With the NBL1 West tipping off on Thursday conference expert Caleb Kingston has broken down his predictions for the MVP Award and the conference champions for the 2024 season.
Women’s NBL1 West MVP: Anneli Maley (Perth Redbacks)
Coming off a fantastic season with the Perth Lynx where she averaged a double-double, I see Anneli gobbling up the votes during the season especially if the Redbacks under new head coach Tim Rendulic are sitting near the top of the ladder. She does have tough competition though in players like Alex Sharp and Emma Clarke.
? CONFERENCE-SHAKING MOVE ?
Australian superstar, WNBL MVP and Opal Anneli Maley has signed with the @NBL1_West’s Perth Redbacks for the 2024 NBL1 season ??
More: https://t.co/CXNoSpluJ2 pic.twitter.com/iCrduNqQ8v
Men’s NBL1 West MVP: Devondrick Walker (Rockingham Flames)
It’s hard to go against Walker for MVP, especially if the Flames are atop the ladder again. Last season averaging 27 points per game on 50 percent from th field and 44 percent from three. If he has another season like, that I can see him winning his third MVP. I wouldn’t be surprised though if someone like Joe Cook-Green had a standout year and won it.
Devondrick Walker tonight:
?? 11 TRIPLES ?
?? 1 POSTER DUNK ?
?? 41 POINTS ?
HIM.
Watch the #NBL1West Game of the Week Live & Free on Kayo Freebies ? pic.twitter.com/apcu4PoagH
Women's Champions: Cockburn Cougars
I see the Cockburn Cougars going back to back.
Coming off a historic season last year the Cougars have maintained their core group and from the preseason game I watched they are looking sharp and ready to bring back another championship. Although, there is definitely some strong competition in the Redbacks and Flames.
THE WOMEN'S COCKBURN COUGARS ARE YOUR 2023 @NBL1_West CHAMPIONS ?
— NBL1 (@NBL1) August 11, 2023
Winning their first women's title in club history, the Cougars defeated the Willetton Tigers 68-61 ? pic.twitter.com/UIaj0suhcG
Men’s Champions: Perth Redbacks
They’ve recruited fantastic talent to the club. Ioannis, their new import Miles Gibson, as well as offensive superstar Joe Cook-Green. They have really rounded out their bench unit to add needed depth, defensively they’re in good stead with their wing length and size. But I wouldn’t be surprised if a team like Joondalup also took out the championship.
For further breakdowns of each team and all things NBL1 West, make sure to listen to the Too Short for the League podcast.
The NBL1 West season starts on Thursday, March 28 streaming Live and Free via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.
