NBL Blitz preview: One player from every team to watch

Jed Wells

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NBL Blitz preview: One player from every team to watch image

After a long off-season, the NBL is finally back, with all 10 teams descending on the Gold Coast ahead of the league's annual pre-season tournament, the NBL Blitz. 

Across the week of September 16-22, the entire league will face off in the Sunshine State, competing for the Loggins-Bruton Cup, the attention of NBA scouts, and developing a sense of where they're at coming into the season. 

While not all teams will be at full strength, the top talent in the league will be on display, with new signings ready to impress at their new clubs, or teams trying to integrate new pieces. 

We've selected one player from each team to watch at the NBL Blitz, as well as a few honourable mentions. 

Adelaide 36ers: Trentyn Flowers

A Next Star out of Maryland, USA, Flowers came in late to the NBL this off-season, de-committing from his initial college of Louisville to join the 36ers with a promise from the team that he would be their starting point guard come opening night. 

This raised more than a few eyebrows around the league, considering the 36ers already had one of the league's best facilitators on their roster in Mitch McCarron.

Flowers is one to watch at the Blitz, to see if there is any promise in his abilities to run the point for a professional-level team, or if McCarron will end up back in the driver's seat as they push for a playoff spot. 

Honourable mention: Kyrin Galloway, who seems poised for a breakout year.

Brisbane Bullets: Rocco Zikarsky 

It's not every day you see a seven-foot-three 17-year-old, but you will see one in a Bullets jersey this season, as Rocco Zikarsky joins Brisbane as a Next Star. 

Not draft eligible until 2025, this is the first taste of a two-year stint for Zikarsky with Brisbane, as the youngster looks to become the next big Australian to be drafted to the NBA. 

A dominant force on both ends, the Blitz will be the perfect place for Zikarsky to show his ability. 

Honourable mention: Chris Smith, Brisbane's new import who could be one of the league's most dynamic scorers.

Cairns Taipans: Taran Armstrong 

He may be just 21, but there is an argument to be made that Taran Armstrong is already the best passer in the NBL, as he brings his facilitation skills to the league after two years in the NCAA with California Baptist University. 

Armstrong signed a two-year deal with the Taipans before intending to declare for the NBA, and his ability to pass the ball is going to be a huge asset for Cairns. 

For a team that lost two of their best players in Keanu Pinder and DJ Hogg, Armstrong will bring some excitement to Adam Forde's Taipans.

Honourable mention: Bobi Klintman, the Swedish Next Star projected to be a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Illawarra Hawks: Justin Robinson

It only took one game for Illawarra Hawks fans to suffer heartbreak last season, when star point guard Justin Robinson went down in the season opener with a torn meniscus, an injury that would see him miss the entire season. 

But after an impressive showing with the Charlotte Hornets at the NBA Summer League, Robinson has chosen to run it back with the Hawks, and this will start with the Blitz, an event he shone at last season. 

Robinson and Tyler Harvey are one of the most impressive backcourts in the league on paper and now is the time for the Hawks to show they can capitalise on that. 

Honourable mention: Hyunjung Lee, a shart-shooting South Korean player who holds the Davidson school record of the highest three-point percentage - ahead of NBA MVP Steph Curry.

Melbourne United: Luke Travers

For the past four seasons, Luke Travers built himself into one of the most impressive two-way presences in the NBL, culminating in being drafted to the NBA in 2022. 

But now Travers has moved East, joining Melbourne United for the chance to become a focal point of the offence, alongside a stacked team. 

Travers' entire career to this point has been spent sharing the court with nuclear scorer Bryce Cotton, but the Blitz will be the first chance we get to see Travers as a true number-one option. 

Honourable mention: Ariel Hukporti, back for United after losing all of last season with an Achilles injury.

New Zealand Breakers: Zylan Cheatham

It seems that every season the New Zealand Breakers bring in a show-stopping import, and this year is no different, with the signing of Zylan Cheatham. 

He's a three-level scorer, with the ability to get to the ring with the best of them, and will ensure the Breakers remain must-see TV. 

After losing both Barry Brown Jr and Dererk Pardon, Cheatham is a more than worthy import replacement, which fans will see at the Blitz. 

Honourable mention: Justinian Jessup, the former Illawarra Hawks Next Star sharp-shooter who is back in the NBL.

Perth Wildcats: Keanu Pinder

Last season he became the first NBL player to win the Most Improved award twice, and now Pinder is back home in Perth, and ready to go to work. 

Named to the All-NBL Second Team in 2023, Pinder will now team up with multi-time MVP Bryce Cotton, forming one of the most dangerous one-two combos the league has seen in some time. 

The Blitz will let fans see how this new pairing will do against NBL competition, and how the rest of the league can compete with 'Masked Keanu'.

Honourable mention: Alexandre Sarr, the Next Star who flew to the top of draft boards following the Wildcats' two games against the G-League Ignite.

South East Melbourne Phoenix: Tyler Cook

The latest addition to the Phoenix, Tyler Cook joins the NBL after four years in the NBA and G-League. 

While Cook was a fringe player during his time in the NBA, the NBL has consistently seen players of this calibre come down under and become stars, and the Blitz will be his first chance to show what he's capable of. 

If Cook can become a high-impact player, the Phoenix will be a tough team to beat this season.

Honourable mention: Will Cummings, a veteran import guard joining the NBL after time in Europe and China.

Sydney Kings: Denzel Valentine

Possibly the biggest addition of the off-season, NBA veteran Denzel Valentine will be a must-see at the NBL Blitz.

Valentine adds truly elite scoring and playmaking to a Sydney team hoping to three-peat and combined with players like former MVP Jaylen Adams and previous NBA player Jonah Bolden. 

With the Kings losing high-usage players like Xavier Cooks and Derrick Walton Jr., Valentine has a chance to be one of the key players of the entire league. 

Honourable mention: Jonah Bolden, who returns to professional basketball after three years away from the sport, having previously spent two years in the NBA.

Tasmania Jack Jumpers: Marcus Lee

Marcus Lee only played 17 games in NBL23, but he instantly looked the part for Melbourne United, averaging 8.8 points and 7.5 rebounds.

He has now moved South, teaming up with MVP finalist Milton Doyle, and should only do better as a result.

Lee is shaping up to be one of the top big men in the league, and the Blitz should be the perfect place for him to get this started. 

Honourable mention: Junior Madut, an underrated signing who is poised for a true breakout season with the Jack Jumpers.

Jed Wells

Jed Wells Photo

Jed is a writer and social media producer, who has a keen interest in the intersection of sports and popular culture, especially basketball.