After two heartbreaking losses in the NBL1 West Preliminary Finals and the National Finals championship game, Devondrick Walker is back with motivation for 2024.
Walker has been the face of the NBL1 West since 2022, where he claimed the NBL1 West MVP, Finals MVP and was rewarded with an NBL contract with the Brisbane Bullets.
In 2023, Walker only got better. He claimed his second MVP award by maintaining his scoring average of 27 points per game, with a higher field goal percentage in fewer minutes.
Despite this, Walker’s Flames fell in an overtime loss in the Preliminary Final to the Joondalup Wolves, and lost by five points to the Knox Raiders in the Championship Game of the NBL1 National Finals.
With all the motivation he needs, Head Coach Ryan Petrik is optimistic Walker will continue to be the best player in the conference.
“He’s the best player in the league and has the highest basketball IQ of any player I’ve ever been around,” said the WNBL coach.
“He’s ticked about how last year finished, we’re looking forward to seeing him go to another level again in 2024.”
After spending his offseason in the Indonesian Basketball League, Walker is excited to return to the Flames for his third season with the club.
"I am honoured to be a part of such a proud and professional organisation,” he said.
“I look forward to contributing to the team’s on-court success, and meeting with all the die-hard fans."
The NBL1 West starts on March 28, streaming Live & Free via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.
