NBL1 Central superstar returns to Panthers

Back-to-back NBL1 Central Best Defensive Player Alex Starling has re-signed with the South Adelaide Panthers for the 2024 season. 

The 2022 Finals MVP made his NBL debut this season after becoming naturalised and signing with the Adelaide 36ers, under then-assistant coach Scott Ninnis. He played in 25 games for the club, averaging 3.8 points and rebounds during NBL24.

Love to see it ?@Nbl1Central superstar Alex Starling made his debut with the @Adelaide36ers last night ?

1?3? points, 8? rebounds and the W ?

For all NBL pre-season action and updates, download the NBL app ? https://t.co/lQUZ5dKRCx pic.twitter.com/oXegWcBW4n

— NBL1 (@NBL1) September 2, 2023

Ninnis was the head coach of the Panthers for the past two seasons, now leading the charge as the head coach for the 36ers. 

Starling took on the responsibility of scoring this past season with the departure of Woollacott Medallist Jeremy Smith – increasing his points per game, assists and rebounding as the star of the club. 

Related: 2024 NBL1 Central predictions

Last season he averaged 20.3 points, 13.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game – being named to the All-Star Five and winning his second straight Best Defensive Player award. 

Starling led South Adelaide to the Finals last season, before being knocked out in the Semi-Finals by the Sturt Sabres. However, in 2024, the Panthers are projected for championship glory once again – with Jeremy Smith returning and the team recruiting Ricardo Martin and Tom Kubank. 

The Panthers start their season on Saturday against the Southern Tigers, with the women’s tipping off at 6:30pm ACDT and the men’s starting from 8:15pm ACDT, streaming Live and Free via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.