Club-By-Club: Your team's new imports for NBL25

As NBL25 inches closer, more teams are getting closer to finalising their roster, ahead of the opening round at HoopsFest in Perth.

With all the incredible returning talent, this off-season has also seen an influx of new names ready to hit the hardwood.

Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect from some of the new faces at your club.

>> NBL25 ROSTER TRACKER: EVERY SIGNING, EXTENSION AND DEPARTURE

Kendric Davis

Last played for: Santa Cruz Warriors (G League) – avg. 18 points, 4.3 rebounds, 7.6 assists

What to expect:
Kendric Davis is an explosive scoring point guard who is exactly the type of player the 36ers were looking for to lead their team.

Davis was sixth in the G League in scoring last season and his highlights speak for themselves.

The 36ers now have a playmaking guard, who is lightning quick in the open floor and able to cause major problems out of a ball screen.

Perhaps one trait that is very noticeable from watching him play is how under control he is at all times, never rushed and how he has the ball on a string when making plays.

Combining that with an elite pick and roll big man in Isaac Humphries, knockdown shooters on the wings in DJ Vasiljevic and Lat Mayen and this Adelaide team will be fun to watch offensively.

Even though Davis has stated that he’s looking forward to finding open shots for his teammates, Adelaide will need him to find the perfect balance between being a scoring threat and distributing at a high rate.

What he said:
"I’m the missing piece to the puzzle at the point guard spot."

Jarell Martin

Last played for: Galatasaray (Turkey) – 8.8 points, 5.8 rebounds

What to expect:
Jarell Martin’s game is well known to NBL fans after his strong seasons at the Sydney Kings, highlighted by winning a championship in 2022.

Martin was a force down low, averaging almost 16 points and 8 rebounds in that season, including a monster 22-point, 17 rebound game three to secure the title.

He is one of the more unique big men in the competition as he can score in a variety of ways, including posting up, but will also put the ball on the floor and blow by defenders like a guard. While he is coming off a ruptured patella, Adelaide know that a healthy Martin can be a game-changer in the front-court, alongside Isaac Humphries.

Martin, who is out injured for the first 4-6 weeks of the season, will have an eye on returning in the middle of NBL25 and helping the 36ers charge towards the postseason.

What they said:
"He knows the league and he is a proven winner and it’s exciting to see what he can bring this roster moving forward." – Adelaide Coach Scott Ninnis

Montrezl Harrell

Last played for: Philadelphia 76ers – 5.6 points, 2.8 rebounds

What to expect:

The 36ers pulled off one of the biggest signings in recent history with Montrezl Harrell, the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year, coming in to be a nominated replacement player for the injured Martin. Harrell, who is returning off an ACL injury, arrives in Adelaide with a chip on his shoulder and a game style that should thrive.

The 30-year-old has a reputation of using his physicality to set himself apart from his opposition and has a knack for rebounds. In 2020, Harrell averaged over 18 points and seven rebounds for the Clippers and became one of the best bench producers across the entire association. 

What they said:
"Montrezl will bring that professionalism with a lot of years in the NBA and his competitiveness is great and he will bring that to the organization." - Mike Wells

 

Returning imports: Casey Prather

James Batemon

Last played for: Ironi Kiryat Ata (Israel) – avg. 17.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists

What to expect:
Batemon is a piece that the Bullets have had their eye on for over a year now and one they desperately needed heading into NBL25.

Batemon is a crafty playmaker who has a real knack for putting the ball in the basket at all three levels.

With Nathan Sobey leaving, there’s a space for someone at Brisbane to be the leader and that could very well be Batemon, once the season begins.

He excels in the open floor and looks to push the pace at every opportunity. He can knock down the three at a high rate also, which is exactly what the Bullets need with their new-look roster.

While Casey Prather is expected to take on more of a scoring role than he did last season, Brisbane has found their consistent scoring weapon, which will take pressure off the likes of Prather and Josh Bannan.

Batemon showcased his star power during the Blitz, where he led his team to go undefeated on the back of some very strong individual performances. 

What he said:
"I love to win. So I’ll do whatever it takes to get it done."

Photo: Dov Halickman

Keandre Cook

Last played for: Crailshem Merlins (Germany) – avg. 14.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 45.7 per cent from three

What to expect:
Don’t let the three-point percentage fool you, Keandre Cook is much more than just an elite shooter.

Cook is known for his efficiency and ability to be a strong two-way player on the floor.

When you think about what Batemon brings running the point guard role and how well Cook runs the lanes, Bullets fans should expect a lot of highlights above the rim.

Another key for Cook and Brisbane is that he comes with international experience, having played in five different countries since his time at Missouri State.

He also has the reputation to be a strong and impactful defender, which will pair well with Sam McDaniel as one of the premier lockdown wing duos in the league.

What he said:
"The toughness and togetherness of this team was a big draw for me. I’m excited to play in front of these fans, I’ve always wanted to play in Australia."

Tanner Groves

Last played for: Rasta Vechta (Germany) – 8 points, 6 rebounds, 41 per cent from three

What to expect:
Groves' impact for Cairns is going to come from his toughness and versatility with the other pieces on the roster.

Adam Forde knew the exact type of big man he was after when putting together this team and Groves ticks all the right boxes for their playing style.

He is a “6’9’ pitbull” in Forde’s words and is going to allow Sam Waardenburg to slide down to his traditional power forward position and be a main scoring option.

Groves is unique in the way he will be first on the floor and set hard screens, but also step out and shoot the three at a high rate.

Cairns has been open about finding pieces to help open the floor up for Taran Armstrong. Groves seems to be a perfect fit for what they need in that regard and someone who Forde can trust each and every night.

Groves made an immediate impact during the Blitz with his hustle and physicality for Adam Forde. He also showcased his range and not being afraid to step out and shoot it from the three.

What they said:
“Tanner is a competitor. He is just built differently. He is the perfect fit for us and compliments the bigs we currently have.” – Taipans coach Adam Forde

Rob Edwards

Last played for: Delaware Blue Coats (G League) – 9.9 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal

What to expect:
Edwards has been a name that Adam Forde has been chasing ever since he became coach of the Taipans and there’s a very simple reason for that – he’s exactly the type of player that should thrive in Forde’s system.

Edwards is a strong, versatile defender who can also provide some insurance as a secondary ball-handler, which will be crucial when you look at the inexperienced backcourt for the Taipans.

When Cairns have had success, it’s usually been on the back of elite pressure defensively and someone who can set a tone like Tahjere McCall or Bul Kuol. That is where Rob Edwards will lead from the front and give Forde the versatility and experience to get after opposition teams.

After the Blitz finished, every NBL fan now knows the name Rob Edwards. The star guard flashed his scoring brilliance across all three games for Cairns and will be their leading offensive weapon throughout the season.

What he said:
"I feel at home. I’m excited to get out there with the guys and see what we can achieve."

Pedro Bradshaw

Last played for: Indiana Mad Ants (G League) – 8.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 40 per cent from three

What to expect:
Bradshaw is another strong defensive guard who will be looking to take on an extra offensive opportunity in Cairns.

After a strong stint with the Charlotte Hornets at Summer League, he showcased exactly why the Taipans were trying to land his name to complete their roster for NBL25.

What Bradshaw brings that is perhaps a little different to Edwards is his ability to shoot the three at a high rate. His last two seasons in the G-League he has shot the three at over 40 per cent and before that began his professional career for the Salt Lake City Stars where he hit 46.7 per cent of his outside shots.

At 6’7” with those characteristics, Bradshaw again provides something that the Taipans have been trying to land ahead of this season. It’s been a goal to add tough defensive players, who can shoot the three, around their promising young guards and open up the floor.

What they said:
"Pedro is going to have a big impact on the league. In college he was an analytical darling. The plan for us it to gently increase the volume of his output." – Adam Forde

Returning imports: Tyler Harvey
Signed from other clubs: Trey Kell III (Adelaide)

Darius Days

Last played for Rio Grande Valley Vipers (G League). 16.2 points, 6.9 rebounds

What to expect:
Darius Days is a promising addition to the Illawarra Hawks and looks to be the exact piece they were missing. The 24-year-old big man is extremely versatile and can score in a variety of ways, something that complements the returning pieces for Illawarra.

Days, who was an All G-League second teamer in 2023, previously played for the Shangai Sharks against the Hawks and his dominant display would have raised eyebrows of what he could achieve in the NBL. Adding Days experience and versatility to the core group, and there’s enough exciting pieces there that they can go one step further.

After missing the first game of the Blitz, Days slid into the starting line-up for the Hawks and became a focal point immediately. His aggression on both ends of the floor was on full display and his energy is contagious for his team. 

What they said:
“He is a great player both off and on the court. He has great numbers on the court, brings strength to our shooting ability and a presence for us on the inside.” - Justin Tatum

Returning imports: Ian Clark
Signed from other clubs: Marcus Lee (Tasmania)

Melbourne United are backing their local core once again to put them in championship contention for NBL25.

After a drawn-out negotiation this off-season, United managed to secure Ian Clark once again, understanding how close they came to winning it all.

United have also decided to bring back a known name in Marcus Lee for the upcoming season. With Jo Lual-Acuil moving on, Melbourne bring in a fan favourite who they saw thrive in a United jersey two years ago and a great culture fit for a team that has historically been strong in that area.

Returning imports: Parker Jackson-Cartwright

Freddie Gillespie

Last played for: Red Star Belgrade (Serbia) – 3.1 points, 2.8 rebounds

What to expect:
Gillespie is a monster in the paint and standing at 6’10” with a 7’5” wingspan, you can already imagine the type of issues he will cause teams around the rim.

Don’t look into his EuroLeague stats too much to draw conclusions, but rather watch the way he played when he was at the Toronto Raptors in 2021, where he put up almost six points per game and five rebounds in limited action.

For all the issues Gillespie can cause defensively, he has an untapped offensive ceiling when it comes to what he can produce in the NBL.

Add that length and athleticism to the likes of Parker Jackson-Cartwright running the show and it’s a combination we have seen work well for New Zealand in the past, when you remember how effective Derek Pardon was. Someone who can protect the rim and dominant the glass will take a lot of defensive pressure off the Breakers guards.

What he said:
"Playing for the Breakers is so attractive and I’m excited to work with Petteri (Koponen). Forget the tactics, from a player’s point of view, I think he understands my game. He really understands the game of basketball."

Matt Mooney

Last played for: Dolomiti Energia Trentino (Italy) - 11.7 points, 4 assists, 39.4 per cent from three

What to expect:
Mooney is much more than just a dynamic scorer, as his professional career would show since he graduated from Texas Tech in 2019. He's widely regarded to have a toughness and competitive edge defensively which is exactly the piece that the Breakers were looking for to complete their new look line-up.

Mooney also has the ability to handle the ball and is a crafty operator out of the pick-and-roll, which is again the style of play that we expect to see a lot under Petteri Koponen. A lot of the signings this offseason for New Zealand have been brought in to compliment their All-NBL star, Parker Jackson-Cartwright.

Mooney flashed his complete package during the Blitz with his outside shooting and ability to get to the rim. With Jackson-Cartwright nursing a dislocated finger, it puts even more scoring responsibility on Mooney's shoulders. 

What they said:
"Matt is mentally tough and he brings that competitiveness and playing hard defence." - Koponen

Returning imports: Bryce Cotton, Kristian Doolittle

Dylan Windler

Last played for: South Bay Lakers (G League) - 11 points, 6 rebounds

What to expect:
Windler is the missing piece for the Wildcats' roster build ahead of NBL25. With the core group returning, Perth identified key areas they wanted to improve on with their remaining additions in the off-season.

Windler is a knockdown shooter from outside, which will open up space for Bryce Cotton to do what he does best.

Perhaps more importantly, he is a great rebounder for his size, which has been an area of concern for Perth over the last couple of seasons. 

The versatility that Perth has with their roster will be key in their chances to win a championship. John Rillie can mix up the starting unit or play small to try and counter anything the opposition throws at them. Former first-round draft pick Windler will provide a much needed spark to this Perth roster and ideally take some scoring pressure off their star guard. 

What he said:
“I’m going to help them to win as many games as I can. If getting back to the NBA is a bi-product of that, then that is awesome.”

Matt Hurt

Last played for: Memphis Hustle (G League) – 20 points, 7 rebounds, 39 per cent from three

What to expect:
The blueprint for the Phoenix off-season makeover is an obvious one. They’re going to be incredibly fun to watch on the offensive end and Matt Hurt will be a big part of that.

With what South East Melbourne lose with the departure of Mitch Creek, they gain in a big way with Hurt’s outside shooting.

Hurt is coming off an outstanding season in the G-League where he was incredibly efficient from outside, which ultimately resulted in him earning multiple ten-day contracts towards the end of the season.

At 6’9”, perhaps the key aspect of this signing for the Phoenix is that he is not afraid to slide down in the post and be a target and hunt mismatches. A lot of their offence will be dictated by the star guards, which should open up a lot of open shots for Hurt to be damaging from outside.

What they said:
"Matt is an elite shooter that commands defenders respect on the perimeter. A stretch big who can space the floor and create opportunities for our guards to go to work." – GM Basketball Operations Simon Mitchell

Joe Wieskamp

Last played for: Maine Celtics (G League) – 16.8 points, 6.5 rebounds 42.4 per cent from three

What to expect:
Joe Wieskamp is another marksman who poses a significant offensive threat to a potent lineup for South East Melbourne.

Last season for Boston’s G-League affiliate, he put up outstanding numbers at an efficient rate, but it’s perhaps the things that don’t show up on a box score that should excite Phoenix fans about his game.

He boasts an incredible IQ of the game and makes exceptional reads off the ball and has the ability to finish above the rim also.

With a 6’9” wingspan, Wieskamp can also slide down to the power forward position and stretch the floor alongside Hurt, with will give Derrick Walton Jr ample space to operate.

After some slow shooting games before the Blitz began, Wieskamp showed out during the Phoenix's three games on the Gold Coast and proved to be an X-Factor for this team. His quick release and sneaky athleticism allowed him to be dynamic on both ends of the floor. 

What he said:
"The NBL is a similar style of play to the NBA ... I feel it’s a good platform for me and a great opportunity. I’m a great shooter, and I feel I’m a great rebounder, but I am also able to get down-hill and finish at a high rate."

Derrick Walton Jr

Last played for: Zhejiang Lions (China) - 12.3 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists

What to expect:
Every successful team usually has a common denominator and that’s a dominant floor general at the point guard.

South East Melbourne went one better in their search for a leader by securing one of the standout imports in recent history.

Walton Jr, the 2023 Larry Sengstock winner, had an outstanding season for the Sydney Kings and helped lead them to a second title in as many years.

What he excels at is his creative ability off the dribble, using his agility and ball-handling to spin defenders around and free up space.

Remarkably, those highlights from Walton Jr are only the tip of the iceberg from his previous time in the NBL. His battle against Mitch Creek will go down in history as one of the best we have seen, after Walton Jr exploded for 45-points and 10 assists to almost single handily carry the Kings to an unlikely road win over the Phoenix.

He now joins South East Melbourne as one of the premier point guards in the competition. 

What they said:
“His scoring power and his game sense makes him one of the most damaging point guards we’ve seen in recent history, and the players around him will only benefit from that skillset.” - Simon Mitchell

Returning imports: Jaylen Adams

Cam Oliver

Last played for: Zhejiang Lions (China) – 12.7 points, 7.7 rebounds

What to expect:
For a lot of NBL fans, they know exactly what to expect from Cam Oliver.

Since he last played for the Cairns Taipans, where he averaged 17 points and almost 10 rebounds per game, Oliver has played for six different teams and played six NBA games.

During those NBA appearances, Oliver averaged 11 points and just under five rebounds per game.

He was a force last time he featured in the league, with the All-NBL Second-Teamer quickly becoming a fan favourite as a human highlight reel.

With all the potential offensive weapons on this Sydney team, it’s perhaps defensively where they can be most damaging. There aren’t too many others who can match Oliver’s strength in the air and with Xavier Cooks as his front-court partner, that’s a formidable duo to plan against.

Oliver became a spark plug off the bench during the Blitz for the Kings and straight up dominated in limited action. His ability to protect the paint and also shoot the three at a high rate will just add another dimension to this team.

What he said:
"I’m ready to take a big step in my leadership role. My maturity, my love for the game, my passion is going to be on full display. I think there’s no other place but Sydney that’s going to embrace that."

Returning imports: Milton Doyle, Jordan Crawford 

Craig Sword

Last played for: Indiana Mad Ants (G League) – 9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 43 per cent from three

What to expect:
The JackJumpers identified a significant need to add to their returning championship core and that was a defensive minded dynamic guard in Craig Sword.

Sword has a reputation of being an elite defender and that’s something that Tasmania at times lacked during last season. While that is what they’ll be relying on him for, he’s more than capable of filling up a stat sheet on any given night, having shot over 40 per cent from deep last season in the G-League.

With the departure of Jack McVeigh, there’s also the possibility that the JackJumpers could play undersized, with Sword using his strength and athleticism to play the power forward and match up on guys like Xavier Cooks.

What they said:
"Craig brings some incredible experience across a range of international programs. He will be a strong leader both on and off the floor and he will be a great asset to our group." – GM Basketball Operations Mika Vukona