Behind the mic: NBL1 National Finals
Some of the top commentators from around the country will descend on the State Basketball Centre for the NBL1 National Finals. Here's your chance to get to know them better.
This weekend, we will see the top NBL1 teams from around the country go head-to-head at the National Finals in Victoria.
Not only will these elite clubs be flying in from around Australia, but a number of commentators from various states will also join a Victorian contingent to help bring the games to a wider audience.
NBL1 NATIONAL FINALS DAY 1 PREVIEW
I am lucky enough to be joining nine of the best over a big three days of basketball. During the regular season, I get the opportunity to call Ringwood home games in the NBL1 South conference and I’m excited to see how the women stack up against the other top teams from around the country.
But enough about me, let’s get to know the other people behind the mic…
Simon Duckworth | South
What’s your background in basketball?
I have been a long-time coach at the Knox Raiders Basketball club, and some twenty years ago I started court announcing the BIG V/SEABL games.
How did you get into commentating?
Through court announcing at the club. It was asked of me when NBL1 commenced. I thought why not!? I used to love doing it as a kid in the backyard so, let’s give it a go!
Who would you compare your commentary style to?
I’m quite varied. When I play by play I like to keep people entertained, so I guess I’m a bit like Anthony Hudson, but on special comments, I like to delve into the game a bit, so I like to be a bit more reserved like Liam Santamaria, or one of my favourites Doris Burke.
What’s the best moment you’ve called?
The ending between Knox men and Waverley men in 2021. Bul Kuol’s block on Daniel Dillon to win the game. Great game. Got the play of the week that week. That and any Rachel Quirk “Spin Cycle”! You gotta see it to believe it!
What should we be looking out for from your state in the NBL1 Nationals?
Frankston Blues men are a very tough group, they have been together some time and if they are all together, they could cause some damage. From Hobart, look out for Ole Angerstein - a one-man dunking machine.
On the women’s side, the Ringwood Hawks are an exceptionally talented team. They may be the best starting 5 here this weekend. Diggy Strautmane is as good a defender as I’ve seen, and Marena Whittle is flat-out balling right now.
Who will win the NBL1 National Finals?
I think Townsville will be very hard to beat in the women’s conference.
The men, well Gold Coast has all the talent (if their NBL players take part) and should go a long way to winning.
Who will be the player of the tournament?
Steph Reid or Marena Whittle for the women.
When it comes to the men, Devondrick Walker has all the tools. AJ Harris from Hobart will have to shoulder the load there and can go off if required.
Josh Maroske | North
What’s your background in basketball?
I first got into basketball back in primary school, shooting hoops with my neighbours in our backyards. I played all through my high school years and post-high-school, including having played for the past 20 years at various levels in one of the local Brisbane competitions.
I currently still run around on the court a few nights a week and will keep playing until the body breaks down. Over the years, I have also been involved in basketball in terms of both coaching (at club level) and refereeing (at high school/club level), but playing the game has always been my main passion.
How did you get into commentating?
Back in 2017, I started doing the 'game night' microphone duties for the Logan Thunder in the former Queensland Basketball League competition. However, I have always had a strong interest in having a go at properly commentating basketball games at a high level, and when the QBL amalgamated into the NBL1 competition and became NBL1 North, I recall that part of the expectations for each club was providing live stream footage and commentary for all home games. I couldn't have volunteered fast enough for the lead commentary role for the Thunder, and have been doing it for the past two seasons.
I love commentating the games and will keep doing the role for as long as Logan GM Mitch Young is happy to have me.
Who would you compare your commentary style to?
I feel that I still have much learning and growing to do as a commentator, so I am not quite sure the extent to which I can currently define my style. However, my commentary role for the Thunder is primarily calling the play-by-play action, so in that sense, I perhaps have some similarities in style with John Casey, to whom I always enjoy listening.
My favourite commentators are Kevin Harlan and Mike Breen (in the NBA), so hopefully one day I can say that my commentary style is (at least somewhat) similar to their own.
What’s the best moment you’ve called?
No single moment readily comes to mind, but given Logan's success over the past few seasons, I have had the opportunity to call a handful of home playoff games, which are always very enjoyable, as the intensity and stakes are generally much higher in comparison with a game during the regular season.
Additionally, some of the Logan players over the past few seasons have had outstanding individual performances, and those types of games are always fun to call, as the players and the crowd get right behind the player, and it is impossible not to get swept up in the action that is unfolding in front of you on the court.
What should we be looking out for from your state in the NBL1 Nationals?
The strength of the Women's NBL1 North competition is reflected in the fact that there will be two teams from this competition competing at the National Finals - Townsville (champions) and the Southern District Spartans (wild card entrant). Both of these teams have deep rosters, littered with current and former WNBL talent, as well as players with international representation. In some ways, it is a shame that they will face each other in the first round of the National Finals, as I think both squads have the potential to make a deep run across the weekend. Having said that, the way that Townsville performed in the NBL1 North grand final series, I think they are more than capable of winning the National title.
In the Men's draw, Gold Coast would have definitely been one of the strongest squads in the Finals competition if they had their full roster available. However, due to NBL commitments, they will be missing their three best players (Jason Cadee, Tanner Krebs and Donovan Mitchell). As such, they will have to rely on Lamar Patterson to do a lot of the heavy lifting for them, and have some of their veteran role players step up if they want to try and be in the mix for the title.
Who will win the NBL1 National Finals?
Based on the format of the National Finals series, I think the field across both the Men's and Women's divisions is actually fairly wide open, and there are a number of teams capable of lifting the trophy at the end of the weekend if they execute to their full potential.
In the Women's competition, I have Albury Wodonga and Warwick competing for the title, with the Senators winning it in a close one. In the Men's competition, it truly does feel like a bit of a coin flip, but given roster availability, I will predict South Adelaide and Frankston battling it out for the title, with the Blues as the wild card entrant to emerge as the national champion
Who will be the player of the tournament?
In the Women's competition, I think Unique Thompson will be the best player over the weekend and will step up her game even more in the absence of Lauren Jackson. I also expect Marena Whittle (Ringwood), Stacey Barr (Warwick) and Stephanie Reid (Townsville) to put up big numbers during the Finals series.
In the Men's competition, I think Alexander Starling will be the player of the tournament. I also think we'll see big performances from Jeremy Smith (South Adelaide), Marshall Nelson (Rockingham) and Lucas Barker (Frankston).
Jacinta Govind | East
What’s your background in basketball?
Mum used to take us to the Sydney Flames and Sydney Kings games as a kid. I was a fan of the Kings before I started playing myself. My brother was also an influence to start playing as he closely followed the NBA in the 90s.
So I started playing when I was 8 years old, reps for Gosford City Rebels by U12s and played through to U18s. During that time I was in state programs and played for NSWC in U16 and U18 and we won silver and bronze medals respectively. I grew up dreaming of making the AIS.
In 2004, after U18s, I was part of the first Rebels senior team of our club to play Waratah State League. This team was the precursor to the Central Coast Crusaders who are now in NBL1.
Pretty clear by now I wasn't making the AIS, but in 2004 I moved to Canberra for university and to try out for the ACT Academy of Sport (ACTAS) Basketball program. That year ACTAS cut the basketball program! So I played Waratah ABA (now NBL1) for the Canberra Nationals. I signed with the Caps under Graffie as a DP in 2007.
In 2008 I played a season for Forestville in SA ABA, then retired.
2018 I played Waratah League (ABA/NBL1) again for Central Coast Crusaders and retired for good in 2020. While I am built like a guard by NBL1 standards, I much prefer to play inside! I loved wrestling for rebounds rather than running the lanes.
Now I focus on commentating and the podcast I co-host called, "Shooting the Breeze". The podcast focuses on women's basketball and I try to advocate for the women's game as much as possible.
How did you get into commentating?
In 2019, Basketball NSW put out a call on their social media platforms for people to commentate the Waratah Finals. I applied and got the gig. That was my first time commentating.
Later in the year, my friend Rachel Herrick asked me to commentate the live streams of the Sydney Flames games. I did most of the 2019 season. Thats how I met Paul and Mary who created, co-host and produce "Shooting the Breeze".
The WNBL was in a hub in 2020 so I didn't commentate for the Flames again. I started again this year for NBL1.
Who would you compare your commentary style to?
I can't compare myself to anyone because I still see myself as a rookie with a lot to learn, and comparing myself to professionals seems a bit weird!
I admire Lori Chizik and Carrie Graf's commentating styles. I try to focus on quality over quantity. I hope to keep the fans engaged without being annoying. I definitely try to be authentic and throw in a few colloquialisms for good measure.
What’s the best moment you’ve called?
Lauren Jackson's NBL1 debut against the Central Coast Crusaders this year. It was crazy to see the GOAT playing on my home court, under my championship banner.
Was really surreal seeing her in person, let alone playing again.
What should we be looking out for from your state in the NBL1 Nationals?
The Albury-Wodonga Bandits are a very well-rounded and disciplined team. Their guards are quick in transition and are tenacious in guarding the ball. Their bench is filled with exceptional role players who focus on executing the game plans and ensure the team stick to their strengths. In their NBL1 East final against Sutherland, The Bandits did not deviate from their game plan - no egos, no heroes, just great team hoops. Unique Thompson will be dominant under the basket with her athleticism and touch, but it has taken her 1-2 quarters to get warm and comfy.
The Canberra Gunners don't have big names, but they have big game. Their team defence is intense and disruptive. It will be difficult for most teams to get a lot of open looks. Gunners will look to Toohey and Morrison for most of their offensive game. Similar to the Bandits, the Gunners bench is disciplined and capable of stepping up when needed.
Who will win the NBL1 National Finals?
Men: Hobart or Gold Coast to win. It's a shame they're playing against each other first. I'd like to see GC win. I like their style in transition.
Women: Townsville for the win. They're peaking at the right time. It could be hinged on whether Smith plays relaxed and enjoys herself. Steph Reid will be a monster! I hope they play Ringwood in the final because that match-up would be epic.
Who will be the player of the tournament?
Men: Devondrick Walker or Jason Cadee if they are playing. Two Bullets! Big time, confidence players.
Women: Can't say LJ because it's unclear how many games she will play, if any, given the FIBAWWC is three weeks away! So I will have to tip Reid or Whittle based on their finals performances and the huge 12 months they have had.
Eric McFarland | West
What’s your background in basketball?
A fan from a very young age. Whether it was the Wildcats or the Bulls I was engrossed in basketball. From Friday Night Basketball through the weekend morning NBA shows I couldn’t get enough. The very first sporting event I attended was an Eric Watterson Testimonial Game. With little to no athletic ability and at a respectable 5’8 on a good day, I’ve kept my passion for basketball to actions of intently tuning in.
How did you get into commentating?
I began commentating for local WA professional wrestling company, Explosive Pro Wrestling which brings about some unique challenges and the requirement to think quick on your feet (sometimes literally as commentary tables seem to become part of the action more often than you think!). Through my co-commentator with EPW (Adam Parry) I was introduced to the NBL1 West this season and have enjoyed my first foray into basketball commentary and the great vibe around the clubs and competition.
Who would you compare your commentary style to?
My goal is to commentate with the enthusiasm of my commentary idol, Bruce McAvaney. Whenever you would hear him call, you knew he was passionate about the game, the players, the results and wanted to share that enthusiasm with the viewer. I also like to pinch from legendary commentators such as Anthony Hudson and Tony Schiavone to blend into a style I hope is my own and adds to the viewer’s experience in a positive way.
What’s the best moment you’ve called?
Matt Leary and the Perry Lakes Hawks coming back from seemingly having their season buried in Round 17 to claw back an 11 point deficit late to win a titanic struggle in Double OT against the Lakeside Lightning. The best moments always come from players and teams who believe and never say die.
What should we be looking out for from your state in the NBL1 Nationals?
Chloe Forster (Warwick Senators) & Marshall Nelson (Rockingham Flames)
Both players are versatile, highly skilled and are always keeping themselves involved to be a live part of a game.
Who will win the NBL1 National Finals?
Women: Warwick Senators
Men: Gold Coast Rollers
Who will be the player of the tournament?
Women: Leonie Fiebich (Warwick)
Men: Devondrick Walker (Rockingham)
Lachy France | East
What’s your background in basketball?
I was never really much of a player; in fact, I played my last game of organised basketball aged 9. I was always a casual fan growing up, but when I moved back to Sydney from Mudgee in 2010, I started going to WNBL games and things snowballed from there as I threw myself headlong into women’s basketball.
In 2015, I started covering women’s college basketball for The Pick and Roll, and I also spent a couple of years writing articles for the Sydney Uni Flames before moving on to write and then commentate for Sutherland in the Waratah League and now NBL1 East.
How did you get into commentating?
I was at a Sydney Uni Flames WNBL game in 2019, and the second commentator for the game was a no-show. Rachel Herrick asked me if I could step in, and after a bit of hesitation, I said yes, despite having just 20 minutes or so of notice and zero experience. A couple of weeks later, Jacinta Govind needed a second commentator for another Flames game, and I stepped in again and from there, I was absolutely hooked.
I’d previously done written work for the Sutherland Sharks, and they asked if I wanted to commentate their Waratah League games in 2020. After a delayed start courtesy of the COVID shutdown, I called my first Waratah League game in July 2020, and have since called just about every Sutherland NBL1 East game, as well as the Shelley Gorman Invitational, and the Waratah League and NBL1 East finals in 2020 and 2022.
Who would you compare your commentary style to?
I don’t know that I could narrow it down to one caller. When I watch games, I try to take inspiration from things that commentators do that I like to hear as a fan. For example, I really enjoy listening to John Casey’s calls, and there is certainly plenty I can learn from someone like him. But I’m not trying to be the next John Casey, or anyone else for that matter. I’m just trying to be the best Lachy France I can be on the call.
So, whilst there are certain commentators that I take ideas from, I’m trying to carve out my own niche based on combining my own personality with what I can learn from as many experts as possible – as long as my own niche still means I’m a good commentator!
What’s the best moment you’ve called?
The 2020 Waratah League semi-final between Hornsby and Central Coast at Sutherland. Hornsby finished 2nd and Central Coast finished 3rd, and Hornsby had won their regular season meeting 90-78. Jasmine Forcadilla had joined Central Coast for 2020 and was expected to be a massive inclusion for the Crusaders but had averaged just over 7 points in her four appearances in a shortened season. Then, in the semi-final, the Jasmine Forcadilla we all knew existed came out and buried 6 of 10 from deep on her way to 30 points to lead her home club to a 14-point win and a spot in the grand final for a team that went 4-18 just a season earlier.
Whilst it may not be a massively well-known moment in Australian basketball folklore, being able to call a performance like that from someone I’d known personally since her time at Saint Mary’s was truly memorable for me.
What should we be looking out for from your state in the NBL1 Nationals?
The NBL1 East teams will definitely be coming into the finals with a chip on their shoulder. Waratah League was always seen as a lesser competition by other states and there are certainly people out there who don’t expect the East teams to provide much of a challenge this week. However, even with Lauren Jackson missing, the Albury-Wodonga women’s team features absolute stars in Unique Thompson and Ai Yamada and many of their other players have experience playing in NBL1 South.
Meanwhile, Canberra’s teams always come out playing like they have something to prove, even in NBL1 East. The national capital doesn’t always get a lot of respect from those situated up the highway, and the Gunners seem to love nothing more than shutting up people from Sydney. They will surely take the same energy into these National Finals.
Who will win the NBL1 National Finals?
On the men’s side, I’m going to pick Frankston. They are in the ideal position whereby they have a number of outstanding players, but none are on NBL rosters, putting them at a significant advantage over the likes of Hobart and Gold Coast, who would undoubtedly be the two favourites if the teams were at full strength.
This will surprise nobody given their litany of ex-college players, but on the women’s side, I can’t go past Townsville. The way they dismantled an undefeated Logan side in the NBL1 North Grand Final was absolutely exquisite to watch. Shannon Seebohm will have the Flames firing on all cylinders and as long as they can get past in-state rivals Southern Districts in their opener, I think they can roll from there.
Who will be the player of the tournament?
If the teams were all at full strength, I’d probably go with someone like Harry Froling and his monstrous stats to continue to dominate. However, given the loss of NBL talent for this weekend, I’m going to shoot for Lamar Patterson. I’m going to bank on the former All-NBL First Team player to add to his already impressive numbers this season.
For the women, I think we’ll see Steph Reid continue to dominate in the same way that she did in the NBL1 North finals and add the National Finals MVP to the NBL1 North MVP that she picked up a couple of weeks ago.
Malcolm Crawford | North
What’s your background in basketball?
I have done every volunteer job in Basketball it feels like sometimes. It all started when my mum won a couple of tickets to a Grafton Viking ABA game (a precursor to the NBL1 from way back). She took me and I saw a man drive hard to the basket, elevate, fight through contact, finish with a two-handed stuff and then talk smack all the way back up the court on defence. Basketball had me in that moment...
Since, I have played state league down in NSW, coached junior teams to championships, been a referee coordinator, podcaster and finally now a commentator.
How did you get into commentating?
It came off the back of a podcast that I co-host with my now Commentary partner Ball Don't Lie Australia.
We got a call when NBL1 North first started asking if we would be interested and after a tech rehearsal I was hooked.
Who would you compare your commentary style to?
A blend of John Casey and Lanard Copeland
What’s the best moment you’ve called?
A player from our home team lost his father in the week leading up to an important home game. After an emotional introduction and team huddle, the game got underway.
Tight, back and forth game but late in the fourth as the clock was expiring and the Capitals were down on the scoreboard by two points the ball found its way back to that same player. As the seconds wound down he put up a three that had everybody in the building holding their breath. It went in, the Capitals won and he was swamped by the team. It was a shot that transcended basketball. It was an amazing moment and I found myself not sure what to say.
What should we be looking out for from your state in the NBL1 Nationals?
The Townsville Flames are straight-fire and have a really fun vibe around the way they get things done.
Who will win the NBL1 National Finals?
Women: Townsville Flames. Men: Rockingham Flames
Who will be the player of the tournament?
Women: Steph Reid or not from my division Unique Thompson
Men: Glenn Morrison, why can't it be a big man who swallows rebounds and blocks 1.5 shots a game.
Tristan Prentice | Central
What’s your background in basketball?
I've been playing since I began in 2000 at my college in Concordia College and with Blackwood Church of Christ in the SA Churches of Christ Competition, but my love for the game started with my father taking me to the Clipsal Powerhouse in 1994 and beyond to watch the 36ers play live.
I continued to play basketball for the college till I finished in 2004 and continued to play with many different local clubs including Happy Valley Church of Christ and Blackwood Hills Baptist through the 2000s in the SA Church Basketball Association (SACBA). Through that time I also began attending the annual tournament known as "Carnival" which was the National Baptist Basketball Carnival and have not missed one since 2007.
I started to play district basketball with the affiliate of SACBA the SA Church Stars and have nearly played close to 250 senior games and was the club secretary for close to five years.
I'm also now the General Manager for a church club that participates in SACBA in Holdfast Heat Church Basketball which I helped start in 2017 to give opportunities for everyone in the South West of Adelaide to play basketball.
How did you get into commentating?
I've watched carefully over the years so many people do it and I suppose I emulated some of their key commentary lines when I was growing up. I then spent some time as a media volunteer at the Adelaide 36ers in 2016-2017 season under the well-known Joe Zertzakian who opened a key door for me to get into the basketball media industry in general. I picked up a growth and development role with SACBA which included media live streaming, article and social media posting and of course commentating live streams. I carried that into my Stars role and helped instigate live streaming and content creation for the club including highlights packages and top ten videos.
The big opportunity came one afternoon in 2020 during the Adelaide Basketball Challenge that someone they had lined up to commentate the live stream for the Womens Grand Final wasn't able to make it so they gave me the opportunity to do it. It was the perfect game for my debut between the Southern Tigers and the Sturt Sabres - I already knew all the players and called a majority of the game with statistical retention in my head with a well-known identity in Adelaide in Downtown Allan Browne. The marketing manager Rebekah Ninnis shared that I did an outstanding job and that I'd be invited back to commentate NBL1 the following season.
Who would you compare your commentary style to?
My biggest influences have been the greats like Dennis Cometti, Bruce McAvaney, and John Casey who bring the energy and always are telling the story of what we are seeing by adding to the moment rather than overshadowing it.
I also love the statistical analytical side of commentary, so callers like Richie Benaud, Clinton Grybas and Corbin Middlemas wrapped in with the energy too. I have the ability to perform any type of commentary role required to enhance the broadcast and experience for listeners and viewers.
What’s the best moment you’ve called?
I called three preliminary finals in a row across three years where I watched one of our Stars teams come back from un-winnable positions that still you can watch today.
One of them was down by 10 points with one minute to go and won with 0.5 on the clock at the old Hillcrest stadium in North Adelaide. That team went on to win its division three years in a row - it's one of the more remarkable moments and series of games I've called.
What should we be looking out for from your state in the NBL1 Nationals?
The speed that West Adelaide Bearcats played with this year was frighteningly good and their execution at the offensive end can hurt you in so many ways - they also have bigs that can shoot at a high clip. Jasmin Fejo has had a huge year, Madelynn Utti was electric in the final to win MVP, Jasmine Simmons can do it all while Jennie Rintala is an impact player that can hurt your team in one whole quarter very quickly. Their coaching staff is highly valuable with national representation in Kay-Lee, Vicki and Amy.
The Panthers are just doing something incredibly special this year that they could really give this weekend a shake. They've won their first title in 24 years and have a master coach in Scott Ninnis - you should definitely keep a lookout for the "Mid-Range Marvel" in Jeremy Smith our Woollacott medallist and the evergreen Alex Starling.
Who will win the NBL1 National Finals?
I'm obviously hoping for the SA double
But if you truly ask me, in the Women it's hard to go past the Albury-Wodonga Bandits with or without LJ, I've seen a bit of them this year but my smokey is the Ringwood Hawks
For the men, the ‘Bullet’ holes in the Gold Coast Rollers hurt and it evens out the candidates. Rockingham Flames looks solid even if Devondrick Walker doesn't play - Hobart Chargers have been a consistent unit under Anthony Stewart so I'll take them as a smokey but despite the outs, the Rollers would still be a huge favourite to win it
Who will be the player of the tournament?
LJ if she plays would definitely be a short-price favourite but just for argument's sake - Stacey Barr of the Warwick Senators has had a massive year!
For the men, I genuinely think Starling from the Panthers will show why he should have been considered for an NBL contract at some time despite being now 33 years old.
Damian Arsenis | South
What’s your background in basketball?
It's not really a secret, but I'm addicted to basketball! I started playing when I was six, reffing when I was twelve, coaching when I was thirteen, and joined my local Association's committee when I was just sixteen, and now a Life Member down at Warrandyte!
I just have a strong passion for the game and a desire to see it continue to grow which led to me getting involved with the creation of The Pick and Roll - nine years later which I am still running with Kein today. My knees no longer allow me to play without discomfort and I long ago put away the whistle, but I still coach juniors down at Nunawading where all my three girls play domestic and rep.
How did you get into commentating?
I first got into it through being asked to call some SEABL games for Frankston - I got a call asking if I'd help anchor their live streams. They wanted to elevate their live streaming coverage and wanted to know if I'd be able to help.
There were also some opportunities at The Pick and Roll for us to stream some of the junior World Cup games via our Facebook platform too, some of which Lachy France and Jon Guarna joined me in using Spalk in their early days. The next thing I know I got asked to fill in for someone at a WNBL game at Dandenong when they were the only ones live streaming their non-TV broadcast games -- and I ended up calling all their home games up until when COVID hit. I have not missed a SEABL/NBL1 season since I got into it.
Who would you compare your commentary style to?
I love John Casey's calling of basketball and often steal one or two of his lines. Less is sometimes more, so I often like the play to unfold and allow the game to tell its own story with me only getting involved to add the exclamation marks! However I think my voice is quite unique and I'd like to think I have my own distinct style.
What’s the best moment you’ve called?
I've been lucky enough to call many great moments. From Iggy Hadziomerovic's buzzer-beating triples to force an OT and then again to send it to double OT for Frankston against the Hobart Huskies in 2019, to Steph Reid's incredible 50-point game that same year. There have been so many great moments that they are too numerous to list them all.
What should we be looking out for from your state in the NBL1 Nationals?
Ringwood will be tough in the women's division and it is theirs to lose with Townsville missing Alanna Smith and LJ not suiting up for Albury-Wodonga due to Opals duty. The Hawks took down a loaded Bendigo team featuring 5 WNBL players including an Opal in the grand final, and are one of the best defensive teams in the country. However, the Frankston men could be the team to beat and arguably may well have the best draw too in not winning the NBL1 South conference - entering the Nationals as the Wildcard and a chance to take on the East winner Canberra in their opening game. With no NBL players suiting up, the Blues are in the box seat.
Who will win the NBL1 National Finals?
Frankston in the men, and Ringwood for the women.
Who will be the player of the tournament?
This is tough; I’m running with Marena Whittle (Ringwood) for the women and Lachy Barker (Frankston) for the men.
Ben Pether | West
What’s your background in basketball?
I started playing Basketball at nine, my first ever team was the "mighty sharks". We didn't win a game in our first season so I quit and got into it again at the start of high school with some mates. Fast forward a few years I played in West Australia's State Basketball League for the Willetton Tigers and Lakeside Lightning.
Nowadays I am a high school teacher and am currently the Director of Basketball at Wesley College, Perth WA (alumni Kyle Bowen, St. Marys).
I spend my Monday-Fridays mentoring, teaching and coaching young basketball athletes in pursuit of their basketball dreams. I got to spend a bunch of time mentoring Daniel Grida (Illawarra Hawks) in High school.
I’m a huge Lebron fan, and spend most summer holidays chasing NBA games in the USA and collecting Jordan 11s and white sneakers.
How did you get into commentating?
When I turned 29, I sat down and wrote a list of 30 things I wanted to do before turning 30 (30 before 30). On the list included physical, mental, financial, relationship, reading and hobby achievements. On the list, I wrote "Commentate one NBL1West Game" and start a podcast "The Weakside Help". A few months went by and I never really pursued it until a friend and import in the league Jack Isanberger who I play golf with weekly on the course challenged me to call the NBL1 West GM (Adam Bowler) and ask if I could give it a crack. Adam Bowler was great, he said they had enough commentators currently but would touch base if they needed anyone, the phone rang a week later and I did my first game in like Round 6 of the season. Fast forward a few months I got the opportunity to be the main play-by-play commentator for the 2021 NBL1 West Women's grand final. Fast forward another 12 months I won the 2022 NBL1 West Commentator of the Year award and called the 2022 NBL1West Men's grand final.
I think commentating is in the blood though, my late grandfather Colin Minson was known in WA as "the voice of WA Cricket" and won an Order of Australia for contributions to Sports Media. He lost his battle with Leukaemia earlier this year. I felt winning the Commentator of the Year in the same year he passed was quite sentimental.
Who would you compare your commentary style to?
This is a really tough question. My philosophy for calling is simply "less is more". I think at NBL1 level we have a great opportunity to ensure the fans know that players are "more than an athlete".
I'm unsure who I am similar to, but my favourite commentator is Anthony Hudson, and basketball-specific would have to be Mike Breen.
What’s the best moment you’ve called?
Interviewing Harrison Beauchamp from Vic Metro after winning the U16s Gold Medal in July at the Nationals held in Perth and calling the back-to-back go-ahead threes from Marshall Nelson in the final three minutes of the 2022 NBL1 West grand final for Rockingham.
What should we be looking out for from your state in the NBL1 Nationals?
Warwick Women: They are undefeated in the last 18 games. Look out for Leonie Fibich. Drafted 2020 WNBA, German international, a great defender and really athletic.
Rockingham Flames: Very well coached by Ryan Petrick, who is also the Perth Lynx Coach. They have the right mix of youth and veterans. Devondrick Walker and Marshall Nelson are the ones to watch.
Who will win the NBL1 National Finals?
Townsville Heat in the women’s and Gold Coast Rollers in the men’s.
Who will be the player of the tournament?
Marena Whittle in the Women’s and Samuel McDaniel in the Men’s.