With college basketball in full swing, NBL Media has taken a look at some former and possibly returning NBL1 talents playing Division 1 basketball in the United States.
Knox Raiders: Austin Rapp
After winning back-to-back NBL1 National Champions, Austin Rapp has settled into his new collegiate career.
Related: Dream farewell to Knox for Portland-bound Rapp
In 17 games for the Portland Pilots, the former Knox Raider is averaging 13.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
Following his progression in NBL1, the 6’10” forward is making 2.6 triples per game at a rate of 37.6 percent.
With a season-high of 22 points against Oregon State, keep an eye on Rapp to see if he’ll return to Knox for another championship run in 2025.
Newcastle Falcons: Isla Juffermans
Another champion to keep an eye on is Isla Juffermans. The 6’4” Coffs Harbour product was a highly sought-after prospect – and eventually landed with the Louisville Cardinals.
In the current season, she has played 12 games and is averaging 3.1 points and two rebounds on the second-best team in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
This is off the back of a major NBL1 season, averaging 18.1 points and 11.1 rebounds in a championship season for the Falcons.
The 19-year-old still has many years of college ahead, so expect her impact and averages to climb in the near future.
Rockhampton Cyclones: Ben Tweedy
After leading the nation in assists, Ben Tweedy has started his collegiate career with Green Bay in the Horizon Conference.
Last season for Rockhampton, Tweedy averaged 16.5 points, 10.06 assists and 4.5 rebounds for the fifth-placed Rockets. While they were eliminated by the Brisbane Capitals in the first round, for a 19-year-old to have 10 points and 12 assists against Sam McDaniel is extremely impressive.
In 18 games for the Green Bay Phoenix, the freshman is averaging 3.9 points and 1.7 assists, with season-highs of nine points and five assists.
Tweedy’s progression in college will definitely be something for all NBL teams to monitor.
Eastern Mavericks: Emmy Roach
After a productive season with the Eastern Mavericks, the Mount Barker product has made an impact in her first college season with Rider Broncos.
In 13 games she’s averaging 1.6 points and 1.8 rebounds in almost 10 minutes a game in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
With a silver medal finish at the U20 Nationals Championships last year, Roach has the potential to become the next big thing in South Australian basketball.
See the full list of Australians playing in the NCAA via these links: WOMEN’S | MEN’S
