Ten NBL1 South Players Bound for College Hoops

The Australian basketball pipeline continues to thrive, and NBL1 South remains one of its most productive proving grounds. Each year, more of the league’s brightest young talents make the jump to college basketball, and this year is no different.

From Casey to Mount Gambier, a new wave of prospects is set to begin their NCAA journeys, testing themselves against the best young players in the world and continuing the strong connection between Australian basketball and the U.S. college system.

Here are ten juniors on the rise from the NBL1 South 2025 season, five women and five men who’ve earned their shot on the U.S. college stage. Each has spent the past year learning, competing and developing against senior talent in one of Australia’s most competitive leagues. They’ve learned the hard way against veterans, imports and professionals, and now they’re ready for the next step — part of a growing wave of NBL1 South athletes bound for the U.S. college system.

Sienna Harvey — Washington Huskies (Melbourne Tigers)
Sienna Harvey emerged as one of the NBL1 South’s most promising guards during her first full season with the Melbourne Tigers. The 18-year-old averaged 12.6 points, 3.4 assists and 3.2 rebounds across 14 games, showing a composure beyond her years. Her 25-point, six-assist effort against Ringwood was a glimpse of her playmaking maturity and scoring instincts, while her consistency helped steady a young Tigers group. Harvey represented Australia at the 2025 FIBA Under 19 Women’s World Cup, helping the Gems to a silver medal. She now takes her sharp shooting and game awareness to the University of Washington in the Pac-12 Conference.

Ben Waller — UC Riverside Highlanders (Casey Cavaliers)
Casey guard Ben Waller enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign, averaging 9.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals while shooting 38 per cent from long range. A reliable scorer and energetic defender, Waller produced several strong outings for the Cavaliers, including 19 points against Dandenong and a 15-point, four-steal game in a win over Eltham. His ability to space the floor and contribute in multiple roles made him a valuable piece in Casey’s rotation. Waller will continue his development at UC Riverside in the Big West Conference, a program with a strong history of recruiting Australian players.

Bonnie Deas — Arkansas Razorbacks (Frankston Blues)
Frankston guard Bonnie Deas enjoyed a standout 2025 NBL1 South campaign, averaging 10.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals while helping the Blues remain in finals contention. Her efficiency around the rim and ability to defend her position made her a key part of Frankston’s structure, highlighted by a 24-point, nine-rebound performance against Ringwood. Deas also represented Australia at the 2025 FIBA Under 19 Women’s World Cup, where the Gems won silver, and gained experience as an Amateur Player with the Sydney Flames during the WNBL 2024/25 season. The versatile guard will join the University of Arkansas in the SEC.

Jesse McIntosh — South Dakota Coyotes (Diamond Valley Eagles)
Diamond Valley guard Jesse McIntosh provided leadership and composure in 2025, averaging 7.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists. His combination of size, balance and scoring touch made him a reliable backcourt presence, with a season-best 20 points and five assists against Casey showing his offensive potential. McIntosh’s consistency across the season helped guide a young Diamond Valley outfit through several close contests. The 18-year-old will now continue his basketball journey at the University of South Dakota in the Summit League.

Eleanor Trout —  Boston College (Eltham Wildcats)
Eltham forward Eleanor Trout was a dependable contributor in 2025, averaging 6.3 points and 5.5 rebounds while providing strong minutes at both ends of the floor. Her strength and positioning made her an asset in the Wildcats’ front court, with one of her best outings coming against Sandringham where she posted 13 points and 10 rebounds in a road win. Trout’s steady progress through the senior ranks earned her recognition as one of Eltham’s most improved players. She’ll join the  Boston College in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Truman Byrne — Central Arkansas Bears (Casey Cavaliers)
Casey forward Truman Byrne made a strong impression in his debut NBL1 South campaign, showcasing his size, shooting touch and floor spacing ability. Standing 6’10, Byrne averaged 7.2 points and 4.3 rebounds while providing valuable depth in the Cavaliers’ rotation. His best performance came against Knox, where he hit three triples on his way to 15 points and seven rebounds. The 19-year-old’s combination of length and skill makes him an exciting long-term prospect. Byrne joins the University of Central Arkansas in the ASUN Conference, linking up with fellow NBL1 South product Harrison Beauchamp.

Zoe Shanahan — Pepperdine Waves (Nunawading Spectres)
Nunawading guard/forward Zoe Shanahan made steady strides in her first full NBL1 South season, averaging 5.7 points and 3.4 rebounds for the Spectres. The 19-year-old showed flashes of versatility as both a scorer and rebounder, with a career-best 14-point, six-rebound performance against Ballarat standing out as a highlight. Her development under Nunawading’s senior system and ability to adapt to physical matchups has been a key part of her growth. Shanahan will take the next step in her career with Pepperdine University in California’s West Coast Conference.

Ryder Cheesman — Missouri State Bears (Knox Raiders)
Knox guard Ryder Cheesman logged valuable senior minutes across 22 appearances in the 2025 NBL1 South season, gaining experience against elite competition and showing flashes of his playmaking poise. The 6′4″ guard captained Victoria Navy at the 2025 Under 20 National Championships, averaging 18.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists, and represented Australia at the 2024 FIBA Under 17 World Cup. His best NBL1 South outing came against Waverley, where he top-scored with 11 points for the Raiders. Cheesman now joins Missouri State in the Missouri Valley Conference, bringing leadership, versatility and international experience to the Bears’ freshman class.

Asha Nightingale — Davidson Wildcats (Casey Cavaliers)
Casey guard Asha Nightingale impressed across her first senior campaign, averaging 4.2 points and 2.1 rebounds while shooting efficiently from the perimeter. Her poise and decision-making in key moments stood out, including a 10-point, three-assist effort against Ballarat. A product of Casey’s youth development system, Nightingale’s growth in confidence and understanding of the senior game was evident throughout 2025. She’ll now head to Davidson College in North Carolina to join the Wildcats program.

Harrison Beauchamp — Central Arkansas Bears (Knox Raiders)
Knox guard/forward Harrison Beauchamp continued his steady rise within the Raiders program in 2025, averaging 4.9 points and 1.6 assists while providing energy and shooting depth off the bench. His season-high 15 points against Ringwood showcased his ability to knock down perimeter shots and control tempo when given extended minutes. Beauchamp’s professionalism and work ethic have earned praise within the Knox system, making him a strong candidate to succeed at the next level. He’ll suit up for Central Arkansas in the ASUN Conference, the same program that produced NBA legend Scottie Pippen.

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