Photo credit: FIBA

It might not quite be ESPN’s Brian Windhorst covering a high schooler named LeBron James in Cleveland back in 2003, but The Pick and Roll has proudly been there since day one of Issie Bourne’s professional career.

We hosted her first professional interview in 2023, ahead of her debut with the Adelaide Lightning. Unlike her days at Nebraska, there was no press pack inside a bustling and brightly lit media room. Instead, it was inside an echoing tunnel, deep in the bowels of Adelaide 36ers Arena.

That piece first revealed the WNBL’s best kept secret. Once the secret was out, we then deep dived into how she completed one of the best rookie seasons in recent history. As her star kept rising, we were there when she first became an Opal.

So really, Bourne’s selection into Australia’s upcoming World Cup team really wasn’t all that surprising - at least not to us. The signs have been obvious all along. Less obvious? Exactly how Bourne has elevated herself into one of the nation’s best bigs. Here’s how she’s gone from a rising rookie to the real deal.

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With new national champions now crowned, we’re taking a look at a handful of the players that stood out across the men’s and women’s tournaments.

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Playing time is often limited, and the stakes are high, with players afforded only a handful of matches to make an impression. Here are four takeaways from the Australian contingent that suited up for the 2026 NBA Summer League.

Lachlan Olbrich belongs in the NBA

Lachlan Olbrich was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 2025 NBA draft and defied his late second round position (55th overall) by making 37 regular season appearances, including two starts. Playing on a two-way contract, Olbrich spent much of the season in the G League, where he averaged an impressive 19.2 points and 8.6 rebounds for the Windy City Bulls. Olbrich thus had some runs on the board, but still came into the 2026 Summer League with plenty to prove, hoping to show NBA scouts that his debut season wasn’t a fluke.

In eight preseason games for the Golden State Warriors, Olbrich averaged 9.0 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 59% from the field. He only played 16 minutes per game, but made his mark in limited playing time, and described himself as a “glue guy” in an interview with The Mercury News.

“Being the ultimate glue guy, connector guy, kind of what Draymond Green does with Golden State,” Olbrich told the Mercury News. “I’m just trying to be better in those areas, being able to defend all five positions is what I’m trying to get to, and just getting the ball from side to side.”

Olbrich particularly excelled in one game where he dropped 21 points on 100% shooting from the field. The 22 year old has shown he is an above the rim athlete, and flashed his versatility by making a series of left handed finishes. Olbrich has also realised the importance of his passing game, averaging a touch under two assists in the preseason. For him to crack an NBA roster however, the development of his jumper will be an area of major interest. Olbrich made two of four three-point attempts across his eight matches, showing a very low volume of shots, but he just needs to keep the defence honest when left open.

Overall, Olbrich’s output shows he belongs in the NBA. At 6’8 he is considered undersized compared to most big men, but can make up for that with playmaking vision, tenacity on the boards and a developing jumper. NBA teams will be watching him closely heading into the 2026-27 season.

Rocco Zikarsky is ready

When Rocco Zikarsky started his NBA career in 2025, he was considered a project. He never quite earned significant playing time with the NBL’s Brisbane Bullets, and to many onlookers, a few years in the G League seemed likely. However, the 20 year old enjoyed a stellar debut season with the G League’s Iowa Wolves, averaging 14.8 points and 8.9 rebounds, before taking that form into the 2026 Summer League.

Zikarsky averaged 12.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in 24.3 minutes for Minnesota’s Summer League team, and more importantly, blocked 2.0 shots per game - showing his potential as a disruptive rim protector. He couldn’t quite find his three point shot, hitting just 21.4% of his looks from downtown, but encouragingly attempted 2.8 three pointers per game. Zikarsky has signalled his intent to develop into a stretch five, and that could be valuable for Minnesota in the post-Rudy Gobert era.

In one particular game where he showed all-around brilliance, Zikarsky dropped 16 points and seven rebounds against the Los Angeles Clippers. He was a dominant force in the dunker spot, but also showed some finesse by hitting long range floaters, and even attempted some dribbles from the perimeter. Adding five assists to his stat sheet that day, Zikarsky showed potential as a playmaker out of the post, throwing some impressive bullet passes to find open shooters.

Watching Zikarsky move around the court, he doesn’t have the stereotypical stiffness or slow gait often seen in players that stand 7’3 tall. The former age group swimming talent has impressive mobility and fluidity for his size, making him a tantalising prospect at both ends of the court. If Zikarsky continues to make strides with his three ball and mid-range jumper, he will become a part of the Timberwolves’ NBA rotation sooner rather than later. The team already has a noted rim protector in Gobert, but Zikarsky could add another dimension to their offense with his perimeter skills.

Oscar Cluff has serious potential

Oscar Cluff went undrafted in the 2026 NBA draft, and at the age of 24, doesn’t have time on his side compared to most other prospects. He faced long odds to crack an NBA roster, but nonetheless found an opportunity to suit up in the Summer League for Houston. Cluff was afforded a touch under 20 minutes per game, posting averages of 4.0 points and 7.6 rebounds, while shooting 46.7% from the floor.

The 6’11 centre is a big body who can set screens, and thrives on high percentage looks around the paint. His ability to gobble up rebounds would have piqued the interest of NBA scouts at the Summer League, although offensively his game is perhaps too limited to earn an NBA call up just yet. Cluff has never been a noted shooter, and did not attempt a single three-pointer in his last season of college basketball at Purdue. The big man is also not known for prolific rim protection, averaging 0.9 blocks in that same year at Purdue.

Nevertheless, Cluff can fill the role of a prototypical old-school big man, and NBL clubs will be circling a player of his caliber. Alternatively, it’s also possible that Cluff could spend some time in the G League, or in a best case scenario, land a two-way contract. Cluff shot 68.3% from the field at Purdue, proving to be one of the most efficient big men in the whole NCAA Division I competition - this will be a major selling point, as well as his insatiable desire to corrall rebounds at both ends of the floor.

As a 70% free throw shooter at Purdue, one would think Cluff has the potential to expand his shooting range. This would completely change the way that professional teams view him, and make a major difference to his NBA roster candidacy.

Mixed success elsewhere

While Zikarsky, Cluff and Olbrich were afforded plenty of opportunities to get into a rhythm, it wasn’t the same story for many of their compatriots who suited up in NBL26. Flynn Cameron flew the flag well for New Zealand, averaging 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists in a well-rounded display, but for much of the Australian contingent the minutes were hard to come by, or the shots just didn’t fall.

Cameron won NBL26 Most Improved Player honours, and took this form into the Summer League, where he was on song for the Portlant Trail Blazers. He sunk 43% of his 14 looks from beyond the arc, over four games, proving to be a real sharpshooter. Cameron’s playmaking ability was also on display, dishing out 3.2 assists in just 14 miuntes of average playing time, while ceding only 2.0 turnovers per game.

Cameron turned out to be one of the surprise packets of the 2026 Summer League, and will return to Adelaide with his eyes set on a larger role. He has the efficiency and all-around game to become one of the NBL’s top players, and it would not be a major surprise if he elevated his game to All-NBL level this season. The New Zealand national team have a potential cornerstone player in Cameron, who also happens to be the son of Tall Blacks legend Pero Cameron.

Davo Hickey averaged 3.6 points, 3.9 rebound and 3.0 assists for the Los Angeles Lakers, but shot just 39% from the field. The 27 year old has improved rapidly with Illawarra in the past few seasons, and showed his potential as an all-around contributor. NBA teams will be looking for a bit more aggression on the offensive end; if Hickey were to develop a more potent jumper, he would not be far off an NBA call up.

Luke Travers was waived by Cleveland in January but joined Milwaukee for the 2026 Summer League, hoping for a way back into the NBA. He averaged just 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds, while shooting 29.4% from the field. In a limited sample of matches the shots just didn’t quite fall for him, and his next move will be interesting to watch. Melbourne United have already lured Travers to the NBL - if the 24 year old elevates his game to All-NBL level the NBA will likely come calling again.

Harry Wessels, Anthony Dell’Orso, Kuany Kuany and Will Johnston all averaged 13 minutes or less, thus receiving limited opportunities to make an impact. Wessels was the most productive of the aforementioned quartet, averaging 3.0 points and 3.8 rebounds in under 10 minutes of playing time, but ultimately it’s difficult to impress NBA scouts in such limited minutes. Dell’Orso has been signed by the Perth Wildcats, while Wessels was snapped up by the Sydney Kings, with the lure of the NBL too strong for those that couldn’t find an NBA breakthrough.

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Adam chats to Bronze Medalist from the recent FIBA U17 World Cup, Olivia Olechnowicz, about her experience at the tournament, continuing to grow her game and her future aspirations.

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Photo credit: Iowa State Athletics

This time last year, the Australian Gems had just tied up their Under 19 World Cup campaign against the US in the gold medal game. They came home with silver as a class of young Aussie hoopers who were set to embark on their freshman year at college.

Two of those players were Emilija Dakic and Sienna Harvey, having gone to Florida and Washington, respectively, in their first yera of division one college. They recently sat down with The Pick and Roll to discuss their journey so far, as the pair both transferred to the Iowa State Cyclones for their sophomore years. Dakic was quick to share of her experience in representing Australia on the international stage.

“I think for me, it’s a massive honour. Not everyone gets to do it and so it’s a great opportunity to be able to represent your country, but also your family on an international stage. I think, yeah, just proud, I guess.”

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Image credit: FIBA

Australia’s Sapphires entered the U17 Women’s World Cup in Brno, Czechia as one of the heavyweights, and signalled their intent early in an impressive win over Latvia to kick off the group stage.

The team’s ability to apply full-court defensive pressure was pivotal in the contest. Remarkably, both Isabel Smith and Olivia Olechnowicz broke the team’s record for steals in this competition with seven each, eclipsing Abbey Wehrung’s six back in the 2012 tournament. Madi Ryan also gave an early display of her all-round ability, leading Australia in scoring (14, tied with Sophie Richardson for a team-high) and blocks (four).

The might of the USA, who had won the last three U17 World Cups, awaited Australia next. The USA team boasted names like Ivanna Wilson Manyacka (the tournament MVP), Eve Long and Caroline Bradley, who were all named in the top five of ESPNW’s Class of 2027 rankings, but Australia was undaunted by the challenge. Trailing by nine with a minute to play, a pair of threes to Sophie Richardson set up a nail-biting finish before Australia’s inbound pass on the buzzer went astray. Still, the result had underlined the resilience of the Sapphires as well as their talent and it ended up being the USA’s closest game of the event.

In the Sapphires’ remaining group game against Côte d’Ivoire, they simply had far too much talent for their opponents, and coach Tom Garlepp was able to give some different players court time, including bigs Lily Mapp (six points, seven rebounds and three blocks) and Jemyma Manyok (13 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks) and guard Jasmine Jones (15 points, five threes and four assists) in the 87-39 rout as Australia broke their record for most assists in a game at this tournament.

The Round of 16 clash against Germany was similarly one-sided and Australia had basically sealed it at quarter time, where they led 27-3. A late flurry from Germany against Australia’s bench group made the scoreline more respectable, but Australia’s starting five had been utterly dominant.

That result set up a quarter final against a Japan side headlined by dynamic point guard Miya Takeuchi (who had 32 points in the game). Australia never quite looked comfortable but managed to finish ahead 70-64. The Sapphires’ greater size was telling with a 44-26 rebound led by Matilda Trout’s 14 boards.

The dream of a gold medal clash with the USA was alive late into the semi-final with Spain, where despite some cold shooting from Australia (they only went 4 from 24 from three-point range), a Sophie Richardson three-pointer tied it up at 50-50 in the closing minutes. Another all-round display from Madi Ryan (12 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks) got Australia, who never led and trailed by 13 late in the second quarter, back into the contest. But a relentless and balanced Spanish team dominated the final stretch to run away 59-51 winners.

The loss to Spain left Australia to battle Canada for third place. It was another close contest, but this time the Sapphires were the more poised team down the stretch and they got some huge late stops to change the momentum of the game. Forward Jay Sebasio had her most impactful cameo of the tournament, troubling Canada with her cutting to record eight points in quick time. A three from Olivia Olechnowicz, who was huge on both ends, pushed Australia to the lead with just over a minute to go and Smith, Ryan and Olechnowicz were all perfect from the line as Australia ran away with a 64-57 win.

Madi Ryan has been a prolific winner at junior international level even while playing up an age group and was again Australia’s star of the tournament. At 191cm, the Sandringham Sabres star has the size for the frontcourt but handles the ball, makes plays and knocks down mid-range jumpers like a seasoned guard. Her basketball IQ is tremendous, and her versatility is rarely seen at this level. Seamlessly moving between different positions depending on what the team needed and holding up across big minutes (she played every minute of the semi-final against Spain), she ranked in the top 10 in scoring (14.1 points per game), field-goal percentage (47.2%), blocks (1.3 per game) and efficiency (a rating of 16.1 per game) and was selected in the tournament’s All-Star Five.

Olivia Olechnowicz also cemented her status as one of Australia’s brightest backcourt prospects across the tournament. A multi-level scorer who can post up, get downhill or shoot from outside (40% from three-point range), she ranked in the top 20 for scoring with 12.1 points per game. She was even more impactful on the defensive end, using her aggressive mindset and instincts to hound opposition players and rack up 3.3 steals per game, good for second in the tournament. Selection as the Best Defensive Player and in the All-Second Team were just reward for her non-stop hustle.

Isabel Smith was another huge contributor with 11.9 points per game. She consistently got to the line across the tournament (and made her free-throws at 80%, placing her in the top five of this category) and her ability to get a step on defenders was on full display against the USA’s bevy of long and athletic wings, where she had a tournament-high 20 points. Even when her shots weren’t falling, Smith found a way to contribute; against Latvia where she went two from 15 from the field, she contributed seven steals and two blocks.

In the frontcourt, Sophie Richardson (eight points per game) looks the modern prototype of a successful wing player; she is long and athletic and can get up and down the court, knock down outside shots and contribute on the glass. Matilda Trout gave the team a mobile big, and her 7.6 rebounds per game placed her in the top 10. She finished with a cumulative plus/minus of 68, behind only Ryan and Olechnowicz. Queenslander Jade Sherrington played hard and unselfish basketball in her court time and has great playmaking instincts at 184cm.

Finally, Jemyma Manyok only played limited minutes but continues to improve and is an intriguing long-term prospect. While she is still developing her offensive repertoire, her shot-blocking is already otherworldly, highlighted in a five-block effort in the bronze medal game. She was the tournament’s leading shot-blocker despite playing just over 14 minutes a game and recorded an outrageous 6.5 blocks per 40 minutes.

Credit: FIBA

It took a collective effort from the squad to win their first medal at this level since 2018 and highlights the depth and talent of this generation of Australian basketballers.

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Sapphires squad: Eliza Ashby, Jasmine Jones, Jemyma Manyok, Lily Mapp, Olivia Olechnowicz, Sophie Richardson, Madi Ryan, Jay Sebasio, Jade Sherrington, Isabel Smith, Matilda Trout

Adam and Lukas discuss the Opals’ two wins over China and the Sapphires’ performances in the U17 World Cup.

Unwrapped is presented by C2C Sport. Get 10% exclusive discount on your initial order, use code PICKROLL on the checkout page at c2csport.com.au. Valid for custom orders. Contact sales@c2csport.com or call 02 6581 1558 if you need help.

There’s a World Cup on the horizon, we’ve got more Aussies in the WNBA than ever, and the Opals have just wrapped up a triumphant international series on home soil. While names such as Magbegor, Smith, Talbot, Melbourne and Borlase are likely locked in for the trip to Berlin, there’s still a swathe of spots up for grabs as Australia looks to make another run at the podium.

So what exactly did the 2-0 series win over China teach us about a potential World Cup roster?

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The feeling was very different this time two years ago, when the Crocs slumped to a 15th-place finish at the 2024 FIBA Under-17 Men’s World Cup. That marked Australia’s worst-ever result at the event, and made it four straight tournaments finishing outside of the top five. There were some promising signs, but for a country with ever-growing hopes and expectations on the court, it was a disappointing step back.

Last month’s World Cup in Türkiye was a chance to bounce back, and the Crocs did exactly that. With a new-look coaching staff and an uber-talented squad, they stormed through the early stages of the tournament and ultimately walked away with a bronze medal.

Credit: FIBA

That result was a huge tick for not just the program, but for so many of the players who were able to impress on the world stage.

Aussie depth steps up to break medal drought

It was a welcome return to the podium for the Crocs, who won back-to-back silver medals in 2012 and 2014 but had failed to reach the semi-finals in the four tournaments since. While they finished one step lower this time around, their 6-1 win-loss record was actually Australia’s best ever at the event – they were beaten by the United States twice in 2012, and in 2014, they fell to Canada in the group stage before again coming up short against the Americans in the final.

This year, they were untouchable up until the semi-finals, where they again ran into the American buzzsaw. Prior to that, the wins were impressive, including a 22-point blowout of eventual silver medallists Serbia, another double-digit win over a talented Canadian squad, and a composed bounceback effort to take down the hosts Türkiye in the bronze medal game.

There were stars that led the way – more on them later – but it was a top-down effort from the entire Crocs squad. Of their 12 players, 10 averaged double-digit minutes across the tournament, and all made plays when their number was called. “What impressed me most wasn’t necessarily the points scored or the highlights, it was the willingness to sacrifice for the team,” head coach Greg Vanderjagt told Basketball.com.au after the tournament. “Different players carried us on different nights, and nobody cared who got the credit as long as the group found success.”

Point to any player across the depth chart, and you’ll find a key contributor to one or more of Australia’s wins. Andrew Watene was a backup to the team’s lead guards, but he starred against Serbia and stayed ready for his spot minutes throughout. Alex Mabbott played a similar role at centre and brought a rugged edge with his rebounding and shot-blocking. Riak Akhuar was the ultimate defensive Swiss army knife, guarding multiple positions at a high level and finishing fourth in the tournament in blocks. John Aryang started but played a supporting role, and he produced countless highlights and just as many key plays.

Maybe most impressive of all was how Vanderjagt and his staff used that depth, and their ability to bring out the best of every single player. It’s been a turbulent last few years for the head coach with the Brisbane Bullets and their coaching carousel, but an escape from the pro ranks might have been the perfect remedy. The Crocs were a well-oiled machine throughout, blending the trademark Aussie grit and intensity with a level of execution and organisation that can be rare in junior teams.

“We never spoke about outcomes during this journey with this group of athletes, we focused on our process of getting better every day and ensuring that would drive our outcomes more than anything,” he told Basketball.com.au.

Luke Paul is the real deal

Very few players came into the World Cup with more hype than Luke Paul. The youngest player to ever sign a contract with the NBL’s Next Stars program, he claimed MVP honours at last year’s Under-16 Asia Cup, was named to the All-Star Five at the Under-17 Oceania Cup, and starred for WA Metro at June’s national championships. It’s easy to see why FIBA ranked him as the eighth-best prospect ahead of the tournament, and why plenty rated him even more highly.

Safe to say, the 17-year-old more than lived up to the hype. He was the engine of Australia’s offence, finishing third among all players in assists while also being a top-15 scorer; he stuffed the stat sheet, averaging 15.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks, and finishing as the only player to average more than 10-5-5-1-1; and he earned selection in the tournament’s All Star Five, joining Dejan Vasiljevic and Dante Exum as the only Australians ever to do so. Most importantly, he led from the front as the Crocs climbed onto the podium, culminating in a 19-point, 10-rebound and seven-assist masterclass in the bronze medal game.

Already regarded as one of the best playmakers in the world for his age, Paul’s offensive skillset was on full display. Australia finished third in the tournament in assists despite generally playing at a slower pace, and that started with their point guard, who was unselfish to a fault at times and always looking to get his teammates involved. He processes the game so much faster than most in his age group, able to see the play unfolding and wait for an opening to exploit as it does.

Always a streaky shooter, he showed some promising signs of development in Türkiye, shooting 55.6% from three with a tidy and smooth form. As the Crocs ran him through a heavy dose of screens, that forced defences to make tough decisions – go over the top and let him get into the paint and create, or go under and give him the open three. Most teams did the former, and he showed great patience in navigating the heart of the defence and making plays; when Slovenia tried the latter, he torched them for 20 points and five made triples.

It wasn’t all roses, and Paul struggled with turnovers throughout, posting four or more in five of Australia’s seven games. That was most glaring in the semi-final, where the length and athleticism of the United States brought him undone. The Crocs struggled to break the Americans down, scoring just 65 points in a blowout loss, and Paul finished with six turnovers and three assists. That could be cause for concern as he prepares for the grown men of the NBL, and later the elite athletes in the NBA; he’ll never play with the same sort of talent deficit that the Crocs faced, though, up against a team with an average winning margin of more than 50 points and elite NBA prospects at every spot.

Even with one down game, the good far outweighed the bad for Australia’s brightest young star. It made his bounceback effort against Türkiye all the more impressive, and his performance on the whole should have Cairns Taipans fans excited for their next two seasons together. He’ll surely still be eased into the action in NBL26, but with the Taipans building a strong group of veterans, coach Adam Forde might be willing to throw him into the fire sooner rather than later.

Yahya Basaran: Australia’s next great big man?

Ahead of the World Cup, The Pick and Roll’s Ayush Gautam took a deep dive into Australia’s best young big men. Not since Andrew Bogut have the Boomers had a dominant paint presence at their disposal, with stretch bigs and small ball fives manning the middle in recent years. One player he flagged was Yahya Basaran, with the 17-year-old seven-footer coming off a dominant Under-18 National Championships campaign and his first few months with the Basketball Centre of Excellence.

Still relatively untested at the international level coming into the World Cup, Basaran played just two games at last year’s Under-17 Oceania Cup but did plenty to impress. That had him flagged in Australia as a player to watch, but in Türkiye, he announced himself on the world stage. He finished the tournament second among all players in blocked shots, averaging 9.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in just 20 minutes per game, and proving to be a legitimate two-way force around the basket.

His size alone was a huge point of difference – listed at seven feet on the dot, he was one of just five seven-footers at the tournament, and the only one playing for a top-four side. Maybe he’s had a growth spurt since his last measurements, but he looks even bigger than that on the court, and with long arms to match, he eats up a huge amount of space in the paint. That showed up most on the defensive end, where he was able to block shots and vacuum up rebounds even when caught a little out of position.

It would be easy for a player at his size to fall into the trap and try to bulldoze the opposition offensively, particularly against smaller juniors, but Basaran is already a more polished player than that. While his scoring numbers don’t jump off the page, they did place him in the top ten for centres, and it’s the way that he got those points that was most impressive. He showed a level of patience in the post that belied his years, making subtle moves and waiting for his defender to bite before rising up or stepping through to shoot.

Seeing that, it should be no surprise to learn which NBA player he takes inspiration from. “I study Nikola Jokić’s footwork and try to learn from it,” he told Anadolu Agency during the tournament.

He attributes his recent rapid development to his short time so far at the Centre of Excellence, which bodes even better for his future as he continues to put in work there. “Every day I’m improving there, and that’s showing in my performances… it brings together the best 12 players in the country on one team, and that has helped me improve tremendously. I feel like I’m getting better every day,” he told Anadolu Agency.

State team stars to elite role players

In any national team – any country, any sport, any age group – players will need to take on new roles. Just about every player to ever represent their country is a star at the lower levels, but not all can be the star as they keep stepping up. Most will need to take a step back and join the supporting cast; some can’t make that work, but some can do so and thrive.

Every player on the Crocs roster seemed to truly embrace their role, but two players embodied that balance more than anyone. For years now, Antonio Browne and Will Hamilton have starred at the national championships as the leaders and focal points for their respective states. By now, both are also veterans in the national team program – the World Cup was Hamilton’s fourth tournament representing his country, while it was the third for Browne – but both were more impressive than ever in Türkiye.

Browne has long been a highlight machine for New South Wales Metro, playing as the lead guard for a team that consistently competes for national titles. At the World Cup, though, he proved to be the perfect foil for Luke Paul, providing secondary playmaking and a pressure release when defences keyed in on the point guard, and then running the second unit with aplomb when he went to the bench. By tournament’s end he’d done a little of everything as needed, averaging 9.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game.

He did all of that even as he struggled to find his shot, making just 23.5% of his threes and failing to make a shot from deep in five of Australia’s seven games. In the end, that didn’t even matter – he was able to get downhill easily and often, either by breaking down his man off the dribble or attacking a shifting defence off the catch. Just as he helped Paul, Paul was able to draw attention and set the table for his running mate; hopefully, this was just one of many tournaments that the two will play together.

@basketballaustraliaThe best of Will Hamilton on the world stage 🌍 🐊 #basketballaus #CrocOn #FIBAU17 #WillHamilton

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At state level, Hamilton has always been able to lean on his physicality. Standing at six-foot-five, with the burst of a guard but the strength and power to match any big man, he’s long been able to overpower just about any matchup thrown at him in Australia. Even at the World Cup, he was able to show off those physical traits, but they alone wouldn’t have been enough to make him effective.

Instead, he showed incredible growth in what has always been viewed as his biggest swing skill. Never a consistent shooter, he was lights out in Türkiye, shooting 42.9% on four three point attempts per game and becoming the perfect floor-spacer alongside Australia’s dynamic guard rotation. It was a remarkable step forward for the Victoria Country star, and even more impressive that he did it after going 0-6 from the field in the opening game of the tournament. Sometimes viewed as a ‘tweener’ and without a clear role projection as a future pro, Hamilton’s tournament was a great first step towards changing those perceptions, and a testament to his work rate and development.

Here are five talented Aussies who have transferred to a new school ahead of their second year, thus facing the challenges of breaking into a new roster, albeit with perceived advantages of increased minutes or a higher profile school.

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Adam and Jacob cover every NBL team’s current roster construction with just over two months until the start of the regular season.

Unwrapped is presented by C2C Sport. Get 10% exclusive discount on your initial order, use code PICKROLL on the checkout page at c2csport.com.au. Valid for custom orders. Contact sales@c2csport.com or call 02 6581 1558 if you need help.

It means that the playoffs are just around the corner. So who are the key contenders and outside chances in each division of every conference?

Here are all the teams you need to watch, plus the ones that haven’t had the seasons they had hoped…

SOUTH

WOMEN

Lead Contenders…

It was a little over eager to say the Raiders would go through 2026 undefeated, however they are hitting their straps at the perfect time. With just three regular season games left, Knox sits on top of the ladder and in the midst of a 10-game win streak.

Currently Eltham have an identical record, with the two set to play each other on the run home. Lil Dart is well and truly in the MVP race and has been incredible for the Wildcats throughout 2026.

Sandringham and Keilor will be dangerous when their Opals players return, whereas it’s a tough result for Casey, with their MVP candidate Dallas Loughridge likely to join her new Michigan teammates before the NBL1 season ends.

Dark Horse…

The departure of Zitina Aokuso led many people to write Melbourne off, however maybe they shouldn’t be so quick to rule the Tigers out of it. They’ve won three in a row and four out of their last five, and Shuyu Yang has the ability to really blow a game wide open.

Tough year for…

In the preseason it looked as though Ringwood we’re putting together an outfit that might have been in the realm of their 2022 championship side. An ACL injury to Lily Scanlon in the preseason, then one to Annabel Deerbon in their home opener dampened those hopes in a hurry. Emma Clarke has been mostly unavailable due to 3x3 commitments and nothing has quite gelled for the Hawks. Not a year they will want to look back on.

MEN

Lead Contenders…

This season feels like the most open in a few years in the men’s South division. Melbourne, Eltham, and Nunawading lead the ladder and all look in good form as we approach the business end of the year

Photo credit: Rachel Louise Photography

The Tigers are probably the standout pick as they look to avenge their grand final defeat from 2025. They are currently on a six-game winning streak with a winnable game against Sandringham before they play the second-place Wildcats in their final regular season game for the year.

The Spectres are brilliantly coached and the addition of Ben Gristci has been a big one, while Eltham have enjoyed life just fine after the departure of long-time import Josh Sykes.

Dark Horse…

It feels weird to say, but Sandringham look to be the dark horse this season. Despite their stacked lineup they are only going to just scrape into the top 10. However, they are not a side you'd want to face in straight knockout games. Fairytale run coming?

Tough year for…

Normally a perennial contender, the Mt Gambier Pioneers just didn’t have it in 2026. Despite putting together a solid roster, they suffered a nine game losing streak during the year leaving them on the outside of the top 10 looking in.

EAST

WOMEN

Lead Contenders…

Manly or Norths? The run home features what looks like the closest to a grand final preview as we’re going to get across the country.

Jaz Shelley and her Bears have been sensational. Unbeaten at the time of writing and answering every challenge that comes their way. Of course, Shelley will have Geelong’s 2025 in the back of her mind, losing their only game of the year in the grand final.

The Sea Eagles are the clear top challengers, having also seperate themselves from the rest of the pack. We deserve a Norths vs Manly grand final, but we know ANYTHING can happen in playoff basketball.

Dark Horse…

Albury-Wodonga are hitting form at the right time and could surprise some people in the postseason. They’ve won five in a row and the combination of Emily Lytle and Unique Thompson is a force to be reckoned with. The Bandits also showed in June they can compete with the top tier teams, matching it with Manly for most of what ultimately ended as a loss.

Tough year for…

The Bulls are going to end this season winless. Their final two games of the regular season are against Norths and then Manly. Brutal.

As a team Inner West just haven’t been able to match it with anyone. The closest they got was early in the season against Penrith. However, despite keeping the Panthers to just 58 points they still went down by nine points.

MEN

Lead Contenders…

Illawarra and Norths look to have locked up the top two spots in the men’s division of the East. They have both been stunningly strong at home, combining for a 16-1 record when hosting in 2026.

The other side worth noting is Sutherland. They’ve won six straight to turn their 5-6 mid-season record to a formidable 11-6 position. The other standout for the Sharks is their ability to win away from. They are 8-2 on the road this season and will have to keep winning games in opposition venues if they want to win the title.

Dark Horse…

Never write off a champion.

The Gunners might be in the midst of a five-game slide but they have a couple of very winnable games to end the season and we all know what they are capable of doing in a postseason.

They will need someone to come with Will Mayfield, but there are plenty of options who have the ability to do so on any given day.

Tough year for…

It will be difficult for Hornsby Ku-ring-Gai not to think what could have been if Davo Hickey played the entire season. He averaged 20 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists across his six games, helping the Spiders win three of their games, which makes up half of their victories in 2026.

CENTRAL

WOMEN

Lead Contenders…

A second championship in five years? It’s a real possibility for West Adelaide, who have been near-on untouchable so far this season. They are the top scoring team in the country, averaging a ridiculous 97 points per game thanks to the offensive firepower of Morgan Yaeger, Alex Ciabattoni and Co.

Sturt are the only team really in their stratosphere, having put together a strong season that has them essentially locked into second place.

Dark Horse…

They say defence wins championships and Forestville have one of the best in the country. They rank in the top 15 in both points allowed per game and defensive rating. The Eagles are also the only team to beat West Adelaide at the moment so don’t write them off.

Tough year for…

It seems a long time ago that the Eastern Mavericks were 1-1 to start the season. Since then they have lost 15 straight games and have lost touch with the rest of the league. A brutal 2026.

MEN

Lead Contenders…

It was a shock that the Eagles didn’t win the championship last season, but 2026 looks to be their year. They’ve only lost two games and their top players are all looking strong in their roles.

Sturt and South Adelaide make up the rest of the current top three and both look capable of going all the way.

Dark Horse…

Woodville have had an up and down year, but they are an elite defensive unit anchored by Bennett Sherry and Leverenzel Booth Jr who are both averaging just under two blocks per game. If they can find a better rhythm offensively they could wreak some havoc in the postseason.

Tough year for…

The Southern Tigers are another team in the NBL1 that just been unable to maintain pace with the rest of their division. At 2-5 they didn’t seem that far off the rest of the competition, but 10 straight losses has them fixed to the bottom of the ladder.

NORTH

WOMEN

Lead Contenders…

Most of the talk throughout the year was around Cairns and their incredible unbeaten run, but now top spot in the North has been taken by Logan, a place they are very familiar with.

Last year’s champions have once again been brilliantly led by coach Aja Parham-Ammar and captain Mikhaela Cann. Between them and the Dolphins it feels as though the North will have their champion.

Dark Horse…

They do sit in third place so it’s difficult to place them as a dark horse, but the Spartans are a strong defensive unit who have a proven record on the road. They are unbeaten (7-0) when playing in enemy territory and with Jess McDowell-White always on triple-double watch, don’t rule them out.

Tough year for…

At 2-4 through the first six games, the Brisbane Capitals might have thought 2026 was salvageable. However, they then lost seven of their next eight games, leading them to the equal-worst record in the league.

MEN

Lead Contenders…

Always tough to go past an undefeated team. Cairns are having a season to remember and are clearly the team to beat heading into the playoffs. Kody Stattman has been playing at an elite level and his support cast of Kobe McDowell-White, Luca Yates, and Amarco Doyle are top tier.

The rest of the top four remain a threat, but let’s not kid ourselves, Gold Coast, Logan and Sunshine Coast are the chasers and will need to cause an upset to secure the championship.

Dark Horse…

Across their last seven games, Mackay’s only two losses have come at the hands of Cairns. They are a team that does it by committee, plenty of contributors all capable of stepping up when their number is called. Keep your eye on them.

Tough year for…

It just never quite clicked for Northside this season. They have shown plenty offensively, with Quinton Dove and Tyler Williams delivering on that end of the floor. However, the team’s defence just hasn’t provided the same output, ranking inside the bottom 15 teams across the country.

WEST

WOMEN

Lead Contenders…

Did someone say back-to-back?

Cockburn have lost just the two games this season, mostly thanks to their high-powered offence which ranks inside the top 10 across the NBL1.

Warwick are one of the two teams to beat them in 2026 and should be a serious factor in the postseason. Chloe Forster has once again done plenty for the Senators, but she’s had plenty of help in an outfit that is capable of winning it all.

Dark Horse…

If they can sneak into the finals, Joondalup could cause some headaches in the postseason. They are the other side to beat the Cougars and have shown glimpses of brilliance across the season. If Kimberley Pierre-Louis is dominating they could cause some upsets.

Tough year for…

Perth are hitting some great form, but it might be a case of too little, too late. They still need to win out the rest of the season to sneak into the finals, and even then it will be a tough hill to climb from there. And then of course there is the thought of what could have been if Anneli Maley stayed the whole season, but of course she went onto bigger things in the WNBA.

MEN

Lead Contenders…

Since starting the season 3-2, Geraldton have been on an absolute tear. They now sit 13-3 and with Devondrick Walker building into the playoffs nicely.

Rockingham and Joondalup make up the rest of the top three, but the Buccaneers look to be the slight favourites.

Dark Horse…

Marley Sam has been one of the stories of the NBL1 this season and his ability to get hot in a hurry has the Eastern Suns marked as a danger team as we head into the postseason.

They also are one of just three teams to knock over the Flames this year, meaning they are more than capable of claiming a big scalp.

Tough year for…

Sadly for the South West Slammers they find themselves disconnected from the rest of the league. They sit bottom of the ladder, three wins behind the next closest team. Philmon Gebrhiwet has had a solid year but hasn’t had much help, leading to just a 2-17 record.

Image credit: Aaron Camua/@aaron.camua

Coming off a strong WNBL season with the Geelong Venom, where she averaged 12.96 points and 4.09 assists per game, Jaz Shelley has kept the momentum rolling into her NBL1 season with NBL1 team Norths Bears, where she is averaging 24.12 points per game and 43.58% on three-pointers.

It’s a stellar start to her move to Sydney. Shelley says she was won over by Norths coach Renae Garlepp, who also coaches the WNBL team she will join next season, the Sydney Flames.

“She just pitched to me that she’s going to really focus on my development and help me reach some of the goals that I have for myself,” Shelley tells The Pick and Roll.

“She really wanted to give me a cool experience in Sydney, and I thought it was a good opportunity for my NBL1.

“Obviously, I’ve now signed with Sydney Flames, but I was kind of focused on what’s best for me right now, and I thought then I’d figure out my WNBL process from there.

“I think it’s been a really good move to be able to learn Renae’s system and how she coaches and how she helps develop. It gives me a little bit of an upper hand going into the WNBL season, and with the players we have for the Flames at the moment, I’m super excited to start working with them too.”

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Photo credit: FIBA

This time last year, Jacob Furphy was leading the Australian Emus at the Under-19 World Cup. A year later, he’s starting his tenure at Boston College after a season with the UConn Huskies.

Unrelated to Indiana Pacers forward Johnny Furphy, Jacob grew up in Tasmania and has been draped in green and gold in countless youth teams as well as being selected for the Boomers at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers. He has found himself at Basketball Without Borders, both Asia and Global, as well as the NBA Global Academy, where he first crossed paths with UConn.

UConn just made it to the pointiest end of March Madness but fell short to the Michigan Wolverines. That Wolverines team had three of its players selected in the top 12 of the 2026 NBA Draft, with their head coach Dusty May also ascending to league as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. That’s what it took to beat UConn by six points.

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Adam and Lukas discuss Jade Melbourne signing with Bendigo, the WNBL schedule release, the Tasmania Jewels’ first season, and the WNBA’s recent skirmish between Indiana and Phoenix.

Unwrapped is presented by C2C Sport. Get 10% exclusive discount on your initial order, use code PICKROLL on the checkout page at c2csport.com.au. Valid for custom orders. Contact sales@c2csport.com or call 02 6581 1558 if you need help.

Here’s what each team is still needing for a run at the title.

Photo credit: Dan Cowley / Images by Dan

Adelaide Lightning: Imported Goods

New GM Tess Madgen has been busy since taking the helm of her hometown team, bringing in Opal Zitina Aokuso, Gemma Potter and Jess McDowell-White, as well as re-signing Tayla Brazel to pair with former league MVP Steph Talbot. The loss of Betty Watson Breakout Player Dallas Loughridge will sting, but I’m told the club is now eyeing two imports to fill out its rotation: Shay Ciezki will take the reigns at point guard, while they’re also set to land an elite big. Adding in an international playmaker, as well as a capable frontcourt partner for Aokuso could empower Aja Parham-Ammar to lead the Lightning to its first serious run at finals in years.

Bendigo Spirit: Pick your Poison

If you think about it, the blockbuster arrival of Jade Melbourne basically brings together the best of Bendigo’s past two seasons. You’ve got reigning MVP Izzy Borlase and breakout big Liv Pollerd running it back from last season, while the addition of Melbourne fills the void left by Sami Whitcomb in the club’s championship run. Holdovers like Casey Samuels and Abbey Wehrung fill out the Venn diagram bridging both eras. Borlase and Melbourne is an NBA-Jam caliber partnership, opens up all sorts of possibilities on offense. The big question: do they chase another big to cover Mariana Tolo following the birth of her first child, or more shooting to empower the most explosive backcourt in the league? Either way, shutting down the Spirit will be a lethal task for most teams this season.

Canberra Capitals: Reinforcements

The Caps had been the laughing stock of the league for some time, but last season they finally showed some serious intent. The mix of Nyadiew Puoch, Sara Blicavs, Aokuso and Melbourne never quite worked out, but the team has gutted the house, and will now build around one foundational piece in Puoch: one of the competition’s most tantalising talents. Puoch’s potential seems limitless, especially as she evolves in the WNBA in real time, and will become a focal point for the first time in the WNBL. Amy Atwell is an ideal running mate, and a massive coup for the Caps, but more help is needed. Sharne Robati and Charlotte Whittaker will bolster the frontcourt, but project as complimentary pieces. Upgrades at guard, centre, and to help Puoch on the wing are all still on the table.

Geelong Venom: More Winners

There’s nothing quite like getting the band back together. The newly appointed Cheryl Chambers is reimagining her championship roster from Southside, with Bec Cole and Maddy Rocci making the move down the Princes Highway. It’s a promising start, with all three knowing exactly what it takes to climb the summit. Who else can help them get there? Chambers has a history of luring big names and big imports. She’ll no doubt be on the hunt for more if the Venom are finally going to make some noise in the finals.

Perth Lynx: Organic Growth

Having come up short in multiple seasons now, the winds of change are blowing in Perth. Wilson and Atwell have both departed, while retaining Han Xu is no certainty. But securing Sami Whitcomb is a paradigm shifting get, and with foundational pieces in Maley and Ciabattoni still in place, there’s still plenty to like in the wild west. While more signings are still in the works, the growth of Nya Lok (from Southside) and Steph Gorman are crucial for the club’s title hopes. If Lok can build on her breakout, and Gorman’s continues her evolution into an elite 3+D wing, the Lynx won’t lose much of a step.

Southside Flyers: An Identity

Geez, what a difference a year can make. Gone is Kristi Harrower, and marquee names like Rocci and Bourne. In comes Slammin’ Sam Mackinnon, who’s wasted no time reshaping the roster. Saffron Shiels is a fascinating addition at the one. She boasts as much upside as any player in the league, but missed the entirety of last season. Now 20, is she ready to make the leap? Additionally, Hannah Hank returns after a year abroad, and could be an early frontrunner as Breakout Player of the Year. Beyond that though, what is this team’s identity? With a number of spots to fill, it could be anything.

Sydney Flames: The Right Big

Credit to Renae Garlepp and Hoops Capital. In the past month, they’ve reunited best friends Jaz Shelley and Issie Bourne in the Harbour City, poached Alex Wilson from Perth, and signed Chinese star Shuyu Yang. Add that group to a core of Loz Nicholson, Shaniece Swain, and Agnes Emma-Nnopu, and you have a seriously supercharged seven. But while Bourne’s star continues rising, she needs help on the front line. Spending big on a top-tier import could put this team into a new stratosphere, but the right role-player could do the same. Fit is everything with such a deep group, so it’ll be fascinating to see how Garlepp harnesses the talent at her disposal.

Tasmania Jewels: Diamonds in the Rough

While new teams in the WNBA benefit from concessions such as expansion draft choices and additional picks, Tasmania has had to build its entire roster from scratch. With Steph Reid as the centrepiece, they have a bona-finde star to build everything around. Offense and defense are one thing, but having someone who can set standards and drive culture is equally as important. Keeley Froling and Darcy Garbin are an excellent frontcourt combo, especially regarding Reid’s skillset. But how do they fill the rest of the roster? Taylor Mole’s homecoming doesn’t move the needle massively, while Andie Smith is still just 17. With many Australians already under contract at the close of last season, the Jewels will need to continuing search far and wide to find locals who can exceed expectations and bolster the club’s burgeoning core.

Photo credit: Dan Cowley / Images by Dan

Townsville Fire: A Cherry on Top

The pieces are already in place for the reigning premiers: Woods, Sowah, Ellis, Fowler, Froling. That’s as good a five-player unit as you’ll find anywhere. Chloe Forster adds continuity, while the addition of Emma Clarke is intriguing. The 26-year-old didn’t quite stick with the Spirit at short notice last season, but has been an insaitible force for the Gangurrus in recent tournament play. Her rare combo of size and shooting could see the rich get even richer. Still, it’s unlikely Shannon Seebohm is done tinkering. The addition of an import - or two - that compliments his core will likely see Townsville as the team to beat in 2026-27.

For the NBL’s clubs, though, the offseason is no time to rest. Championships aren’t won in the winter months, but there’s no doubt that the foundations for success, or for failure, are laid. There’s still more than two months until NBL27 tips off, but already, teams are making the moves that could define their season. As the countdown to round one continues, we’re taking an early look at three of those signings that could pay off in a big way.

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Here are five teenage seven footers who could shape the Boomers’ front court of the future, potentially facing off against behemoths like Victor Wembanyama (France) and Chet Holmgren (USA).

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Adam and Matt look into the future to discuss who could make the FIBA World Cup squad for Australia, as we approach one year to go until Qatar 2027.

Unwrapped is presented by C2C Sport. Get 10% exclusive discount on your initial order, use code PICKROLL on the checkout page at c2csport.com.au. Valid for custom orders. Contact sales@c2csport.com or call 02 6581 1558 if you need help.

From selection drama, to blowing a 24-point lead against the eventual bronze medallists Serbia, the 2024 Olympics were somewhat of anti-climax after the highs of Tokyo.

However, it’s time to move on, with the Boomers next major tournament just over 12 months away.

If qualifying continues on its current path, Australia will find themselves in Qatar for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The tournament presents itself as a changing of the guard for the Boomers, with new coach Adam Caporn taking over from Brian Goorjian and long-time stalwarts Patty Mills, Joe Ingles and Matthew Dellavedova likely to be on the outer.

So who will be fronting up for the Boomers?

Well, we’ve had a crack at putting a squad together…

Photo credit: FIBA

Josh Giddey

This is now 100% Josh Giddey’s team.

There was was some debate heading into Paris about the old guard vs the new guard, but come the 2027 FIBA World Cup, the Bulls guard will have the keys and the pressure will be on him.

We’ve seen Giddey perform well at FIBA level and if he can manage his turnover numbers (five per game in Paris), Australia can go a long way and he will be an tournament All-Star Five contender.

Over to you Josh.

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