NBL1 East: 30+ players who are set to shine in the men’s and women’s NBL1 East finals
The NBL1 East finals are here with the best teams in NSW vying for grand final glory. We take a look at the 30+ men and women who are set to lead their teams to the promised land.
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The NBL1 East finals are here with 16 teams vying for the prestigious men’s and women’s crowns over the next three weekends.
We take a look at the men and women who are set to lead their teams to glory with all the chips on the line.
MEN
GLENN MORRISON (CANBERRA)
The inspirational leader of the Gunners who has played a major role in helping the side to an 18-2 record.
An absolute beast on the boards, highlighted by his season-high of 22 against the Falcons, Morrison has also added the three-ball to his bag this season, hitting nine of 27 shots.
WILLIAM MAYFIELD (CANBERRA)
Returned to Canberra this season and hasn’t missed a beat with a great comeback year following a stint with the Pioneers.
A versatile forward who can impact the game in so many ways, including an average of three steals per game and over four assists.
WILLIAM CRANSTON-LOWN (MAITLAND)
After a breakout year in 2023, Cranston-Lown has held that form to lift the Mustangs to a top-two finish.
Has lifted his points, rebounds and assists from last season, all while dropping 20 points per game at a very efficient rate.
BILLY PARSONS (MAITLAND)
The towering big is enjoying a standout season of his own on the back of an increased role within the team.
More minutes has led to Parsons averaging 14 points, including shooting the three ball at a very respectable 33 per cent.
JACOB OHMER (INNER WEST)
His first season in the NBL1 East has been a memorable one and he has slotted into the Inner West side nicely.
After a slow start to the year (averaged seven points in his first five games), Ohmer has found his footing with three 30-point games.
ALEXANDER HIGGINS-TITSHA (INNER WEST)
Recently turned 24 and his career continues to rise on an upwards trajectory with the Bulls showing their horns.
Scoring 20 points per game on 60 per cent shooting and has been doing a good job of getting others involved.
MASON BRAGG (MANLY)
Manly brought in the former NBL player to run the team from the one and he has done an exceptional job.
Eight double-doubles and a pair of triple doubles emphasise the dominance he has played with, including a 24 point, 13 rebound, 16 assist effort against Sydney.
MATTHEW ELDRIDGE (MANLY)
Backed up a stellar 2023 with an even better season to put Manly right in the hunt for higher honours.
Averaging 16 points and 12 rebounds per game as an inside force, has formed a lethal partnership with Bragg.
JULIUS HALAIFONUA (CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE)
The New Zealand international made his Tall Blacks debut this season as a 17-year-old and is on the radar for greater things.
There’s plenty of talk about a college career and the 214cm giant has done those prospects no harm with a stellar NBL1 campaign.
KYE SAVAGE (CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE)
Part of the exciting young Centre of Excellence side, Savage has penned a deal with the Brisbane Bullets to join the side for three years.
It’s a sign they see plenty in the Australian underage representative, who is averaging 14 points and a steal per game.
WILLIAM HICKEY (ALBURY-WODONGA)
A player with a progressive future in the NBL, Hickey has been the main for the Bandits in 2024.
Leads the team in points, assists, rebounds, blocks and steals to showcase his all-round game as one of the division’s top players.
KEVION BLAYLOCK (ALBURY-WODONGA)
The first-year import has proven to be a great signing for Albury-Wodonga as a player who can do a bit of everything.
Has dropped a season high of 31 points and is shooting at 58 per cent for the season as a force on the inside.
BIWALI BAYLES (SYDNEY)
Looking for an increased role in the NBL this season, Bayles has shown he can ball out with a great stint for the Comets.
Averaging 29 points per game to go with eight rebounds and six assists, Bayles has been the man to lift the Comets into the finals.
MATTHEW WACHER (SYDNEY)
A 21-year-old guard with a bright future, Wacher has averaged 21 points over the final two games of the season to enter the finals with strong form.
An efficient shooter who has made the most of an increase in his role.
HAYDEN BLANKLEY (BANKSTOWN)
The Bruins will go as far as Blankley can take them, with his effort on both ends of the floor a shining light on the team.
Scoring 17 points per game at a good shooting clip, he has a season-high of 31 against Hills, including hitting six threes.
GUM MAJAK (BANKSTOWN)
A late addition to the side and has been a regular since June, starting with less than 10 minutes and now playing close to 20 per game.
Strong on the boards, an efficient scorer in the paint and has four blocks in a game as a good defender.
WOMEN
MIKAYLA PIVEC (ALBURY-WODONGA)
With Lauren Jackson on Olympic duties, Pivec will take on an increased leadership role as the Banits look to complete an undefeated season.
She has been phenomenal so far for Albury-Wodonga, averaging a triple-double and recording seven individual triple-doubles throughout the season.
ASHLEE HANNAN (ALBURY-WODONGA)
Another who will have to step up with no Jackson, Hannan has been doing a good job in the front court so far.
The 23-year-old is coming into her own at this level as an elite shot blocker, averaging 2.88 rejections per game.
CAITLYN MARTIN (NORTHS)
Taking on a much greater role in the side this season and the pint-sized point guard is showing she has an incredibly bright future.
Coming off a strong double-header in the final round, averaging 17 points on 50 per cent shooting.
CARLA PITMAN (NORTHS)
Another young gun at the Bears who is showing out, Pitman has seen her rebounds, assists and steals all increase this year.
Pitman has also greatly increased her confidence from the free throw line, rising from 54 per cent in 2022 through to 78 now.
ZOEY MILLER (MANLY)
Miller has seen an increase in minutes for the 2024 season and she has improved in just about every area of her game.
Finding her place in the potent offence that Manly possesses, scoring an efficient 12 points per game and playing her role to perfection.
ALEX DELANEY (MANLY)
You know what you’re going to get with Delaney every time she takes to the floor and she has delivered once again.
Overcame a rare poor shooting night against Norths by dropping 16 with eight rebounds the very next night in a good sign for the Sea Eagles.
NICOLE MUNGER (NEWCASTLE)
Munger has been fantastic for the Falcons over the years and she just keeps getting better, averaging just shy of 25 points on better than 50 per cent shooting.
Has played reduced minutes in the lead up to the finals but has still been as impactful as ever, and look for that to continue.
HANNAH CHICKEN (NEWCASTLE)
An 18-year-old talent who is relishing more minutes with the Falcons this season, fully repaying the faith shown by coaches.
Averaging 10 points on close to 50 per cent from the field to go along with six rebounds, playing over 21 minutes in every fixture.
ALIZA FABBRO (SUTHERLAND)
The 22-year-old is really coming of age in the NBL1 East after limited opportunities before moving south.
Has shown she can be a top scoring option by averaging 19 for the season, including dropping 31 against a strong Bandits outfit.
LAUREN NICHOLSON (SUTHERLAND)
One of the competition’s best players who has turned it on again, averaging over 33 points and seven assists for the season in limited time.
Showed she is ready for the finals by dropping 35 against Bankstown on an incredible 59 per cent from the floor.
MIKAELEA DOMBKINS (CENTRAL COAST)
The veteran guard just keeps getting better with age. The 38-year-old is averaging 17 points and close to 12 rebounds throughout the regular season.
Continues to get the job done as the calming influence of the side and her experience will be crucial in the post-season.
SARA MATTHEWS (CENTRAL COAST)
Quality rebounder of the ball who is thriving in a new role with the Crusaders this season, and shooting at a career best in the NBL1.
Capable of playing big minutes and taking on a greater offensive role when needed, Matthews
SHYLA HEAL (SYDNEY)
Throwing her hat in the ring for MVP honours and is one of the biggest draws of the competition.
A mid-season addition who is averaging 31 points, including hauls of 51 and 52 on the one weekend against Penrith and Canberra. Hitting five three-pointers per game at 43 per cent.
PIPER ANDERSON (SYDNEY)
Set to play a key role for the Comets throughout the finals as a forward who can stretch the floor.
We’ve seen how lethal she can be from long range and she’s chipped in with some vital cameos this season.
LIZZY TONKS (CANBERRA)
A genuine star who has really heated up in recent weeks, including a 39-point effort against the Comets, including hitting seven threes.
Tonks has averaged 20 points throughout the season as a high volume shooter.
CALLIE BOURNE (CANBERRA)
Strong in the back-court for the Nationals and has shown her ability to rebound the ball, averaging 8.5 boards for the season.
Comes into the finals off an incredible 24 point, 17 rebound, 10 assist triple-double against Hornsby.
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