Top NBL1 East basketball young guns to watch in men’s, women’s 2024 season revealed
The NBL1 East basketball season tips off next month and we’ve listed the 95+ young guns to watch in both the men’s and women’s competitions. See the young talent set to shine in 2024.
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The 2024 NBL1 East basketball season tips off next month with a number of NSW’s top up and coming stars ready to compete for silverware in what should be one of the competition’s most exciting years yet.
Ahead of the competition’s opening round, we’ve listed the 95+ young guns of both the men’s and women’s competitions (from rosters provided to 23 March).
WOMEN
ELIZABETH MURPHY
Albury-Wodonga
Averaged 11 points and five rebounds for the Bandits in 2023 in a breakout season at just 16 years of age.
She was given 25 minutes per game in a great show of faith and she delivered. Huge potential and it’s scary how good she can be in the coming years.
CLAUDIA HOCKING
Albury-Wodonga
A NSW Country U16s and U18s representative who will step up to the main roster after a Youth League campaign.
Stands at 185cm at just 16 years of age and forms part of an incredibly gifted young core at the Bandits.
KIAHNA DAVIS-WHITE
Bankstown
The 20-year-old was fantastic for the Bruins in a tough season for the Bankstown outfit last year.
She was able to put up nine points and close to seven rebounds, and will again be a force on the inside.
AZALEEAH OLOAPU
Bankstown
A power forward who played alongside Tutani for the Samoa U16s, where she had a game of 20 points and 19 rebounds.
She’s a strong player who looked good in her maiden NBL1 campaign, scoring four points on 52 per cent and adding four rebounds per game.
LILY AUSTIN
Bankstown
In her debut NBL1 season as a 17-year-old Austin showed she was more than up to the task with a great output.
She chipped in with four points, two assists and two rebounds as well as being strong on the defensive end.
SIENNA TUTANI
Bankstown
The Samoan U16s representative was another of the young brigade who found her footing in the NBL1 last season.
After averaging a near double-double at the 2022 Asian Cup, the 6’0 forward shapes as a real prospect of the future.
ABBEY VALLANCE
Bankstown
Recently turned 17 and will benefit from being given significant minutes as a guard when playing last year.
She scored 3.4 points and had two rebounds per game in her 17 minutes and expect those numbers to grow.
SHALOME DUNLOP
Bankstown
Dunlop is a NSW U20s representative who is taking up a bit of a leadership role with the Bruins at just 20 years old.
Last season we saw she could score the basketball with a nice 11 points and four rebounds per contest.
JURNEE-A’MOUR STRAKER
Bankstown
Was the recipient of the Coaches Award last year and the pint-sized point guard can continue on her upwards trajectory.
A 20-year-old who was able to put up five points per game and give some direction on the floor for the young women.
JENNIFER MAILEI
Bankstown
Only recently turned 17 and we’ve seen her represent both New Zealand and Samoa underage sides over the past two years.
Enters her second season of NBL1 action with Bankstown and the 6’1 centre will play some valuable minutes inside.
TARA KALIVITIS
Bankstown
Steps up to the NBL1 level this season after spending some junior years in the Sutherland and Sydney Comets system.
Has been around the rep squads so will be interesting to see the impact she makes at the Bruins.
ELISE FINNEY
Canberra
The 19-year-old centre was solid off the bench for the Nationals in her maiden NBL1 East campaign.
With a little under three points on 52 per cent and over four rebounds, expect her to make a strong understudy in the paint.
JASMYN BOUTZOS
Canberra
We saw plenty to like about Boutzos in her second season as she continued to light it up from the floor.
Averaged over nine points and put up some monster games, including 19 points in as many minutes to close out the season.
CLAUDEA WAIHAPE ANDREWS
Canberra
Another 20-year-old at Canberra entering into her third season and showed that when she gets minutes she can fire.
Showed us her best with nine points (100 per cent FG), five rebounds and two steals in 15 minutes in her final game.
SOPHIE TAYLOR
Centre of Excellence
Standing at 185cm at just 16, Taylor will get the chance to mix it with seasoned veterans in the post.
She’ll be up for the challenge, with the Australian U15s representative enjoying a stellar junior career to date.
ZARA RUSSELL
Centre of Excellence
Another 6’1, 16-year-old in the Centre of Excellence set-up, Russell hails from Canberra and will make her mark off the bench.
Will head the charge for the ACT U18s at the upcoming nationals and can carry that form into the senior season.
SIENNA HARVEY
Centre of Excellence
One of the more experienced players in the CoE group after having a strong campaign last season.
The 18-year-old shot the ball well during the year and will serve as a floor general to guide the young players.
JADE CROOK
Centre of Excellence
Hails from Albury and the NSW Country representative will play key minutes at centre with her 191cm frame.
An Australian U15s representative who put up over six points and five rebounds on 55 per cent shooting as a 16-year-old for the Bandits last year.
MONIQUE WILLIAMS
Centre of Excellence
Comes across to the CoE from Western Australia and the 6’3 forward is already attracting attention from NCAA division one schools.
The 17-year-old got a small taste of NBL1 action with Willetton and will make a big impact in the East.
SARAH PORTLOCK
Centre of Excellence
It will be hard to miss Portlock, who stands at over 2m tall.
The Victorian Metro and Australian representative enters her second season with the CoE at the NBL1 level and the 17-year-old will benefit from that experience.
MONIQUE BONBONGIE
Centre of Excellence
Was crowned the Female Player of the Year at the Basketball Queensland awards after a stellar season with Mackay.
She lit it up as a 16-year-old last season, has been a regular in rep teams and the shooting guard has all the potential in the world.
BONNIE DEAS
Centre of Excellence
Deas comes into her third campaign at the NBL1 level and the 17-year-old showed great signs so far.
Scored six points per game last year and was a 91 per cent free throw shooter, and helped Victoria to gold at the U20s Nationals earlier this year.
OPAL BIRD
Centre of Excellence
The Australian U17s rep has already had a taste of action at this level and will only improve this season.
Continues the theme of tall forwards in the squad at 6’3 as a 17-year-old, giving them another weapon inside.
SITAYA FAGAN
Centre of Excellence
One of the youngest players in the NBL1 East this season after turning 16 less than a week ago.
Got a small taste of this level with Frankston last year, and has starred at the Australian underage level when given the chance.
EMILIJA DAKIC
Centre of Excellence
The Victoria Metro player has been in Australian teams coming through the ranks and now rises to take on grown women.
A 17-year-old who has hit some big shots at international tournaments, and is lethal from three.
ELLA LEASUASU
Hills
A Hills junior who made the step up from the junior program to the seniors last year and strongly acquitted herself.
The 18-year-old forward played 20 games during the year and made a solid impact, picking up a few blocks as well.
LUCY CORKE
Hills
Corke is a Hornsby junior who was last spotted playing with the Central Coast during the Youth League season.
She was a leading scorer and the Hornets will be looking for her to match that output as she rises to the seniors.
JESSIE-MAY HALL
Hornsby
The biggest recruit of the off-season in the women’s division, Hall is a highly regarded junior star who looks destined for bigger things.
An Australian representative who was crowned Junior Indigenous Sports Person of the Year, the 16-year-old guard gives the Spiders much-needed star power.
KEIRA HUDSON
Hornsby
The 18-year-old was one of the Spiders’ most prolific scorers for the 2023 season with over 10 points per game.
She did that at 17 and only looks like she’ll improve, and made the NSW U18s side last year.
NAIOBE RIED
Hornsby
Makes the move to the Spiders after a season with Inner West where she put up solid numbers in limited minutes.
The 19-year-old from Queensland will take up one of the guard positions and looks a likely improver.
ELLA DENT
Illawarra
High level player who will be crucial to Illawarra’s chances of making the finals this season.
The 21-year-old guard put up 13 points with close to five rebounds and assists as she led the way for the Hawks, playing 33 minutes per night.
The go-to player this season.
IMOGEN THOMPSON
Illawarra
A 19-year-old prospect entering her second season with the Hawks at the NBL1 East level and should benefit from more minutes.
Shot the ball well at 50 per cent and looked good when given time, with the guard dropping 10 points on a perfect shooting night against the Bulls.
CHARLOTTE GILES
Illawarra
We got a small sample size of what Giles can offer when playing five games, and Illawarra fans should be excited.
At just 16 she was able to put up an efficient four points and three rebounds in limited time, a promising start for the NSW representative.
ABBEY MCGREGOR
Maitland
The NSW Country representative steps up for her second season in the NBL1 after playing a handful of games last year.
She’ll be better for the run and looks like she can take the next step.
ELLA BENDEICH
Maitland
The 20-year-old saw limited time on the court for the Mustangs last season but can lift if given the chance.
Plays as a power forward or undersized centre, and will have the opportunity to learn from some quality bigs.
ISABELLA JENNINGS
Maitland
Recently turned 20 and is another player in the Maitland system who showed a bit of talent in the time she had on the court.
A Cessnock product who has worn the NSW Country jersey in the past.
KATE LOVE
Maitland
Described as an exciting youngster by the club who looks like she’ll spend some time at the five throughout the season.
Comes into the senior squad after performing well at the Waratah Youth level.
LARA DOBBINS
Maitland
Just turned 18 and is looking to build on her career after playing a handful of games at the back end of last season.
A NSW U20s representative who is a tall guard at 6’0, she is coming off a captaincy run with the NSW Country U18s.
SOPHIE WILLIAMS
Maitland
A 19-year-old who has been in the NSW system and hails from Cessnock.
She received solid court time last year when healthy and was particularly potent in defence, averaging 1.5 steal per game.
SUMMER FALEAFA
Maitland
Links with the Mustangs after coming from North Harbour in New Zealand, where she made waves as a 6’1 wing.
She can score inside and out, and creates a lot of intrigue as to how the 19-year-old will handle this quality.
ISLA JUFFERMANS
Newcastle
A huge coup for Newcastle after she starred for the Centre of Excellence last year.
An Australian junior representative who earned her first minutes in the WNBL for the Flames last year.
She brings a strong inside presence and shapes as a marquee in this league.
KATE KINGHAM
Newcastle
Takes over the captaincy of the Falcons this season and that’s a huge testament to how highly she is regarded.
A 21-year-old who has been superb at this level, the 180cm guard can consistently put up big numbers to lead her team to higher honours.
HOLLY WILLS
Norths
She’s a 21-year-old guard who can get in and grab a board, as well as put up plenty of points when needed.
Hauls of 15 and 14 points in under 16 minutes show how quickly she can go off, and when healthy is a great asset.
PEGGY SCHELL
Norths
The 19-year-old forward prepares for her third season at NBL1 level and is in the perfect system to flourish.
Played a tick over five minutes per game last year and can make an impact off the bench in 2024.
CAITLYN MARTIN
Norths
Martin comes into the side as an 18-year-old undersized guard, but she packs plenty of punch and was a key player last year.
Played 13 minutes off the bench last season in 25 games and was a valuable contributor, including a season-high 15 point effort.
CARLA PITMAN
Norths
Only just turned 20 but will form a key core of the Norths side as they eye off the title.
Was part of the Sydney Flames squad on the back of an outstanding NBL1 season where the guard averaged over 13 points on close to 47 per cent shooting.
Such an exciting talent.
CHLOE WILLIAMS
Penrith
Freshly 19 and looks like she can take her game to another level with more help on board this season.
The Panthers guard was a shining light in a tough season with 11 points and 1.45 steals per game last season.
JORDYN DEWHURST
Sutherland
Another 20-year-old in the Sharks group who was able to post some solid numbers in limited time last year.
The point guard gets the chance to learn once again from star Lauren Nicholson.
TAYA WEBB
Sutherland
The 19-year-old forward joins Sutherland from a stint with Launceston last year and is looking for a greater opportunity.
The club sees her as playing centre so it will be interesting to see the 6’2 Tasmanian U20s rep adapt to that change.
MANUELA PILJEVIC
Sutherland
The Sharks were keen to keep the Sutherland junior on the books and view her as a shooting weapon.
Made the All-Star Five for the Waratah Youth Women last year and the talented 6’0 combo guard can continue her development.
EMILY GARLAND
Sutherland
An exciting prospect who can stuff the stat sheet on any given night.
The 20-year-old has 30-point games under her belt and is so strong on the inside, making her hard for opposition defences to contain.
ALEXANDRA KAYROUZ
Sydney
The NSW Metro U20s representative gets the chance to continue on her progression after some big strides last year.
Was called upon to play some big minutes last year and relished the opportunity, averaging seven points and six rebounds.
ALEXANDRIA OLIVER
Sydney
The 18-year-old is a 6’0 forward who was superb on the boards for the Comets coming off the bench last season.
Will be asked to take on more minutes this year and after averaging close to 5.5 rebounds in just 13 minutes, that’s a big positive for the Comets.
AMBER ORTEGA
Sydney
The Manly Warringah junior makes her way down the highway to the Comets after previously spending time in the NSW D-League.
Has also spent time with Norths and while she can score the basketball, has incredible vision with her dimes.
DYLAN ALEXANDER
Sydney
Another exciting prospect coming to the Comets and she can perform well on both sides of the ball.
Active hands on the defensive end and the ability to shoot from deep makes the Westfields Sports product a sought-after talent.
GABRIELLE NEAL
Sydney
A 20-year-old shooting guard who comes from Ipswich and is looking for more of an opportunity.
Was given limited time on the floor in 2023 and should benefit from the change in scenery.
MAKAYLA MINSHALL
Sydney
The 18-year-old enters her second year in the NBL1 with the Comets and is coming off a productive outing.
She’s a 5’8 combo guard who can make exciting things happen in Alexandria.
PIPER ANDERSON
Sydney
Had the benefit of playing some big minutes for the Comets last year and didn’t let the team down.
She dropped close to nine points per game and was potent on the defensive end with almost one block and over one steal.
MEN
JONAH PARES
Bankstown
The 21-year-old swingman put up consistent numbers throughout his maiden NBL1 season with the Bruins.
He averaged close to seven points, three assists and three rebounds last season and can build on that with more experience.
CHARLIE MCBEATH
Bankstown
Recently turned 18 and is a highly exciting prospect having earned his spot in the NSW U20s team at the nationals.
At 196cm tall he gives them a genuine inside option and can solidify his place as one of the best young players in the competition.
LACHLAN SMITH
Canberra
The 19-year-old can get extremely hot as evidenced by some big games during the 2023 season.
He’s a confident shooter from three-point range and helps the Gunners spread the floor with his accuracy.
CAMERON PENDER
Canberra
Played a major part of the Gunners campaign last season as an 18 and 19-year-old small forward, earning over 23 minutes per game.
He re-paid that faith with an efficient nine points and seven rebounds, and he looks like he’ll only get better.
ANGUS BYATT
Canberra
The 19-year-old will make the full-time step up to the NBL1 East level after he was a star with the Gunners Academy in 2023.
He cleaned up as the Defensive Player of the Year and the Players Player, and looks like he’ll handle the rise in grade.
SETH CHAPMAN
Central Coast
21-year-old entering his second season in the NBL1 with the Crusaders, giving them plenty of size at a tick under 2m tall.
We saw glimpses of what he could do last season with a six point, six rebound, two assist game against the Comets.
JOSH DENT
Centre of Excellence
Was in the NBA Global Academy before getting the call-up earlier this year to play with the Boomers in the Asia Cup qualifiers.
It was a tremendous reward for the 18-year-old who also starred for the NSW U20s at the nationals.
KYE SAVAGE
Centre of Excellence
Similar to Dent, Savage also earned his place in the Boomers squad for the qualifiers and the Tasmanian guard has graduated to the Centre of Excellence.
Has been a regular in Australian underage teams and averaged seven points as a 17-year-old for NW Tasmania in the NBL1 last season.
LUKE FENNELL
Centre of Excellence
The combo guard was part of the Victorian U20s side that claimed gold at the nationals earlier this year as a 17-year-old.
Was just 16 last year when he played in the NBL1 last year and averaged 8.8 points and three rebounds in his 11 games.
JACOB FURPHY
Centre of Excellence
Another Tasmanian in the CoE side and he brings Australian underage experience including an U16s Asian Cup success.
Putting up over seven points at close to 59 per cent from the field, Furphy adds a strong element to this team.
JAMES O’DONNELL
Centre of Excellence
Standing at over 2m tall, O’Donnell is a beast on the inside and is looking to carry on after an incredible NBL1 debut season.
Last year he scored 9.8 points on over 60 per cent shooting to go along with six rebounds in 20 minutes per game.
EMMETT ADAIR
Centre of Excellence
After a great U18s campaign for NSW last year, Adair went on to play 15 games for the CoE as a 17-year-old in the NBL1.
A 205cm forward who can play above the rim, expect to see him on the highlight reels throughout the year.
ABASS BODIJA
Centre of Excellence
Comes to the Canberra-based outfit after a season with the South West Metro Pirates in the NBL1 North.
Best suited at the four with his 205cm frame, Bodija was a GPS captain and boasts an amazing 223cm wingspan.
CARLIN BRIGGS
Centre of Excellence
We’ve seen Briggs perform for Australia and as a tall guard, he will add a great deal of versatility to the CoE.
Only played limited games last season in the NBL1 so look for him to try and make an immediate impact.
AJAK NYUON
Centre of Excellence
A recent addition to the CoE and he performed strongly for the ACT at the nationals.
Brings plenty of size and is sure to make a positive impact when given some time off the bench on the inside.
FLYNN PAVELY
Centre of Excellence
The Manly junior makes the transition to the Centre of Excellence after previous representation with NSW Metro.
Is set to line up for them at the upcoming U18s nationals which will serve as a good lead-in to the senior season.
JAMES DYSON MERWE
Centre of Excellence
Stands at 6’10 and comes from strong sports school Waverley College, where he was captain of the First V.
Played his junior basketball with the Sydney Comets and brings a big body that will take it to the veteran bigs in this competition.
PATRICK NICHOLSON
Hills
The 19-year-old featured in just two games last year as a young gun and will be looking to play a more active role this season.
Has come through the DAP (Developing Athlete Program).
MITCHELL SMITH
Hills
20-year-old enters his second season with the Hornets after making a good impression last year in 10 games.
Shot at an accurate 48.5 per cent from the field in averaging over five points per game in 12 minutes of court time.
Will be looking to extend that in 2024.
JAMIE MUNRO
Hills
A 21-year-old prospect who features again for the Hornets, looking to improve on his 17 games last season.
The 198cm talent has active hands on the defensive end and is one that can provide solid bench minutes at the four or five.
SAXON ORSINI
Hills
Gave the Hills side some valuable minutes as an 18-year-old last season and the classy guard/forward looks ready to take that next step.
Featured in 11 games and should be aiming to double that this year in what is shaping as an exciting time for him.
ISAIAH WALTER
Hornsby
A 20-year-old who comes to the Spiders after a season with the Central Coast Crusaders where he played in 13 games.
Has played with the NSW Country side and a proud Samoan swingman who will benefit from the new surrounds.
STEVEN HALL
Hornsby
The 6’1 combo guard brings a youthful experience to the Spiders with his athleticism up there with the best in the division.
We saw him drop some big numbers in the Waratah League and the NSW representative looks set to thrive at this level.
TEX KEEBLE
Illawarra
Comes into his third season of the NBL1 as a 19-year-old and despite the limited minutes he’s seen on the court so far, can look to up his impact this year.
Will be looking for a shot and is in the right system to provide some valuable minutes when called upon as a combo guard.
BRADLEY BALLINGER
Illawarra
One of the youngest players in the team at just 17 years of age, and was able to get some time on the floor last year as a 16-year-old.
A combo forward who is pushing 2m in height, Ballinger gets the chance to continue his basketball journey in a strong setting.
MASSIMO HOBBS
Illawarra
Another of the tall young players who make up a youthful core at the Hawks, with Hobbs at 197cm.
A 19-year-old with the benefit of a pair of NBL1 seasons already, Hobbs played eight minutes off the bench and made full use of them in each game.
JUDAH KAMI
Illawarra
Freshly 19 and someone the Hawks will be looking to really take the next step in his development this season.
Was called upon to play some big minutes at times last year and aimed up, with the NSW Country point guard getting the job done.
PHILIP DOPUD
Illawarra
A 21-year-old who is shaping as a key player to Illawarra’s charge towards the finals this season.
Looks like a real likely type in the paint and can stuff the stat sheet, evidence by a 30-point, 15-rebound game last season.
LUKA VEA
Maitland
One player who will be pivotal to Maitland’s hopes of going one better and winning it all this year.
Vea was strong in his maiden season of NBL1 with 6.75 points on an efficient 47.5 per cent shooting in under 20 minutes of game-time.
JAI SMITH
Newcastle
The Falcons will have two Jai Smith’s on their roster this season, but the 20-year-old from America is shaping as one of the best recruits in the league.
A 21-year-old who has played at the Summer League with the Kings and has experience in the NBA’s G-League, there’s no telling how much on an impact the New York-native can have on this side.
MICHAEL YOONG
Norths
One of the most exciting young guards in the NBL1 East competition, Yoong will again control things for Norths at the point.
A NSW Metro representative who put up 10 points and four rebounds per contest last season, he gets some experience around him to put the Bears in a position for a title run.
CALEB FETUI-FA’AMOE
Penrith
The 21-year-old was a star for the Panthers in a tough campaign last season, putting up 14 points and almost seven rebounds on better than 50 per cent shooting.
A strong forward who will need to match those numbers and some to help Penrith get into contention, but his natural progression should allow for that.
JAEDYN FETUI-FA’AMOE
Penrith
The brother of Caleb and another key part of the Panthers puzzle, Jaedyn was another bright spark for the western side.
Close to 10 points and four boards per game in 2023, he was one of their most consistent players and can give a lot of punch as a three or four.
ANGUS LAKE
Sutherland
Will be interesting to see how the 21-year-old shapes up this year as a big for the Sutherland side.
Standing over two metres, Lake got a solid crack off the bench and is one to watch to make the most of his chances this year.
JOSHUA SHEEHY
Sutherland
Has been with the Sharks system for a little bit now and prepares for his third season at this level.
In limited time last season he was able to shoot well and cause problems for the opposition defence, so can add valuable time off the bench again.
SPENCER MUSGROVE
Sutherland
Caught the eye of the Sharks as a strong player for the ACT U20s and is ready to showcase his talents against grown men.
He’ll play as a versatile wing with a great athletic ability who can put up some points when called upon.
ANTHONY MUNDINE III
Sydney
The 19-year-old has a great athletic pedigree with his father Anthony Mundine a dual-code international star.
Played a handful of games in the NBL1 North last season and is coming off an impressive campaign for the NSW U18s.
CHRISTIAN AUKUSO
Sydney
Made a great start to his NBL1 career last season as an 18-year-old with the Comets when given 21 minutes a game.
The combo forward scored eight points and five rebounds to cap a brilliant rookie season and only looks like he’ll improve from here.
MATTHEW WACHER
Sydney
The 21-year-old has over 40 games of NBL1 experience to bring to the Comets and that will come in very handy.
A long-time NSW Metro representative, Wacher is a point guard who has a very solid all-round game and is strong defensively.
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