Club-By-Club: They Got Next

For NBL teams now out of the finals, there's always those questions about 'what could have been?'. 

As Sydney and New Zealand prepare for the Championship Series, eight other teams, their coaches and staff are sitting back watching with a keen eye - how do they get to that level? How do they reach the ultimate pinnacle?

As we continue the countdown to Game 1 on Friday, March 3, we're analysing what went right and what went wrong for each team in NBL23.

In the latest edition of Pete Hooley's new series, we look at the players who teams can build their futures around ... the potential stars.

Nick Marshall has been a name around Adelaide for the last couple of years.

The exciting youngster continues to impress in his limited opportunities after staring in the NBL1.

Marshall averaged 4.5 points per game across the 15 games he saw action in the NBL23 season, including a career-high 15 points in 16 minutes against South East Melbourne.

His teammate Antonious Cleveland saw enough during their scrimmage against the Overeas Elite in the USA, where Marshall put up 23 points and 10 rebounds. Cleveland then said he was the “best development player of all time.” Whilst that quote may be up for debate, there is no debate about how bright this young star’s future is.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It was the Nick Marshall show in Phoenix as the <a href="https://twitter.com/Adelaide36ers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Adelaide36ers</a> came away with a W against <a href="https://twitter.com/OvertimeElite?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OvertimeElite</a> <br><br>Marshall put up 23 points and 10 boards in front of a gym full of NBA scouts as CJ Bruton turned to his young guns for today&#39;s scrimmage ? <a href="https://t.co/2fXl35vfjF">pic.twitter.com/2fXl35vfjF</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1576040967123382272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If there was one bright spot to come out of the Bullets' disappointing season, it would have to be Gorjok Gak.

There’s making an impact with limited opportunity and there’s what Gak produced in a few games where he got extended minutes. The whole package of his potential was seen in his career-best night against Melbourne United, where he put up 18 points and 13 rebounds. Of those 13, 10 came on the offensive end which places him as one of only three players over the last three seasons to reach that mark, joining Dererk Pardon from a few weeks ago and Ben Moore in NBL21.

The 26-year-old will be receiving a lot of interest from clubs wanting to load up their bench with a solid contributor, after taking advantage of his opportunities this season. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gorjok Gak splits the defense attacks the rack ?<br><br>Catch the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL23</a> action live on ESPN via Kayo Sports and Foxtel. <a href="https://t.co/qRQTzWNE7g">pic.twitter.com/qRQTzWNE7g</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1601529078363746305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Taipans are now well known for not just finding young talent, but letting them flourish so early in their careers.

Sam Waardenburg is a prime example after his stellar rookie campaign that deservedly saw him receive the NBL’s first Next Generation Award. However, I want to shine the spotlight on Jonah Antonio and Lat Mayen. These two rookies barely saw any time during the regular season, yet when the Adam Forde called on them to step up, they took their chance and never looked back. 

Antonio saw the floor in 26 games, but only played over 10 minutes in eight of those. His most important moment came in Game 1 against Sydney, where he caught fire for 20 points in 17 minutes.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">JONAH ANTONIO IS ON FIRE?<br><br>A career-high 1??7?? in the first half and 5?? triples already ?<br><br>Watch the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBLFinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBLFinals</a> Live &amp; free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies ? <a href="https://t.co/GT06iIuhdu">pic.twitter.com/GT06iIuhdu</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1625789624693178369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mayen on the other hand saw action in just 16 games but only played over 10 minutes six times, four of which were the last four games of the season for Cairns. He had 12 points in one of those games, as well as recording over five boards three times. If anyone knows how to unlock the talents of the next generation, it’s Adam Forde.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lat Mayen with the SLAM in transition ?<br>That gives us a 14 point lead! <br><br>? <a href="https://twitter.com/lattmayen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lattmayen</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> <a href="https://t.co/JxfD8KhvPi">pic.twitter.com/JxfD8KhvPi</a></p>&mdash; Cairns Taipans (@CairnsTaipans) <a href="https://twitter.com/CairnsTaipans/status/1621462777608171520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Regardless of the tough season that occurred for Illawarra and their fans, for the majority of their games played you could never question their effort.

With injuries to key players seemingly every week, the door was opened for young players to grab an opportunity that they hadn't otherwise had.

Lachie Dent and Davo Hickey were two of the bright sparks of the Hawks' season, when you consider they managed just three wins.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Two words, Lachlan Dent. That is all. <br><br>Check out his best highlights from last Saturday&#39;s game against the Kings. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hawknation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hawknation</a> <a href="https://t.co/R4jeVppc4l">pic.twitter.com/R4jeVppc4l</a></p>&mdash; Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) <a href="https://twitter.com/illawarrahawks/status/1577162848530112513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

When Justin Robinson got hurt in Round 1, Dent went to work when he dropped 19 points against the Kings. He ended up scoring in double-figures five times across the season, which is impressive when you remember he only featured in 18 games total before NBL23, and scored 17 total points. 

Hickey on the other hand was elevated to a roster position after showing glimpses of what he could bring in terms of energy and effort in the point guard role. The Hawks clearly loved what they saw by signing him to an extension to help bolster the bench unit going forward. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Davo Hickey finishing this game like it started - by absolutely YAMMING one home ?<br><br>Catch the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL23</a> action live on ESPN via Kayo Sports and Foxtel <a href="https://t.co/bXdz6ttsvX">pic.twitter.com/bXdz6ttsvX</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1585576252861054977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Key injuries to big men on the eve of the season meant that David Okwera had to step up even more for United than perhaps they first envisioned.

Okwera was also selected to represent Australia during the first FIBA Qualifying window, which further highlighted the enormous potential he has.

His season highlight came on Christmas Day, when he put up 13 points and 12 rebounds in what was a tough outing for United against Sydney.

Okwera featured prominently among Melbourne’s rotation, even when they were at full strength, and continued to improve on his game each week.

Defensively was where Okwera really showcased his potential, with the ability to both block and alter shots with his length and athleticism. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Okay David Okwera, we see that ????? ?<br><br>Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL23</a> live on ESPN via Kayo Sports + Foxtel ? <a href="https://t.co/rn5cj6d8rM">pic.twitter.com/rn5cj6d8rM</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1614153993915363329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

When it comes to stars of the future, it's hard to go past Rayan Rupert. 

At just 18-years-old, Rupert has looked every bit as comfortable as you'd expect from a likely first-round NBA draft prospect. 

The emerging French guard has been a key member of the Breakers' rotation this year, and another incredible advocate for the NBL's Next Stars program.

Unfortunately for us, he likely won't be around for too much longer - he's headed to the NBA. It's been fun though! 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rayan Rupert is every NBA teams dream ?<br><br>At 18 years old the Next Star is one of the hardest workers ever seen at the Breakers ??<br><br>Don&#39;t miss any of the NBL23 Championship Series - starting Friday, March 3 ? <a href="https://t.co/r2bfiWKXWK">pic.twitter.com/r2bfiWKXWK</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1628627380939137025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Will McDowell-White first played in the NBL as an 18-year-old way back in 2016-'17, but he's still got a huge amount of time left to continue to make his mark. At just 24, McDowell-White looms as one of the biggest targets for clubs during free agency, after his best season in the league yet.

He's averaged 10.5 points, 6.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds, and now looms as one of the most important players in the Championship Series. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Will McDowell-White is running this to perfection ?<br><br>Watch the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBLFinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBLFinals</a> Live &amp; free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies, 10 Peach &amp; 10 play ? <a href="https://t.co/eO7zszJz15">pic.twitter.com/eO7zszJz15</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1624644849700929536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If there’s one thing that the Wildcats weren’t lacking in NBL23, it was scoring. For all their struggles defensively and rebounding, they seemed to have enough moments where their offence caught fire and they would blow the game open.

When the newly signed development player Michael Harris, was able to crack an already short rotation at times, it spoke volumes about what his future could hold in the NBL.

Harris’ energy and effort was never in question, but it was his ability to take and make big shots that had the Red Army excited.

Another example of a player coming off a strong NBL1 campaign, Harris’ 17 points in 15 minutes against Cairns gave everyone a small glimpse of what he’s been doing in the winter competition each season. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Michael Harris drops three for his first points as a Perth Wildcat!<br><br>? Watch live on ESPN via Kayo &amp; Foxtel <a href="https://t.co/5BMUmoJMRa">pic.twitter.com/5BMUmoJMRa</a></p>&mdash; Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) <a href="https://twitter.com/PerthWildcats/status/1579398522495193089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

We saw glimpses of what Owen Foxwell could bring to his team during NBL22, when Simon Mitchell threw him out on the floor in some big games.

There was probably no bigger ‘welcome to the league’ moment for the then 18-year-old, when he hit a corner three in front of the United bench during a Throwdown.

A season on from that shot and Foxwell became a key piece that Mitchell would turn too when he needed someone to bring a spark.

He scored in double figures twice during NBL23, but it’s perhaps his intensity on the defensive end that will have him in a great spot to help a team going forward. Foxwell has signed on again for the Eltham Wildcats in NBL1 South, which I am expecting a big season from him after what he produced this time last year. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In Foxy we trust ?? <br><br>He brings it back within 1??0?? points.<br><br>? <a href="https://twitter.com/10PeachAu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@10PeachAU</a> ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/kayosports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kayosports</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNAusNZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNAusNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/DZSQs3RGzm">pic.twitter.com/DZSQs3RGzm</a></p>&mdash; South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix/status/1611976723398283266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There weren’t too many teams across the league that ran deeper than the Sydney Kings. Look no further than some of the clutch moments on their home floor, when Chase Buford had four or of the five bench players on the court to close out a game.

After playing just five minutes total across the first six games, Jaylin Galloway fought his way into the rotation for Buford and the rest was history.

Galloway went on to be a significant piece to the Kings success this season, putting up 5.3 points per game and showcasing his incredible athleticism out in transition.

Galloway was another youngster who earnt the right to be selected for Australian during the FIBA window and another bright star to keep an eye on from NBL24 and beyond. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jaylin Galloway PUNCHED that ?<br><br>Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL23</a> live on ESPN via Kayo Sports &amp; Foxtel ? <a href="https://t.co/ypCGeCFDCM">pic.twitter.com/ypCGeCFDCM</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1603678508202369025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He was almost the entire reason for this piece to be written, but Sean Macdonald had a season to remember from a personal standpoint down in Tasmania.

Another development player who found an opportunity through injury to others, managed to become a staple piece for Scott Roth this past season.

Macdonald was a finalist for the NBL’s Most Improved Player after averaging 6.3 points across his 32 games, shooting it at 40.5 per cent from the floor and almost 37 per cent from three.

The JackJumpers were a guard-heavy team when they were at full strength, thanks to both Macdonald and Isaac White being able to contribute as development players. Macdonald had eight games scoring in double figures and deservedly was rewarded with a new two year contract to stay at Tasmania.  

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sean Macdonald is ??????? the JackJumpers back into this ?‍??<br><br>Watch live and free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies ? <a href="https://t.co/w08ITgfaIL">pic.twitter.com/w08ITgfaIL</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1627199417001598976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>