The NBL1 South’s Keilor Thunder are looking like a contender heading into the start of the season.
NBL1 South expert Michael Thompson explained that their offseason has been second to none, starting with bringing in Opal Kristi Harrower to lead the women’s program.
Since then they’ve added Adelaide Lightning player and NBL1 East All-Star Five member Isabella Bourne, point guard prospect Lily Rotunno and WNBL star Maddy Rocci.
Rocci made the NBL1 North Second Team last season with the South West Metro Pirates, leading them to the Finals as a result. Her impact alone will easily elevate the Thunder from their 16th-placed finish last season.
But the player to watch is a 20-year-old point guard according to Thompson. Commentating on WNBL this season, he has had a keen focus on Lilly Rotunno – who after a massive season up North, earned her spot on a WNBL roster with the Melbourne Boomers.
“Watching her come off the bench for the Boomer this season, this girl can play, this girl can ball,” he said via the NBL1 South podcast.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do. I feel like that’s another key signing for the Keilor Thunder and again, that’s another team building a really good roster.”
“This team could cause a lot of damage to a lot of teams in the early goings of the season.”
Lilly Rotunno from ???? ?
— NBL1 (@NBL1) April 28, 2023
Perfect marks from long range for the Red City youngster so far ?
Watch the #NBL1 Game of the Week Live & Free on @kayosports Freebies ? pic.twitter.com/0ePszYIr4s
While Sandringham Sabres commentator Jamie Hamilton added,
“Keilor are just looking unbelievable, they’ve put together this unreal roster,” he explained.
“A lot of it is because of having Kristi Harrower at the helm, and I don’t blame any player who wants to go join Keilor now.”
Stay up-to-date with all the latest NBL1 signings via the 2024 Roster Tracker here.
