NBL1 SOUTH SELECT TEAM CONFIRMED TO FACE ADELAIDE 36ERS IN MOUNT GAMBIER

The NBL1 South Select Team has been confirmed, with a 12-player roster set to take the floor against the Adelaide 36ers at the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre on Thursday, 11 September.

Bringing together a blend of proven experienced imports and emerging stars, the Select Team will showcase the very best talent from across the NBL1 South competition in a marquee exhibition just one week out from the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season made possible by local business and platinum sponsor of the Pioneers Basketball Club ASW Lawyers.

The squad features strong NBL connections, with several players boasting current or past links to clubs across the league. Lachlan Barker (NW Tasmania Thunder) has previously suited up for South East Melbourne Phoenix, Melbourne United, and the Tasmania JackJumpers, and was named to the All-Star Five at the 2022 NBL1 National Finals. Luke Rosendale (Ballarat Miners), the 2023 NBL1 South Youth Player of the Year, also played with the Phoenix, while Christian D’Angelo (Nunawading Spectres), the 2025 Youth Player of the Year, is currently developing as a Melbourne United training player. Nicholas Tata (Nunawading Spectres) is listed as a nominated replacement player with United, while Austin Shelley (Mount Gambier Pioneers) has trained with both the Cairns Taipans and Phoenix.

Adding athleticism and international experience are imports Joshua Sykes (Eltham Wildcats) and Jonathon Lawton (Ringwood Hawks), both proven performers at NBL1 level. Preston Bungei (Casey Cavaliers) and Thomas Carroll (Ringwood Hawks) provide versatility at both ends of the floor, while Hamish MacDonald (Kilsyth Cobras), Sam Davidson (Dandenong Rangers), and Zak Cunningham (Eltham Wildcats) round out a competitive roster that highlights the depth and talent of the conference.

Select Team Head Coach Richard Hill (Mount Gambier Pioneers), fresh off being named the 2025 NBL1 South Coach of the Year, will lead the side in what promises to be a showcase of elite basketball.

“This game is an exciting opportunity for our athletes to measure themselves against some of the best players in the country. It’s also a chance to highlight the strength and quality of the NBL1 South competition on a big stage in Mount Gambier. We’re proud to bring together this group of talented players and we look forward to the challenge against the 36ers,” Hill said.

Joining Hill on the sidelines will be First Assistant Coach Zach Moult (Kilsyth Cobras), Second Assistant Coach Brent Reid (Geelong United), and Team Manager Deb Bowman (Mount Gambier Pioneers).

Meanwhile, the Adelaide 36ers arrive with plenty of buzz following the blockbuster signings of three-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton and NBA veteran Montrezl Harrell, placing them firmly in championship conversations for the upcoming season. Their presence ensures Mount Gambier fans are in for a genuine spectacle.

This clash is more than a pre-season hit-out — it’s a celebration of the talent pipeline between NBL1 and the NBL, bringing rising stars, established performers, and household names together on one court.

Game Details:

Thursday, 11 September

Tip-off 7:30pm

Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre, Mount Gambier

Adelaide 36ers v NBL1 South Select

NBL1 South Select Team Roster:

• Lachlan Barker (NW Tasmania Thunder)
• Preston Bungei (Casey Cavaliers)
• Thomas Carroll (Ringwood Hawks)
• Zak Cunningham (Eltham Wildcats)
• Sam Davidson (Dandenong Rangers)
• Christian D’Angelo (Nunawading Spectres)
• Jonathon Lawton (Ringwood Hawks)
• Hamish MacDonald (Kilsyth Cobras)
• Luke Rosendale (Ballarat Miners)
• Austin Shelley (Mount Gambier Pioneers)
• Joshua Sykes (Eltham Wildcats)
• Nicholas Tata (Nunawading Spectres)

Tickets are on sale now – don’t miss your chance to see the Adelaide 36ers take on the NBL1 South Select Team in Mount Gambier.