2023 NBL1 South: The ultimate preview

See every NBL1 South team analysed in our ultimate 2023 preview.

The 2023 NBL1 South season tips off this weekend, and we run through each club’s key offseason moves, the X-Factor players to look out for, and give a rundown on their season aspirations.

Ballarat

MEN

2022 Finish: 13th (10-12)

Key Signings/Re-Signings: Nic Pozoglou, Jake Lloyd, Adam Thoseby, Jack Davidson, Tyler Rudolph

X-Factor: Adam Thoseby | Thoseby has proven himself in the NBL1 and will look to be the difference for Ballarat in 2023. He has played all over the world and can get it done in a variety of ways. A big year from Thoseby should translate to a strong Miners campaign.

Ballarat was one of multiple clubs that finished in the mid-pack in the men’s division. However, they have recruited hard in the offseason and look ready for s serious push up the ladder. If they can put it together, the Miners could feature in the postseason.

WOMEN

2022 Finish: 9th (13-9)

Key Signings/Re-signings: Abbey Wehrung, Emma Karamovic

X-Factor: Emma Karamovic | We saw the success Ringwood had last year by recruiting in Europe and Ballarat will be hoping they can have the same success with Karamovic. The Swede had a strong college career and is one to keep an eye on this year.

The Ballarat women were solid in 2022, finishing the year with a 13-9 record. They just missed out on the finals and enter the new year with different faces. Wehrung is a big pickup, but it’s no guarantee that they will push up into finals in 2023.