Wed
Sep 14, 2022
Five NBL1 stars to watch in the NBL Blitz
Heading into the NBL Blitz there are plenty of NBL1 stars who are set to breakout in the NBL after their fantastic campaigns in the offseason. There are five names you need to watch out for going into the NBL Blitz plus Pete Hooley's pick!
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By NBL Media
Heading into the NBL Blitz there are plenty of NBL1 stars who are set to have break out seasons in the NBL after their fantastic campaigns in the offseason.
There are five names you need to watch out for going into the NBL Blitz plus Pete Hooley's pick!
For more information on the NBL Blitz click here.
Devondrick Walker (Brisbane Bullets)
Devondrick Walker has been on the cusp of being an NBL player for a long time. His first taste of the NBL was in the 2017-2018 season when he signed with the Perth Wildcats, where a foot injury prevented him from playing that season entirely.
But in the South East Melbourne Phoenix’s inaugural season, Walker played eight games for the club in the back half of the season and has been chomping at the bit to get his chance to play again.
His third dunk of the night already for @Rocko_Flames and check out this throwdown from Devondrick Walker ? @_TUSS_
Watch #NBL1West live and free on https://t.co/NEk1I7kIKG and the #NBL1 App ??? #GetUpStandUpShowUp pic.twitter.com/eNr9Pi1y1m
Walker's efforts were rewarded after a spectacular NBL1 West campaign where he won conference MVP and Finals MVP for the Rockingham Flames averaging over 27 points per game.
The Brisbane Bullets signed him to a contract the week of the Coles Express NBL1 National Finals, where his Flames went on to win the NBL1 National Title without their superstar.
After playing against NBL talents in the West like Kyle Zunic, Majok Majok and training against the likes of Marshall Nelson, Greg Hire and Tom Jervis -- Walker is set up to have an amazing NBL season alongside NBL1 North Finals MVP Jason Cadee.
Kouat Noi (Sydney Kings)
Kouat Noi had an outstanding NBL1 North season, winning the conference MVP while averaging 30 points and 15 rebounds taking his USC Rip City all the way to the NBL1 North Grand Finals Series.
After multiple injury-riddled seasons, the star forward signed with the reigning champion Sydney Kings and will try to capture the magic of his first season under Chase Buford.
Kouat Noi has been able to back up his talk all season, stating he had "full intentions" of becoming the conference MVP. He dropped 30 points and got the win against Cairns in the Semi-Finals after he said he'd "whoop" them and more.
Going into the NBL23 season, Noi has a world of confidence and is headed into a team with championship swagger, if all goes right we could see the USC Kouat Noi in purple and gold.
Donovan Mitchell (Brisbane Bullets)
Donovan Mitchell (affectionally known as 'DJ') was one of the stars of the NBL1 North season, forming a big three with now Bullets teammates Cadee and Tanner Krebs to dominate the conference and went on to win the NBL1 North Grand Finals Series.
The 6'8 forward averaged 18 points and eight rebounds in the NBL1 North and played both the forward and center positions with the Rollers, adding high-level defence and offence to any team he plays on.
Going into the NBL23 season he will have plenty of chemistry with his Rollers teammates and he will fit very well in coach James Duncan's system.
Owen Foxwell (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
After making his debut in the NBL last season Owen Foxwell had a fantastic NBL1 season with the Eltham Wildcats, averaging close to 15 points per game and taking home the NBL1 South Youth Player of the Year award.
He had multiple 30-point games in the later stretch of the season when the team was missing Sam Short. Leaving Foxwell to come into NBL23 with momentum and motivation.
? @Owenfoxwell scored 38 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals for @elthamwildcats in the @NBL1 over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/bbymdYBRvB
Jordan Hunter (Sydney Kings)
Jordan Hunter made his return to the court after a season-ending foot injury in NBL22 in a dominant season for the North Gold Coast Seahawks.
He averaged 19 points, 13 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in the NBL1 North and is set for a massive NBL23 season, after learning from Daniel Kickert and Jarell Martin every day during his injury rehab.
Jordan Hunter giving Townsville a baby hook ??
Watch #NBL1North live and free on https://t.co/NEk1I7BLMG and the #NBL1 App ??? pic.twitter.com/b3ur26UTe3
Jordan Hunter said on the Coles Express NBL1 Show it was an emotional moment returning to the court after such a long period and now will have to bring that same energy from the Seahawks if the Kings are to repeat
Check out the full interview on the Coles Express NBL1 Show here.
Ahead of being on the ground at the Blitz, we asked NBL Analyst and NBL1 Show host Pete Hooley to give us his number one pick for who to watch out for in the NBL pre-season.
Pete Hooley's pick
Harry Froling (Brisbane Bullets)
After a very strong offseason playing for Hobart, it looks like a big year ahead in NBL23 for Harry Froling. His return to the Bullets should come with some consistent opportunity to contribute to one of the favourites to win it all.
Harry Froling getting ?
Watch #NBL1South live and free on https://t.co/NEk1I7BLMG and the #NBL1 App ??? pic.twitter.com/jbbw7P1X6D
Whilst everyone knows his ability to shoot the rock, what really impressed me during the Bullets' preseason games against United was his energy and effort. Froling was all over the offensive boards and was playing solid disciplined defence. If he can keep up the hustle l efforts like that, he will be an X factor for James Duncan.
Feature image via: Sports Imagery
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