With the NBL1 South tipping off tomorrow, conference expert Michael Thompson has broken down his predictions for the MVP Award and the conference champions for the 2024 season.
Men’s NBL1 South MVP: Tom Wilson (Melbourne Tigers)
Melbourne Tigers might have back-to-back MVP’s of the NBL1 South, Jack Purchase got that honour alongside Dan Trist from Frankston last season. From reports out of the NBL1 Blitz and pre-season training, Tom Wilson has been firing after his time playing AFL at Collingwood. Wilson looks destined for a big season ahead in his return to hoops for the first time in five years, and might net the Tigers Point Guard the honour of being the best player in the south on the men’s side.
Women’s NBL1 South MVP: Amy Attwell (Bendigo Braves)
After netting the NBL1 South Finals MVP award for helping lead the Braves to an undefeated championship win last season, Amy Attwell is probably the hardest player to scout in the NBL1 South.
Attwell took her craft and almost helped the Perth Lynx win the WNBL Championship. Attwell averaged 19 points for the Lynx over the summer and just under 26 points for the Braves last season. I’m expecting her average to tip close to 30 points per game this season and to be the runaway winner of the Women’s MVP award.
Amy Atwell was on FIRE ?
— NBL1 (@NBL1) August 19, 2023
4??4?? points on 8?? made triples to beat the Northside Wizards ???
Watch the #NBL1NationalFinals Live & Free via Kayo Freebies ? pic.twitter.com/2vLyO2oJC6
Women’s Champions: Bendigo Braves*
They were the best team all year last season, and deserved to win the championship. Bendigo again are the team to beat. Mark Alabakov has been able to re-sign plenty of their championship-winning players. Shooter and NBL1 South Finals MVP Amy Attwell is in for her biggest season yet, Megan McKay will be tough to stop at the five and Bendigo native Cassidy McLean. Melbourne Tigers, Frankston Blues and Waverley Falcons are the other three teams that will challenge the Braves this season.
*Written before Bendigo announced Kelly Wilson and Ally Wilson signing
? BREAKING NEWS ?
— NBL1 (@NBL1) April 2, 2024
NBL1 Central Finals MVP and National Finals All-Star Five Member Ally Wilson is set to join the National Champion Bendigo Braves ??
More: https://t.co/LJCfrg4FLW pic.twitter.com/SWU2YN3sqM
Men’s Champions: Sandringham Sabres
Coming up short in last year’s Grand Final, and with the signing of Tanner Krebs from the Gold Coast Rollers, the return of playmaker Shea Ili, who takes the place of Ben Ayre who has headed over to New Zealand. The Sabres have again put together another strong roster heading into the new season.
The only teams that might challenge the Sabres will be last year’s champions the Knox Raiders and Mount Gambier Pioneers.
Campbell Blogg, ?? ?? ???????? ?
— NBL1 (@NBL1) August 12, 2023
Watch the #NBL1SouthFinals Grand Final Live & Free on @kayosports Freebies ? pic.twitter.com/yt0TITY7kx
For more in-depth analysis of the conference, make sure to listen to the NBL1 South podcast here.
The NBL1 South starts tomorrow night, streaming Live and Free via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.
