Full preview of the 2024 NBL1 Central men’s basketball season
The NBL1 Central basketball season tips off this weekend and we’ve analysed every team list, picked the players to watch and made our predictions for the 2024 men’s campaign. See our full preview.
Basketball
Don't miss out on the headlines from Basketball. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The 2024 NBL1 Central basketball season will tip off this weekend as South Australia’s top clubs hit the court for the first time this year.
A number of star recruits and returning big names will compete for silverware during what should be one of the competition’s most competitive seasons yet.
Ahead of the opening round, we’ve analysed each club’s list, standout recruits and made our big predictions for season 2024.
CENTRAL DISTRICT LIONS
Home Stadium: Starplex – 18/20 Alexander Ave, Evanston Park
Coach: Rupert Sapwell
Players (roster): Branden Jenkins, Koen Sapwell, Kalani Sapwell, Magnus Richards, Apiok Dau, Lino Manhom, Sunday Bol, Clayton Jewell, Magok Manyang, Ayual Garang, Diing Lual, AJ Day, Spencer Gaze, Miller Drewett, Anthony Peev, Carmine Esposito, Makai Dornford, Louis Schell
Finished last year: 8th
Key recruit: Magnus Richards (Hong Kong)
Who to look out for and why: Star guard Branden Jenkins will be one to watch for Central District after a dominant 2023 campaign during which he averaged 25 points, four assists and five rebounds.
Headline we’d like to see: Lions launch finals bid
Our bold prediction: Fifth and a finals win
While Central District struggled last season, a number of key signings could see the club move up to a fifth-place finish and possibly steal an early finals win. The addition of Magnus Richards, an American import who last played in Hong Kong, will add some more versatility to the side, while Branden Jenkins should continue his strong performances in the competition. Rising young guard Spencer Gaze could also provide the boost the Lions need with his ability to score and create for others. Adelaide 36ers legend Rupert Sapwell, who coached Norwood to back-to-back championships in 2008 and 2009, has taken over as coach of the club and should help to develop some of the up and coming stars the Lions have in their possession. An opening round clash against Eastern Mavericks could make for the perfect start for the club, with a big win potentially going a long way to kickstarting a competitive season. Do not be surprised to see the Lions surge up the ladder this season and make some noise in finals.
EASTERN MAVERICKS
Home stadium: St Francis De Sales Community Sports Centre, Mount Barker
Coach: Ryan Meakin
Players (roster): Jaime Kennedy, Moses Nuangki, Brandon Edwards, Freddy Webb, Ben Young, Zach Nulty, Bailey Gilbert, Will Wimshurst, Owen Raneberg, Matthew Clark, Melvin Newbern Jr, Ethan MacDermot, Lachie Hunter, Hamish Todd, Jordan Rawls, Brandon Feirclough, Bailey Anderson
Finished last year: 9th
Key recruit: Moses Nuangki
Who to look out for and why: Melvin Newbern Jr has joined from America and will bring a versatility to the wings for the Mavericks this season.
Headline we’d like to see: Young Mavs make winning run
Our bold prediction: Upset some big teams, finish just outside finals
The Mavericks have lost 2023 star player Jack Hemphill to Norwood while versatile guard and wing James Legan has also departed. The club will enter the 2024 season with a more youthful line-up while maintaining some experience and will look to players such as young recruit Moses Nuangki to continue to develop. Ryan Meakin has arrived at the Mavericks as coach after a successful five-year stint with Mount Gambier in the NBL1 South. Melvin Newbern Jr is also a new name who could provide the club with a boost, the talented wingman arriving from America and boasting the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. While a finals appearance would seem unlikely for the Mavericks, a late push and multiple upset wins may not be out of the question for the new-look side.
FORESTVILLE EAGLES
Home stadium: Wayville Sports Centre – 142 Rose Terrace, Wayville
Coach: Andrew Simons
Players (roster): Declan Bell, Uche Dibiamaka, Adam Doyle, Stefan Gould, Nick Griguol, Owen Hulland, Fiston Ipassou, Daniel Johnson, Isaac Jurecky, Lee Manolakos, Greg Mays, Brad Rathjen, Tom Vears, Boh Wilcox, Jordy Wilson
Finished last year: Runner-up
Key recruit: Fiston Ipassou
Who to look out for and why: Star veteran guard Adam Doyle remains the heart and soul of his Forestville team and should produce his best on both ends of the floor during another season with the Eagles.
Headline we’d like to see: Eagles soar for championship redemption
Our bold prediction: Another deep finals run but just short of grand final
Forestville heads into season 2024 with another strong roster headlined by point guard Adam Doyle, big man Daniel Johnson and skilled forward Greg Mays. All three big names should produce top drawer seasons for the Eagles yet again, while the addition of former Adelaide 36er Fiston Ipassou and the expected continued development of Brad Rathjen should also provide the side with a boost. One of the competition’s top coaches, Andrew Simons, returns for another season at the helm after the club’s 2023 grand final loss to West Adelaide and will undoubtedly draw on that experience to motivate his troops for this year’s campaign. With talent right across the board, Forestville should be a major chance at their first men’s title since 2019 and while we have them just missing out, a championship run is not out of the question.
NORTH ADELAIDE ROCKETS
Home stadium: The Lights Community & Sports Centre – 244-270 East Pkwy, Lightsview
Coach: Michael Rogers
Players (roster): Sam Connor, Robert Crawford, Tom Cromarty, Kane Della-Pia, Anyang Garang, Jackson Haren, Hayden Lovell, Tinashe Matambanadzo, Richard McCalop, Keouvion (Koop) McCalop, Durrell McDonald, Steven Parfitt, Luke Perry, Jaxon Sangster, Caleb Watson, Angus Crosby, Jayden De Meo
Finished last year: Seventh
Key recruit: Richard McCalop
Who to look out for and why: Koop McCalop has been a standout of the NBL1 Central competition throughout a number of seasons and should be a dangerous asset for the Rockets on the wings and at forward this year with his athleticism and scoring ability
Headline we’d like to see: Rockets fly to contention
Our bold prediction: Top four finish, push for semi finals
North Adelaide looks set to improve on last season after retaining star player Koop McCalop and adding former Darwin Salties player Anyang Garang as well as American import Richard McCalop to the mix. Michael Rogers will coach the side again after his debut season with the club in 2023 and will look for his team to hit a higher level of production on the offensive end this year. This should be no issue with the fresh talent the Rockets have been able to add and they will be expected to take it to the competition’s top teams more often this season. While they made need to pull off an upset to go all the way and win another NBL1 championship this season, they should be a major chance for a finals run.
NORWOOD FLAMES
Home stadium: The ARC – 531 Lower North East Rd, Campbelltown
Coach: Tim O’Dell
Players (roster): Blake Morrow, Jack Hemphill, Daniel Webber, Guy Lineage, Darcy McNamara, David Rinaldi, Jack Stanwix, Isaac Miller-Jose, Riley Harrap, Thomas Goodall, Alex Dodson, Cooper Osborne, Jett Swaffer, Sam McMartin, Liam Neville
Finished last year: Sixth
Key recruit: Jack Hemphill
Who to look out for and why: Youngster Alex Dodson has made a name for himself as one of SA’s brightest basketball prospects in recent years and could provide a major boost for the Flames on the wing and in the front court with his ability to defend, rebound and finish inside.
Headline we’d like to see: Flames red-hot in 2024
Our bold prediction: Top two finish
Norwood should be one of the big improvers this season after adding a number of names including Eastern Mavericks star Jack Hemphill and retaining other important players across the court. Young gun Alex Dodson could be set for a breakout year after getting his first taste of NBL1 action last season, the forward prospect boasting an impressive skill set on the offensive and defensive end of the court, while former North Adelaide star Riley Harrap will also provide a boost on the perimeter for the Flames. With a number of big names now set to take the floor for the Flames, the side’s offensive output should significantly increase. We would not be surprised if Tim O’Dell’s men finished in the top two or three and pushed for a grand final appearance this season.
SOUTH ADELAIDE PANTHERS
Home stadium: Mitchell Park Sports & Community Centre – 139 Bradley Grove
Coach: Graham Kubank
Players (roster): Brayden Stewart, Sam Johns, Ricardo Martin, Matt Regenass, Curtis Scott, James Boonstoppel, Daniel Smith, Codey Ellison, Jarryd Hoppo, Jack Curran, Tom Kubank, James Brooks, Jonty Smith, Andrew Barton, Alex Starling
Finished last year: Fourth
Key recruit: Ricardo Martin
Who to look out for and why: Alex Starling remains one of the most damaging players in the NBL1 Central competition and the dominant forward should be raring to go after time with the Adelaide 36ers.
Headline we’d like to see: Panthers make championship push
Our bold prediction: Top spot, championship winners
With reigning league MVP Jeremy Smith also a major possibility to return to the club in the mid-season, South Adelaide should have a major chance at its second title in three years in 2024. The arrival of Ricardo Martin on the wings and at forward from Southern Tigers is also a significant move, while Alex Starling should wreak havoc against most competition yet again. Graham Kubank joins as coach after time as an assistant with the 36ers and should make his side a contender. If Martin, Starling and Smith all click on both ends of the floor, South Adelaide will be hard for anyone to beat and should lead the way in 2024. Look for the Panthers to perform against most clubs and push both Norwood and West Adelaide all the way.
SOUTHERN TIGERS
Home stadium: Morphett Vale Basketball Stadium – Sports Park Dr, Morphett Vale
Coach: Michael Lake
Players (roster): Issac Abergut, Lem Ajith, Christian Artacho, Nick Baxter, Thomas Bertram, Dane Bobinac, Jok Bulabek, Remy Candlett, Michael Diggins, Edvard Kristiansen, Nic Logan, Riley Miller, Ashley Mitchell, Mitchell Olbrich, Harvey White, Patrick Dickeson, Isaac Hampel, Joseph Coole, Manyok Ajak, Brandon Gillespie
Finished last year: 10th
Key recruit: Michael Diggins
Who to look out for and why: Riley Miller is an exciting recruit out of the University of St Thomas in the USA and could provide the Tigers with the boost they need from the perimeter with consistent shooting and playmaking. Michael Diggins will also be a player to watch, the 6-8 wing and forward bringing a huge skill set to the club out of the US.
Headline we’d like to see: Tigers on tear to surge up ladder
Our bold prediction: Club improves on last season, Diggins joins MVP race
The Tigers will be eager to improve on their disappointing bottom finish in 2023 this season and the recruitments of exciting wings Michael Diggins and Riley Miller could be an important step in that direction. Adelaide 36ers development and academy coach Michael Lake also stands to be a major move for the club as it looks to introduce a new approach and new ideas in the hope of stringing better results together. With a number of promising players remaining at the club and the additions of Diggins and Miller to the wings, we expect the Tigers to improve on last season. If the side can avoid the bottom of the ladder it will be as a result of an improved offence with Diggin and Miller at the forefront.
STURT SABRES
Home stadium: Springbank Secondary College – 267 Daws Rd, Pasadena
Coach: Paul Rigoni
Players (roster): Sam Daly, Patrick Darcy, Tobias Dowdell, Noah English, Jordan Forbes, Sebastian Griffin, Toby Hunt, Emil Kourani, Daniel Nash, Harry Reemst, Jacob Rigoni, Matthew Rule, Jamie Smith, Jackson Tucker, Jack Turnbull, Blake Cranna, Mike Shortt, Tyson Dyer, Hayden Meakes, Joel Dyer
Finished last year: Third
Key recruit: Tobias Dowdell (returning)
Who to look out for and why: Jordan Forbes put together a spectacular 2023 season, averaging 20 points six assists and nine rebounds a game. The star guard looks set to hit another gear in 2024 after another promising pre-season with Sturt.
Headline we’d like to see: Sabres storm to big dance
Our bold prediction: Club makes grand final after falling short in 2023, Jordan Forbes wins MVP
Sturt could be set for a big season in 2024, with the return of longtime SA basketball star Tobias Dowdell to a side which boasts other star names like guards Sam Daly and Jordan Forbes, as well as standout forward Jacob Rigoni, who averaged 18 points and eight rebounds last season. Coach Paul Rigoni will go around again with the club after a strong 2023 campaign which saw the Sabres finish third. While the side fell short of a grand final appearance last year, that experience could very well see them take the next step and properly challenge for the championship. Jordan Forbes did a bit of everything for the club last season on both ends of the floor, and if he can reach another level and put himself in the race for MVP, the club should go close to claiming a championship.
WEST ADELAIDE BEARCATS
Home stadium: Port Adelaide Recreation Centre – 50 Vincent St
Coach: Dean Nyberg
Players (roster): Harry Bruce, Noah Collinson, Malang Deng, Mirko Djeric, Anthony Drmic, Jordan Heading, Ghyslain Irenge, Will Jenkins, Riley Real, Joel Spear, Hamish Staude, Sean Stock, Matt Trandafil, Carter Truslove, Jordan West, Jude Mann
Finished last year: Champions
Key recruit: Mirko Djeric
Who to look out for and why: Anthony Drmic is hard to go past as one to watch for the Bearcats, the well-known 36er bringing a wide skill set to the side as a talented swingman who can score, defend and set his teammates up for good looks.
Headline we’d like to see: Drmic turns back the clock to lead Bearcats all the way
Our bold prediction: Bearcats narrowly miss the big dance after key personnel losses
West Adelaide has lost grand final MVP Lachlan Olbrich after the young gun helped the club to the title last season, as well as guard Nick DeSantis, but will also welcome Cairns Taipans guard Mirko Djeric to the fold. Star NBL1 coach Dean Nyberg will go around again with the club after leading it to the title and will be looking for others to step up this year. Former Adelaide 36er and current Tasmania JackJumpers player Anthony Drmic will need to pick up from where he left off last NBL1 Central season during which he averaged 23 points, four assists and nearly eight rebounds. If Drmic can lead from the front and receive solid support from his teammates, the Bearcats may go close to claiming consecutive championships.
WOODVILLE WARRIORS
Home stadium: St Clair Recreation Centre – 109 Woodville Rd
Coach: Scott Whitmore
Players (roster): Sharif Black, Zac Camerlengo, Charlie Costello, Daniel Fejo, Emre Fisk, Joe Jackson, Charlie Knowles, Hudson Lindner, Alex Maiorana, Daniel McKee, Riley Meldrum, James Pergat, Tom Sutton, Kurt Whitmore, Nick Wurm, Devon McGee, Ben Janssan, Zac De Wit, Uzoma Dibiamaka, Toby Woolcock
Finished last year: Fifth
Key recruit: Sharif Black
Who to look out for and why: Joe Jackson has been a stalwart for Woodville at centre through a number of years now and should dominate on both ends of the floor for the Warriors again this year with his ability to defend, rebound and score.
Headline we’d like to see: Warriors’ grit earns finals berth
Our bold prediction: Woodville establishes league-best defence and makes finals again
The Warriors have added star player Sharif Black to their line-up after just making finals last season. Black, originally from Detroit, has played in Australia through the past four years in the ‘Big V’ for Wallan and McKinnon. He led the Big V in scoring in 2022 and was a championship player and all star member last season. Veteran coach Scott Whitmore would be thrilled to add him to a line-up which already includes superstar centre Joe Jackson, who can anchor the defence and also act as a creative outlet up front. Woodville has all the makings to rediscover the defensive identity which helped it to a grand final against South Adelaide in 2022, and if the team can come together on both ends, it could push for another postseason appearance.
More Coverage
Originally published as Full preview of the 2024 NBL1 Central men’s basketball season
Expert intel: Michael Randall’s SuperCoach NBL team revealed
How do you put together a winning SuperCoach NBL team? Basketball guru MICHAEL RANDALL reveals his line-up with two days to go until tipoff.
NBL dictionary: Nail these terms to dominate SuperCoach
If you can get your head around all this slang you are one step ahead of the rest in SuperCoach NBL. Check out our full glossary of terms.