Aussie Hoopla has a decent updated list of signings, rumours and whatnot. Fun to follow every off-season.

https://aussiehoopla.com/nbl-free-agent-tracker/

Interesting to note that from a Brisbane perspective, Baynes is tagged as not returning. Same deal with Prather.

Thanks for the link Ben, some interest comments there on a few guys I haven't seen elsewhere

Yes good link, I'm not convinced they don’t get a lot of their information from around here.

It looks like Glover is a free agent on that list. Says contract to 2024. Some sides got some horrible players on that signed list.

I am surprised Sydney signed Bruce for 2 more years

Goorj, always likes a bit of an enforcer type, sledger.

"Goorj, always likes a bit of an enforcer type, sledger."

Bruce does have a fair of Darren Lucas about him now that you mention it.

Bruce will fit in just fine under Goorj. There's no question his numbers were not great this season, but he's probably the one single most important player to bring back culture-wise.

Would be great to see how Vickerman fits Jack White into the United lineup if he does return. Could see him sharing the 4 with Travers and some small ball 5 with Hukporti departing. Travers to continue working on his ball handling and outside shot with further time at the 3.

PJC signed at Galatasaray for this season end and next, entertainment loss, excellent player. Played previously for other big clubs in Europe.

Travers has been good at the four this season but really is two, three size and has the skills to play there.
I could see White at SEM if Creek does leave.

What's the Creek departure rumour? Surely as the face of SEM would stick around, must be getting frustrated with the lack of success and poor team structure of late however.

Much bigger money overseas.

Copeland said he believes that Creek will be gone, overseas money. He has been the franchise head, no doubt but with little success. Very well liked by the fan base. As I said elsewhere, it's a bit like Luka Doncic, excellent player but no great team success. Olgun didn’t mention names but hinted the same. I think they realise things must change.

Pineau only contracted player at breakers, Moar hardly played him.

WMW and Delaney mutual options. I don't think either will stay.

It would be a different look to this season, but White could work alongside Travers, those two taking the two forward spots in the starting 5.

JLA is 30 soon, NBA seems less likely than it did 12 months ago, so does he take another Chinese paycheck or does he stay with United? Time will tell. Not sure United could afford Jack White, unless they forego all imports. Flynn Cameron is ready to play bigger minutes so maybe they would go All-local.

Is Jack White a free agent or tied to united, numerous clubs could use his talents.

Jack White is tied to United.

Is he?

https://nbl.com.au/news/jack-white-extends-contract-with-melbourne Whites right to refusal has one more season

I think jack will either stick around nba and then maybe europe before returning

DJV talking about 36ers running signings past him and chatting to Cleveland.

"The ownership group told me that when I re-signed, whatever decision was made they would check in with me first."

https://nbl.com.au/news/adelaide-chases-star-signing

Brock Motum keen for NBL return

Still putting up solid numbers. A few clubs would be enquiring

Very good stats, hard to read the quality of opposition as it's B-2.

Sam Menenga to breakers.

Motum would be a decent pick up at the 4 next to Humphries. Can shoot to space it for him.

Import/Cadee
Vasiljevic/Dech
Import/Marshall
Motum/
Humphries/

Nice looking side, I'm certain defensively it’s great.

According to Olgun, Kristian Doolittle has re-signed with the Wildcats for next season

Good decision to bring back Doolittle.

Doolittle was great, good signing.

First move I would have made. Two thumbs up from me.

Doolittle re-signing is official
Kristian Doolittle is back for NBL25

I feel Perth need another big. They got mauled inside by teams with quality 7 footers.

And the annual Brock Motum return to the NBL is back. Has there ever been a more rumoured return to the NBL than him?

Chuck Kornegay?

Wildcats Roster

Both Webster's are on a mutual option. I think they will take Tai and not Corey
Michael Harris & Donte Russo-Nance are both being elevated to full roster on their second year.
David Okwera signed a 3 year contract with 3rd as an option so still full roster.

Looks like they have 2 roster spots and a next star left.
If Jesse Wagstaff re-signs what type of import do they need?

Here is the roster so far:

Tai Webster??? / Donte Russo-Nance
*Bryce Cotton / Ben Henshall
*Kristian Doolittle / Michael Harris
Hyrum Harris / Jesse Wagstaff???
Keanu Pinder / David Okwera

Import would depend on the next star.

One of the import or next star would need to be a big, maybe an import 4 to start, can play some 5 if required.

Alex Condon, Harry Wessels are a couple of good quality Perth bigs currently playing in college who would fit well if they had the roster space for them.

bul kuol to syd

Kuol and Noi battling each other for minutes and who's got the biggest ego. LOL

Kuol, overrated imo. Arm and shirt puller defender, can shoot through, up grade on Noi.

The free agency list looking rather bare, certainly if more players head OS.

Hearing Glover leaving kings. Makes sense if Kuol going there.

Some Perth Wildcats news:

Currently in talks with Mitch McCarron, appear to be the most likely spot for him.

Also interested in WMW, Tom Wilson, Alex Ducas but appear less likely.

Corey Webster, Kyle Zunic won't be back, Tai and Jesse seem likely to be there next year but not 100%.

The interest in McCarron and others is fascinating, as if they only move on from CWeb and Zunic, they will have no local roster spots left with Michael Harris and Dontae Russo-Nance being elevated to main roster. So potentially looking at another Blanchfield/Norton situation, maybe David Okwera could be in line.

McCarron to the Cats, intriguing! I don't hate it we could do a lot worse but the idea of Harris and Russo-Nance in full roster spots doesn't fill me with confidence. Will they be full roster spots as in they get court timee or just warm seats closer to Rillie?

At first I didn't like it, but Perth lacked playable PG depth last year behind T. Web, there's definitely a role to fill there for McCarron

Breakers apparently about to announce a signing. "Sources point to a very high-level "local" player who has featured elsewhere in the NBL"

I can't help but think glover might head to breakers. His grittiness is just what mody likes.

Leafa has an option but assuming WMW leaves I think breakers will move him to PG then go for a gun shooting guard

Can they announce local players before free agency, could it be an ex nbl overseas player. The rumours on Glover were Sixers and Phoenix.

I thought Hawks was most likely for Glover lol

Bad blood between Glover and the Hawks maybe after the last couple of seasons, which would be a shame. I'd love for him to come back, but understand why he probably won't.

Perth would be one of the best spots for McCarron I think. He's definitely not Martin, but he's Martin-lite and would do well next to Cotton. McCarron-Doolittle are good versatile defensive pieces, and then an import scorer at the 3 spot. McCarron-Cotton-Import-Doolittle-Pinder, Webster off the bench.

McCarron on Perth is just a worst fit than Tai ... not a scorer/shooter & defense is just as bad as Tai. At least Tai could score on his matchup at times. McCarron isn't Norton/Martin on defense but you can say a better passer

Look out for the name Myles Powell on Sydney Kings radar
Import PG played under Goorj in Asia

That's if he would leave China

I know Powell from his time in the G-league, can seriously score the pill, like crazy, but more of scoring 2-guard, Bryce Cotton mould, don't if he could be a championship winning point guard.

Just to be clear there was no basis to my comment on glover to the breakers other than hope!

It feels like nearly every team must be after a local centre. Even MU if JLA doesn't take up his option.

Most will prob try for hunter before signing anyone else... but what other potential starters are free?

More likely McCarron to NZ which would mean WMW is unlikely to return.
If McCarron is surrounded with some shooters and isn't on big money it could be an ok plan B.

I can't see the Goorj letting Hunter go, certainly now Bolden is looking for bigger money, will probably end up OS.

Some Perth Wildcats news:

Currently in talks with Mitch McCarron, appear to be the most likely spot for him.

You might be right dunkman but I just can't see the kings ownership valuing him as much as other teams

I'm resigned to losing WMW but doubt MM is the type of guard mody will want

Mangok is free to a good home for those wanting a big! I can't bear watching him fumble his way through another season

Money making Mitch agent is testing the market, he's basically been a chance on nearly all teams, who does take him hopefully don’t pay overs.
WMW I still believe is a big chance at bullets, it’s home and they have the Baynes money.

I think MM will be perfect, Perth can maximise him in a way 36ers never could.

If Galloway goes north, 36ers are probably looking like 3 imports needed.

I get the feeling if Cleveland returns to Australia it's probably Sydney.

Hunter won't be in Sydney, rumour is probably playing overseas

Doing well co far in Latvia, I did hear Japan but when Goorj signed I thought he would stay, certainly now it looks like Bolden going as well.

Kouat Noi is returning to the Sydney Kings on a 3 year deal

Nice bench signing, can be very useful in games, not quite the nba that he told everyone he was going to, in fairness his game could suit the nba. As Roth once remarked, the nbl has quite a few players that could play nba.

Happy Noi is returning. He's far surpassed my expectations and I'm looking forward to seeing what Goorj can do with him. Outside of just bomb from deep I think he's developed a bit as a bully-ball tweener forward offensively at the NBL level, similar to how he has looked in the NBL1 when I've watched him there.

Any Wildcats supporters slightly concerned with the roster heading into free agency?
We have youth and emerging potential on the bench but is that necessarily considered depth.
Michael Harris lights it up in NBL1 but also plays big minutes. Doesn't ever seem to get on the court long enough to warm up for the Wildcats. Nance and Henshall we can only assume will get minutes after a year of training with the team and hopefully have a break out season. Everyone seems to love Hyrum and Wags but they are both role players/hype guys and having both in the same position doesn’t really seem like a good fit to me. Surely Okwera isn’t going to be the big coming off the bench. We need a solid centre to back up Pinder and have not had one for quite a while. I am not convinced Jack Andrew will ever be elevated from DP either. With little room left to move pieces, it will be interesting to see how they look to improve the roster.

Any Wildcats supporters slightly concerned with the roster heading into free agency?

Jjs have extended jack mcveigh three years abd anthony drmic for another season. The core of this team is now locked in. Now interesting to see what they do with Lee and Crawford

Sorry the jjs have extended mcveigh another two years so locked in for three years now

Perthworld, according to your logic that Perth have the worst coach in the league, their roster must be pretty damn good to have finished 2nd seed and almost beaten the eventual champs?

We have Bryce, who went on a tear to keep us a float in many games to get to second. I don't mind the roster, just feel what we need and spaces available aren’t necessarily lining up to make changes. But maybe the guys on the bench will actually be allowed to play this season. In which case, no idea how we might actually look because 3-4 bench players rarely took to the court. Bryce, Pinder and Usher were the only players to average over 10pts for the season. Hoping to see Doolittle score a bit more this season, definitely capable of averaging more than 8.97ppg.

Some interesting signings according to Michael Randall, bit of merry go round:
- Le'Afa set to join Sydney as a replacement for Glover
- Mitch McCarron set to join NZ as a replacement for Le'Afa

It's a combination of both - this playing roster with Rillie. The latter requires even more firepower to paper over his deficiencies.

Waardenburg till end 26 and Goulding till end 27 seasons, both very good signings for Cairns and Melbourne.

"With NBL free agency set to begin on Monday, United have Matthew Dellavedova, Shea Ili, Luke Travers, Kyle Bowen, Tanner Krebs, Flynn Cameron and Goulding all under contract. “

That's pretty strong in terms of 1-3 (possibly 4). Would they go with two import 5-men, or a 5 and a 5-4?

Cooks really getting good stats in the b league at present, problem is they haven't won a game since Mooney got injured.

Perth have picked up Tai Webster's team option, but not corey Webster's.

You would think they are now out of the WMW race

Would it MaxM? They'll need another ball handler on the bench and there wouldn't be a lot of cash left if they succeed in getting WMW and perhaps another import.

They literally have no spaces left now. Dontae Russo-Nance and Michael Harris are being elevated from DP to roster spots, Kyle Zunic and Corey Webster are departing.

With Tai and Jesse resigned, Perth have no local spots left unless they buy someone out.

So all they have left is an import/next star.

Perth right now
Webster/Russo-Nance
Cotton/Harris/Henshall
Harris/
Doolittle/Wagstaff/Okwera
Pinder

Unless cut or buy someone out they have one next star and a marquee/import.

So here's the Wildcats squad. What type of import & next star do they need?
I personally think a big banger in the middle.

1. Tai Webster / Donte Russo-Nance
2. *Bryce Cotton / Ben Henshall
3. *Kristian Doolittle / Michael Harris
4. Hyrum Harris / Jesse Wagstaff
5. Keanu Pinder / David Okwera

Import 4/5 to start alongside Pinder in place of Hyrum, who can also play some solo 5 as well.

Simon Mitchell, GM of basketball operations. He's always been a very personable people person, good luck to him, him and Kelly should be good together.

Wow - New Zealand apparently are likely to sign Jonah bolden and Mojave king according to Michael Randall

Wow - New Zealand apparently are likely to sign Jonah bolden and Mojave king according to Michael Randall

Kings without both fives from last season if true and rumours are correct.

Where's Hunter going?

Would be a good pickup for United to replace Hukporti.

Most likely spot for Hunter has been reported as the Phoenix

I'd be tipping Japan

Yep, Japan is what I've heard is most likely.

Not sure about bolden but hard to judge for nbl from last season. He wasn't overwhelming but most of the kings underperformed.

King is solid but doesn't seem to fit either SG or PG so I guess just a backup combo guard. Would prefer leafa

Also lots of rumors WMW to the kings which looks more likely than cats and bullets based on rosters

Breakers-wise, I hear that they're the favourites to sign McCarron, Cam Gliddon appears to be re-signing and Dame Sarr is the upcoming Next Star coming to Auckland.

With that in mind, the Breakers rotation would look like this:

Bolden / Pineau / (Local - Risetto?)
Import* / Mennenga
Import* / (Local - Te Rangi?)
Sarr (NS) / King / Gliddon
PJC* / McCarron

While a little less Kiwi than anticipated, there is some talent there. Would like to see Te Rangi return and be the veteran/hustle-oriented leader on the bench.

The free agents list is out, Hukporti listed at United as next star, how long do next stars contracts go, seem like he been here for ever.

PyroCross, I like your line up but ask is Bolden a STARTING Centre with Pineau as back-up. Would rather see Bolden start at the 4 with an import Centre. As in:

Import*/ Pineau / (Local - Risetto?)
Bolden / Mennenga
Import* / (Local - Te Rangi?)
Sarr (NS) / King / Gliddon
PJC* / McCarron

Small detail, just think that they need a bit more size and see that as the C's role.

List missing Pinder and Doolittle as contracted players, perhaps more missed

Gary Clarke on list, hawks better get the cheque book out.

Cooks also missing, if his signing is legitimate.

RobT that's a very weak bench imo

Savvy move from Perth to renegotiate Dontae Russo-Nance into another DP season, rather than a full roster spot.

They now have a free local roster spot.

I agree hoopie, I was referring to the 4/5 spot only. Without a couple of gun imports, their starters look weak.

I've heard WMW has now ruled jj's out as he feels its a lose-lose situation. if they win again they've already done that and if they dont win it all again its his fault and they should've kept j.crawford. Sydney and brisbane front runners at this stage with sydney most likely

Yeah apparently WMW to Sydney...

Cooks back in the winners circle with the return of Mooney to the team. Both with very good stats, kings need to bring that defensive big in the middle.

Kyrin galloway has agreed to a multi-year deal with Cairns, per Michael Randall

Very good result for taipans if true, Waardenburg in the five, his best spot and Galloway in the four, building nicely.

Shittttt another one gets away.
Sigh.

So the WMW situation confuses me.

Doesn't seem like there's money in Perth, and I doubt Tai will accept a bench role.
The Tassie option appears to have gone.
Sydney was thought to be the favourite, but has that stance now gone?
Brisbane wants to sign WMW to a roster with Isaac White, Mitch Norton and Shannon Scott already signed to play the 1?

Did the marquee FA market fall out the bottom for Will?

Is Gorjok Gak to Tassie anything other than rumour at this stage? Or is it a deal that's been/set to be done

Tomorrow might start the ball rolling, imo Gak is just a rumour, agents getting their players out there, it's quite often the case the ones that are very quiet or no rumours get done.

Fair point, if the JJs don't get Lee back I wouldn’t be surprised if he was a target for them though

Ausssie Hoopla Free Agency tracker has Gak to Jackies. nOt reported anywhere else.

We'll wait and see then

Perth interested in Lat Mayen, per Lachy Reid

The mayen doesn't make sense for me doolittle / hyrum would be started the devlopment of henshall then wagstaff and okwera.

like Lachy reid also report Travers was gonna be back at perth this last season

I like the NBA trade deadline approach of the NBL having a live stream

Is there any legitimacy to Motum returning? Or is it just same rumour we get this time every year?

Motom playing b2 league, I'm not certain he’d be good enough anymore, certainly for the money he’d want.

Sobey officially to SEM confirmed. Time will tell on this signing, certainly at defensive end.

So far we've got

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk - 3 years with the Hawks
Bul Kuok - 3 years with the Kings
Jonah Bolden - 1 year with the Breakers
Mitch McCarron - 2 years with the Breakers
Mojave King - 1 year with the Breakers
Nathan Sobey - 2 years with Phoenix (mutual option 2nd year)
Angus Glover - 2 years with Phoenix
Keli Leaupepe - 3 years with the Kings
Lat Mayen - 1 year with the 36ers
Deng Adel - 1 year with the Bullets
Kyrin Galloway - 2 years with the Taipans
Gorjock Gak - 2 years with the JackJumpers
Tyler Robertson - 3 years with the Kings
Jackson Makoi - 1 year with the Taipans

Nice work LaPark, keep it up thanks.

Some good signings and some very average, Deng is playing 2nd league in France, maybe some these guys are total budget players.

Izayah Le'Afa - 2 years with the Kings

Cooks, Kuol, L'Afa - Kings will be locking everyone down at the defensive end

Ian Clark is the interesting big name other than WMW- he's still available? I remember he indicated interest in staying in NBL

Sorry! Gary Clark from the Hawks I meant to say

Tyler Robertson looks like an interesting signing. 5 year college player so a little older, strong senior season stat wise.

Gary Clark loves Australia by all reports, I think he'll be back, but the Hawks will need to pay up if it will be in Illawarra.

Pretty happy with the Breakers signings so far.

Same, Breakers have done well. McCarron will be fine in a bench role, King might be an impact player, and Mody might be able to get more out of Bolden who turned into a bit of a one-trick pony after the game where he caught fire from deep last season.

Agree mystro. The panel were talking of them signing an import centre but I'd rather a pf that can play some sf and a high level sg

Brantley and barry brown returning would be fine!

Interesting theirs some whispers of mantas returning but I can't see it happening personally. Think of he misses the nba he'd rather Europe

Breakers signings have upside although risk involved.

Will still need another decent local player if Delany leaves.

If Rubstavicius comes back will help.

Both Mennenga & Bolden are listed as 6'8" forwards so I wouldn’t be opposed to a 6’10” 6’11” import Centre. Then an Import SF in the ilk of Hopson, athletic with a handle, decent 3 ball.

Bolden is at least 6'10", he’s always wanted to be a guard and imo kept his height less. Menengas stats in his Greece stint are not that encouraging and he’s playing big minutes. PJC covers a lot holes though.

With the signing of Gak to JJs, Roth is probably going to get him to be a polished diamond from a rough one, you would think Lee becomes available.

Bolden has been listed at 6'8 his entire college and professional career - he is not 6'10.

Jordan Hunter is 6'10 and Bolden is noticeably shorter than him, Pinder looked taller than Bolden as well when they played.

Mystro - it's been reported that Bolden is gonna be playing PF at NZ, which is more of his natural position.

Yeah very keen to see how Roth molds Gak to be a JJs player

Mystro - if breakers sign import C & SF then who's going to play SG?? The nbl doesn't suit import centres IMO. They're generally whistled out of the game even on offence so provide poor value. Like big sauce

Maybe Rubstavicius returns as a NS if there isn't any draft interest?

PJC / McCarron
Rubstavicius / King
Import / ?
Bolden / Mennenga
Import / Pineau

Anzac Rissetto
Dan Fotu
Reuban TeRangi

Any other local options?

Safe to assume that WMW to Perth is kaput considering Cats weren't mentioned in the list of teams chasing him on marketplace today? I read on Cats FB supporters page (likely nonsense) Baynes and Cats potentially in talks. Dunno how I feel about that is he scrap heap material or just a crappy season? Seems to be roidy with the outbursts and physical play.

Delaney is still under contract? I believe, he's a four. It looks to me that breakers are spending less this season.

Delaney has a player option and won't be taking it up apparently so Bolden is his replacement.

Pardon would be great to bring back as an import C and Ian Clark or similar would make the team very competitive.

Dame Sarr has been linked to the Breakers. As much as I loved Mantas, Sarr is an upgrade.

I read on Cats FB supporters page (likely nonsense) Baynes and Cats potentially in talks. Dunno how I feel about that is he scrap heap material or just a crappy season? Seems to be roidy with the outbursts and physical play.

I don't agree that Dame Sarr would be better than Mantas - Mantas was statistically the best next star last year from a production stand point and one of the most offensive offensive players in the league.

Sarr is much higher up draft boards because he's 18 and more athletic, but scouting reports I have read suggest he lacks a lack of polish and creation - which is what you would expect.

Also apparently Mantas is definitely not back next year. If not drafted, then will be in Europe. Unfortunate, he was so smooth to watch.

Most efficient offensive players*

Mantas was great, will be a better player than some of those drafted.

Initial surge now all quiet. Hopefully WMW makes his decision so sides can start chasing othe point guards.

Yeah once MWM decides I think we'll start seeing some updates re: imports as well.

what did I miss? The cats get no one?

what did I miss? The cats get no one?

ok damn- thanks

Jackjumpers have parted ways with Jarred Bairstow. No surprise as they have to clear some spots for Gorjok Gak as well as promoting MacDonald from DP to main roster. Expect a similar announcement regarding the departure of Tom Vodanovich in the coming days. Bairstows departure leaves Magnay, McVeigh, MacDonald, Steindl and Krslovic as the 5 players who have been with the JJs from the beginning who will play with them in NBL25.

WMW is asking for huge dollars on multiple years. Way out of Perth's range after some talks they just can’t meet his demands.

Wmw is talented and in demand, but has he shown consistency to warrant it?
You can go back to juniors, to college etc, injuries and inconsistency always follow him.
Season before last was great, took the breakers to a sniff of a championship, and showed every bit of his talent, but are we going to see it next year or more injuries etc?

Agree 100% Billy Bob, it's a risk and reward signing, hopefully who gets him it’s more reward.

Surprised no Tom Wilson chat - are we thinking Perth? SEM? Sydney even?

Have you followed tigers in nbl1 south, have a look at stats, certainly the plus minus column. In saying all that, clubs have now time to see how things pan out, he like others are probably not top of the radar at present.

Free agents I thought we'd hear rumours about by now...

DJ Mitchell
Corey Webster
Reuben Te Rangi
Anzac Rissetto
Craig Moller

How many of these five are in the NBL next season? I'm hoping the Breakers pickup Te Rangi and Anzac, and it'd be utterly hilarious (and saddening) if we do another go-around with Corey.

Te Rangi was probably one of the worst rotation players in the NBL next year, for the Breakers' sake I hope if anything he just a bench leadership role if he goes there

I don't think mody will take te rangi and I hope that's the case too

Doesn't seem to be an obvious role available for risetto

Moller probably heading OS, SEM should try keep him though as he was probably there best till injury. Rissetto showed a bit as well and still very young. Mitchell like Moller was very good till injury. The rest could be late picks or injury replacements.

I don't understand NBL clubs and their aversion to Moller.

How do you know NBL clubs have an aversion?

Would be a great pickup for United's last local spot. Doubt they'll be able to afford him though- since he'd effectively be replacing Newley.

Hunter signs a three year deal with SEM, with an Asia opt-out every year INCLUDING this year. Not surprised Sydney moved on to be honest, quite a gamble as he will attract top dollar in Japan given how he is playing in EU right now.

Will WMW be forced to take up his player option with the Breakers because he's priced himself out of the market?

Moller had injuries, lots players do, he's also got euro experience so imo he probably not settling for a low dollar contract, my grapevine is that a few clubs are looking closely.

Is that confirmed on Hunter, did hear this a few weeks back though, if correct and SEM got Hunter, Glover, they should chase moller again for trifecta of kings players. Hunter and Moller were good mates in kings days.

Hunter news posted by league mouth-piece Olgun so paper may not have been faxed to NBL HQ yet but as official as can be without being posted by the NBL themselves.

It's a strange set up with out clause, you think he would be a big chance over there, certainly now he has shown good form in Latvia.

Moller had injuries, lots players do, he's also got euro experience so imo he probably not settling for a low dollar contract, my grapevine is that a few clubs are looking closely.

Pretty sure once WMW waives his option he can't reneg unless they both agree for a new contract. And there'd be other teams willing to pay more than the breakers you'd hope considering they don't need a starting PG