Bandits gunning for a National Title

Feature image via: James O'Donohue

The 2022 NBL1 East Finals MVP Unique Thompson made her return to the Albury-Wodonga Bandits to try and claim the club’s second title in three seasons. 

After multiple seasons in Russia, Thompson rejoined the Bandits this weekend and contributed significantly, helping the team continue their undefeated streak. 

In her season debut on Saturday against Canberra, she scored 21 points with eight rebounds in the colossal 120-72 win. Against the Centre of Excellence on Sunday, Lauren Jackson rested and Thompson filled the centre spot – Putting up a triple-double of 30 points, 22 rebounds and 11 steals to extend their record to 11–0. 

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Before her Round 6 debut, Thompson said she wants to reclaim the conference title and play in the National Finals once again. 

“I’m just excited, I can tell that the vibe and everything is different,” she told 7 News Border. 

“Winning it all and going to Nationals, and making a good name for us. And competing at Nationals is the main plan.” 

She joins fellow American and 2023 All-Star Five member Mikayla Pivec on the roster. Pivec explained that despite their perfect record, the team needs to maintain its focus to win a second title. 

“How do we not stay complacent, how do we keep pushing,” she said. 

“I know it’s easier when you’re losing to look at the details of what I need to get better at. But we need to find those things that we need to improve on as we are going, as we are winning. 

“We are excited to have Unique here as well and keep the momentum going. The main goal is the championship, we don’t know how much longer Lauren (Jackson) has to play, so we’d love to make sure she gets a championship in her hometown for however much longer she has.” 

See the latest on the Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 National Finals via the NBL1 App. 

The Bandits will host the Penrith Panthers on Saturday, streaming live from 5:30pm AEST via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.