Feature image via: Halim Mellick
Geraldton Buccaneers star Johny Narkle made history this season.
The Geraldton local and Noongar/Yamatji man was a key piece for the Buccaneers winning their third state title this season. Becoming the first Indigenous male player to win Finals MVP in the history of WA’s state competition in the process.
Scoring 21 points with 11 rebounds in the Grand Final, Narkle’s impact off the bench clinched the title in the five-point win.
Speaking with NITV, Narkle explained it was an honour to receive the award and be a trailblazer for Indigenous children.
"It's an honour," he said.
"Especially ... for the young kids, young Indigenous boys and girls. So it feels good, [to be] someone they can look up to.”
The 22-year-old was awarded the Sixth Player of the Year award after averaging 12 points per game off the bench for the NBL1 West champions.
While in WA his skill is recognised, Narkle had an outstanding stretch this past month to display his talents for the country to see.
After the Grand Final performance, he went to the NBL1 National Finals and dominated with 27 points against Sutherland and 30 against Ipswich – eventually being named to the All-Star Five.
He then featured in two games for the NBL1 West Select team, which was formed to play against the NBL’s Perth Wildcats as a set of preseason games ahead of NBL24.
Narkle played 37 minutes across both games, with a total of 18 points in front of the Wildcats staff and international scouts watching NBL Next-Star Alex Starr.
Narkle told NTIV that he sees basketball as a career and wants to make the leap to the next level.
"I 100 percent want to do this," he said.
"I just want to get to that next level and see if I can make it further. If not I can stay at the level I am now which is pretty good."
