NBL Dunk ladder: Which players and teams top the league in slams?
It’s a basketball artform that can be equal parts majesty and aggression. It can ignite a team and a crowd and rip the heart out of the opposition. Who are the NBL’s best teams — and players — at the sport’s most-exciting skill - the dunk?
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Deano’s Dunk Kings at Melbourne United are bracing for a fired up Phoenix after the axing of former Vickerman disciple Mike Kelly — without one of their best players in Shea Ili.
United’s combination of athleticism and connection has the club atop the NBL’s dunk ladder, led by centre Marcus Lee (13) and Jumpin’ Jack White (9), who have more slams between them than any other club in total — many of them alley-oops.
Adelaide NBA recruit Montrezl Harrell’s 12 dunks splits Lee and White at No.2, followed by 7’3” teen Rocco Zikarsky at No.4 — six of the Brisbane Next Star’s 10 field goals across three games have been dunks, despite averaging just 11 minutes on the court.
“With the passing ability we have with Delly (Matthew Dellavedova) and Shea, having that lob threat is needed and it allows CG (Chris Goulding) and IC (Ian Clark) and other guys on the perimeter to get open,” Vickerman said of his focus on an art that serves as a team-igniter — and deflates the opposition.
“We talk about chemistry being the thing that drives us. Maybe our connection is one of the best in the league in some of those situations.”
While there’s a belief sporting teams can get a ‘sugar hit’ after a coaching change, three of the past four NBL clubs to do so have begun with a loss. Regardless, Vickerman’s expecting a lift from the 0-5 Phoenix, who have installed assistant Sam Mackinnon as interim but are understood to be closing in on an overseas coach.
“We spoke about expecting their effort areas to be at a higher level and we’ve got to go out and hit first,” Vickerman said of a task made tougher by the absence of Shea Ili, out with a calf injury.
United usually does hit first against their state rival, owning an 18-7 record, all-time, including 10 of the last 12 Throwdowns.
“There’s a definite lift in intensity,” he said.
“We know that the city’s important. We’re fighting for wins, we’re fighting for fans, we’re fighting for dollars and just understanding what it means to be super competitive and have a great success rate against your cross-town rivals is good for our club.”
Following Kelly’s sacking, Vickerman reached out to his 2018 NBL title-winning assistant.
“My goal is to go sit down, have a coffee and a chat with him and see where he’s at with his basketball journey,” Vickerman said.
“There’s opportunities overseas where agents and different people will bounce off our club to see if we know anyone.
“He’s an incredible person and high-value guy and he loves the game of basketball.”
MELBOURNE’S DOMINANCE OF SEM
All-time: 18 wins, 7 losses
Away: 9-3
Home: 9-3
*One loss at JCA as a neutral venue during Covid-affected 2021 NBL Cup.
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