Flynn takes flight: The new 36er set to shine

While every team continues to patiently build their roster, the Adelaide 36ers may already have a frontrunner for the NBL26 Most Improved Player.

“It’s time to take the shackles off and let Flynn Cameron be who he’s meant to be,” Pete Hooley said on The Marketplace.

The 36ers made a big splash on opening day of free agency back on April 4, and it was headlined by their signing of Cameron to a multi-year deal, beating off key rivals to lock in the young guard.

“We talk about how many teams wanted him… it was five teams that were in the hunt to try and get his signature, with the big one being the New Zealand Breakers,” Hooley added.

“Yes, the money is one side of that, when it comes to a multi-year deal and security, but the other is opportunity.

“Now, he sees that opportunity in Adelaide.”

Cameron averaged just over 11 minutes per game last season, but it wasn’t due to a lack of performance, rather just the situation of Melbourne United’s roster.

“He’s had to play behind Delly, Shea Ili, Chris Goulding and Ian Clark for a couple of seasons. Which all helped him become the player he is now,” Hooley said.

The 24-year-old had his best stretch of individual performances between Round 6 and 8 when United had some of their key veterans missing.

It included a then career high 18 points in back-to-back games, including a double-double with 10 rebounds in a win over Cairns. 

“We have seen nowhere near what he’s capable of at his very best with extended opportunities,” Hooley added.

“He’s going to be playing 30-plus minutes and you expect him to take this massive jump in NBL26.”