NBL Finals 2022 ultimate guide: A look at the match-ups, stars and X-factors as four teams fight to reach the pinnacle
They can win a game in one moment, or pound their opposition into submission. These are the NBL stars with X-factor who must fire for their teams to achieve the ultimate prize.
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And then there were four.
The regular season’s done, the individual awards have been handed out and now it’s time for the serious stuff.
The NBL finals tip off Thursday and that means one team is five wins away from the ultimate glory.
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Matt Logue and Michael Randall look at the match ups, key men and X-factors in one of the most-hyped NBL finals’ series in recent memory.
X marks the spot
Every team needs an X-factor to win a championship. Matt Logue and Michael Randall take a look at the players who may not hog the big headlines, but could easily decide the NBL title race.
Chris Goulding
Melbourne United
You can tell the NBL finals are just around the corner, because CG43 has begun sharpening the knives.
There’s an edge to the United captain that tends to come out when the stakes begin to rise.
The Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist’s shooting is one of the most-devastating weapons in the league.
Teams have so much fear that he occupies the best defender, opening the floor up for United’s legion of scorers. It’s no secret Goulding puts United on his back and carries them home when required and you can guarantee he will produce at least one draw-dropping moment in each game of the NBL finals.
Jarell Martin
Sydney Kings
Understated off the court yet consistent on it, Martin is a key cog for the Kings.
The former Memphis and Orlando big man combines his presence in the paint with a strong offensive game, including an ability to drop bombs from range.
Martin is hard to stop when he finds his mojo while he perfectly complements Sydney’s stars like Xavier Cooks and Jaylen Adams.
If the Kings want to lift the trophy, they’ll need this ex-NBA big at his best to beat the likes of United and their MVP candidate centre Jo Lual-Acuil.
Martin is more than capable of steering Sydney to post-season success – just don’t expect him to gloat about it.
Duop Reath
Illawarra Hawks
Reath has helped the Boomers claim a historic Olympic bronze medal – and now he wants an NBL championship to add to his trophy room.
The South Sudanese-born big has been brilliant for the Hawks at both ends of the floor to look right at home in his first NBL season following successful stints in Europe.
Reath is one of the league’s most efficient big men, averaging 15 points and 7 rebounds to become a Hawks hero for the Illawarra faithful.
The Hawks need their marquee big to fire to have any chance of beating United or the Kings for the NBL championship.
Jack McVeigh
Tasmania JackJumpers
If there is a player who personifies the Tasmania JackJumpers’ culture, it’s Jack McVeigh. McVeigh is the type of athlete every teams needs: effort, energy and selfless and he has given these qualities to the JackJumpers in spades. The 25-year-old took the risk to sign with Tasmania after putting together a career-best season with the Adelaide 36ers. He averaged a career best 9.4 points in 36 games for the 36ers in 2021 and shot a career-high 42.5% from three-point range. McVeigh could have stayed in Adelaide, but he was excited by the challenge of becoming a leader at the NBL’s new franchise and he hasn’t looked back. He has averaged career highs with 11.9 points and 4.8 rebounds while his 134 rebounds was the most by any JackJumper in their debut season.
Semi-final 1
Melbourne United (1st) v Tasmania JackJumpers (4th)
MELBOURNE UNITED
After two games of NBL22, Melbourne United were written off. With Jock Landale gone and, after an 0-2 start, many thought the reigning champions had cooked it. But not those in the know. United has a production line of stars, any of which can step up on a given night and, after punishing the Sydney Kings with a record-breaking win, they produced a series of multiple-game winning streaks to ensure they finished on top of the NBL ladder and now head into the finals with home-court advantage.
Strengths: Depth, depth, and more depth. Dean Vickerman has the luxury of literally 10 guys who would start on just about every other NBL team — and the Coach of the Year finalist is an expert at finding and running with the hot hand. Everything good United does starts with defence. They have two superb big men in Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Ariel Hukporti who never let up on that end of the floor, a hyper-athletic rottweiler in Jack White and a trio of guards — Shea Ili, Matthew Dellavedova, and Caleb Agada — who are a nightmare for opposing scorers. Oh, and a guy named Chris Goulding, who is in range as soon as he turns onto Olympic Boulevard.
Weakness: Do they have one? Perhaps the fact they haven’t found a consistent third guy to stand up on offence. Agada should be that man, but he is a confidence player and, if they don’t go down for him early, he can ride rough streaks. Dellavedova, White and Ili have shown signs but, on the rare occasion both Goulding and Lual-Acuil Jr are quiet, who can step up and fill the void?
Final word: Only a fool would tip against the reigning champions. After a mini lull, United enter the finals among the league’s form teams and I expect them to go all the way. Will be tough to stop.
TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS
The NBL’s new boys on the block have made the finals in their first season. What a remarkable story. The JackJumpers were tipped to finish in the bottom two teams at the start of the season, but we underestimated Tassie’s toughness and tenacity under head coach Scott Roth. Roth has built a rock solid culture in Tasmania, where his team fights for every scarp like their lives are on the line. Throw in proven shooters in Josh Adams and Josh Magette and reliable role players like Jarrad Weeks and Clint Steindl and the JackJumpers are one of the NBL’s toughest teams to beat. That statement alone is a significant testament to Tassie’s heart in the franchise’s maiden season. From here, anything is possible in the words of Boston Celtics legend Kevin Garnett. Dream big, JackJumpers fans.
Strengths: Sheer energy and effort. The JackJumpers fight for every possession like a hungry seagull at Bondi Beach. This tenacity has become Tasmania’s trademark this season, and it has made sure they’ve been competitive in every game they’ve played. Roth also has instilled a sense of pride in his players to defend “The Island” in Tassie, and this is written all over everything the JackJumpers do on the court. The Tasmanians also possess potent shooters in Josh Adams and Josh Magette, who when on their game, allow the JackJumpers to compete with any team in the NBL. Tassie doesn’t have Melbourne United’s talent, so they need to rely on the effort plays to make the semi-final series against the defending champions a dogfight. The JackJumpers defeated United back in round 10, so there is a formula for success in the finals.
Weakness: The JackJumpers lack size compared to their rivals, especially Melbourne United, who will have big man Jo Lual-Acuil constantly attacking the paint. Tassie also lack offensive firepower despite the best efforts of players like Adams and Magette. The JackJumpers are last in field goal percentage and second last in scoring in the regular season. You can’t ignore these statistics, especially when Tassie will come up against the NBL’s best defence in Melbourne United. Effort can only take you so far against quality opposition like United, who will be desperate to defend their championship.
Final word: Tasmania has got nothing to lose. No one expected the JackJumpers to make it this far, so they should throw everything at the finals. History is there to be created if Tassie want it.
Semi-final 2
Illawarra Hawks (2nd) v Sydney Kings (3rd)
ILLAWARRA HAWKS
Brian Goorjian’s men haven’t been as consistent as last season’s run to the semi-finals, but they still possess the strike to be a serious championship contender.
The Hawks showcased this ability when they defeated defending champions United in two blockbuster games in Melbourne.
Goorjian is a proven winner, hence his record six titles, but does his side of the selflessness, chemistry, and poise under pressure to add to the master mentor’s bulging trophy cabinet?
Strengths: Illawarra has two of the NBL’s finest sharpshooters in Tyler Harvey and Justinian Jessup. When Harvey and Jessup and fire on the offensive end, the Hawks win most of their games. Add in the physical presence of Duop Reath, Antonius Cleveland and Sam Froling and Goorjian’s men provide a potent threat at both ends of the court. Then there is Goorjian’s proven success on the post-season stage. ‘Goorj’ knows how to win when it matters most, and he’ll have his Hawks firing.
Weaknesses: The Hawks found themselves in trouble this season when they played hero ball with isolated plays in offence. This selfish style resulted in poor ball movement, which opposition teams lapped up for breakfast defensively. Illawarra must move the ball and find open spaces for their shooting stars to be successful in the finals. If the ball stops, the Hawks’ finals hopes will stop dead in the water, especially against the likes of Sydney and Melbourne.
Final word: Never underestimate a Brian Goorjian coached team, particularly in playoff basketball, but I fear Illawarra’s finals campaign will end in the semi-final stage for the second consecutive year.
SYDNEY KINGS
No one expected Sydney to feature in the finals back in December when they won just three of their opening eight matches. The knives were out, with critics suggesting the Kings roster couldn’t compete for a championship. Admittedly, injuries played a major role in Sydney’s early struggles, because when fit they went on a historic winning streak to sew up a top two position. One rival CEO recently declared the Kings the NBL’s most talented team, and he’d be shocked if they didn’t win the championship. The stage is set.
Strengths: This Kings roster is loaded with talent and depth. When Sydney runs the floor with their up-tempo offensive game, few teams in the league can keep pace. In stars Jaylen Adams and Xavier Cooks, the Kings possess a pair of two-way beasts who can dominate the game multiple ways. Throw in Sydney’s ‘Dogs on a ball’ style swarming defence and the Kings have the best all-round game to challenge defending champions Melbourne United for the championship.
Weaknesses: Inexperience in the big games. This Kings roster is largely untested in the NBL post-season. Sydney missed the finals last season and, while the likes of Jaylen Adams, Ian Clark and Xavier Cooks have played crucial games in the past, the Kings aren’t as finals conditioned as other sides. The men from the Harbour City have the talent to overcome their finals inexperience, but it will be interesting to see how they respond if a team like United go on a run or apply the blowtorch.
Final word: The Kings are capable of winning the championship, but it could come down to their mindset in the big moments. Chase Buford’s side tick a lot of basketball boxes, so I’m tipping them to play Melbourne United in the grand final series.
Big guns primed to light up the NBL finals
Meet the NBL’s big guns who are locked, loaded and ready to decide your team’s championship fates.
Jo Lual-Acuil (United), Jaylen Adams (Kings), Tyler Harvey (Hawks) and Josh Adams (JackJumpers) have led the charge for their respective teams all season.
Now the bright lights of playoff basketball has arrived, so which star will shine the brightest?
Kings gun guard Adams is the MVP favourite in many people’s eyes with his potent all-round game.
The Sydney star also leads the league in assists with his surgically accurate passing, so he is primed to add a championship?
We can’t forget about Melbourne’s big man Lual-Acuil, who has excelled replacing NBA-bound Jock Landale as United’s presence in the paint.
The South Sudanese big stuffs the stat sheet with ease while he is one of the NBL’s most intimidating players with his sheer size.
Then there’s Illawarra’s Harvey – a sharpshooter capable of dropping dimes like Warriors superstar Steph Curry.
If Harvey catches fire, the Hawks are extremely hard to beat.
The same can be said for Tasmania’s Josh Adams in the shooting department. Adams has averaged 16.64 points this season to help the JackJumpers create history and qualify for the finals in their first season.
So, the stage is set, which big gun will lead his team to championship success?
Jo Lual-Acuil Jr
Melbourne United, centre
2021/2022 stat line:16.81 points, 9.23 rebounds and 1.54 assists
Chris Goulding might be the face of United, but this is now Jo Lual-Acuil Jr’s team. One of Melbourne’s most vocal players in the locker room, Big Jo leads with an understated intensity that manifests itself into a monstrous 211cm wrecking ball when he takes to the hardwood. Took United’s big-man mantle from Jock Landale at the beginning of the season and turned that into nominations for NBL Most Valuable Player and Most Improved. Put simply, no one can stop the 27-year-old when he gets on a roll — and that’s most nights. Incredible to watch at the offensive end, Lual-Acuil Jr’s athleticism and unique skills make him a nightmare match up — the talls are too slow, the smalls are too small. Even without the scoring punch, the South Sudan-born star is a defensive game-changer, leading the league in blocks and intimidating opponents into changing their shots or keeping the ball away from his zone.
Final word:
“He’s not only proven that he is a great starter, but he’s put himself in the conversation for MVP. His versatility, being able to shoot the basketball, put it on the floor, defend, protect the rim, all the components of his game have lifted this year. It’s been well recognised.”
—United coach Dean Vickerman
Key stat for Lual-Acuil Jr:
Leads Melbourne in points (16.8) rebounds (9.3) and blocks (2.1)
Jaylen Adams
Sydney Kings, guard
2021/2022 stat line: 20.1 points, 5.14 rebounds and 6.14 assists
A two-way beast who can also outsmart his opposition with pinpoint passing, Adams is the complete package.
The former Milwaukee Buck is in the running for the MVP – a remarkable feat when you consider he has sat out six games this season.
Sydney only won three out of their first eight games, while the entire roster, including Adams, was struggling with injuries.
Since Round 8, the Kings have won the majority of their games to surge into second position on the ladder.
Adams has been at the forefront of Sydney’s success, averaging 19.7 points per game and leading the league in assists with 6.2 per game.
Final word: “We’ve got a great team and he’s made us an even greater team. He is so dynamic, he can score inside, outside and from the mid-range. He’s not just a scorer, he’s not just a playmaker. He can do all those things, and he can also rebound and guard the ball. The way he goes off the pick and roll, he never gets in a hurry, he plays at his rhythm. I think his ability to see the game and with the poise and pace he plays at, it is really hard to guard.”
—Kings assistant coach Kevin Lisch
Key stat for Adams:
The first Kings player to average 20 points and 6 assists since Shane Heal in 2002
Tyler Harvey
Illawarra Hawks, guard
2021/2022 stat line: 15.92 points, 3.04 rebounds and 3.33 assists
Once described as the NBL’s splash brother, Harvey is one of the most gifted players the league has ever seen.
When the California-born shooting guard finds his form, he goes splash, splash, splash.
Harvey, who was selected at pick 51 in the 2015 NBA draft by Orlando, led the Hawks in scoring last season at 20.4 points per game (third in NBL).
His 124 three-point makes last season led the NBL and was most by any Hawks player in history.
Harvey hasn’t replicated his finest form this season, but he has still averaged 15.92 points and is widely feared, especially when his shot drops.
He showcased his silky shooting form in a round 20 loss to Sydney, dropping 35 points, although he missed several key shots down the stretch.
If Harvey can nail the big moments, anything is possible for his Hawks.
Final word: “Tyler has a remarkable ability to find ways to be a positive impact among the team. It’s valuable for us, especially when his shooting is on song. He has grown and adapted his game to fit our current team roster and you can expect him to lead from the front in the finals. We’re hoping can help the Hawks take the next step after losing in the semi-finals to Perth last season.”
— Illawarra co-owner Dorry Kordahi
Key stat for Harvey:
Leads the Hawks in scoring for the past two seasons
Josh Adams
Tasmania JackJumpers guard
2021/2022 stat line: 16.64 points, 3.14 rebounds and 2.11 assists
Adams has lived up to the hype as Tasmania’s first ever import, with the gifted guard making a habit out of dropping double figures to lead the JackJumpers to a surprise finals appearance.
He has also showcased his experience as a leader for the JackJumpers, having played internationally in Russia, Turkey, China and Spain and most recently for Virtus Bologna which were Italian League Champions in 2021.
Adams plays every play and game like it’s his last, which is a major motivator for the Phoenix-born guard after he was involved in a serious car accident back in 2016.
He dozed off while driving home one night, forcing his car to veer into a ditch and then become airborne.
Adams shattered and dislocated his sternum and fractured his C5 and C6 vertebrae in his spine.
This dash with death inspires the JackJumpers guard to never take a backwards step. Watch for Adams to live by this mantra when Tasmania take on the defending champions Melbourne United in a blockbuster semi-final series.
Final word: “Josh has been a great signing for the JackJumpers and I’ve been thrilled to have him on board this season. He is a really exciting player. He has elite athleticism, and we believe his skillset is a perfect fit for what we are trying to build. Josh has a tremendous amount of international experience and has been exposed to the NBA. He has also been a winner across the world and will be a strong addition to the culture we are creating at the JackJumpers.”
— JackJumpers coach Scott Roth
Key stat for Adams:
Led the Jack Jumpers in scoring in a team high 11 games
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