ANBL SEASON PREVIEW

As the Australian NBL tips off tomorrow night, Jeff Cheshire looks over how the teams are shaping up.

Adelaide 36ers

Key players: Daniel Johnson, Isaac Humphries

Maybe lacking some highend talent, but Johnson is a genuine star. If Humphries finds form they should make a strong front court. Also keep an eye on talented

NBAbound youngster Josh Giddey.

Brisbane Bullets

Key players: Vic Law, Orlando Johnson Lost a lot of key players and import duo Law and Johnson will be key. Nathan Sobey provides a handy Australian wing, although the Bullets will likely need some of their younger players to step up.

Cairns Taipans

Key players: Cam Oliver, Scott Machado The import duo Oliver and Machado will be two of the best players in the league. But the Taipans have plenty of quality around them, notably in young Australian forward Kouat Noi, to go with the heavy Otago presence. Made the playoffs last year and are capable of going one further.

Hawks

Key players: Deng Adel, Justinian Jessup Should be muchimproved from last year. Adel returns home after an NBA stint, the forward bringing elite athleticism and height. Jessup was drafted by the Golden State Warriors and provides an elite scorer, while former Chicago Bull Cam Bairstow will want to perform on his return from Europe.

Melbourne United

Key players: Jock Landale, Chris Goulding, Scottie Hopson

Absolutely stacked and should win. Has talent throughout and all three of those key players are among the league’s best.

New Zealand Breakers

Key players: Tai Webster, Lamar Patterson Brothers Tai and Corey Webster give the Breakers an elite backcourt, Tai returning from Europe to provide highend talent at both ends. Patterson was one of the best scorers in the league for the Bullets last year, while forward Finn Delany could be key. On paper this team is in with a good chance, if it can avoid the dramas that

marred last year.

Perth Wildcats

Key players: Bryce Cotton, Todd Blanchfield Cotton is always one of the league MVP candidates and the Wildcats will need him to perform. The supporting cast looks a little weak, but the Wildcats are always a tough team that plays hard and it would not be a surprise not to see them come playoff time.

South East Melbourne Phoenix

Key players: Mitch Creek, Cam Gliddon

Creek is the obvious star here, capable of carrying a team to wins. There is a heavy Kiwi influence here, with forward Yanni Wetzell being one of New Zealand’s most exciting prospects on his return from college, while Izayah MauriohoohoLe'afa and Reuben Te Rangi also suit up for the Phoenix.

Sydney Kings

Key players: Casper Ware, Jarrell Martin Have had two huge losses in Andrew Bogut and Kevin Lisch, alongside having a key injury in Xavier Cooks. Ware has been one of the top imports for several years, while there is plenty of Australian experience throughout the lineup.