Off Season Update - 7 May 2024

There were plenty of Brisbane Bullets players on court over the weekend in the NBL1 and overseas.

In the NBL1 North, Sam McDaniel and the Brisbane Capitals had mixed results, making amends for their narrow loss on Saturday, with a win on Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday night, despite a fast finish, the Capitals fell just short as North Gold Coast managed to hold them out to secure the 86-83 win. McDaniel contributed 19 points, seven boards, six assists and three steals in the game. 

The following day there was no shortage of talent and experience on display from both sides, with McDaniel’s Brisbane Capitals facing Tyrell Harrison, Mitch Norton and the Southern District Spartans.

For the Spartans, Harrison continued his strong run of form, producing 22 points, 14 rebounds, six blocked shots and two steals. Fellow Bullets teammate Mitch Norton had an efficient 16 points and two assists, while shooting 57% from the field, in limited minutes.

However, McDaniel inspired the Capitals to a 74-69 victory, finishing the afternoon with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Harrison, Norton and the Spartans will be back on court this Saturday 11 May against the Logan Thunder. Isaac White’s Mackay Meteors will also play on Saturday night in Townsville following a bye in Round 4.

McDaniel and the Capitals will face the South West Metro Pirates on Sunday 12 May.

In the NBL1 East, fresh off signing with the Bullets, Kye Savage suited up in a double header for the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

On Saturday night the CoE defeated the Sydney Comets 95-79. Despite the visitors opening up a double-digit lead early, Savage and COE’s young talent fought their way back to even by three quarter time.

A jumper from Savage, got the ball rolling for CoE to start the fourth and they never looked back, claiming a 16 point victory. Kye finished with 10 points in the win.

In game two on Sunday against the Norths Bears, the CoE opened up an early lead and blew this out to 18 points in the third quarter before securing an 83-70 victory. Savage led the CoE in scoring, with 20 points, including four triples and a couple of assists.

Next up, Savage and the CoE travel to Newcastle to face the Falcons on Saturday night. 

Overseas in the NZNBL, Tohi Smith-Milner and the Wellington Saints continued their strong run of form, cruising to a 107-82 victory over the Manawatu Jets. Smith-Milner had 12 points while shooting 50% from the field.

The Saints sit on top of the table ahead of their Round 7 game against the Nelson Giants on Sunday 12 May.

In France, Deng Adel and his side Boulazac defeated Orleans 90-74. Adel had seven points, four rebounds and three assists in the game. Next up, they face Antibes on Saturday 11 May.