Feature image via: Viesther Rex Bergas
After the National Finals on the Sunshine Coast a few weeks ago, players will now head down the road for the second consecutive NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast.
In the lead-up to HoopsFest, NBL teams will be playing their cards close to their chest so expect to see some of the stars of NBL1 taking the court in the Blitz.
Check out who you should be watching in the 2024 NBL Blitz below.
Melbourne United: Kyle Bowen (Knox Raiders)
After a heartbreaking finish in the NBL24 Championship Series, most of United’s roster spent the offseason working on their skills in the NBL1, especially for those high-pressure situations.
While Tanner Krebs rounded out his scoring capabilities with Sandringham, Kyle Bowen took on a leadership role with the Knox Raiders – leading them to their second National Title.
In the Championship Game against Mackay, Bowen had a game-high 24 points with 15 rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two assists in a three-point win.
He was named Finals MVP and to the All-Star Five, averaging 18.6 points per game, 10.3 rebounds per game and 1.3 three-pointers per game.
With Melbourne’s ambition to reach the Championship Series for the second consecutive season, expect Bowen to find his rhythm at this year’s Blitz.
Cairns Taipans: Alex Higgins-Titsha (Inner West Bulls)
While a new name for NBL fans, expect this hyper-athletic forward to make some jaw-dropping plays this season.
He has emerged as one of the best players in the conference over the past few seasons, being named the 2023 NBL1 East Defensive Player of the Year and making the All-Star Five in 2024.
Alexander Higgins-Titsha is dunking EVERYTHING! ?
Watch NBL1 East via https://t.co/NEk1I7kaV8 or the NBL1 App ? & ? pic.twitter.com/7WsLTO6pMg
Averaging 19.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, Higgins-Titsha’s all-round game took the Bulls to their second-straight Finals – showing exactly what Taipans coach Adam Forde is looking for after their trials.
“Alex is a hungry rookie with all the athleticism and drive to be an NBL player,” Forde said when Higgins-Titsha was signed.
“(He) consumed every rebound available and even finished the eight-hour day with a two-handed reverse dunk.”
With the Taipans already suffering injuries and player availability concerns, expect some big minutes and bigger plays from the NBL1 East star.
Tasmania JackJumpers: Gorjok Gak (Rockingham Flames)
After his first season in the NBL1 with Willetton last year, Gorjok Gak made the move to Rockingham and made a major impact.
From being the 2023 NBL1 West Defensive Player of the Year, he expanded his game and became the Flames’ go-to player, being named to the First Team as a result.
For the season, he averaged 20.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and half a steal per game – increasing his scoring average and maintaining his elite defence.
Gorgak Gak did a bit of everything in Rockingham’s third win of the season ?
Watch the NBL1 West via https://t.co/NEk1I7kaV8 or the NBL1 App ?&? pic.twitter.com/LnpjcHmVJL
His season starring in the West will translate perfectly into a backup role with the JackJumpers, taking charge of the bench’s unit defence and using his improved scoring repertoire.
Coming into this championship team, his size and athleticism will perfectly fit Scott Roth’s system.
Perth Wildcats: Thomas Gerovich (Willetton Tigers)
Coming off a Grand Finals appearance with the Willetton Tigers, the 20-year-old forward will have his “dream come true”, wearing the red and black this season.
Coming out of the Wildcats Academy program, he’ll now join several NBL1 West stars on the Wildcats roster.
Gerovich was a key piece to Willetton’s success in the past few seasons, averaging 5.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists off the bench for the runners-up this season. While a development player, he will definitely have an impact on the rotation with his deceptive athleticism and shooting prowess.
Thomas Gerovich THREW IT DOWN ?
Watch NBL1 West via https://t.co/NEk1I7kaV8 or the NBL1 App ?&? pic.twitter.com/GfczbuPDEi
Brisbane Bullets: Kye Savage (Centre of Excellence)
Winning the Youth Player of the Year in the NBL1 East, the sky’s the limit for Kye Savage.
Savage just finished a massive season with the Centre of Excellence, where he averaged 13.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.3 three-pointers per game at only 19 years old.
Recruited by his U17s coach Justin Schueller, Savage joins a new-look youth movement in Brisbane with the likes of Rocco Zikarsky, Josh Kunen, Josh Bannan and Tristan Devers (all born in 2000 or after).
Savage’s shooting and driving capabilities will play an important role in Schueller’s transition from the Nathan Sobey and Aron Baynes-centric offence from the past few seasons.
The 2024 NBL Blitz starts on Saturday, September 7th. Watch the entire tournament live and free via Kayo Freebies.
