The top 10 NBL1 North players set to shine in 2021 finals series

The inaugural NBL1 North finals are about to tip-off and we have unveiled the top players to watch. SEE WHO MADE IT

A star-studded field of talent will hit the court this weekend as the inaugural NBL1 North finals tip-off.

With teams in do-or-die situations from the quarter-finals, this weekend is set to produce some performances to remember as teams from all over Queensland fight to keep their championship hopes alive.

The finals series will feature an Olympic star as well as NBL veterans, some of the top US imports playing in Australia as well as some of the country’s best rising talent.

We at NewsCorp have named our top 10 players to watch in the NBL1 North finals.

Emmanuel Malou throws down a dunk for Mackay Meteors. Picture: Matthew Forrest

EMMANUEL MALOUR (MACKAY METEORS)

One of the most exciting talents not only in the NBL1 North but in Australia, Emmanuel Malou has been in red-hot form for the Mackay Meteors all season.

Averaging almost 19 points per game to go with 7.4 rebounds while shooting at more than 54 per cent from the field, the athletic and versatile forward has stunned crowds with his high-flying antics and ability to score at will.

His performances helped him earn an NBL contract with the Adelaide 36ers.

Gold Coast Rollers player Jason Cadee.

JASON CADEE (GOLD COAST ROLLERS)

No one has found a way to beat Jason Cadee when it has mattered in the Queensland state competitions over the past two seasons after he dominated at finals time to claim two titles for the Brisbane Capitals.

But now the Brisbane Bullets star us doing it in another uniform with the Gold Coast Rollers as he hoped to carry the club to a droughtbreaking championship.

Having put in some of his best performances over the past two years at finals time, Cadee will prove one massive obstacle for teams to stop.

Shaun Bruce. (AAP Image/James Gourley)

SHAUN BRUCE (LOGAN THUNDER)

Leading the minor premier Logan Thunder from the point guard position, Shaun Bruce has played the perfect role in putting his teammates in the best positions to succeed.

Averaging just 12 points per game this season, along with seven assists, expect the Sydney Kings star to lift his production for the Thunder to accompany his back-court mate in MVP candidate Jeremy Kendle.

Bruce has the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor and will need to if Logan are to win the title.

Lamar Patterson. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)

LAMAR PATTERSON (SOUTHERN DISTRICTS SPARTANS)

Arguably one of the best imports in the NBL, Lamar Patterson has spent his off-season with the Southern Districts Spartans.

The team was just able to scrape into the top eight but will face a tough task against the Logan Thunder in the quarterfinals this weekend.

But superstars produce when it matters most and Patterson, who averages just more than 19 points per game, could put the Spartans on his back and carry them to an upset victory.

Tanner Krebs. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

TANNER KREBS (USC RIP CITY)

The Brisbane Bullets youngster has been in impressive form for the University of Sunshine Coast Rip, even claiming a player of the week honour along the way.

But the Rip face a daunting task against Jason Cadee and the Gold Coast Rollers in the first round so the Sunshine Coast will need everything and more from the former St Mary’s star.

Krebs is averaging more than 24 points per game along with seven rebounds.

Maddison Rocci. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

MADDISON ROCCI (SOUTHERN DISTRICTS SPARTANS)

A two-time WNBL champion and now an Australian Opals squad member, Maddison Rocci will be looking to add an NBL1 North title to her resume with the Southern Districts Spartans.

The former Canberra Capital now Southside Flyer leads a star-studded Spartans side, who went through the regular season undefeated and are the championship favourites heading into the finals.

With her ability to light it up from anywhere on the floor, Rocci will definitely be one to watch throughout the finals.

Mikaela Ruef. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

MIKAELA RUEF (LOGAN THUNDER)

A hardworking forward and former QBL MVP who is most known for her tireless work on the glass, Mikaela Ruef has been one of the brightest stars so far for the Logan Thunder.

Averaging almost 20 points per game to go along with 17.5 rebounds, Ruef has continued her dominant form that she has had ever since playing in Queensland in 2019.

The Canberra Capital will be looking to add another championship with the Thunder after claiming the QSL championship last year.

Meteorettes' Cayla George. Picture: Stewart McLean

CAYLA GEORGE (MACKAY METEORETTES)

The biggest star in the competition, Cayla George will return to the court for the Meteorettes after representing the Opals at the recent Tokyo Olympics.

And while the team didn’t perform as they expected, George had an impressive individual tournament and will be motivated to win coming back to Mackay.

The Melbourne Boomers skipper dominated the NBL1 before going to the Olympics and will be aiming to do the same in the finals.

Lauren Mansfield. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

LAUREN MANSFIELD (GOLD COAST ROLLERS)

Beware the wounded.

The Gold Coast Rollers have made it to the finals despite a tough season, missing players through injury, including former Opals squad member and WNBL star Lauren Mansfield.

But Mansfield is back for the Rollers, who will look to record an upset when they travel north to take on the Townsville Flames.

Stephanie Reid. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

STEPHANIE RIED (TOWNSVILLE FLAMES)

After a breakout WNBL season with the Townsville Fire, Steph Reid has continued to improve, taking the Townsville Flames to a top four spot and a home quarterfinal in the NBL1 North.

The dynamic guard has produced some massive games for the Flames this season and will get to showcase her skills in an epic match-up against Lauren Mansfield in the quarterfinal Saturday night.