NBL1 East: Three Key Signings

With the NBL1 East season starting on April 6, we’ve taken a look up and down the rosters to highlight the most impactful signings announced so far in the offseason. 

Shareef Saipaia (Bankstown Bruins) 

After leading the Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Spiders in scoring, Shareef Saipaia will return to the Bruins for the 2024 season. 

He played for the Bruins in their inaugural season, then signing with the Spiders in 2023 – where he averaged 18.4 points, 3.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds. 

Tough buckets in OT for Shareef Saipaia ?

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The forward has a large frame, speed off the bounce and the shot to cause serious damage on the court. He scored a season-high 32 points against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. 

After a season of being the key scorer, Saipaia should be able to slide into an important role for Bankstown once again. 

Davida Dale (Sydney Comets)

American guard Davida Dale has come down from Mackay to play in the NBL1 East for the Sydney Comets in the 2024 season. 

In her debut NBL1 season, Dale averaged 17.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists for the Mackay Meteorettes. 

Okay Davida Dale, we see your step back ?

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— NBL1 (@NBL1) May 19, 2023

She was one of the fastest guards in the conference last season, grabbing rebounds and running fullcourt to facilitate Mackay’s offence. 

“I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity to be joining the Comets Fam!,” she said on social media.

“I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates, coaching staff and competing for a championship.”

Carla Pitman (Norths Bears) 

NBL1 East champion Carla Pitman has re-signed with the Bears to go for back-to-back titles. 

The 20-year-old was a critical piece to the Bears' run through the East, averaging 13.2 points and 4.4 rebounds for Norths during the season. 

During the first two games of the National Finals, Pitman was electric, scoring 19 points with five made triples against the NBL1 North’s Northside Wizards.

While against the NBL1 Central’s Norwood Flames, she had a brilliant 15 points, six rebounds and five assists to help push the Bears to the Championship Game. 

Upon signing, Pitman said she could not wait to return to the Bears in the hopes for a second title.

"I’m really excited to be playing with Norths again this coming season,” she told Norths.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this group and the culture at the club. I am looking forward to stepping back on the court with the team and ready to give it my all in the chase for back-to-back championships."

The NBL1 East starts on April 6, streaming live and free via NBL1.com.au, NBL1 App and Kayo Freebies.