The Hungry Jack’s NBL is full of rising stars set to explode during the 2026-27 season.<\/p>\n
From players who have changed teams to those who are taking on bigger roles, there is no shortage of talent ready to take that next step.<\/p>\n
Last season, Next Gen and Most Improved Award winners, Sam Mennenga (New Zealand) and Flynn Cameron (Adelaide), were rewarded for making huge strides on the court.<\/p>\n
Now two-time MVP Chris Anstey has thrown his support behind one of the League’s most exciting talents to take that next step.<\/p>\n
“Jaylin Galloway can be a top 10 player in this League in Cairns,” Anstey said on NBL Now.<\/p>\n
“If you’re looking for a player who’s going to surprise people, he’s got all the tools.<\/p>\n
“They [Cairns] are now giving him the keys and a long leash, where we could play 35 minutes a game, compared to 15 or 20 in Sydney.<\/p>\n
“He will be allowed to showcase his skills and the athlete he is by putting the ball in his hands to shoot it 20 times a game. [He could] go crazy.<\/p>\n
“At a Boomers level, we’ve seen him produce in that role as FIBA Galloway.<\/p>\n
“I think you’re going to see a very comfortable Jaylin Galloway; he could be the best player on that team.<\/p>\n
“All of a sudden, this gives them a genuine big three, which can beat teams.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Fellow panellist Derek Rucker agrees with Anstey, believing Galloway has proven he can rise to the occasion.<\/p>\n
“You look at the biggest stage last year in the Championship Series, he was outstanding,” Rucker said.<\/p>\n
It’s because of Galloway and the likes of Keanu Pinder, Jack McVeigh and Jaylon Brown that Anstey believes the Taipans will push for post-season hoops in NBL27.<\/p>\n
“I believe they’re a sleeper to challenge for the Play-In spots,” Anstey said.<\/p>\n
“Adam Forde hasn’t had a consistent roster [in years].<\/p>\n
“One thing we’ve always said behind closed doors about the Cairns Taipans is they’re incredible at finding talent and then losing it immediately when the rest of the League.<\/p>\n
“But this year, they are my smokey.”<\/p>\n
Cairns play Perth (September 2) and Adelaide (September 5) before opening their NBL27 season against Sydney at Afterpay Arena on Sunday, September 19.<\/p>\n
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