Tyrell Harrison named Blitz MVP

Brisbane Bullets big man Tyrell Harrison has made a statement ahead of the new campaign, crowned the winner of the Ray Borner Trophy as the NBL Blitz MVP.
 
Harrison averaged 17.3 points and 7 rebounds throughout the Bullets' campaign, as the dominant big man during the tournament on the Gold Coast.

The Bullets also won the Loggins-Bruton Cup after finishing on top of the Blitz ladder, with three wins from as many games. They topped the Perth Wildcats based on the Blitz points system, which rewards bonus points for quarters won.
 
All 10 teams flaunted their new rosters on the Gold Coast, in front of 28 scouts and front office executives from 22 NBA teams, with this year’s class of NBL25 Next Stars putting on a show.

 
Sydney Kings’ young gun Alex Toohey stood out with a combined 49 points in two games, impressing the scouts and raising his draft stock. Izan Almansa had eye-opening performances for the Perth Wildcats, while Rocco Zikarsky, Malique Lewis and Karim Lopez all showed they'll make an impact with their respective teams.

NBA Draft hopeful Lachlan Olbrich also put his name on scouts' radars, with an impressive tournament.
 
It is the second straight year Gold Coast hosted the Blitz and it was another successful venture into the city for the NBL.
 
“We couldn’t have put on an event like this without the support from the Queensland State Government, the Gold Coast City Council, Experience Gold Coast, and the Gold Coast community, and we thank them for their unwavering support and relationship that we’ve built these past two years,” NBL Chief Operating Officer and Head of Basketball Operations, Vince Crivelli said.
 
“It was great to see all 10 NBL teams here on the Gold Coast again playing in front of NBA scouts, further highlighting the significance of the Blitz and how the NBL has become a legitimate pathway to the NBA. The Gold Coast was the perfect destination to host both our international peers and interstate fans.
 
“Basketball is thriving nationwide and we’d like nothing more than to see a permanent team, to further support the passion of the basketball-loving community of the Gold Coast and its surrounds. Whilst we are yet to deliver it, we continue to work with all stakeholders to bring that team to reality.”
 
“What a coup to see the 2024 NBL Blitz wrap up for another year, with incredible public support for the event. I applaud organisers, sponsors and competitors for delivering another amazing program for this annual series,’’ Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate said.
 
The 2024/25 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season begins in Perth with the inaugural HoopsFest from September 19-22. The season opener will be a Championship Series re-match between Melbourne United and the Tasmania JackJumpers at 8:30pm AEST at RAC Arena on Thursday, September 19.