Best men's teams going into 2024

Feature image via: Taylor Earnshaw Photography

Going into the Mitsubishi Motors 2024 NBL1 season next year, it’s time to take a look at the teams who have set themselves up early for a massive season before the calendar has turned over. 

Having put pen to paper, see the best men’s teams on paper going into 2024 below: 

Maitland Mustangs 

The runners-up in the NBL1 East Grand Final have retained their star, re-signing the men’s conference MVP William Cranstow-Lown for 2024. 

The Mustangs have started the off-season strong after a disappointing loss in the Grand Final, bringing back fan-favourite Billy Parsons and then signings a key import in Christian Little. 

The defensive specialist guard is projected to bring a major impact on the team, having previous chemistry with the MVP – he says his role will be to amplify the championship-contending roster. 

After two seasons of making the @NBL1East Grand Final, @RegisRangers alumni Christian Little thinks he is the missing piece for the Maitland Mustangs' championship hopes ?

Read more: https://t.co/tOdzTn6a21 pic.twitter.com/O0tuGlChFf

— NBL1 (@NBL1) November 29, 2023

Related: Living your hoops dreams 

If the second-best team in the conference has already re-signed the MVP and added a talented import, it’s safe to say the Mustnags are positioned for a massive 2024. 

Mackay Meteors 

The Mackay Meteors are setting themselves up for a championship comeback in 2024. 

Not only have they secured a large number of young promising players, but they have also secured three superstars to put them in the early bidding for NBL1 North favourites. 

Bringing back 2021 Finals MVP Jerron Jamerson, re-signing NBL1 North First Team member Isaac White and then signing Mackay local, NBL player and fellow First Team member Todd Blanchfield – the Meteors have formed the first superteam of the 2024 NBL1 season. 

NBL1 North expert Jon Guarna added on social media: 

There is still a ways to go, but this Mackay trio is going to be tough to top!,” he said. 

“Isaac White, Jerron Jamerson and now Blanchfield is a tough Big 3” 

There is still a ways to go, but this Mackay trio is going to be tough to top!

Isaac White, Jerron Jamerson and now Blanchfield is a tough Big 3 ??? https://t.co/YjiZ276d6Y

— Jon Guarna (@JonGuarna) December 20, 2023

Perth Redbacks 

The Perth Redbacks have almost signed their entire roster before the new year has started, bringing in a major new addition to the NBL1 West Finals core. 

It all starts with Tevin Jackson, who averaged 17.5 points and shot 48% from the field last season for the Redbacks. 

How did Tevin Jackson pull that off ?

Watch the #NBL1WestFinals via https://t.co/NEk1I7kaV8 or the NBL1 App ?&? pic.twitter.com/4d89jTl4ji

— NBL1 (@NBL1) August 3, 2023

But their latest signing, the seven-foot-tall Ioannis Dimakopoulos will add a new dimension to Perth. Being able to shoot from distance and defend the ring, the Greek big man will improve their chances at another Finals run this coming season. 

South Adelaide Panthers 

It’s hard to go past what the South Adelaide Panthers have done this off-season, bringing back two former elite scorers in the competition for 2024. 

It started with the Woollacott Award winner Jeremy Smith deciding to return after a year overseas, then followed by former Southern Tiger and 20-point-per-game scorer Ricardo Martin. 

Jeremy Smith is highly flammable ?

Tune into the @Coles Express NBL1 National Finals live on @kayosports ? pic.twitter.com/1olUW8eBz2

— NBL1 (@NBL1) September 10, 2022

In addition to former Mount Gambier Pioneer Tom Kubank, the Panthers are set up for a massive 2024 according to coach Scott Ninnis.

“He is a big piece to the South Adelaide puzzle, [we’re] very excited,” he told NBL media. 

Frankston Blues

The Frankston Blues have locked up their Finals-calibre core for next season and have shown that chemistry and continuity are some of the biggest strengths in the competition. 

It all starts with the MVP in Dan Trist, being awarded the Co-MVP last season for his tremendous two-way abilities. He’ll be joined by NBL players Lachlan Barker and Brad Newly next season, proving the Blues have set themselves up nicely for another title run in 2024.

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The NBL1 season starts on March 23, see the full fixture here. 

Stay up-to-date with all the latest NBL1 signings via the 2024 Roster Tracker here.