SuperCoach BBL08 winner Nick Sprunt reveals the secrets to his success

Nick Sprunt was second heading into the final round of SuperCoach BBL last summer. The teenager reveals how a decisive captaincy call secured him $25,000 and the crown of Australia’s top SuperCoach.

Tim Michell

2 min read

December 6, 2019 - 4:13PM

SuperCoach BBL

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Nick Sprunt owes Dan Christian a Christmas card.

The 19-year-old led Sprunts Superstars to glory in SuperCoach BBL last summer, finishing 68 points clear of QV Express after entering the last round in second.

Melbourne Renegades all-rounder Christian was pivotal to Sprunt’s success, clubbing 38 from 30 balls and snaring 2-33 to engineer an against-the-odds triumph in the BBL decider.

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“I backed my gut, which I advocate,” he said.

“Always back your gut. I went Dan Christian captain and he had a blinder.”

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PICKING A SUPERCOACH BBL TEAM

Dan Christian celebrates Melbourne Renegades’ victory with fans.

Heâ€™s just gone and done it. #BBLSuperCoach pic.twitter.com/kFlacHzoot
— Nooie (@Sprunt_co) February 17, 2019

The Wodonga teenager realised he was a genuine chance of claiming the $25,000 prize when he rose from 7963rd after Round 1 to fourth overall after eight rounds.

“The double game players played a big part and getting in value players,” he said.

“I avoided D’Arcy Short last year and Joe Denly, they were overpriced, and got the cheaper guys.”

The Hobart Hurricanes fan said he was known as a “stats man” who “loved a spreadsheet” and would stick to his winning formula in BBL09.

“You have to be aggressive with your trading,” he said.

“People say you should hold D’Arcy Short through the whole tournament, you just can’t do that. There’s just money and points to be put into other areas.”

Dan Christian was the matchwinner in the BBL final and secured Sprunts Superstars the SuperCoach BBL title.

NICK’S TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Don’t overthink it

Many coaches make the cardinal sin of overthinking their strategy or trades, rather than backing their gut. “I haven’t had a good look yet, but I have got a basic strategy down pat and players I want to pick,” Sprunt said.

You don’t have to be different

The top scorers feature in most teams for a reason. You can be burned quickly by avoiding players just for a point of difference. “Don’t be different to be different. Just pick who you think will score the best,” Sprunt said.

The start isn’t everything

Nick was ranked 7963rd after Round 1. But through shrewd trading he rose to fourth and was in contention for the prizes by Round 8. “The start isn’t everything. I was ranked about 7000 after Round 1. Not bad, but not great at all. It’s a long season,” he said.