10 players to watch during the 2021 NBL1 South season

The 2021 NBL1 South season begins this Saturday night with every team playing in a blockbuster night of action.

Here are 10 players to keep an eye on during the NBL1 South campaign.

WOMEN

Abbey Wehrung (Bendigo Braves)  

Wehrung enters the season with a sea of momentum after a great WNBL season last year in the Queensland hub. Playing for the Adelaide Lightning, Wehrung averaged 11.3 points per game and cemented herself as one of the league’s top rising stars. She, and other Bendigo youngsters like Cassidy McLean and Piper Dunlop, will have a chance to continue growing their game in NBL1 South under the guidance of star teammate Tess Madgen.

Gemma Potter (Dandenong Rangers)

It has been a long time since Gemma Potter hit the court after travel complications due to COVID caused her to leave UCLA without even playing a single college game. Regardless, Potter is still one of the top youngsters in the country and she will be looking to remind everybody why with the Dandenong Rangers this season.

Anneli Maley (Eltham Wildcats)

Anneli Maley is a rebounding machine, pulling down 12.3 boards per game with the Sydney Uni Flames last WNBL season. The 22-year-old will be a crowd favourite in her hometown of Eltham and enters the campaign as a serious MVP contender. Maley will also be involved with the Australian 3x3 national team during the year as they try to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

Sharna Thompson (Hobart Chargers)

Even though she will miss the start of the season with injury, Sharna Thompson promises to be one of the top offensive weapons in the competition. With a season of WNBL experience now under her belt with the Townsville Fire, expect Thompson to improve on the 15.5 points she averaged with Hobart during the 2019 NBL1 season.

Tessa Lavey (Frankston Blues)

One of Australia’s top guards, Tessa Lavey has moved metro this season and linked up with the Frankston Blues. Set to replace Steph Reid as the starting point guard, expect Lavey to lead the Blues wonderfully as she also gets herself ready for the Tokyo Olympics. 

MEN

Matt Kenyon (Ballarat Miners)

It is easy to forget that Matt Kenyon is still only 23 years old with an entire basketball career in front of him. Seemingly over his persistent injury issues, Kenyon will be hoping a strong year with Ballarat will put him back on the radar of NBL clubs. After bouncing around in the NBA G-League and representing the Australian Boomers earlier this year, Kenyon is poised to take the league by storm.

Isaac Turner (Geelong Supercats)

The Supercats have loaded up on Melbourne United and returning college stars but make no mistake, Isaac Turner will play a key role in their chances of winning a title. The dynamic scorer has already sniffed around the NBL by training with the South East Melbourne Phoenix and a strong season under coach Justin Schueller – who is also an assistant with Melbourne United – could see him land in the NBL. 

Sejr Deans (North West Thunder)  

Sejr Deans’ name was up in headlines this week after becoming the first ever signing for the NBL’s newest club the Tasmania JackJumpers. Before he begins his JackJumpers commitments though, fans will be able to have a first look at the 18-year-old Tasmanian in NBL1 South with the Thunder. 

Dain Swetalla (Nunawading Spectres)

The 2019 NBL1 Championship Game MVP is on the radar of NBL clubs, and it isn’t a secret anymore. NBL Media’s Liam Santamaria revealed on NBL Overtime that the Brisbane Bullets were interested in Swetalla as a Vic Law injury replacement. Whether or not that deal happens remains to be seen but you can be sure Swetalla will be relentless in showcasing his talent during the NBL1 season.

Kuany Kuany (Sandringham Sabres)

Another player who has been in and around the NBL circles over the past couple of years is Kuany Kuany. Often seen on the Melbourne United bench, Kuany will have a chance to prove himself as the number one option on a young Sandringham roster.