Your ultimate guide to the NBL1 East men’s 2024 basketball season
The NBL1 East season is right around the corner. Ahead of tip off on April 6, check out all your need to know for all 16 teams including rosters, players to watch and our predictions for the year.
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The NBL1 East season is almost here, with the top clubs from across NSW and the ACT all vying for championship glory.
A number of new import players have arrived, as well as young guns being called up to the senior ranks, resulting in potentially one of the most competitive seasons in the league’s short history.
Ahead of tip off on April 6, we’ve done a deep dive on all 16 teams and their key signings, players and made some bold predictions for their season ahead.
Albury Wodonga Bandits
The Bandits are stacked with talent this year as new coach Matt Kowalczyk eyes a return to the finals series. Davo Hickey is a huge pick up for the Bandits and will add some much needed points and energy to the team.
Home stadium: Lauren Jackson Sports Centre - 229 North St, East Albury NSW 2640
Coach: Matt Kowalczyk
Roster: Lochie Cummings, Jacob Cincurak, Callan McDonald, Shawn Montague, Kevion Blaylock, Davo Hickey, Sam Webb, Sam Hawkins, Eric Miraflores
Finished last year: 10th (11-11)
Key recruit: Shawn Montague joins the Bandits after a stint with the Hills Hornets. He was a 15-point, eight-rebound player last season and adds a versatile body at the three or four. His experience in this league will prove crucial for the Bandits.
Player to watch: Will ‘Davo’ Hickey is easily one of the best players in the NBL1 East. During his season with the Illawarra Hawks in 2023, Hickey was third in the league for points in 2023 averaging 22.8ppg and first for assists with 6.2. His stock only grew with his impressive performances in the NBL for the past two seasons and he heads to the Bandits with a point to prove.
Headline we’d like to see: Bandits break years-long drought to secure 2024 finals berth
Our bold prediction: The Bandits will hit the ground running, getting some early wins and building a solid wins tally. Other teams will catch up towards the end of the season, but the Bandits will hold strong for a finals berth.
Bankstown Bruins
The Bruins have brought plenty of attacking power into their roster this season after only recording four wins in 2024. Shareef Saipaia has been picked up from the Spiders and is set to do wonders with a competitive team behind him, while Hayden Blankley will challenge him as the side’s top scorer. Consistency will be key for the Bruins if they’re any chance of moving up the ladder.
Home stadium: Bankstown Basketball Stadium - 2 Third Ave, Condell Park NSW 2200
Coach: Curtis Sardi
Roster: Jack Lopez, Hayden Blankley, Nae Hightower, Andre Wolford, Alex Foster, Jonah Pares, Thomas Daus, Josh Shepard, Charlie McBeath, Tomas Ramos, Shareef Saipaia, Aqeel Alexander, Adrian Vuljanic, Dylan Ruiters, Jesse Edwards, Kaige McLauchlin, Luke Vrcelj, Miguel Campos, Null Mayen Deng, Wani Gwada
Finished last year: 13th (4-18)
Key recruit: After a season with the Spiders, Shareef Saipaia is back at Bankstown and primed to be the team’s top scorer in 2024. Averaging 18.4 points per game last season, Saipaia will bring much needed points to the Bruins.
Player to watch: Hayden Blankley is their obvious star. They will go as far as he takes them. He averaged a 20-point double-double last season with four assists. The wing does it all and will need support to lift them into the playoffs.
Headline we’d like to see: Bruins’ top eight hopes boosted by stellar undefeated run
Our bold prediction: The Bruins will be much improved on last season and will be in the mix late for a finals spot.
Canberra Gunners
Finishing third after a title-winning season in 2022 has lit a fire under the Canberra Gunners to prove they’re still a championship calibre team. The Gunners have brought back Will Mayfield after a season down south, linking up with local young guns Cam Pender and Lachlan Smith.
Home stadium: Belconnen Basketball Stadium - 42 Oatley Ct, Belconnen ACT 2617
Coach: Peter Herak
Roster: James Toohey, Will Mayfield, Lachlan Smith, Cameron Pender, Austin Clarke, Lucas Schmidt, Angus Byatt, Derek Emelifeonwu, Glenn Morison, Zac McDermott
Finished last year: 3rd (15-7)
Key recruit: A key piece in the Gunners’ 2022 championship-winning season, Will Mayfield is back in Canberra for the upcoming season following a stint at NBL1 South team Mt Gambier Pioneers. Mayfield had a breakout season in 2022 and backed it up down south, averaging 9.83ppg and 3.57 rebounds with the Pioneers.
Players to watch: Young guns Cameron Pender and Lachlan Smith are set to back-up their rookie seasons with the Gunners in 2024. Both players were rewarded with solid minutes at the end of 2023, with Pender averaging 9.39ppg and Smith 8.13.
Headline we’d like to see: Gunners go one better and book their place in the grand final
Our bold prediction: The Gunners will build on their 2023 form to be fighting for the top spot on the ladder.
Central Coast Crusaders
The Crusaders have made some big changes as they look to turn around a disappointing 2023, most notably recruiting experienced coach John White to lead the team. White has brought together a heap of talent to the Coast, with the team comprising of a good mix of local talent and key signings.
Home stadium: Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium - 12 Duffys Rd, Terrigal NSW 2260
Coach: John White
Players: James Trustum, Luke Cassidy, Ben Stevens, Robbie Heath, Will Bates, Tom Akamarmoi, Chan Nai, Tye McGann, Seth Chapman, Evan Wardlow, Tom Akamarmoi, Alex Bailey, Cooper Harris, Dylan Tea, Hayden Ellis, Jamal Shoaib, Kieran Osborn
Finished last year: 12th (6-16)
Key recruit: Robbie Heath is set to bring his high energy style and consistent scoring talents to the Coast for 2024. He averaged 15.15 points per game in his most recent NBL1 South season with Keilor Thunder, and has one season of NBL experience.
Who to look out for and why: Homegrown talent Luke Cassidy is a versatile player and had a solid season in 2023, averaging 15.48 points and 3.42 assists per game and has high expectations for himself and the team for the new season. An incredibly dedicated player, Cassidy has been looking to coach White for areas of improvement to up his game in 2024.
Headline we’d like to see: Homegrown talent shines as Crusaders push for finals
Our bold prediction: Crusaders will have a season of mixed fortunes but will still be in touching distance of the top eight.
Centre of Excellence
The Centre of Excellence have a lot of unknowns heading into the new season and won’t even tip off their campaign until round three due to competing in the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Manheim, Germany. The CoE had an incredible 20-2 record last season but fell to eventual champions Sutherland Sharks in the semi-finals. They’ll no doubt be a team to watch this season, both as a whole and as the country’s best up and coming players make their mark.
Home stadium: AIS Basketball and Netball Centre - Building 13, Bruce ACT 2617
Coach: Robbie McKinlay
Roster: Josh Dent, Kye Savage. Luke Fennell, Jacob Furphy, James O’Donnell, Emmett Adair, Abass Bodija, Carlin Briggs, Ajak Nyuon, Flynn Pavely, James Dyson Merwe
Finished last year: 1st (20-2)
Who to look out for and why: Two new additions to the CoE this season are James Dyson Merwe, originally from Sydney Comets, and Flynn Pavely from Manly. Both are NSW Metro representatives and will be keen to prove themselves early in their senior basketball careers.
Headline we’d like to see: Surprise star in CoE’s consecutive title run
Our bold prediction: The CoE will go one better and claim their rightful place in the East’s decider
Hills Hornets
The Hornets have regrouped after an early finals exit last season, with a new mindset and some new faces set to make a real impact in 2024. The addition of Chris Bryant and Ish Sanders will be a big boost for the Hornets’ points tally and will be crucial come finals time.
Home stadium: Hills Basketball Stadium - Caterson Dr, Castle Hill NSW 2154
Coach: Reece Potter
Roster: Patrick Nicholson, Campbell Green, Joe Patmore, Marvin Fidel, Mitchell Smith, Liam Moss, Ishmael Sanders, Jamie Munro, Chris Bryant, Saxon Orsini, Ethan Moss
Finished last year: 6th (14-8)
Key recruit: American power forward Chris Bryant was a dominant force in his debut NBL1 East season last year with the Inner West Bulls, averaging 20.61 points and 8.55 rebounds per game. At 6’6”, Bryant is an imposing figure on the field and will bring an exciting energy to the Hornets.
Who to look out for and why: Point guard Ishmael Sanders comes to Hills on the back of a championship-winning, MVP season with Sunbury Jets in the Victorian Big V League. Sanders averaged 28.52 points, 4.87 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game in 2023.
Headline we’d like to see: Hornets go one better in finals with eyes on the decider
Our bold prediction: Hornets will easily make finals and will be strong contenders for the championship.
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders
Finishing at the bottom of the ladder and only one win last season, the only way is up for the Spiders as they head into the new season with “zero expectation and a mountain of motivation.” Coach Tim Hudson is back at the helm and has gutted his squad, retaining only one player from 2023 and adding some young, exciting new talent.
Home stadium: The Brickpit - 1A Dartford Rd, Thornleigh NSW 2120
Coach: Tim Hudson
Roster: Raymond Takchi, Isaiah Walter, Danny Garrett, Kody Finch, Nathan Chappel, Alan Carswell, Alexander Sidhu, Brian Ansuh-Yeboah, Filip Vasic, Hayden Ford, Julian Mendria, Kingsley Gyesi-Bisah, Lachlan Arnot, Lengudi Gur, Steven Hall
Finished last year: 16th (1-21)
Key recruit: Exciting young point guard Isaiah Walter is back in Australia after honing his craft at a basketball prep school. He featured in 13 games for the Crusaders last season and coach Hudson said he’s a massive coup for the club.
Who to look out for and why: Danny Garrett will be crucial for the Spiders as they go through a rebuild this season. Garrett is one of the most hardworking players in the comp and lead the Spiders through some very tough times last season. Hopefully with a solid roster behind him, Garrett can really shine.
Headline we’d like to see: Spiders rise off the bottom in sophomore season
Our bold prediction: The Spiders will be a formidable team this season. They may not be finals contenders, but with a youthful squad and a whole lot to prove they’ll be unrecognisable from last year.
Illawarra Hawks
So close and yet so far, the Hawks will be determined to right the wrongs of 2023 and break through to the top eight. They’ve lost top player Will Hickey to the Bandits but have stayed true to young, local talent and added upcoming star Brad Ballinger to a team full of potential.
Home stadium: The Snakepit Stadium - 37 Foley St, Gwynneville NSW 2500
Coach: Nashat Al-Saadi
Roster: Patrick Lancaster, Tex Keeble, Judah Kami, Brad Ballinger, Massimo Hobbs, Philip Dopud, Aaron Puljic, Alexei Plijevic, Angus Murdoch, Emmanuel Edwards, Ethan-James Laudato, Tristan Glenn, William Rice
Finished last year: 9th (12-10)
Who to look out for and why: Rookie and Hawks junior Brad Ballinger makes the jump to the NBL1 East side with plenty of hype surrounding him. A regular feature in NSW state teams, Ballinger was awarded Basketball Illawarra’s Junior Male Athlete of the Year Ballinger for the past two years. In his final season in the junior leagues, Ballinger averaged 11.12 points.
Headline we’d like to see: Hawks juniors lead finals charge
Our bold prediction: The Hawks will struggle early on but will be in the mix for a top eight spot late in the season.
Inner West Bulls
A disappointing end to the 2023 season has left the Bulls with a big point to prove in 2024. Coach Ing Lau said the team was just ‘one player away’ from finals success and has kept the bulk of the squad in an effort to build on last year’s performance.
Home stadium: ELS Hall Park - 109A Kent Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113
Coach: Ing Lau
Roster: Tony Tolovae, Jake Ohmer, Zach Hudson, Viliami Fokati, Alexander Higgins-Titsha, Kaylan Bayer, James McCann, Joseph Kordahi, Ben Basten, Jonni Mei-Edwards, Nicko Timonera, Isaac Signal, Linden Smith-Hyde, Cameron Day, Ramon Cao, Andrew Swanson, Jovan Pavrinja, Marko Rangan
Finished last year: 2nd (18-4)
Key recruit: American Jake Ohmer brings an impressive resume to the Bulls. A scoring machine, Ohmer averaged 17.3 points per game at Georgetown College during his senior season in 2022/23, after transferring from NCAA D1 school University of Western Kentucky.
Who to look out for and why: Alex Higgins-Titsha was one of the standouts for the Bulls last season, leading the team’s stats in rebounds (8.68 rpg) and blocks (1.36 bpg). He brings a strong defensive presence and helps lead the team off the court.
Headline we’d like to see: Bulls finish on top with focus now firmly on finals
Our bold prediction: The Bulls will be back in the title picture in 2024, breezing through the finals stages to earn a place in the decider.
Maitland Mustangs
There’s a great deal of familiarity with the Maitland Mustangs, and why wouldn’t they want to get the band back together. They finished seventh and surged their way to the grand final, keeping a lot of their core together will benefit them. The likes of William Cranston-Lown, Billy Parsons and Daniel Millburn can serve as the catalyst for another title charge.
Home stadium: Maitland Federation Centre - 10 Bent St, Maitland NSW 2320
Coach: Luke Boyle
Roster: William Cranston-Lown, Christian Little, Billy Parsons, Daniel Millburn, Jack Edwards, Josh Clifford, Luka Vea, Jay Cole, Ben Matthews, Isaac Testoni, James Beavis, James Hunter, Matthew Gray, Riley Markovich, Will Mortimore
Finished last year: 7th/runners-up (14-8)
Key recruit: A dynamic defender and proven point scorer, American import Christian Little brings a lot of potential to Maitland. He is a Regis University alumni, averaging 17.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in his senior year.
Who to look out for and why: 19-year-old Luke Vea will only get better after his maiden NBL1 East campaign last year. Stands at 198cm tall and is a versatile player, with some big wraps on his work on the defensive end. Shapes as one who can make a big impact in 2024.
Headline we’d like to see: Mustangs get over the hump to claim NBL1 East crown
Our bold prediction: William Cranston-Lown to put himself right in the frame for MVP talks.
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
The 2023 wasn’t ideal for Manly, who struggled to find their form and were stagnant at the bottom of the ladder. Experienced coach Tim Hill has made a host of changes to bring in fresh talent and improve this year, including NBL1 North star Mason Bragg and American import Jonas Harper.
Home stadium: Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre - Jacksons Rd, Warriewood NSW 2102
Coach: Timothy Hill
Roster: Mason Bragg, Matt Eldridge, Jonas Harper, Zac Kimball, Stefan Valkovic, Lachlan Clark, Mitchell Evans, Ben Jerome, Eromon Uadiale, Luke Schroeder, George Kual, Aiden Pashley, Liam Doughty, Jock McHugh, Jake Hyman, Oliver Hammond
Finished last year: 14th (4-18)
Key recruit: Mason Bragg joins Manly after spending the past two NBL1 seasons with the Sunshine Coast Phoenix. A talented point guard who has played with the Perth Wildcats and SEM Phoenix in the NBL, Bragg brings leadership capabilities and will fill the role of floor general to perfection.
Who to look out for and why: Fresh from graduating college at Boston University, Jonas Harper is a 3x Patriot League All-Defensive Team member and is set to light up Manly this season. He was a regular starter with the Terriers during his time at college and averaged 10.5 points per game in 2022-23.
Headline we’d like to see: New-look Manly make late charge for finals.
Our bold prediction: The Sea Eagles have everything at their disposal to turn it around in 2024, with a late run of form to put them in contention for the top eight.
Newcastle Falcons
The Falcons scraped into the finals series last season and although it’s anyone’s game in 2024, the Falcons are set up for a strong showing this year. They boast a good mix of local juniors including Alex Clinton and Jai Smith, as well as key imports and signings such as American Jai Smith III and Kiwi Francis Wi Neera-Mulvihill.
Home stadium: Newcastle Basketball Stadium - 27 Young Rd, Broadmeadow NSW 2305
Coach: Josh Morgan
Roster: Myles Cherry, Ryan Beisty, Jai Smith III (USA), Jai Smith, Jaidyn Goodwin, Francis Wi Neera-Mulvihill, Kobe Shannon, Daniel Borbarjo, Alex Clinton, Matur Maluach, Lewis Mason
Finished last year: 8th (14-8)
Key recruit: American power forward Jai Smith III is set to bring a whole new energy to the Falcons as he eyes a move to the NBA. The 20-year-old recently played for the Sacramento Kings in Summer League and Sioux Falls Skyforce in the G-League.
Who to look out for and why: Newcastle young guns Alexander Clinton and Jai Smith have impressed during the pre-season following their rookie year in 2023. Coach Morgan said he can see their willingness to improve through the extra training time on the court and is keen to see what they can do this season.
Headline we’d like to see: Falcons easily clinch consecutive finals berth
Our bold prediction: The Falcons will be ones to watch this season, will easily make finals and be underdogs for the decider
Norths Bears
You get the feeling there’s unfinished business for the Bears men coming into the new season. They finished fourth and were bundled out of the playoffs before their time, and that should motivate them for a good showing. Mardell Worthy is a nice addition to a team boasting a number of returning faces and they’re every chance of going further than last year.
Home stadium: North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre - Level 5/36 Hume St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
Coach: Angus Bourke
Roster: Brennan Rymer, Mike Golding, Nathaniel Musters, Lewis Holey, Mandrell Worthy, Mikey Yoong, Pietro Badalassi, Robbie Moore, Pat Fraser, Cooper Wilks, Eoin Fitz-Gerald, Gabriel Lopez, Kenny Manzi, Loukas Triantis, Lueth Awan
Finished last year: 4th (15-7)
Key recruit: Mandrell Worthy comes to the Bears after a stint with Diamond Valley in Victoria where he averaged 11 points at close to 50 per cent from the field. Expect him to play a key role in leading the offence and will be someone that can attack with his defence, averaging over a steal per game.
Who to look out for and why: Brennan Rymer is the obvious choice. A veteran who is turning 36 this year but you wouldn’t know it judging by his level of play. He was averaging 22-4-4 last season and was playing big minutes throughout the year.
Headline we’d like to see: Bears bite back to earn grand final spot
Our bold prediction: With the addition of Worthy, the Bears will view anything less than a GF appearance as a failure, so we’re backing them to get there.
Penrith Panthers
Stacked full of young, local talent, the Panthers could be the surprise of the NBL1 East this season. Coach Jarrod Moore made a conscious effort to recruit homegrown talent, including some returning faces such as Ben Kearins and Josh Kalwy.
Home stadium: Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre - 30 Herbert St, Cambridge Park NSW 2747
Coach: Jarrod Moore
Roster: Ben Kearins, Brodie Schwarzer, Joshua Kalwy, Zeke Evans, Caleb Fetui-Fa’amoe, Krenz Carlos, Sota Fukihara, Jaedyn Fetui-Fa’amoe, Athian Acuel, Ammaron McCarthy, Luke Griffith, Ryan Peterson, Jack McWilliams, Noah Webb, Jett Hickson, Mabok Makoi, Kaelem Petersen, Will Ezekial
Finished last year: 15th (22-3)
Key recruit: Experienced guard and former Penrith junior Ben Kearins is back with the Panthers after a solid 2023 with Hills Hornets, averaging 9.81 points and 5.63 assists per game.
Who to look out for and why: It’ll be hard to miss towering 7’1” centre Jack McWilliams this season. He joins the Panthers from Bankstown Bruins and has experience in college basketball with Oklahoma City University.
Headline we’d like to see: Panthers make decent climb up the ladder
Our bold prediction: Penrith will make solid improvements from last season but will just miss out on finals.
Sutherland Sharks
Reigning NBL1 East champions Sutherland Sharks have surprisingly undergone quite a few changes for 2024. They have an obvious target on their back for the new season but coach Patrick Williamson said he plans to take it ‘one game at a time’. The Sharks’ core starters Adrian Cabrera, Geoff Gerlach and finals MVP Lochlan Hutchison will be key once again, while new import Brian Williams brings plenty of experience and some fresh energy.
Home stadium: Sutherland Basketball Stadium - Waratah Park, Rawson Ave, Sutherland NSW 2232
Coach: Patrick Williamson
Roster: Adrian Cabrera, Angus Lake, Aaron Waban, Callum Norris, Mamadou Fall, Jordan Hilder, Chris Vera, Joshua Sheehy, Spencer Musgrove, Brian Williams, Geoff Gerlach, Lochlan Hutchison, Bailey Macarthur, Klairus Amir, Lav Pesika, Oliver Smith, Tom Gleeson
Finished last year: Champions/5th (14-8)
Key recruit: Experienced import Brian Williams joins the Sharks from the Wisconsin Herd in the NBA G League. Williams played various stints in Europe and Asia and is expected to make an instant impact with the Sharks.
Who to look out for and why: Finals MVP Lochlan Hutchison knows how t0 show up in big matches and was a key component of the Sharks’ Championship run in 2023. He averaged 17.5 points, 5.8 assists and 5.6 rebounds per match last season and will be a consistent feature this year.
Headline we’d like to see: Super Sharks seal back-to-back titles
Our bold prediction: The Sharks will have a tough start to the season with so much change in the team, but will easily make finals
Sydney Comets
Althoughthe Comets finished outside of the top eight in their inaugural NBL1 season, the team had a very strong showing. Coach Lachie Longergan has added some impressive names to his squad including NSW state representative Anthony Mundine III, Hawks NBL player Biwali Bayles and the returning Obi Kyei.
Home stadium Comets Stadium - 53 Maddox St, Alexandria NSW 2015
Coach: Lachie Lonergan
Roster: Anthony Mundine III, Benjamin White, Christian Aukuso, Edward Finlayson, Johnny Crnogorac, Julian Revell-Reade, Kelly Delahunty, Marley Grace, Nick Jackson, Nicolas Feng, Richard Popovic, Rowan O’Callaghan, Tom James, Biwali Bayles, Matt Wacher, Ernee Docker, Obi Kyei
Finished last year: 11th (11-11)
Key recruit: Biwali Bayles is a huge signing for the Comets as they look to break into the finals picture. The combo guard is currently with the Illawarra Hawks after two years with the Kings. Will benefit from extended court time and the chance to make this team his own from the point.
Player to watch: Obi Kyei has rediscovered his love for basketball and the 6’9’ centre is a walking double-double. Adds a real pain presence for the Comets to compliment a gun back-court.
Headline we’d like to see: Consistent Comets on track for first finals appearance
Our bold prediction: The Comets will make the top eight and go far in the finals series.
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