10 players to watch during the 2021 NBL1 North season

The 2021 NBL1 North season begins this Thursday night and there is plenty of talent across every club’s roster. 

Here are 10 players to keep an eye on during the NBL1 North campaign.

WOMEN 

Maddison Rocci (Southern Districts Spartans) 

There aren’t many players with as much hype and excitement around them than Maddison Rocci at the moment. The 22-year-old has had an unbelievable rise to stardom with her outstanding performances with the Canberra Capitals in the WNBL earning her a spot on the Australian Opals squad for the Tokyo Olympics. Expect Rocci to dominate NBL1 North with the Spartans as she continues to prove why she is one of Australia’s best players. 

Steph Reid (Townsville Flames)

NBL1 fans will be familiar with Steph Reid’s work after her 50-point game for the Frankston Blues in the 2019 season. Reid has moved North this year playing for the Flames, where she can remain in the Townsville basketball circle. Reid will look to build on a strong WNBL campaign with the Fire and continue her growth under coach Shannon Seebohm. 

Cayla George (Mackay Meteorettes)

Another Opal who will be using NBL1 as vital preparation for the Tokyo Olympics is Cayla George. The 32-year-old is one of Australia’s most imposing players and will be one of the MVP frontrunners entering the season. Mackay’s crop of talented youngsters will also benefit from learning from one of the game’s greats.  

Georgia Woolley (Northside Wizards)

NBL1 North is full of Queensland rising stars and Georgia Woolley is one of the best. Woolley is coming off a strong campaign for Queensland at the U20 National Championships, averaging 17.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.7 steals per game. The Northside youngster will look to use NBL1 North as another launching pad for her promising career having already committed to Buffalo University for 2021.

Lilly Rotunno (Gold Coast Rollers)

Lilly Rotunno is one of the Gold Coast’s most promising young players. Last year, Rotunno was one of 40 female athletes selected for the 2020 NBA Women’s Academy Next Generation Showcase in New Orleans. While COVID stopped her from going to the event, it displays the high regard Rotunno is held in and the bright future she has ahead. Expect her to make a name for herself in NBL1 North.

MEN

Jamaal Robateau (Sunshine Coast Phoenix)

Fresh off a brief stint as an injury replacement with the Brisbane Bullets in NBL21, Jamaal Robateau is ready to showcase his NBL credentials in NBL1 North. The Sunshine Coast scoring machine is poised to be one of the league’s top scorers and will be hoping to use this NBL1 season as a springboard to a full-time NBL roster spot.

Boston Mazlin (Logan Thunder)

Fresh off a gold medal with Queensland at the U20 National Championships, Boston Mazlin’s rise will continue in NBL1 North with Logan. Mazlin was one of Queensland’s stars at the U20s, averaging 15.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. He will be looking to carry that momentum into NBL1 North and make a name for himself on the national stage. 

Kian Dennis (RedCity Roar)

Kian Dennis has been around NBL circles before as a development player with the Bullets last season but never got the chance to fully prove what he can do. Now the athletic big man has the chance to do so by leading RedCity to some big wins and showcasing his untapped potential.

Kai Woodfall (South West Metro Pirates) 

Another name NBL1 fans will recognise is Kai Woodfall. The Tasmanian native played for the North West Thunder in 2019 but has decided to move North and link up with South West Metro. It’s an exciting time to be a young, rising Tassie baller with the Tasmania JackJumpers entering the NBL next season. Could a strong season in NBL1 North see Woodfall become a future JackJumper?

Callum Dalton (Gold Coast Rollers)

Still with the Brisbane roster until the end of the NBL season, Callum Dalton will have the chance to prove his worth with the Rollers in NBL1 North. Like Dennis, Dalton has never gotten the chance to fully showcase his talents at NBL level so a strong campaign with Gold Coast could see new opportunities open up for him.