Full preview of the 2024 NBL1 North men’s basketball season
The NBL1 North men’s basketball season tips off on April 12. We’ve analysed key recruits, picked the players to watch, and made our predictions. Read our deep dive into every team here.
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The heavily anticipated NBL1 North men’s season is set to tip off on April 12, with the playoffs race set to be hotter than ever.
Eight teams were afforded the opportunity to compete in the post-season in 2023, but this has been culled to just six.
It means the barest of margins could be the difference between championship success and the heartbreak of missing the finals.
The 16-team competition seen in 2023 has been reduced to 14 after Redlands-based RedCity Roar were forced to withdraw by the league for failing to meet certain criteria, while the Sunshine Coast’s USC RipCity has pulled out for at least a season.
Clubs recruited heavily in the off-season, with an abundance of homegrown talent also set to rise through the ranks.
Ahead of the opening round, we’ve broken down each club’s roster and made our predictions for the season ahead.
Discover our full club-by-club preview below, and keep an eye out for the women’s installment on Wednesday.
BRISBANE CAPITALS
Home stadium address: Auchenflower Stadium, 16 Dixon St, Auchenflower
Coach: Greg Vanderjagt
Players (roster): Anthony Kopcikas, Georoan Papacotas, Isaih Tueta, Matt Johns, Tim Soong, Dhieu Magier, Gabe Hadley, Cooper Rowlings, Kye Van Beest, Tristan Devers, Sam McDaniel, Tristan Devers, Dhieu Magier
Finished last year: 12th, 7-12
Key recruit: Sam McDaniel was a focal point of the Capitals recruitment in the off-season. Coach Greg Vanderjagt believes he’s one of the best defensive players in the country at any level, and will shape the way we go about their business at that end of the floor this season. He’s a strong and powerful athlete who can exploit his match-up in a number of ways.
Who to look out for and why: Tristan Devers is an up and coming guard and has an ability to impact both ends of the floor. He’s a terrier defensively and a high IQ player, will be a key cog of the Capitals back-court. Capitals junior Tim Soong has also worked incredibly hard over the off-season and is ready to breakout. He’s an integral piece of the Capitals’ puzzle and expect them to lean into his versatility on the wing.
Headline we’d like to see: Gabe Hadley earns another NBL1 all-league first team selection after moving north
Our bold prediction: Capitals sneak into finals.
DARWIN SALTIES
Home stadium address: Ventia Stadium, 220 Abala Road, Marrara, Darwin
Coach: Matt Flinn
Players (roster): Makuach Maluach, Sean MacDonald, Kouat Noi, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Nate Jawai, Deba George, Toby Campbell, Kai Bloom, Daniel Babb, Verle Williams, Chier Maker, Mitch Brauer, Tristyn Ambrose Pearce
Finished last year: 7th, 10-9
Key recruit: It doesn’t get much better than an already established NBL1 MVP in Kouat Noi who averaged 30 points and 11 rebounds a game for USC Rip City.
Who to look out for and why: Makuach Malauach has has played every season with the Salties and very quickly established himself as an x-factor star with a stunning dunk. The NBL player has stated he has unfinished business with the Salties. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk is another one to keep an eye on, the three-time NBL champion is set to call Darwin home in 2024, while Sean MacDonald played every game for the Salties last season and is on a run of form for the Tasmania Jackjumpers in the NBL where he averages more than 20 minutes a game.
Headline we’d like to see: Darwin Salties into historic first grand final
Our bold prediction: Will play a home finals for the first time in their history with an absolutely stacked roster of newcomers in the squad for the 2024 season. Have the roster to go all the way.
CAIRNS MARLINS
Home stadium address: Early Settler Stadium, 289 Aumuller Street, Cairns
Coach: Kerry Williams
Players (roster): Curt Ahwang, Aron Farmer, Ky Stattmann, Kody Stattmann, Alex Mudronja, Jalen Pitman, Kian Dennis, Travis Drinnan, Jaylon Beecroft, Donovan Crowe, Eli Simmons
Finished last year: 6th, 11-8
Key recruit: Alex Mudronja is a player that comes to the Marlins with good experience and has been apart of multiple NBL programs. Coach Kerry Williams is excited to watch him be Cairns’ on court leader.
Who to look out for and why: Aron Farmer does so many things on the defensive end that might not be visible on the stat sheet. All the things on a basketball court you need someone to do.
Headline we’d like to see: 20-year championship anniversary delivers Curt Ahwang another
Our bold prediction: The Stattman brothers, who haven’t played together semi-professionally, form a potent combination for Cairns.
GOLD COAST ROLLERS
Home stadium address: Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium, 296 Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Carrara
Coach: Anthony Petrie
Players (roster): Will Magnay, Jason Cadee, Tidjan Diop, Elijah Kamu, Boston Mazlin, Daniel Titus, Jaryd Eustace, Levi Frankland, Indy Cotton, Jackson McCabe, Matt McKewin, Joshua Wolff
Finished last year: 1st, 17-2
Key recruit: Will Magnay is a huge signing for the Rollers. He has one NBA game for the New Orleans Pelicans under his belt. Has been playing NBL with the JackJumpers and stood tall for a career-high 25 points to lift them past the Hawks in the semi finals.
Who to look out for and why: Reigning league MVP Jason Cadee is no doubt set for a bumper season in 2024. Has an astounding resume that includes NBL experience, QBL MVP, all-league first team selections and championship success. Worth the price of admission and then some.
Headline we’d like to see: Gold Coast Roll grand final demons to taste championship success
Our bold prediction: Jason Cadee wins back-to-back league MVPs, he and Magnay lead Rollers to championship.
IPSWICH FORCE
Home stadium address: Ipswich Basketball Stadium, 2A Ross Llewellyn Dr, Booval
Coach: Chris Riches
Players (roster): Alex Godinet, Jason Ralph, Denzel Kennedy, Michael Fleming
Finished last year: 3rd, 13-6 (champions)
Key recruit: An Ipswich junior, 26-year-old forward Alec Godinet returns after two seasons with Red City. In 18 games he averaged 30 minutes and seven points per game.
Who to look out for and why: Captain Jason Ralph is entering his 14th season with the Ipswich Force and is one of the club’s most dedicated players. Within days of the 2023 championship he committed to returning in 2024.
Headline we’d like to see: Ipswich make it two state titles on the trot after 60-year hoodoo
Our bold prediction: Ipswich struggle to reach the highs of last year and miss the playoffs.
LOGAN THUNDER
Home stadium address: Bendigo Bank Cornubia Park Sports Centre, 146-170 Bryants Rd , Brisbane
Coach: Luke Cann
Players (roster): Zac Triplett, Tyrone Fui, Callum Dalton, Elijah Puna, Isaiah Lee, Tom Howard, Chris Cedar, Shaun Bruce, Jean-Luc Morel, Reegan Trego, Ash McGrath, Jarvarne Hunt, Isaiah Lee
Finished last year: 2nd, 15-4
Key recruit: Sean Bruce is a two-time NBL champion with the Sydney Kings. Cracked the all-league first team last year, and is a floor leader and go-to with the ball.
Who to look out for and why: Power forward and Thunder product Callum Dalton is a younger player who has NBL experience with Melbourne United.
Headline we’d like to see: Dalton has career-best season
Our bold prediction: Younger Thunder lineup make playoffs, fall short of grand final series again.
MACKAY METEORS
Home stadium address: McDonald’s Mackay Multi-Sports Stadium, 107 Juliet St, South Mackay
Coach: Joel Khalu
Players (roster): Isaac White, Brad Rasmussen, Jerron Jamerson, Amarco Doyle, Christian Maran, Kye Medhurst, Kobey Sager, Max Cain, Emmanuel Malou, Luca Yates, Aiden Krause, Emmett Naar
Finished last year: 5th, 11-8
Key recruit: There is a host of big-name signings to select from, but Todd Blanchfield, who recently notched his 400th NBL game with the Hawks, is hard to look past. Born and raised in Mackay, the 32-year-old small forward is versatile and can be a damaging shooter or a creator for his teammates.
Who to look out for and why: 2021 championship winner Jerron Jamerson has returned to the ‘crater’ in 2024 after two seasons with the Salties. Was a grand final MVP with Mackay in 2021 and has averaged 17 points, six rebounds and three assists with Darwin.
Headline we’d like to see: Blanchfield shines in hometown homecoming
Our bold prediction: Fresh off an assisting coaching stint with the Illawarra Hawks, and with a host of new recruits, Joel Khalu takes the Meteors deep into playoffs, reaches grand final series.
NORTH GOLD COAST SEAHAWKS
Home stadium address: Runaway Bay Indoor Stadium, Sports Dr, Runaway Bay
Coach: Colby Stefanovic
Players (roster): Jordan Hunter, Matt Kenyon, Cameron Healy, William Mahoney, Jaze Morris, Kane Bishop, Toby Barlow, Jakob Stadhams, Donovan Russell, Mackenzie Hall, William Taufoou, Khobie De Haan, Nathaniel Salmon, Mitchell Reece, Wilson Page
Finished last year: 13th, 7-12
Key recruit: Sydney King Jordan Hunter has been picked up by the Seahawks. Coach Colby Stefanovic loves the way he plays and has had his eye on him for some time, defensive anchor, unbelievable skill set, passing ability for his size his elite, great at pick and roll, great passing and play making ability. Good team guy, good culture guy
Who to look out for and why: Cameron Healy is a guy that can really turn heads and this season could propel him to the NBL.
Headline we’d like to see: Cameron Healy earns NBL contract
Our bold prediction: Seahawks bounce up the ladder and push for a playoff spot.
NORTHSIDE WIZARDS
Home stadium address: Northside Indoor Sports Stadium, 20 Cambewarra St, Zillmere
Coach: Darryl MacDonald
Players (roster): Jamie Ahale, Jed Richardson, DeShawn Ross-Paiwan, Mitch Stanton, Ben Adamson, Nikau McCullough, Mitch Poulain, Lual Diing, LeBron Brooks, Brodie Crown, Jackson Makoi
Finished last year: 11th, 9-10
Key recruit: Point guard Jackson Makoi spent the NBL season with the Sydney Kings and is going to be a key to the Wizards success. The club will be hoping he can come in and drive the group.
Who to look out for and why: Lual Diing is a human highlight reel. Nikau McCullough was shooting phenomenally for Rockhampton last season and will be looking to continue that form.
Headline we’d like to see: Wizards junior LeBron Brooks makes NBL1 North debut
Our bold prediction: Lual Diing to lead the competition in blocks and rebounds.
ROCKHAMPTON ROCKETS
Home stadium address: Bravus Arena, Sir Raymond Huish Dr, Wandal
Coach: Neal Tweedy
Players (roster): Hayden Richardson, Sean Biernacki, Ben Tweedy, Cameron Goldfinch, Jared Blanchard, Mitchell Kuhl, Mylique Prior, Andre Smith, Baylin Janes, Thomas Sheida, Brayden Huff , Logan Rebetzke
Finished last year: 15th, 4-15
Key recruit: Cameron Goldfinch has crossed to the club from North Gold Coast. Goldfinch previously played NBL for the Bullets. The Rockets also have two big overseas signings set to be announced in the coming days.
Who to look out for and why: Ben Tweedy is a high IQ point guard and will have the opportunity to direct the Rockets around the floor during the 2024 season. The Rockets will be looking forward to his continued development.
Headline we’d like to see: New faces see Rockets crack top 10
Our bold prediction: Improve on last season’s record but fall short of playoffs.
SUNSHINE COAST PHOENIX
Home stadium address: Maroochydore Basketball Stadium, Syd Lingard Drive, Buderim
Coach: Sean Page
Players (roster): Kobe McDowell-White, Jamaal Robateau, Darnell Robateau, Nelson Kahler, Duom Dawan, Cooper Urquhart, Jeryn Lucas, Liam Switzer, Ben Perry, Riley Spicer, Bohde Norton, Matthew Gallagher, Cooper Adams, Jack Woodward, Kobe Goff, Anthony Kleine
Finished last year: 10th, 10-9
Key recruit: Kobe McDowell-White is a Queensland junior from Southern Districts who just turned 20 and has NBL potential, with coach Sean Page believing he’s one of the best young talents in the country. Comes from a prestigious sporting pedigree, with his brother playing NBL basketball with the Breakers and his sister playing WNBL in Townsville. His dad, Darryl White, played 268 AFL games and was fullback in the Indigenous Team of the Century.
Who to look out for and why: Darnell Robateau is returning after a year and a half off basketball due to a serious knee injury, and is a player with real x-factor.
Headline we’d like to see: Phoenix finally break finals hoodoo after consecutive narrow misses
Our bold prediction: Despite his extended injury layoff, Darnell Robateau turns heads in injury comeback.
SOUTH WEST METRO PIRATES
Home stadium address: Hibiscus Stadium, 90 Klumpp Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt
Coach: Aja Parham-Ammar
Players (roster): Kai Woodfall, Ben Volkman, Lamar Patterson, Roman Siulepa, Lachlan Anderson, Nikhil Peters, Tendekai Machango, Archie Smith, Cameron Gordon, Brendan Teys, Christian Pang. Jordan Schwalger, Lonnie Fundaburke
Finished last year: 4th, 11-8
Key recruit: The Pirates have picked up Lachlan Anderson. Anderson plays NBL with the Taipans, and is a high IQ player that provides another shooting option. The Pirates believe he fits their culture perfectly.
Who to look out for and why: Lamar Patterson can still dominate and is motivated for the season ahead.The journeyman has played abroad and has NBA and NBL experience.
Headline we’d like to see: Pirates go one step further and qualify for grand final
Our bold prediction: Pirates to miss playoffs.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT SPARTANS
Home stadium address: Rowland Cowan Stadium, 56 Zahel St, Carina
Coach: Peter Crawford
Players (roster): Oskar Olechnowicz, Brodie Blaser, Zack, McDowell-White, Mason Honeyman, Matt Wilson, Jake Miles-Wrency, Darcy Ryder, Jake Allen, Andre Urgrinic, Ben Hastings, Nick Fee, Mitch Norton, Corey Shervill, Tyrell Harrison, Jarred Bairstow, Max, Kerle, Josh Derksen, Stefano Di Lorio
Finished last year: 9th, 10-9
Key recruit: Tyrell Harrison is coming to the Spartans off the back of a break out season with the Brisbane Bullets. He will be the anchor of what is one of the best defences in the league, but also looking to showcase what he can do on offense.
Who to look out for and why: Mason Honeyman is a quick and dynamic player who can shoot the lights out. The Spartans junior is entering his second season in the NBL1 program, and was recently named in the Centre of Excellence Australian Team that’s heading to Germany to compete. Has a score first mind set and plays with extreme pace and energy.
Headline we’d like to see: Honeyman has breakout NBL1 season
Our bold prediction: Spartans qualify for playoffs.
TOWNSVILLE HEAT
Home stadium address: Townsville Stadium, 1/40-48 Murray Lyons Crescent, Annandale
Coach: John O’Farrell
Players (roster): Richard Peachey, Ethan Betts, Michael Cedar, Harry Morris, Kyrin Galloway, Max Norton, Chris Kann, Kyle Leslie, Matthew Rees, Marshall Wilson, Sam Haughton
Finished last year: 14th, 5-14
Key recruit: Kyrin Galloway had been playing NBL with the 36ers, and the Heat are hoping his expertise can lead and guide their young team.
Who to look out for and why: Harry Morris was a development player with Hawks NBL outfit this season and will be one to watch.
Headline we’d like to see: Matthew Rees becomes new games record-holder at Heat
Our bold prediction: Heat pull off some surprise upsets but struggle to contend for playoffs.
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