
Playing center, the Tigers star averages 23 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists a game on an impressive 62 per cent from the field.
Also a menace on the defensive end, she has the ability to block multiple shots and grab important rebounds in the clutch.
She’ll be one of the hardest players to lock down in the postseason and is a big chance for Finals MVP.
JADE JOHNSON (STURT SABRES)
Sturt’s star guard is set to have a big finals run.
Johnson is the perfect floor general, who according to coach John Turnbull “scores out of our system and creates for others by dragging away from our actions.”
She is also a fantastic shooter, scoring 16 points a game this year on an efficient 50 per cent.
OLIVIA THOMPSON (SOUTH ADELAIDE PANTHERS)
Thompson is another of the women’s league’s top rebounders, pulling in 14 a game while also scoring 24 points.
A dominant forward, the Panthers star has been a force for her side against every side this year.
She has a consistent ability to get to the free throw line as well, which makes her a horror matchup for most defences.
Keep an eye out for her to take over as South Adelaide pushes for this year’s championship.
SAM SIMONS (FORESTVILLE EAGLES)
Yet another top talent out of Forestville who has experience overseas and in the NBL, Simons has done it all.
She can play most positions on the floor for the Eagles and almost always stuffs the stat sheet.
Averaging 22 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5 assists a game, the Eagles star has a habit of controlling games.
She is undoubtedly one to watch in finals this year.
TAYLOR ORTLEPP (NORTH ADELAIDE ROCKETS)
Ortlepp brings maximum intensity to every contest, no matter the opponent.
The Rockets guard does everything, averaging 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
She’s a pest on defence as well, consistently getting in the opposition’s grill to force important turnovers.
North Adelaide coach Brenton Johnson said she is a dream player to mentor.
“It’s a pleasure and privilege to coach such a hardworking athlete,” Johnson said.
Keep an eye on her this series.
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