{"id":482145,"date":"2026-02-15T19:20:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-15T19:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/482145\/"},"modified":"2026-02-15T19:20:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-15T19:20:10","slug":"high-temptation-for-star-to-return-in-nbl27","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/482145\/","title":{"rendered":"“High temptation” for star to return in NBL27"},"content":{"rendered":"

Illawarra\u2019s JaVale McGee showed why he\u2019s one of the best players the Hungry Jack\u2019s NBL26 season once again on Sunday, leading the Hawks to a nine-point win over Melbourne United.<\/p>\n

In the Round 21 victory, the three-time NBA champion tallied a team-high 22 points, along with 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal, to continue his push for All-NBL selection.<\/p>\n

While the season largely hasn’t gone to plan for the reigning champions, McGee said he\u2019s loved his time here and is very open to a second stint in Australia.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve absolutely loved my time here in Australia,\u201d McGee said in a post-game interview with Channel 10.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like I wouldn’t have enjoyed this country any other way than playing for an NBL team and being able to travel to all these cities and really experience it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI definitely have a high temptation to come back next season.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

McGee is will in the mix for All-NBL First Team honours, after a season in which he’s averaged 19.4 points and 10 rebounds a game. <\/p>\n

Reflecting on the victory itself on Sunday, the Olympic gold medallist praised the way his team fought at John Cain Arena.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe’re definitely proud [of that performance],\u201d McGee said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSince we’re not in the playoffs, our role in these last two games is to be the grinch of the playoffs and try to mess up some people’s standings and rankings.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s all we can do. Go out there and play as hard as we can for our organisation.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hawks return to the hardwood for their final game of the season on Wednesday, travelling to MyState Bank Arena to battle the JackJumpers from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.<\/p>\n

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