All the key players ahead of the 2023 NBL1 South finals
Rising stars, experienced heads and Australian representatives will be hoping to lead their teams to NBL1 South when the finals start this week. Here are the key players for each team.
East
Don't miss out on the headlines from East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
The NBL1 South finals are finally here.
Sixteen teams — eight men and eight women — remain in the hunt for bragging rights and a trip to the national finals.
Here are they players who will be key to their team’s chances.
MEN
DIAMOND VALLEY EAGLES
BJ Symons: The forward has enjoyed a career year with improvements across several different stats. He is an efficient shooter when given the opportunity.
Ngor Manyang: The 29-year-old will be hoping to rediscover some of his early season form especially on the offensive threat. A consistent threat on the boards.
ELTHAM WILDCATS
Owen Foxwell: The young gun has shown why the South East Melbourne Phoenix signed him to the NBL main roster with a brilliant season on all fronts.
Angus Glover: Has enjoyed an impressive debut season with the Wildcats, scoring 19 points per game on 48.75 per cent shooting.
FRANKSTON BLUES
Lucas Barker: Led the league in assists this season with 6.55 per game but can impact the game in different ways. He averaged 16 points a game on 43.8 per cent shooting.
Daniel Trist: One of the longest serving members on the Blues’ roster, Trist is coming off a brilliant season where he averaged 20 points per game. He had two big games to finish the regular season.
KNOX RAIDERS
Deng Acuoth: Doesn’t always need big minutes to have an impact on the floor, highlighted by his league leading 2.05 blocks a game. Has the ability to add valuable points on offence.
Ke’Jhan Feagin: A high energy guard with the ability to score quickly and put up big numbers.
MT GAMBIER PIONEERS
Jacob Lampkin: A real standout for the Pioneers throughout the season. Lampkin is a player who can put up huge numbers but also impact defensively.
Nick Marshall: The free scoring guard was the Pioneers leading scorer this season with 22 points per game. Also brings his teammates into the game with his wonderful playmaking ability.
NUNAWADING SPECTRES
William Carius: The American import has proven to be an excellent acquisition for the Victorian side this season with a team-high 21 points per game, shooting an impressive 47.68 per cent.
Josh Tomasi: An impressive defender who loves nothing more than swatting opposition shots. He doesn’t always need big minutes to have a strong impact.
SANDRINGHAM SABRES
Ben Ayre: Recently earned a deal with the South East Melbourne Phoenix after a brilliant season at this level. A high volume shooter that can hurt opposition teams in a variety of ways.
Campbell Blogg: A breakout season for the Sabres with 15.86ppg and 2.64apg. He will be a development player at Melbourne United for the upcoming NBL season.
WAVERLEY FALCONS
Dexter Kernich-Drew: A two-time NBL champion with the Wildcats, the 31-year-old is a lights out shooter from deep.
Dillon Stith: The 31-year-old is one of the competition’s best players and looms as a key to his side’s title hopes. A team leader in points, rebounds and blocks.
WOMEN
BENDIGO BRAVES
Megan McKay: One of the key reasons the Braves have not tasted defeat this season. McKay has shot the ball at an insane 68.77 per cent.
Kelly Wilson: An experienced head who helps to set the tone defensively for the title favourites. She’s averaged 2.23 steals per game this season.
ELTHAM WILDCATS
Anneli Maley: The 24-year-old forward leads her team in points, rebounds and assists — that explains it all.
Rebecca Pizzey: One of the best defenders in the league. She averages 2.11 steals and 1.79 each night.
FRANKSTON BLUES
Louise Brown: A double-double threat every time she comes out onto the floor. She’s consistently looking to get into the passing lanes but as shown by her five-block outing against Geelong United on July 1, Brown can do a bit of everything.
Micaela Cocks: The Kiwi offers a little bit of everything at both ends of the floor. Shooting almost 90 per cent from the charity stripe, that could be a key in the big moments.
GEELONG UNITED
Chantel Horvat: Since returning to Australia, Horvat has put up some fantastic numbers, scoring and rebounding.
Ella Tofaeono: A consistent threat on the boards, averaging 11.33 rebounds, but Tofaeono also has shown she can have a big impact offensively.
MT GAMBIER PIONEERS
Sherrie Calleia: Averages six assists per game but you shouldn’t be surprised if the South Australian finishes a playoff game in double figures.
Miela Goodchild: Once part of Duke’s famous college basketball system, she has thrived in the Pioneers’ offensive system with 23ppg. The 23-year-old has represented Australia at junior level and been part of the 3x3 national team.
RINGWOOD HAWKS
Piper Dunlop: Her minutes on the court are all about impact. She doesn’t always have a big say at the offensive end but she thrives on getting in the way on defence.
Marena Whittle: What a season it has been for Whittle. Most of her numbers are in 2023 are above her career average.
SANDRINGHAM SABRES
Funda Nakkasoglu: Her team’s leading scorer this season and her ability to play big minutes could be crucial in the coming weeks.
Eilidh Simpson: Makes everything tick for her ream on offence with sublime playmaking skills.
WAVERLEY FALCONS
Bec Cole: One of the stars of the competition. Cole can score herself or bring her teammates into the game if required.
Maddi Utti: Loves the big moments after claiming the Finals MVP while with West Adelaide last season. The American has made a big impact in different areas of the game.
Local footy coaching great calls time
One of the game’s most decorated suburban senior coaches has called time – but as one club great departs the post at the Eastern outfit, another fills the void.
Ex-Magpie’s homecoming headlines Eastern club’s signing spree
An Eastern Division 1 club admits it has ‘got lucky with a few’ gun signings – including a former junior fresh off an AFL stint.