Tom Carroll returns to the NBL1 Select stage

Seven months on from his first NBL1 South Select Team appearance, the Ringwood Hawks forward is back in the group and ready for another representative opportunity when South takes on China’s Under 18 Men on Monday night.

While the lineup has changed, Carroll returns with a clear understanding of what the Select Team environment requires and what this group can get out of it.

“It’s a huge honour,” Carroll said.

“In a league with such a depth of talent, there would be a couple more teams worth of guys who would represent NBL1 South in the same way as us, so it’s pretty cool to have been selected and compete alongside such a high calibre group.”

At 6 foot 7, Carroll brings size, versatility and a steady presence into the team. He has opened the 2026 season in strong touch for Ringwood, averaging 13.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.

That versatility is part of what makes Monday night’s group so intriguing.

The Select Team has been assembled from across the conference, but for Carroll, this is far from a room full of strangers.

He will line up again with Brody Nunn, Kobe Williamson and Elliott Brown after previously sharing the floor in school basketball, while familiar junior rivalries with Christian D’Angelo and Austin Shelley.

“Any chance I get to play with or against those guys is always pretty special too,” Carroll said.

That familiarity could matter.

With one session together and limited prep time, chemistry and simplicity may be the Select Team’s biggest strengths.

“Training was good. Sam was kind and didn’t run us into the ground,” Carroll said.

“We just got some shots up, put in some familiar offence and then lightly scrimmaged it.”

“With the group we’ve got, I think the simplicity will serve us well and then within that, everyone will be able to play to their strong suits.”

And while Monday night presents a genuine on court test, Carroll sees the value in more than just the final result.

“I think the main thing is just to play a good brand of basketball, enjoy the night and walk away with a win,” he said.

“We have so many guys who are each so talented so to be able to play off and to each of our strengths I think should make for an exciting game.”

NBL1 South Select takes on China’s Under 18 Men on Monday night at Courtside Port Melbourne, with tip off set for 7:00pm.