Tyrell Harrison, Bullets big, on Sydney Kings ahead of return to Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Bullets big Tyrell Harrison has made no secret of his desire to bring a NBL championship back to Brisbane as the club returns to its spiritual home on Saturday.

Bullets big Tyrell Harrison has made no secret of his desire to bring a NBL championship back to Brisbane as the club returns to its spiritual home on Saturday.

The Bullets will play their first game at Brisbane Entertainment Centre since 2019 when they host the Kings, and while they will start the underdog, it is a chance for the Brisbane club to showcase they have turned a corner in NBL25.

And, for recently-resigned Harrison, whose two-year contract extension was announced earlier this week, a chance to show this Bullets team can’t be underestimated in their second season under Justin Schueller, despite falling to 0-2 after losses to the Hawks and Breakers.

“Justin coming in last season brought in good habits and good change for the club,” Harrison said.

“Right now he’s brought in pieces he sees fit to continue in that direction.

“I always believe every season we have the talent, as long as everyone buys in and does everything they can for the team. We can always go far.

“Just have each other’s backs … and play the Bullets way.”

Bullets big Tyrell Harrison was awarded the Ray Borner Medal for being the most valuable player at the NBL Blitz. Picture: Getty Images

TAKE THE THRONE

The Kings are overwhelming favourites to win their third championship in four seasons, and with a side led by two former MVPs in Xavier Cooks and Jaylen Adams, and helmed by arguably the greatest coach in NBL history, Brian Goorjian, it’s tough to argue.

But for the Harrison and his Bullets, it makes the challenge of shutting down the Kings even more enticing – and one the New Zealand international has no doubt they can achieve.

“If we stick to who we are, what we keep priding ourselves on – the style of play – it will take care of itself,” Harrison said.

“We need to knuckle down on little things: get back on D trans (defensive transition), rebounding, and play to our style of pace.”

The Kings are fourth on the NBL ladder with a 2-1 record, with last week’s seven-point loss to Illawarra the only blemish on a team expected to fight for a championship.

The return of Xavier Cooks has helped make the Kings the NBL championship favourites again. Picture: Getty Images

As for the return of Cooks, Adams, and recruitment of former Taipans walking headline Cameron Oliver, Harrison said while their recruitment was good for the NBL, they had to limit their opportunities.

“It’s going back to individual scout, taking away what they like to do, trying to control them as best as we can, ramp up the physicality, go back to our style of play, and really trying to control the game,” Harrison said.

“They try to play fast tempo, play in transition and get the shots they like. It’s not an easy task but if we can control that, we’ll be looking good.”

RETURN HOME

A return to the Bullets’ spiritual home could tip the scales of the blockbuster NBL clash with the Kings in their favour.

It is a site at which the club has enjoyed a rich history, and a place they called home during two of their three championship-winning seasons, back in 1987 and again in 2007.

Mitch Norton, Tyrell Harrison and Casey Prather at Brisbane Bullets training ahead of their return to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre against the Sydney Kings. Picture: Richard Walker

It’s also the first home court at which Harrison suited up for the Bullets, when he was a bright-eyed development player back in 2017.

“There’s good history in that building, a lot of success in that building, and hopefully we can tick that off and carry that over this season,” Harrison said.

“Bring back entertainment side of basketball and the winning aspect, it will be huge. But do it our way.”

TITLE DREAM

There is nothing Harrison wants more than to deliver a title to Brisbane.

It’s among the key reasons as to why he recommitted to the Bullets despite potential interest from NBL rivals after his strong NBL24 campaign and exploits at the pre-season Blitz, where he was awarded the Ray Borner Trophy as the NBL Blitz MVP.

Tyrell Harrison is motivated to bring home a championship to the Bullets. Picture: Getty Images

“I grew up here, went to school here,” he said.

“They recruited me from such a young age, my development through the years at Brisbane - the faith and loyalty they’ve shown me.

“I’ve gone through so much through the career with this one club … I love where it’s going, and it’s a key piece to staying.

“I’m a Brissy boy, from Logan, and one of my goals is to win a chip with this club.”

Originally published as Tyrell Harrison, Bullets big, on Sydney Kings ahead of return to Brisbane Entertainment Centre