https://nbl.com.au/news/ten-standouts-from-the-2019-nbl-blitz
Deshon Taylor (Adelaide 36ers)
Adelaide went down in both of their games in Tassie but Deshon Taylor had some stretches where he showed exactly why Joey Wright brought him in. The defensive-minded guard had 12 points and 4 assists against Cairns but it was his efforts against Brisbane – especially when things got tough in the third quarter – that really impressed. Taylor scored 14 of his game-high 23 points in a six-minute stretch during that third term, helping to keep the 36ers in touch against a confident Bullets squad. Taylor will lead the way at the defensive end for Adelaide in NBL20 but he showed in Tassie that he can also be an offensive spark – something this 36ers squad will need from him all season.
Honourable mention: Eric Griffin
Will Magnay (Brisbane Bullets)
This will be year three for Magnay in the NBL – year two as a fully-contracted guy – and the 21-year-old is ready to take a bit of a leap. Magnay turned heads this winter with his play at the World University Games and put together an impressive body of work in the QBL. He has now carried that form towards NBL20 and, with the off-season departure of Cam Bairstow, he appears set to step into a larger role.
Magnay dominated Brisbane’s opening hit-out with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks and then backed that up with a solid showing against Cairns two days later. The 6-foot-10 centre has always possessed intriguing physical tools but right now he looks stronger, more athletic and much more comfortable on the NBL floor than he ever has. Big year ahead.
Honourable mention: Taylor Braun
Nate Jawai (Cairns Taipans)
Jawai is fit, focused and ready to fire in NBL20.It looks like Taipans head coach Mike Kelly is going to bring the big fella off the bench this season and I think it’s a savvy move, opening the door for Jawai to be the focus of the offence during his minutes on the floor. Against Adelaide, Jawai scored 12 points (including the game-winning tip-in), grabbed 7 boards and threw 3 assists in 17 minutes of action. Two days later he was dominating against an undersized NBL1 squad before a knock to the head finished his night early.
The talk about Jawai’s improved physique is on the money and Big Nate looks good to go.
Honourable mention: Kouat Noi
LaMelo Ball (Illawarra Hawks)
If you didn’t know, now you know. Melo Mania was in full effect across the weekend as Ball showed out in his one and only appearance for the Hawks, helping him rise to number three on ESPN’s latest 2020 NBA Mock Draft. In a Kingborough stadium teaming with NBA scouts, Ball looked in total control against the NBL’s GOAT defender as he snaked off ball screens, got two feet in the paint and made good decisions with the ball. Ball also displayed his deep shooting ability, knocking down 4-of-6 triples including three in a row to begin the second half and another with just a minute to go in regulation. What most impressed about Ball, though, was his poise. He wasn’t ruffled at all by Damian Martin’s trademark pressure (although, admittedly, Martin is a different beast during the regular season). He simply went about his business; pushing the rock, exploring the gaps and making plays for both himself and his teammates. My favourite Melo moment of the Blitz? The joyous expression on his face when Tim Coenraad sent that game into OT. I mean, the kid was genuinely jubilant; instinctively celebrating that his teammate had made a play and that his squad was still a chance to win. Ball sat out Illawarra’s second game – a loss to Melbourne – but his performance against the defending champs sent shockwaves around the globe.
Honourable mention: Angus Glover
Jo Lual-Acuil (Melbourne United)
High-profile Melbourne recruits Shawn Long and Melo Trimble both played well in Tassie but let’s take this chance to show some love for former Baylor standout Jo Lual-Acuil. Lual-Acuil is tall, long and athletic and, after playing well in United’s earlier pre-season games, the South-Sudanese Aussie continued to impress at the Blitz. That was especially true in the event’s final game, when he put up 17 and 8 off the bench in Melbourne’s win over Illawarra. What’s most impressive about Lual-Acuil’s play is his versatile offensive skillset. Against the Hawks he scored a few times out of the block, made a presence of himself on the o-glass and even drilled a catch-and-shoot three that he stroked with absolute confidence. Standing seven-feet tall, he’s also shown a freakish ability to spark the break with the dribble as well as face up and score off the bounce against slower bigs. Lual-Acuil is a handful – look for him to play a chunk of back-up minutes for Melbourne this season
Honourable mention: Shawn Long
RJ Hampton (New Zealand Breakers)
Scotty Hopson’s a stud, Corey Webster continues to get buckets and Sek Henry will be a very important piece to the Breakers’ puzzle. But all eyes were on RJ Hampton during New Zealand’s two games at the Blitz as the Next Star stepped out in front of all those NBA scouts. That’s a lot of pressure for an 18-year-old playing his first pro game but the kid handled it admirably, leading the Breakers to a win over United and then a narrow loss to the Phoenix. Against Melbourne, Hampton was limited by foul trouble but was effective during his 21 minutes on the floor, putting up 11 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. He then put more of his game on display against South East Melbourne, finishing with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks; thrilling the crowd with his speed and athleticism at both ends of the floor. Hampton was back at it last night in Adelaide as he top-scored (19 points) for the Breakers in their hit-out against the 36ers. The kid’s legit and watching him blossom over the course of this season is going to be a whole lot of fun.
Honourable mention: Scotty Hopson
