NBL free agency: Latest signing news and whispers out of the Australian league
Brisbane’s roster renewal is allbut done with an American sharpshooter joining Olympians Aron Baynes and Nate Sobey under new coach Justin Schueller.
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The new-look Brisbane Bullets’ roster is all but complete, with rookie head coach Justin Schueller leaving Las Vegas with the signature of American forward Chris Smith.
Schueller went to NBA Summer League hunting an elite wing scorer and outside threat to complement Olympians Aron Baynes and Nathan Sobey.
He believes he has found that in the 29-year-old, who averaged 17 points per game and shot nearly 44 per cent from deep in making the Japanese B League’s best five last campaign.
“Chris has been on our radar for a long time, and is the perfect piece within our roster build,” Schueller said.
“We went into Summer League knowing we wanted to find an impact player on the wing.
“We met with a number of athletes, including Chris and we couldn’t move past his high-level scoring and efficiency in play.
“He is a winner and everywhere he has played he has been one of, if not the top performer in his teams and we believe he is exactly the piece we needed.”
After a dire NBL23, the Bullets will attack the new season with eight new faces, with only Sobey, Baynes, second-year forward DJ Mitchell and big man Tyrell Harrison left from the team which finished second last with an 8-20 record.
The roster will be officially complete when they eventually unveil NBL1 gun Gabe Hadley — a Schueller favourite in his time at Victorian club Geelong Supercats — as their last local.
Smith was part of a Shiba Jets team that featured former Brisbane Bullets import Vic Law. Together, they guided the Jets to the B League finals.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about Australia from my teammates from last year who have played in the NBL,” Smith said.
“I’m looking forward to the competition and how great the atmosphere is with the fans over here every game.
“I’m a hard worker and someone who gives it their all every single game. I also pride myself on playing at an efficient level.”
The Utah State Aggies alum is well-travelled, with European stints in France, Belgium, Hungary and Poland.
BOOMERS DUO ON UNITED’S RADAR
Boomers World Cup candidates Duop Reath and Thon Maker have emerged as options for Melbourne United to replace injured marquee centre Jo Lual-Acuil.
Code Sports can reveal United will make inquiries about Reath and Maker after losing Lual-Acuil to a wrist injury for four to six months.
Melbourne is keen to secure a high-level player for a minimum of two months who can play up to 28 minutes if required.
Reath, who is coming off a championship in Lebanon, is currently excelling for the Portland Trailblazers at the NBA Summer League.
The former Illawarra Hawk has averaged double figure points and rebounds in his first three games for the Trailblazers, including a 12-point and nine rebound performance in a win over Charlotte on Wednesday.
Reath is considered a slim chance to return to the NBL given the big dollars he commands, but it won’t stop Melbourne from asking the question.
United also plans to check in on Maker – who has been playing in China and Israel after NBA stints with Milwaukee, Detroit and Cleveland.
It comes as Melbourne remain hopeful Lual-Acuil can return to the court in November after completing a successful wrist surgery.
However, Code Sports understands the big man will have to defy the medical odds amid suggestions he faces a battle to play next season.
United coach Dean Vickerman is feeling optimistic that Lual-Acuil will feature in NBL24 at some stage.
“I guess anytime you take surgery and it’s on his shooting wrist, but all the indications, in terms of how the surgery went and what we’ve seen in the past, is that it’s a four-to-six-month recovery,” Vickerman said.
“He has pretty good strength there already – it’s just getting the flexibility back into the wrist and how quickly he can get that going.
“But I’m pretty confident that he’ll come back unaffected by it.”
Vickerman felt shattered for Lual-Acuil when he heard about his wrist injury given 2023 was looming as a bumper year professionally.
He looked set to star in his return to United following a season in China and Lebanon while he was primed to play for his homeland – South Sudan – in the country’s first World Cup this August and September.
Unfortunately, there will be no Cup for Lual-Acuil, but Vickerman is tipping him to bounce back from the wrist injury.
“But my first reaction was massive disappointment for Jo,” he said.
“He was a little mismanaged overseas and he had opportunities in front of him, including the NBA Summer League and the World Cup.
“But he is a pro, he has had his surgery and he has started his rehab. Having the surgery now has the ability to lengthen his career.
“He should be right to shoot the basketball at the start of the season and then it will be a couple of months after that before we see him on the floor.”
KINGS SIGN FORMER NBL MVP IN MAJOR COUP
Former MVP Jaylen Adams is returning to the NBL, with the Sydney Kings snaring his signature in a major coup for the back-to-back champions.
Adams has penned a one-year deal to re-join the Kings after guiding the franchise to the 2022 title.
The American guard averaged an impressive 20.8 points, 5.8 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game during his first season in Sydney.
After stints with Serbian side KK Crvena Zvezda and Chinese outfit Qingdao Eagles, Adams felt compelled to suit up for the Kings again.
“I have such fond memories from my first time in Sydney, which at this point is like home to me,” said Adams, who collected league MVP and All-NBL First Team honours during his first season with the Kings in ‘22.
“From the atmosphere and energy at the stadium to all the love from the fans, it was an easy decision to come back – especially after chatting with Mahmoud [Abdelfattah] and CP [Chris Pongrass].
“It’s a reunion I’m really looking forward to.”
Code Sports understands Sydney is also set to announce an NBA journeyman as an import shooting guard and another big man, which will complete the club’s roster for NBL24.
Adams, meanwhile, has unfinished business in Australia after a hamstring injury ruled him out of the Kings’ last two grand final games against Tasmania in ‘22.
Adams was forced to sit on the sidelines and watch the men in purple and gold claim the championship.
Despite the setback, the former Atlanta, Portland and Milwaukee NBA talent more than proved his worth in the NBL.
It’s why Adams will head into NBL24 full of optimism about being involved in another championship run.
“I’m confident with the squad we have assembled, that is willing to work hard, that we can deliver Sydney another championship,” he said.
“I’m one of those guys that want to get better every time I step on the court, so first and foremost, I want to build on what we did last time I was here.
“Obviously we have a fairly new group this time around, so my aim is to be more vocal and help the team gel as quickly as possible.
“Last time, we hung our hats on the defensive end and knowing Mahmoud the way I do, I know he will be preaching the same message next season.”
Adams is the club’s second import, alongside DJ Hogg, for NBL24 and will join a squad that already includes Alex Toohey, Jonah Bolden, Shaun Bruce, Angus Glover, Kouat Noi, Jaylin Galloway, Jordi Hunter, Makuach Maluach, Jackson Makoi and Klairus Amir.
Kings CEO Chris Pongrass is excited to welcome Adams back to Sydney and knows how important of a role he can play this season.
“It has always been a priority to bring JA back to Sydney”, Pongrass said.
“After the success we experienced with him leading our group in NBL22, we seized the opportunity to have him return to compete for a championship once again.
“He has an innate ability to impact the game at both ends.
“While he was obviously one of the most impressive offensive threats in the league, people often forget that he is an elite defender.
“He will be a focal point for us defensively and having such a unique two-way player gives me confidence in the remaining pieces we will sign over the coming weeks.”
HAWKS SIGN KOREAN STAR WHO ECLIPSED CURRY AT US COLLEGE
The Illawarra Hawks have secured South Korean sensation Hyunjung Lee – a potent small forward who eclipsed Steph Curry’s three-percentage during his US College career at Davidson.
Lee, a 6-7 small-forward, will bring his long-range marksmanship to the resurgent Hawks on a three-year deal.
During his three seasons at Davidson, he established himself as one of the best shooters in college basketball.
As a sophomore, Lee became the first Wildcat to finish with the rare 50-40-90 shooting numbers: 50.8 per cent from the field, 44.2 per cent from the three-point range and 90 per cent from the free throw line.
Lee’s three-point percentage of 44.2 is a single-season record at Davidson, ahead of NBA superstar Curry who sits second on their all-time list.
LEE’S IN âœï¸ðŸ€
— Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) July 11, 2023
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Hawks are delighted to announce the signing of South Korean sharpshooter Hyunjung Lee for #NBL24Â
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Read more at https://t.co/nNeq31eHKd
 #HawkNationpic.twitter.com/0X8Nobt1ms
The 22-year-old is a prodigious talent who was a member of the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, where he built relationships with current Hawks Sam Froling, Dan Grida, and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, who were athletes at the Centre of Excellence (COE) at the time.
Lee is a member of the Philadelphia 76ers side currently taking part in the 2023 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
A star for his junior national team, Lee played for Korea‘s Under 16, 17, and 18 sides and was the leading scorer at the 2018 Under 18 Asia Basketball Championships, averaging 26 points per game.
Lee comes from a strong basketball pedigree with his mother, Seong Jeong-a part of the South Korean silver medal-winning team at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
His father, Lee Yun-Hwan, played semi-professionally during the same period and has been a leading high school coach since retiring in 1991.
The signing continues the club‘s impressive roster rebuild under GM of Basketball Mat Campbell and Head Coach Jacob Jackomas.
Hyunjung Lee attacks the closeout on the pump fake and barrels through the defense to roll the ball in with the foul pic.twitter.com/8rAtHQgmyH
— Aram Cannuscio (@AC__Hoops) July 6, 2023
For the Hawks, Lee’s signature is a result two years in the making, with conversations beginning at the end of his junior year with the Wildcats.
“We are excited to add an elite shooter and emerging talent in Hyunjung Lee to the club,“ Hawks GM of Basketball Mat Campbell said.
“As a club, we have followed Lee’s progress with real interest; we think he will be a great fit with our current group.”
“Elite perimeter shooting is a real difference maker in today‘s game, and adding a player of Lee’s skill set provides Jacob and his coaching staff another likely option at the wing position.”
“Lee has aspirations of becoming only the second Korean-born player in the NBA, and we have no doubt the Hawks are the perfect platform for him to continue his improvement and ultimately find his way onto an NBA roster.“
For Lee, the Hawks and the NBL provide a unique opportunity to enhance his game in one of the world’s best leagues.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Hawks organisation for the next three seasons,“ Lee said.
“To represent a club with such a proud history and to have the chance to play with the likes of Sam, Dan, and Wani is something I am looking forward to.
“The Hawks are well respected for their ability to nurture and develop their players in achieving their international and NBA goals, which was a key driver in my decision-making.
“I have heard great things about Wollongong, and I look forward to meeting the coaches, my teammates and the Hawks faithful as we prepare for an exciting NBL24 campaign.”
The Hawks NBL24 main roster is now complete, with Hyunjung Lee joining Tyler Harvey, Sam Froling, Justin Robinson, Gary Clark, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Dan Grida, William ‘Davo’ Hickey, Mason Peatling, Lachlan Olbrich, Todd Blanchfield, and AJ Johnson along with development players Harry Morris, Biwali Bayles and Luca Yates.
FREE AGENCY: TWIST IN FRANKS SAGA AS PRODIGAL SON RETURNS TO 36ERS
Adelaide has unveiled uber-athletic former star Jacob Wiley as its new import, adding more intrigue to the future of Robert Franks.
Wiley, 28, had been in talks with the Sixers for some time, before recently agreeing to a two-year deal, forming a brutish frontcourt pairing with fellow returnee Isaac Humphries.
Code Sports has been told the super-fit 203cm forward-centre’s arrival all but spells the end for Franks’ stay in the City of Churches.
It’s understood club and player are both keen for a separation, with the former NBA man still with a season to run on his deal, but Franks’ search for a new home overseas is yet to yield any fruits and there’s now pressure on, given he and Wiley play the same position.
Coach CJ Bruton is in Las Vegas for NBA Summer League as the club works on signing an import point guard, which won’t be able to happen, now, until the Franks situation is resolved, given the Sixers’ roster now has the maximum three imports, with gun defender Antonius Cleveland contracted for next season, along with Franks and now Wiley.
Well-travelled Wiley’s daughter Layla was born in Australia during his NBL19 stay in Adelaide and, after four years of stints in Europe, Japan and South America, he’s excited to return to his home away from home.
“I’m so excited man, my daughter (Layla) was born in Adelaide and I got roots in Adelaide, I have been following the team since I left,” the California native said.
“I was watching most of the games, I kept up with the game, I was always watching on YouTube and the NBL website, I was keeping tabs on the club.
“The fans can expect a more mature, more experienced player.
“I have global experience to bring back and leadership, I won a championship (in Puerto Rico) and I want to bring that culture back to Adelaide.”
Wiley took to Instagram overnight to confirm he’d played his last game for Vaqueros de Bayamon in Puerto Rico’s BSN League after he suffered a calf tear during game one of their semi-final playoff series against San German.
“My mission now is to learn, reflect, work hard, and come back better than ever in my journey to inspire and motivate thru the game of basketball all around the world. El Coyote Out!” he wrote.
Wiley averaged 12.3 points and 4.9 rebounds in his lone season in Adelaide and was among the most watchable players in the league, with several highlight reel plays at both ends of the floor.
Club legend Ken Cole and owner Grant Kelley remained in contact with Wiley after he triggered his European out-clause in 2019, always hopeful the 28-year-old would return to the club, one day and coach CJ Bruton hailed the workhorse, who said he would come in with a point to prove.
“I am thrilled to have a guy who can play multiple positions, with his effort to get up and down the floor, he will be able to attack at both ends,” Bruton said.
“He has some unfinished business from his last time here and I can’t wait to get him here.”
It comes as the Sixers added young gun Akech Aliir as a development player, the younger brother of Port Adelaide AFL star Aliir Aliir.
“It’s just a proud moment for myself and my family,” Aliir said of his brother’s achievement.
“To see the work he’s been able to put in. Obviously, he’s a development player but the work starts now for him.
“Already I’m on some days on his back to push him hard at training so hopefully he does that.”
LATEST INTEL: HOW EVERY NBL CLUB WILL COMPLETE ITS ROSTER
—Michael Randall and Matt Logue
With NBA Summer League looming, most NBL clubs are closing in on completing their rosters ahead of the 2023-24 season.
So what will your club be hunting for in Las Vegas next week and who have they been linked to?
Tassie becomes the first team to fill all 11 main roster spots with the unveiling of former Cairns Taipans forward Majok Deng, while grand finalists New Zealand still need four players to round out their roster.
Michael Randall and Matt Logue with the latest intel on every club.
SYDNEY KINGS
COACH: Mahmoud Abdelfattah (new)
CONTRACTED: Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Shaun Bruce, Jaylin Galloway, Kouat Noi, Angus Glover, Makuach Maluach (Melbourne United), DJ Hogg (import, new), Jonah Bolden (new), Jackson Makoi (DP), Klairus Amir (DP, new), Alex Toohey (Next Star, new)
OPEN ROSTER SPOTS: 2
STATE OF PLAY: The Sydney Kings could be chasing an extra roster spot, with sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic set to leave to play in Europe. New Kings coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah confirmed the uncertainty surrounding Vasiljevic’s future at the club: “DJ is talking to the front office, and he is communicating with them.” If Sydney loses Vasiljevic, they’ll need to hit the market for another starting guard. Abdelfattah is heading to NBA Summer League in Las Vegas from July 7-17 and is keen to secure guards and big men. “Having some depth at the guard and centre positions is important because I feel like you’ve got to rely on those guys the most during a season. For me, it’s just about getting the best players.”
ILLAWARRA HAWKS
COACH: Jacob Jackomas
CONTRACTED: Sam Froling, Will Hickey, Dan Grida, Tyler Harvey (import), Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Justin Robinson (import, returning), Lachlan Olbrich (New), Mason Peatling (Melbourne United, new), Gary Clark (import, new), AJ Johnson (Next Star, new), Harry Morris (DP), Biwali Bayles (DP, new), Todd Blanchfield (Perth Wildcats)
OPEN ROSTER SPOTS: 1
STATE OF PLAY: Illawarra has rounded out its trio of imports and, on Wednesday, locked in Boomers sharpshooter Todd Blanchfield. After three seasons at the Perth Wildcats, the 31-year-old returns to the Hawks where he played two seasons between 2018-20. Code Sports understands Korean wing Hyunjung Lee is set to complete the Hawks’ roster. Lee, who played for Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA G League, was linked to the Hawks last season but it appears, a year on, Jacob Jackomas will get his man. One source told Code Sports former NBA man Gary Clark could be the recruit of the year and help the Hawks shoot up the table — provided point guard Justin Robinson doesn’t secure an NBA gig when he steps out for the Charlotte Hornets in Summer League.
ADELAIDE 36ERS
COACH: CJ Bruton
CONTRACTED: Nick Marshall (Upgraded DP), Sunday Dech, Antonius Cleveland (import), Kyrin Galloway, Mitch McCarron, Robert Franks (import), Jason Cadee (Brisbane Bullets, new),Isaac Humphries (Melbourne United, new), Alex Starling (new), Keanu Rasmussen (DP), Fraser Roxburgh (DP)
OPEN ROSTER SPOTS: 2
STATE OF PLAY: All eyes are on the Robert Franks situation. Both sides are understood to be keen to part ways and the former Orlando Magic forward is actively seeking opportunities in Europe. The Sixers are in talks with a familiar face in Jacob Wiley, who would be a ready-made replacement 4-5 for Franks. As that scenario continues to play out, the Sixers will head to Summer League focused on securing an import point guard who can get a bucket in pressure situations to play alongside Aussie gun Mitch McCarron. They’re also looking for a local big to back up Isaac Humphries at the five and believe athletic young forward Kyrin Galloway can take a big step in NBL24. The Sixers have interest in adding a Next Star but, after Kai Sotto didn’t pan out, they will only go down that path if they can secure a youngster who can contribute immediately.
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
COACH:Mike Kelly (new)
CONTRACTED: Mitch Creek, Alan Williams (import), Reuben Te Rangi, Owen Foxwell, Gorjok Gak (Brisbane Bullets, new), Matt Kenyon (Tasmania JackJumpers, new), Rhys Vague (new), Ben Ayre (Cairns Taipans, new), Anzac Rissetto (DP), Austin Rapp (DP, new)
OPEN ROSTER SPOTS: 3
STATE OF PLAY: The Phoenix are chasing an elite import point guard, a gun import two or three — and a definitive answer from Ryan Broekhoff. Rowdy was adamant rumours he was going to hang up the boots last season were just that, but his new Hoops City franchise and the imminent arrival of baby No.2 have complicated matters and Code Sports understands it’s unlikely he will be in laser green in NBL24. The Phoenix held a mini-camp last week, with the likes of Gabe Hadley, Dillon Stith and George Blagojevic — all Mike Kelly men — in attendance, and Tohi Smith-Milner remains a live chance to return as insurance for big men Allan Williams and Gorjok Gak. Gary Browne, who is playing alongside star Mitch Creek in Puerto Rico, this off-season, wants to come back and SEM has mutual interest, while Trey Kell is also a chance to return, although the Phoenix will go to NBA Summer League to survey their options. The club is also keen to join the Next Stars influx — provided they can find one with the combination of ability and fit.
MELBOURNE UNITED
COACH: Dean Vickerman
CONTRACTED: Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Brad Newley, Flynn Cameron (new), Tanner Krebs (Brisbane Bullets, new), Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (returning, new), Luke Travers (New, Perth Wildcats), Kyle Bowen (New), Matthew Dellavedova (returning, new), Ariel Hukporti (Next Star), Zac Triplett (DP), Malith Machar (DP), Campbell Blog (DP, new)
OPEN ROSTER SPOTS: 2
STATE OF PLAY: United wants an import two guard who can provide scoring punch off the bench and close games. Despite rumours former Sacramento King Ben McLemore was in their sights, Code Sports has been told United never really considered the former NBA lottery pick. The brains trust is planning to start Shea Ili and Matthew Dellavedova alongside each other, forming one of, if not the, best defensive back courts in the NBL, while adding an extra layer of playmaking to the revamped starting line-up. That would leave sharpshooter Chris Goulding at the three, with new arrival Luke Travers at power forward and big man Jo Lual-Acuil Jr at centre — if he doesn’t get a job at NBA Summer League. The South Sudan gun will suit up for Portland in Vegas, while Travers will step out for Cleveland. It’s understood JLA was adamant he would not attend Summer League if he was not a live chance at securing an NBA gig — that means United would need to scramble. United championship hero Jock Landale is staying fit at Hoops City after his season in Phoenix as he gears up for August’s Boomers camp. They’ll look for a big for their last local spot and are expecting to have all non-internationals at a three-day mini-camp in mid-July for their first real hitout together.
BRISBANE BULLETS
COACH: Justin Schueller (new)
CONTRACTED: Isaac White (Tasmania JackJumpers, new), Sam McDaniel (Tasmania JackJumpers, new), Tyrell Harrison, Nathan Sobey, Aron Baynes, DJ Mitchell, Josh Bannan (new), Mitch Norton (Perth Wildcats, new), Shannon Scott (import, Cairns Taipans, new),
OPEN ROSTER SPOTS: 2
STATE OF PLAY: New coach Justin Schueller launched an early flurry of signings and secured the gun import point guard in Shannon Scott he was after. The Bullets are taking their time on the last two spots and won’t make any decisions until after NBA Summer League. They will, however, bring in a number of potential locals for tryouts next week, including the likes of Josh Duach, who Schueller coached at United last season, Gabe Hadley, George Blagojevic, Corey Shervill and Dillon Stith. As far as the import goes, at Vegas, they’ll be hunting an impact small forward who can take over in late shot clock situations. Bronzed Boomers Aron Baynes and Nathan Sobey are both in phenomenal shape heading into the season, the latter over the injury issues that have plagued his last two seasons. The revamped Bullets will make an early start to their pre-season on July 24.
CAIRNS TAIPANS
COACH: Adam Forde
NEW: Akoldah Gak (Illawarra), Sam Mennenga (New), Taran Armstrong (New)
CONTRACTED: Jonah Antonio, Tahjere McCall (import), Sam Waardenburg, Lat Mayen, Bul Kuol, Akoldah Gak (Illawarra Hawks, new), Sam Mennenga (new), Taran Armstrong (new), Patty Miller (import, new), Bobi Klintman (Next Star, new)
OPEN ROSTER SPOTS: 2
STATE OF PLAY: After an exodus of top-end talent, Cairns needs to sign a high calibre import as their starting centre to fill the void left by Keanu Pinder. The Taipans have also been linked to forward Grant Anticevich, who won’t return to South East Melbourne next season. He would provide stretch four capabilities in coach Adam Forde’s run and gun offence and there’s a feeling he was under-utilised at the Phoenix in his rookie season.
TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS
COACH: Scott Roth
NEW: Anthony Drmic (Adelaide), Junior Madut (SEM), Tre Armstrong (New)
CONTRACTED: Jack McVeigh, Clint Steindl, Fabijan Krslovic, Jared Bairstow, Will Magnay, Anthony Drmic (Adelaide 36ers, new), Junior Madut (SEM Phoenix, new), Milton Doyle (import), Jordon Crawford (import, new), Marcus Lee (import, new), Sean Macdonald, Walter Brown (DP), Tre Armstrong (DP, new), Josh Tomasi (DP)
OPEN ROSTER SPOTS: Roster complete
STATE OF PLAY: Tassie has been the quickest team to fill out its roster, on Wednesday unveiling former Cairns Taipan Majok Deng. It’s understood there had been some discussion about giving Sean Macdonald a full roster spot but with the addition of Deng, this becomes a very deep roster. Marcus Lee was fantastic for United as a mid-season recruit and he’ll form a fantastic big man pairing with Will Magnay, once the Aussie is healthy. Jordon Crawford is tiny, but he’s a proven pro and, alongside the returning Milton Doyle and Jack McVeigh, the Jackies have added potency to their dogged defence. Tasmania looked at two Next Stars — one that got drafted and one who went back to college — and it’s now unlikely they’ll be among the teams to go down that route. Coach Scott Roth is abroad, spending some time in Turkey. He’ll be back next month and they’ll have their locals in the house from August 1, with the imports to report the week of August 7.
There was plenty for @PerthWildcats fans to like in Alex Sarr's first @FIBA U19 World Cup game with France. The NBL24 Next Star put up 9 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals in their win over China 🇫🇷@NextGenHoops#FIBAU19pic.twitter.com/KNIxNgahX3
— NBL (@NBL) June 25, 2023
PERTH WILDCATS
COACH: John Rillie
CONTRACTED: Bryce Cotton (import), Kyle Zunic, Corey Webster, Jesse Wagstaff, Tai Webster, Keanu Pinder (Cairns Taipans, new), David Okwera (Melbourne United, new), Ben Henshall (new), Hyrum Harris (Adelaide 36ers, new), Alexandre Sarr (Next Star, new), Dontae Russo-Nance (DP, new), Jack Andrew (DP), Michael Harris (DP)
OPEN ROSTER SPOTS: 2
STATE OF PLAY: The local content is done — five of them from across the ditch — and, aside from old faithful Bryce Cotton and hometown star signee Keanu Pinder, the Wildcats are buzzing over giant French Next Star Alexandre Sarr. They’re also ultra high on youngsters Ben Henshall and Dontae Russo-Nance. Russo-Nance is one to watch — he averaged over 15 points per game in the NZNBL as a 17-year-old. The Wildcats have retooled well after losing young gun Luke Travers but still have two import spots to fill — they need a dynamic wing who can score and defend and a big power forward to man the frontline alongside Pinder.
🚨 @1KingZ4 Highlight-Alarm! 🚨
— FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) May 28, 2023
Zylan Cheatham goes up to get it and finishes the oop, 05/28/2023
📺 LIVE bei #MagentaSport#FCBB#WeBallTogether@easyCreditBBLpic.twitter.com/5pFpphGVBW
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
COACH: Mody Maor
CONTRACTED: Izayah Mauriohooho-Le’afa, Cameron Gliddon, Dan Fotu, William McDowell-White, Dane Pineau (South East Melbourne, new), Mangok Mathiang (Illawarra, new), Mantas Rubstavicius (Next Star, new), Alex McNaught (DP)
OPEN ROSTER SPOTS: 5
STATE OF PLAY: New Zealand requires five players to complete their roster, more than any other NBL club. The Breakers still need to sign — or officially announce — three imports and two locals to complete their roster, with hyper-athletic power forward Zylan Cheatham linked to the club. Last season’s runners up will head to the NBA Summer League with the view of securing an import two and three. The Breakers need to fill two more import spots. The club wants more offensive versatility on the perimeter this season and will pursue two outside imports in a bid to go one step further than their grand final appearance. The Breakers had been linked to LaMelo Ball’s older brother — LiAngelo Ball — but was it another infamous LaVar publicity stunt? Dad declared: “My son, this ain’t even heard of in the States, my son, LiAngelo Ball, wants to play for the New Zealand Breakers”. Unlikely it happens but, interestingly, Code Sports understands LiAngelo has been practising with official Spalding NBL balls. Make of that what you will.
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