Analysis: The Players Who Blitzed It

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The NBL Blitz is done and dusted. With the 36ers locking in back-to-back Blitz championships, we're now ready for the season proper to begin.

You can only take so many things out of pre-season. Players are warming up, players are out injured, game plans are closely guarded and different lineups are trialled.

That being said, plenty of players, coaches and organisations will take some handy positives out of this year's Blitz.

NBL Media looks at each team's biggest winner from the pre-season series ahead of the launch of NBL23.

Antonius Cleveland
All eyes were on Adelaide’s new look imports at the Blitz. From the poaching of former Hawk Antonius Cleveland, the conflicting reports about the signing and availability of Robert Franks, and the unknown quantity of Craig Randall, the Blitz offered a firm look at what all three players will bring to the table.

While Franks and Randall were impressive in their own right, Cleveland lit up the competition and could have walked away with the Ray Borner Trophy as Blitz MVP had he played the last game.

He put in one of the best performances of the week with 27 points against the notoriously stingy JackJumpers. He also finished that game with five rebounds, three assists and three blocks.

His 12 points and three steals against the Phoenix also represented a remarkably consistent and solid game for the leagues reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

Honourable mentions
Craig Randall – Craig Randall was a threatening and exciting offensive presence with 16.3 points per game and looks to have embedded well with the 36ers organisation.

Robert Franks – Although he was under an injury cloud after the NBA Summer League, Robert Franks exploded with a 30-point game against the Hawks. He’s a known quantity in the NBL and continues to prove how good he is.

Aron Baynes
The return to the court for Boomers big man Aron Baynes was undoubtedly the leading story of the NBL heading into the Blitz.

A notoriously steely and intimidating presence on the court throughout his time in the NBA, seeing Baynes so obviously enjoying his time on the court in Darwin would have warmed the heart of even the most intense and neutral basketball fan.

Despite the Blitz representing Baynes’ first competitive action in almost a year, he certainly wasn’t a passenger for the Bullets.

While his minutes were carefully managed he put together an exceptional 14 point, six rebound performance in just 13 minute against the Breakers to open his account in the competition.

Although his jump shot didn’t fall with much consistency over the three games – there’s some obvious rust for Baynes to shake off – he showed flashes of what he’s going to provide this high-quality Brisbane side.

Honourable mentions
Nathan Sobey – The Blitz was all about getting minutes upon returning for injury for Nathan Sobey and he got through unscathed. Like Baynes he also showed flashes of his quality.

DJ Mitchell – DJ Mitchell performed well when given big minutes in Brisbane’s first two games. He looks like an explosive prospect on both ends of the floor. 

Bul Kuol
Bul Kuol looks like he’s taken his game to a new level this off-season, and Adam Forde well and truly handed the reigning Rookie of the Year the keys to the Cairns kingdom during the Blitz.

Kuol was given the licence to shoot in all three games – he put up 15 shots for 14 points against Perth, 18 shots for 21 points against the Bullets and eight shots for eight points against the JackJumpers.

Although his shooting splits left a little bit to be desired – he shot 37 per cent from the field, 18 per cent from three and 73 per cent from the line – the confidence and willingness to continually put-up shots and try to make things happen is good to see from the second-year player.

Cairns was more than happy to shoot the three ball and put up a remarkable 48 long bombs against the Bullets. Shooters shoot, and while Kuol’s all-around performances were very good, the mentality in which he seems to be approaching the game is his biggest win.

Honourable mentions
Ben Ayre – After earning a full contract through his quality as an injury replacement player last season, Ben Ayre impressed when afforded the opportunity in the Blitz. His 26 points against the JackJumpers was a particular highlight.

DJ Hogg – Cairns’ new import DJ Hogg showed the ability to be a lethal hot-handed scorer who can take the game over at the drop of a hat. Although his shot didn’t fall with great consistency over the Blitz he looks to be a dangerous player. 

Tyler Harvey
Any one of Illawarra's new ‘big three’ could have been their biggest Blitz winner, but Tyler Harvey has had a pre-season to remember.

After being named as co-captain alongside Sam Froling, Harvey was a huge influence on the scoreboard and provided a number of high-quality ‘showtime’ moments across the tournament.

His 27-point game against the Breakers was one of the individual performances of the tournament, and he was heavily involved in Illawarra’s best moments over the tournament.

The balancing act Harvey, Froling and Robinson will surely play during the season will be interesting to watch, but it’s a balance they got right in the Blitz.

Honourable mentions
Sam Froling – The Hawks’ other co-captain, an official leadership position could help young Sam Froling take his game to the next level. He had a weak game against the 36ers, but he’d already showcased a great body of work in the first two contests.

Justin Robinson – His shot wasn’t falling as well as he’d have liked, but Justin Robinson showed the potential to be a strong scorer. The best part of his game though is definitely his passing – he finished with eight assists in both his Blitz performances.

Isaac Humphries
In a similar vein to Brisbane’s Aron Baynes, Isaac Humphries’ major goal at the Blitz was to get through games.

A former NBA player in his own right after spending time with Atlanta in the 2018-19 season, Humphries returned to the court for the first time since suffering a severe knee injury while playing for the 36ers last season.

If there’s one thing to take away from his performances, it’s that he looks fit and raring to go. He’s never looked in better shape during his time in the NBL and he’s openly discussed the training regime he’s gone through to ensure both his knee and the rest of his body are in tip-top shape.

He played around 17 minutes in each of the first two games before expanding to over 26 minutes on-court in United’s Blitz finale. In all three games he was a strong contributor both on the scoreboard and in the rebounding column.

Humphries was already shaping up as an important player this season for Melbourne, and with the heart-wrenching season ending injury for Ariel Hukporti, it looks like he’ll be the man holding it down in the middle for Melbourne.

Honourable mentions:
Rayjon Tucker – A versatile player who can get it done both offensively and defensively, Rayjon Tucker scored at will at times during the Blitz. An entertainment machine who backs himself to be the best, Tucker is an exciting talent to watch this season.

David Okwera – The pre-season affords emerging players a chance for more minutes and David Okwera made the most of his. He averaged over 15 minutes per game and didn’t look out of place in his first pre-season as a fully contracted player.

Rayan Rupert
After losing captain Tom Abercrombie to an eye injury in the first minute of their opening game, the Breakers needed a good news story coming out of pre-season. Lucky for them Next Star Rayan Rupert was one of the stories of the tournament.

The poise and calmness with which Rupert performed makes it hard to believe he’s still just 18, and the smoothness and consistency of his jump shot was an exciting surprise for many viewers.

Although his physical and defensive attributes have taken most of the headlines this pre-season the Blitz shows he’s not a talent to be slept on in offence. He made the most of his open looks from deep, was effective at driving to the rim and got to the free throw line effectively.

As with most young players Rupert will likely struggle for consistency over the season, but this pre-season sees him look like one of the most exciting talents to ever come through the Next Stars program.

Honourable mentions
Izayah Le’afa – Izayah Le’afa was an effective floor general for the Breakers over the Blitz. Most of Rupert’s open looks came as a result of Le’afa’s passing, and the guard finished with 13 points and nine assists against the Hawks.

Tom Vodanovich – A much-needed veteran presence who has returned to New Zealand with a championship ring, Tom Vodanovich stepped up well in the absence of Tom Abercrombie.

Luke Travers
There’s a recurring theme that gets mentioned every time one of Luke Travers’ peers is asked about him this pre-season, and that’s how much confidence he’s gained from a productive off-season.

A draft and stash selection by the Cleveland Cavaliers Travers has returned to Perth with a swagger we haven’t seen before, and he looks more comfortable and dangerous with the ball in hand since his time in the NBA Summer League and with the Boomers.

He hasn’t lost any of his defensive prowess, but his shooting looks to have bumped up a notch – especially his ability to find shots from beyond the three-point line.

The presence of the likes of Bryce Cotton and Todd Blanchfield as guiding hands will help him once again this season – but Travers is looking like a different beast early doors.

Honourable mentions
Bryce Cotton – What is there to say about Bryce Cotton that hasn’t already been said? After 36 points in game one he moved into a more pass-first role to great effect in games two and three. Just a gun who makes his teammates better.

John Rillie – The Perth coach will be happy with how his team implemented his system during the Blitz. Their signings look to just about all be ticks as well. TaShawn Thomas and Corey Webster played their roles well, and Brady Manek grew across the three games. Early signs are good for the first-time head coach. 

Kyle Adnam
Not much can be taken out of South East Melbourne’s Blitz campaign since they were missing so many bodies. Mitch Creek, Trey Kell and Ryan Broekhoff were all missing from action, and Gary Browne suffered a minor knee injury in the opening stages of their final game.

Co-captain Kyle Adnam stepped up in the absence of so many star and veteran names. Not only did he provide level-headed and confident leadership for the undermanned Phoenix, but he also exploded on offence in the absence of the side’s more established shooters.

Adnam averaged 19.6 points per game and played more minutes than any other Phoenix player across the tournament, and he dished out some high quality dimes for good measure.

Honourable mentions
Dane Pineau – A fully-fit Dane Pineau is a big tick for the Phoenix after the rebounding machine played limited minutes due to a lingering back injury in NBL22. It’s to see him moving well and boosting his minutes.

Junior Madut - After a long stint as a train-on player, Junior Madut finally suited up for the Phoenix in the Blitz. He was one of the main beneficiaries of the forced absences and played well in over 23 minutes per game. 

Tim Soares
After the high-profile import signings of Derrick Walton Junior and Justin Simon, Tim Soares has flown under the radar slightly for the Kings in the off-season. He’s definitely not flying under the radar anymore after his performances at the Blitz.

He improved his productivity with each passing game as he became acclimated to not just his teammates, but the style of officiating.

Soares finished his Blitz campaign with an impressive 19-point, two block performance against the Breakers, and he showed his willingness to work outside and take the three-point shot when presented with the opportunity over the games.

Replacing Jarell Martin is certainly going to be a task for Soares and the Kings, but the new man looks like he could be up to the task.

Honourable mentions
Derrick Walton Jr – The most hyped of the Kings’ three incoming imports, Derrick Walton Jr looked like an exciting talent in each of his first two games in purple. Like Soares it’ll be tough for Walton to replace his predecessor Jaylen Adams, but he looks very good.

Iggy Mitchell – Another development player who benefitted from extra minutes in pre-season, Iggy Mitchell scored nine points in each of his two Blitz outings. He’ll be looking to take the next step this season and he indicated he has the ability to play at the level.

Jack McVeigh
Quite possibly the player with the most successful individual Blitz campaign, Jack McVeigh not only marked a successful return from injury with much-needed minutes on the court, but he elevated his game to win the Ray Borner Trophy as the MVP of the Blitz.

After coming off the bench in the JackJumpers’ first two games, McVeigh returned to his accustomed starting position against the Taipans and dropped a game-winning 25 points – hitting 10 of his 12 shots including five of six threes.

McVeigh’s importance to this Tassie group is so much more important than any box score can represent though. He’s the energy guy. He’s the hype man. He’s the spark plug. There’s no player who more actively represents the JackJumpers culture than the wiry forward.

Having him back on the court was a win in itself for everyone associated with the organisation. Having him perform so well so early is a dangerous warning to opposing sides.

Honourable mentions
Sean Macdonald – One of a number of second year players poised to make a step forward in NBL23, Sean Macdonald shot the lights out in the final Blitz game. He shot 9-12 from three for the tournament and it was good to see him execute his role at the level.

Rashard Kelly – Some of his work may have been unassuming, but Rashard Kelly looks to be a great fit for Tasmania. He was good on defence, efficient in offence and is one to watch for the upcoming season.