When it comes to talent and star power, the NBL is as stacked as it’s ever been heading into the new season.

With NBL26 getting underway this Thursday here’s a ranked list of the top 25 players featuring in the league this season — from fresh faces to returning veterans, and rising talents who look ready to quickly make their mark.

Read on part one of the countdown, with positions 10-1 to be revealed on foxsports.com.au later this week.

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Melb United down Bullets in blitz game | 00:55

25. TYGER CAMPBELL

Tyger Campbell’s NBL journey almost didn’t happen, with his late call-up coming after Sean Macdonald went down with an ACL injury. But Campbell has already shown he can hold his own with elite talent wherever he plays. At the NBL Blitz he averaged 12 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and just 1.5 turnovers per game, giving a glimpse of his potential.

Campbell’s court vision, ability to catch defenders off guard and timely scoring make him a strong fit for Tasmania. His playstyle and flair draw comparisons to Kendric Davis, and while matching Davis’ ceiling is a big ask, even reaching 80 percent of that level would make Campbell a genuine star.

The JackJumpers may have stumbled into another backcourt gem, and Campbell looks set to make a serious impact in NBL26.

Tyger Campbell.Source: News Corp Australia

24. MATTHEW DELLAVEDOVA

The former NBA champion and veteran has moved clubs this offseason and is teaming up with Kendric Davis, Xavier Cooks and Brian Goorjian in Sydney. Matthew Dellavedova who finished last season with a Grand Final MVP and season averages of 10.9 points, 7.1 assists per game and 2.7 rebounds, finds himself in a new situation but with a familiar feel.

It has been well publicised that Kendric Davis and Matthew Dellavedova were watching tape of when Dellavedova and Kyrie Irving were playing together in the NBA. This was used as a marketing tactic to attract Davis to the Kings this season with his goal set on making it back to the NBA. Dellavedova is a through and through star of the NBL but this season, i’m not sold if his production will be of the same caliber as we have seen in recent seasons. This has nothing to do with age but everything to do with the clear shift the franchise will be feeling with the responsibility to ensure Davis has every opportunity to make it to the NBA.

I’m excited to see where Dellavedova finishes the season on the end of year list, as he will still have a major say on the outcome of NBL26 but this impact and statistics will have a slight decrease for mine.

Matthew Dellavedova of the Kings wins a rebound during the 2025 NBL Blitz match between Sydney Kings and South East Melbourne Phoenix at AIS Arena on August 31, 2025 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

23. CHRIS GOULDING

Veteran sharpshooter Chris Goulding returns for his 19th NBL season, still one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons. Last year he averaged 18.4 points, 2 rebounds and 1.6 assists while hitting 36 percent from three, continuing to carry Melbourne United with his scoring and elite shot-making.

Goulding proved he has plenty left in the tank with a 46 point explosion against Perth that included 9 threes in a 106-97 win. Performances like that underline why his shooting remains second to none and why United will lean on him again in big moments.

With reinforcements arriving in Tyson Walker and Milton Doyle, Goulding will be able to manage his minutes more effectively and enter the playoffs fresher than ever. A well-rested Goulding with his shooting touch is a scary prospect for the rest of the NBL.

Chris Goulding.Source: Getty Images

22. TYRELL HARRISON

The NBL24 Most Improved Player has enjoyed an offseason most players only dream of. After a standout campaign in Puerto Rico, Tyrell Harrison earned a spot with the Denver Nuggets at the NBA Summer League, further proof of his rapid rise. Known as one of the hardest working players in the league, Harrison now looks ready to explode into genuine superstar status in NBL26.

Last season he shouldered the burden of an undermanned frontcourt and still produced 14.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1 block and 1 steal per game, improving across every major category. His growth was undeniable and showed he was ready for the next step.

With the confidence of a strong offseason and the platform to dominate, Harrison has the chance to elevate himself into the conversation as the NBL’s best big man and lead Brisbane toward a deep playoff run.

Tyrell Harrison.Source: Getty Images

21. ADMIRAL SCHOFIELD

Admiral Schofield arrives in the NBL with NBA pedigree and the size to dominate from day one. The forward has played 131 NBA games with Washington and Orlando and now looks to change the fortunes of the Cairns Taipans. He joins one of the strongest freshman import classes the league has ever seen, raising expectations for what he can deliver in his first season.

At the NBL Blitz he gave fans a glimpse of his potential with 24 points against Tasmania, showing the scoring punch he can bring. Beyond the numbers, Schofield offers leadership, toughness and a versatile skill set that will be invaluable to a young Taipans roster still finding its identity.

If he adapts quickly to the NBL’s pace and physical style, Schofield has every chance to emerge not only as a standout for Cairns but as one of the league’s most impactful newcomers in NBL26.

Admiral Schofield.Source: Getty Images

20. ZYLAN CHEATHAM

Zylan Cheatham returns to the NBL with the Adelaide 36ers, joining one of the most talented rosters in the league. Last seen in NBL24 with the New Zealand Breakers, Cheatham’s explosiveness, athleticism and ability to play across the 3 to 5 spots make him a perfect fit for Adelaide’s championship push.

In his previous stint he averaged 15.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 51 percent from the field and 41 percent from three, showing a versatile inside-out game. If he brings that same production to a stacked 36ers lineup, Cheatham has the potential to climb this list quickly and establish himself as one of the NBL’s most impactful forwards.

Zylan Cheatham.Source: Getty Images

19. MILTON DOYLE

One of the biggest moves of NBL26 sees Milton Doyle join Melbourne United for a fresh start. The NBL24 champion and former JackJumper built his reputation as a steady scorer and reliable system defender, carrying Tasmania as their number one option since arriving in the league.

Last season he averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists, but now in Dean Vickerman’s system he looks primed for a bounce back. Surrounded by firepower, Doyle should benefit from cleaner looks and improved efficiency after his toughest shooting year in the NBL.

With less defensive attention and more freedom to operate, Doyle is set to return to his best with scoring, playmaking and defending at a level that makes him one of United’s most dangerous weapons.

Milton Doyle.Source: Getty Images

18. JAVALE McGEE

Three time NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist JaVale McGee joins the NBL with the Illawarra Hawks. At 37, he arrives fresh off a title run in Puerto Rico where he earned All BSN First Team honours, averaging 18.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.2 steals in 23 games.

His availability will be crucial if the Hawks are to defend their crown. McGee dealt with lung and asthma issues in Puerto Rico and has already faced pneumonia since, which delayed his arrival in Australia. If those health setbacks linger, Illawarra could feel the impact.

But if McGee stays on the floor, he has the size, pedigree and flair to be one of the most exciting big men the NBL has ever seen.

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JaVale McGee.Source: News Corp Australia

17. MASON JONES

Mason Jones arrives in Perth fresh off a title run with the Stockton Kings in the NBA G League, where he won both the championship and Finals MVP. He dominated with 23.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game while shooting 49 percent from the field and 43 percent from three. Bringing NBA experience, leadership and star power, Jones is tasked with helping the Wildcats transition into life after Bryce Cotton.

An instant impact scorer, he showed his ceiling with a 49 point performance that included 10 threes, 7 assists and 4 rebounds. Perth took its time to make this signing and the patience has paid off. Once Jones settles into the NBL, he has the talent to be an All NBL candidate.

Mason Jones.Source: Getty Images

16. IZAIAH BROCKINGTON

Izaiah Brockington looks primed to be one of the league’s best new prospects. He dominated the NBL Blitz, averaging 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, earning the Ray Borner Blitz MVP as the Breakers went 2-0. Paired with Parker Jackson-Cartwright, he forms one of the most dangerous backcourts in the league.

Brockington spent four of his first five pro seasons in the NBA G League, where he built a well-rounded game built on scoring, rebounding, facilitating and efficient shooting. While most imports take time to adjust to the NBL’s style, Brockington already looks ready to thrive.

Izaiah BrockingtonSource: Getty Images

15. DYLAN WINDLER

Dylan Windler has been one of the most talked about names this offseason. With his blend of offensive firepower and defensive versatility, he creates matchup problems across the NBL. After battling injuries in his first year, this season shapes as the one where he can rise into All NBL contention if he stays healthy.

Last year he averaged 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1 block while shooting 46 percent from the field and 39 percent from three. His value to Perth was undeniable as the Wildcats went 18 wins and 6 losses with him on the floor.

At the NBL Blitz he flashed his ceiling with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 4 blocks against Illawarra. With Bryce Cotton gone, Windler looks ready to take on a bigger role and emerge as one of Perth’s key stars in NBL26.

Dylan Windler.Source: Getty Images

14. JAYLEN ADAMS

At 29, the 2022 NBL MVP and champion enters NBL26 with a new team, a new city and a point to prove. After battling back issues last season, Jaylen Adams joins the Brisbane Bullets looking to return to his best and end the club’s 18 year title drought. He still produced 18 points, 4 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game, showing why he remains a nightmare matchup every night.

Now surrounded by offensive weapons in Javon Freeman-Liberty, Casey Prather and Tyrell Harrison, Adams can dictate tempo, run the offence on his terms and pick his spots to take over. His ability to score in bursts while also elevating teammates makes him one of the most complete guards in the league.

With the spotlight on a new wave of imports, it’s easy to overlook him but Adams remains one of the NBL’s silent killers.

Jaylen Adams.Source: Getty Images

13. JO LUAL-ACUIL JR

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. returns to the NBL after a season in Turkey with Manisa BBSK, where he averaged 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1 block and shot 59 percent from the field and 50 percent from three. Now with the Perth Wildcats, he is expected to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.

In his last NBL stint with Melbourne United, he averaged 15.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and shot 52 percent, showing the size, athleticism and passion that made him one of the league’s toughest bigs. His presence inside gives Perth exactly what they were missing last season.

Lual-Acuil Jr. has the tools to become the best centre in the league, and if the Wildcats unlock that, they will be right in the title hunt.

o Lual-Acuil Jr.Source: Getty Images

12. JAVON FREEMAN-LIBERTY

The Brisbane Bullets have landed a walking bucket in Javon Freeman-Liberty, adding to what might be the best freshman import class the NBL has ever seen. He lit up fans in preseason with 27 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals on 66 percent shooting, showing just how quickly he can take over a game.

With 22 NBA appearances and multiple G League seasons under his belt, Freeman-Liberty has proven he can score, facilitate and dominate in any environment. He posted a season high 32 points for the Windy City Bulls and averaged 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 43 percent shooting last year.

Now in Brisbane, he is set to be one of the league’s most prolific scorers, teaming up perfectly with fellow stars Casey Prather and Jaylen Adams. Freeman-Liberty has the pedigree and firepower to feast on the NBL from day one.

Javon Freeman-Liberty.Source: Getty Images

11. BRYCE HAMILTON

Another new face on this list is Tasmania’s Bryce Hamilton, and the JackJumpers look to have landed a gem. Hamilton brings scoring, leadership and efficiency that should allow him to match it with the league’s best from day one.

In Germany with Rostock he dropped a season high 45 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists on 58 percent shooting, proving he can take over games. Known for his ability to score at volume while maintaining efficiency, his field goal numbers have consistently sat between 43 and 48 percent.

At the NBL Blitz he averaged 17 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3 assists across two games, adjusting to the league’s pace and physicality. With more reps, Hamilton has the tools to establish himself as one of the NBL’s top players in NBL26.

Bryce Hamilton.Source: News Corp Australia

See 10-1 on the NBL’s Top 25 players list later this week on foxsports.com.au