This season is being touted as the biggest in NBL history – and based on the off-season recruitment by all ten clubs, it’s hard to disagree.
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Amongst the commotion of rosters being completely gutted and given a completely new identity, the leagues top players remain the same. Some older, some entering their prime, and those select few destined for a breakout year wearing new colours.
To get ready for the new season, foxsports.com.au has compiled a Top 10 list, broken down into three categories: Backcourt, Frontcourt, and New Imports.
The imports list already dropped and the frontcourt one is still to come, but here are the Top 10 backcourt players for NBL26.
10) Will Hickey | PG/SG | 194CM | 92KG | 26 YRS
Will ‘Davo’ Hickey, is coming off arguably his best year in his basketball career: An NBL25 champion, an unofficial finals MVP (Thanks, Delly), and a NBA Summer league debut for the Chicago Bulls. Now entering his fourth season with the reigning champions Illawarra Hawks, Hickey has another level to reach – especially with Trey Kell III departing for Toyama Grouses in Japan.
Progression speaks volumes:
NBL25: 21.3 MPG | 10.1 PPG | 5.0 RPG | 4.3 APG | 0.7 BPG | 1.1 SPG | 1.7 TOV
NBL24: 12.0 MPG | 5.2 PPG | 2.9 RPG | 1.2 APG | 0.3 BPG | 0.6 SPG | 0.6 TOV
Just by natural progression, Hickey should see an uptick in output in NBL26. Although deserving of a starting role on the team, I think he (Hickey) is at his best leading the second unit, subbing in at a time where the opponents starters are tired, allowing his energetic, chaotic playstyle swing the momentum of the game. For this reason, he enters the Backcourt list at number 10. His potential was a huge factor and I think I may be underselling what he is capable of. Big NBL26 looming.
Predicted NBL26 stats: 25.6 MPG | 12.9 PPG | 5.1 RPG | 4.5 APG | 0.7 BPG | 1.5 SPG | 2.3 TOV
Will Hickey can build on a big championship series. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
9) Shea Ili | PG | 184CM | 88KG | 32 YRS
By round 4, Shea Ili will be 33-years-old and playing his 12th NBL season. He will also be playing his 300th career game, presuming he can stay healthy throughout the season. This gives you an indication on how much experience Ili has. That, to me, is invaluable.
Coming off a career-year in points per game (11.5) and assists (4.7), and winning back-to-back DPOY Awards, it makes perfect sense to me for Ili to feature in the Top 10. With the loss of Matthew Dellavedova, who signed with the Sydney Kings during the off-season, Ili’s role somewhat remains the same, but just with an increase production.
Until I see signs of slowing down, concussion issues aside, Ili will be one of the best defensive guards this league has to offer. I fully expect him to play a pivotal role in taking United to the NBL finals this season. He is my number 9.
Predicted NBL26 stats: 25.3 MPG | 10.9 PPG | 3.1 RPG | 4.9 APG | 0.3 BPG | 1.4 SPG | 2.2 TOV
Shea Ili hustles on every play. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
8) Matthew Dellavedova | PG | 193CM | 91KG | 35 YRS
I rate Matthew Dellavedova highly, which probably stems from my obsession of pass-first point guards. Entering NBL26 at 35-years-old, being top two in APG over the past two season, he is the definition of floor general and I think the Sydney Kings are very lucky they have landed the Australian legend.
Although he is being teamed up with the player who beat him for APG last season in Kendric Davis, I have Delly to yet again be in contention to lead the NBL in Assists. There is a cloud over his actual role alongside Kendric Daivs, but Goorjian should be having one of them on the floor at all times, which brings me confidence in Delly’s output for the upcoming season.
Despite being consistent across his three seasons in the league, I don’t see an increase in PPG, with 11.8 being his personal best. He’ll be the top 3 in Assists, that I am confident in, and that’s a big reason why he comes in at 8 for my BackCourt.
Predicted NBL26 stats: 25.2 | 10.8 PPG | 3.2 RPG | 6.1 APG | 0.1 BPG | 0.8 SPG | 2.1 TOV
Matthew Dellavedova in new colours. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
7) Milton Doyle: SG/PG | 193CM | 86KG | 31 YRS
A much-needed change of scenery for Milton Doyle, who found himself slightly regressing in his last season with the Tasmania Jackjumpers. Still only just 31-years-old, there’s clearly plenty left in the tank for the NBL24 Champion.
Now a Melbourne United player, which still sounds odd, Doyle comes in as my number 7 based on what I know he can do (NBL23) and what I believe United can get out of him. However, It is no secret that the term ‘turnover merchant’ is thrown around when referencing Doyle’s game as-of-late.
Here are his Total Turnovers and ranking in his three seasons in the NBL.
NBL23: 2nd – 78 TOV (2.9)
NBL24: 12th – 74 TOV (2.7)
NBL25: 1st – 92 TOV (3.2)
In the five games he has suited up for United (preseason), he has brought his turnovers down to a modest 1.8 in 22:49 MPG. Not bad, but it is preseason, so a grain of salt is required for these stats. With that being said, I think Doyle surrounded by a new environment in Melbourne, will resurrect his NBL23 form; where he was averaging 17.1 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 3.7 APG and making the NBL All-First Team.
I fully expect a revival in his game at United and this is why he comes in at Number 7.
Predicted NBL26 stats: 25.2 | 16.1 PPG | 5.1 RPG | 5.3 APG | 0.2 BPG | 1.2 SPG | 2.8 TOV
Milton Doyle helped United to a win in their first game. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
6) Tyler Harvey | SG/PG | 193CM | 84KG | 32 YRS
Coming in at Number 6 is NBL25 champion & 2x NBL All-First Team player Tyler Harvey.
Harvey is one of the best three-point shooters, and most clutch, the NBL has to offer. He entered the league during NBL21 and finished that season #1 in 3PM (114 | 38.1%). Since then, he has been a top 5 player for threes made, and even shooting a career-best 38.6% in NBL25.
Although a great shooter, Harvey’s best ability is winning games through his clutch genes. This is a ‘you have it, or you don’t’ skill and trust me when I say, Harvey has it. On this alone, He makes the list. Just go watch his game-tying shot during the off-season when he played for Shanghai Sharks in the CBA.
Another positive for me is his durability. Since joining the league, he has played a total of 144/149 (96%) regular season games, which I find a valuable commodity for a player to have. He is doing this averaging a career 31.0 MPG, too.
Harvey is a champion and is deserving to be on this list.
Predicted NBL26 stats: 29.7 | 16.4 PPG | 2.4 RPG | 3.7 APG | 0.2 BPG | 1.1 SPG | 1.8 TOV
Harvey is one of the most durable players in the NBL. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
5) Chris Goulding | SG | 192CM | 92KG | 36 YRS
Three-time NBL Champion Chris Goulding, despite now being 36, comes into the list at Number 5 for me.
Coming into his 19th season in the league, Goulding is on the verge adding new pages to the NBL history books when he steps on the court in NBL26. Firstly, if he stays healthy, he will surpass 500+ career games. Secondly, he is currently sitting on 1,320 career threes (37.9%), which puts him third for all-time made. He only has to make four from beyond the arc to surpass John Rillie, who sits on 1,323 (39.8%) in second place. Unfortunately, that is where I believe he’ll end up, as Andrew Gaze’s 1,821 seems unreachable.
Despite being on of the greatest shooters we have ever produced in Australia, there seems to be a bit of a divide in having Goulding representing these lists. My argument as to why I put him as the 5th best backcourt player in the league is simple. Goulding possesses what very few in the league have, and that’s the ability to deconstruct the defense just by being present on the court. The mental gymnastics teams have to go through to ensure Goulding does not get a sniff at a three can accelerate the ageing process for some coaches.
Ignore the age, he is fine wine and NBL26 won’t be any different.
Predicted NBL26 stats: 28.4 | 17.4 PPG | 2.1 RPG | 1.7 APG | 0.1 BPG | 0.3 SPG | 1.4 TOV
Chris Goulding is ageing like fine wine. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
4) Jaylen Adams | PG | 183CM | 84KG | 29 YRS
I can see this pick dividing some readers, especially after last season. But I will do my best to get a couple of readers reconsider choosing Jaylen Adams as Number 4 for NBL26.
Having played 80 games for Sydney that resulted in an MVP, Championship and All-NBL First Team (All in 2022), Adams made the decision to take his talents to the sunshine state, signing with the Brisbane Bullets on the 13th July.
I am big on fresh starts and new beginnings, and I think this is exactly what was needed for Adams after a very bumpy NBL25. Add his lower back issues he was experiencing, Some off-court issues with teammates, I think this new change of scenery will remind us all why he won the MVP in 2022.
Last season, Adams was Top 10 (10th) in Points Per Game, averaging 18.0. He was also one of two players in that top 10 to do it averaging under 30+ minutes per game. To add, Adams was ranked 4th in Assists Per Game (6.1), a familiar territory having ranked #1 (6.1) and #4 (5.3) in previous seasons.
The glaring issue for me is what puts him higher on other peoples list is his mental game. If you’ve watched NBL over the past several seasons, you’d know that Adams can find himself fighting mental battles he cannot seem to find his way out of, which begins to affect his game. If Stu Lash can get the best out Adams this season, I genuinely believe he could be an MVP candidate, if not an All-NBL First team player.
Predicted NBL26 stats: 31.3 | 19.1 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 5.9 APG | 0.5 BPG | 1.2 SPG | 2.8 TOV
A fresh start for Jaylen Adams. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
3) Parker Jackson-Cartwright | PG | 180CM | 74KG | 30 YRS
Signing a new two-year contract, Parker Jackson-Cartwright returns to the NBL with a point to prove.
His NBL25 was by all standards very, very good. 18.9 PPG (7th) | 6.7 APG (3rd) | 1.6 SPG (3rd) – these are MVP-worthy stats. The issue was not his ability on the court, it was his mental game. For the first time, we began to see some cracks, which you can associate to the Breakers season, which started off extremely positive, only to end up in flames by season-end.
After being suspended for five games due to an on-court incident with Reuben Te Rangi and an NBL referee, Jackson-Cartwright went on to miss the last two games of the season after suffering a rib injury. After this, I genuinely thought we would never see him back in the league. Thankfully the new ‘Breakers management opened their wallets and spent big to bring him back.
I have time for this Breakers roster, especially for Jackson-Cartwright, whom I think will benefit greatly from, putting him in the running for the MVP. I have got him leading the league in Assists this season, and he has the support cast to see him average 7+ APG, which would be a career-high.
PJC is a stud and he is back to remind us how good he is.
Predicted NBL26 stats: 31.2 | 19.4 PPG | 3.2 RPG | 6.2 APG | 0.1 BPG | 0.7 SPG | 2.5 TOV
PJC is a stud. Enough said. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images for NBL)Source: Getty Images
2) Kendric Davis | PG | 180CM | 82KG | 26 YRS
There is no better import debut than what Kendric Davis did for the Adelaide 36ers last season. The fact he returned to this league, now with the Sydney Kings, is a testament to the type of talent we can lure back.
To refresh your memory on the numbers Davis put up in NBL25, let me hit you with some statistics to help with remembering. Last season, Davis averaged 25.6 PPG | 4.0 RPG | 8.0 APG. Not enough? He was tied 4th for double-doubles, notching 8. The only Guard in the Top 10. Bryce Cotton has 8 in his entire career.
He totaled 216 Assists in 27 games for the season. That is the most since Scott Machado, who totaled 245 in 35 games for the Cairns Taipans. Davis, if he were to match that 35 games, would need to average 3.6 Assists in 8 games to surpass that record. Elite.
Davis now finds himself in New South Wales playing for the Sydney Kings. The off-season has painted an ugly picture on how he departed Adelaide, which one could assume is newfound motivation for Davis to find another gear in his game. A huge positive for me personally is the addition of Matthew Dellavedova to the Kings’ roster. A veteran guard, who’s played with the best players in the world, one being LeBron James. I truly believe his teachings, similar to Obi-Wan and Anakin for all those Star War fans out there, can be extremely beneficial for Davis going into NBL26.
We expect Goorjian to have Davis and Dellavedova start most games, then commence a rotation where there is always either one on the court. This generates huge intrigue for me personally as I want to see Davis’ role change throughout the game, coinciding with Dellavedova’s presence on the court. The gear changes from pass-first to pure scorer is going to be interesting to watch.
I don’t think Davis will average his mammoth 8.0 APG from last season. In-fact we could see a -2 decrease with Delly on the roster. Both were the leagues leaders in APG in NBL25. In saying this, the ball is going through Davis’ hands on nearly every possession when he sets foot on that court.
A small sample in the pre-season, averaging 22:50 MPG | 20 PPG | 3.5 RPG | 3.5 APG | 2 SPG – This was across two games against the Tasmania Jackjumpers.
Davis will be an MVP candidate this season and I would be shocked if he didn’t find himself in the All-NBL First Team. He is a bonified jet.
Predicted NBL26 stats: 34.1 MPG | 23.1 PPG | 3.8 RPG | 5.4 APG | 0.1 BPG | 1.1 SPG | 2.5 TOV
Sydney Kings recruit Kendric Davis.Source: News Corp Australia
1) Bryce Cotton | PG | 182CM | 76KG | 33 YRS
At number one, to nobody’s surprise, it is five-time MVP, three-time NBL Champion and two-time Finals MVP, Bryce Cotton of the Perth Wildcats Adelaide 36ers.
It’s quite sickening to say, but Cotton is coming off his best scoring season of his NBL career. He now finds himself entering his 10th season but with a new club in the Adelaide 36ers. In NBL25, he averaged 28.6 PPG | 3.2 RPG | 4.6 APG, and oh yes, also set a scoring record with 59 points against New Zealand.
The change of team, scenery and teammates does not concern me in the slightest. Cotton has earned the right to be #1 on everyone’s list purely based on his legendary aura. Mike Wells, who enters his second year as Head Coach, will give Cotton all the opportunity he requires to dominate this league yet again.
Do I see him getting his 19.4 FGA from NBL25? no. There’s just too many elite players on that roster to maintain that output. However, I am confident we see a career-high in APG. His best came in NBL21 where he averaged 5.7 APG. The Adelaide 36ers will be there come finals and it will be Bryce Cotton who has led them there. The #1 is his until someone rises up to his level and challenges him. Although I don’t think he’ll give it up lightly.
Predicted NBL26 stats: 35.2 MPG | 23.9 PPG | 3.1 RPG | 5.8 APG | 0.1 BPG | 1.2 SPG | 1.6 TOV
Adelaide 36ers recruit Bryce CottonSource: News Corp Australia