NBL Prospect Watch- ABA

[GC Baller]

This forum is to discuss those players who are legitimately on the edge of making the NBL and are currently toiling away in any of the country's minor leagues.

Here is my Blaze hitlist:

GC Goannas QBL
First off the rank from a Blaze point of view would have to be Shaun Gleeson (Trevor's nephew). A GC Bulletin article after last week's game against Southwest Pirates, in which Gleeson scored 22 pts 8 assists and hit the winning shot as time expired, suggests Gleeson will be offered an 11th man contract by the Blaze.

Gleeson has been arguably the best PG in the QBL this season. He stands out from the rest in that his game will translate to the NBL; he has excellent athleticism meaning he gets great elevation on his jumpshot and is an excellent defender. The ABA is full of guys who can hit shots off open looks but they don't have the ability to get open in the first place or create off the dribble to give themselves a chance, which is where Gleeson would stand out.

He is also a Gold Coast kid which I think will merit strong consideration from the Blaze from office given they haven't ever really had a local guy on the team.

Next in line would be Jayden Tom (19yrs old). Listed at 6-9 (probably only 6-8) he is very athletic, runs the floor well, and plays hard. He has only been playing ball for about 5 years and has never gotten the proper coaching. If he puts in hard as a Blaze DP this season and adds some legit moves around the basket, he could be in the NBL within a couple of years.




There are tons of other fringe players I'd like to hear updates about, such as Simon Conn, Shane McDonald, John Fitzgerald etc.

[glockers]

Matt Hanson from the Bundy Bulls. Led the league in rebounding last year and was second in scoring while playing centre which was not heis favoured spot.

This year he is playing the three spot and still crashing boards despite having a few other bigs (Nello Giordano, Will Shackleford and Lloyd Lewis) on the team. PLus he is still an unstoppable scoring machine with both an inside and outside game.

NBL clubs should be looking at him as an import option.

That said he has nothing on Jay Anderson who played in the QBL a few seasons back. Anderson had it all and would be a better pick up then Redhage was for the NBL.

[Crocodile Rock]

Ismail Muhammad I'm a big advocate for this dude. His athletic ability is five times better than anyone else in the country, he has recently trialled with the Charlotte Bobcats and has put up great numbers with the Supercats. Is close to 6-6" and shoots the mid-range well.

Ash Cannan Puts in season upon season of great rebounding and strong scoring on loaded teams. His Spartans team is NBL packed but he manages to outshine them all with around 18 per game and 11 boards when he regularly gets to rest with blowouts.

John Fitzgerald This guy was super impressive at the High Stakes Hoops, his ability to play hard on every possession is unbelievable. He plays defence just as hard as he plays offense. He can run a team but the knock is he lacks a good outside shot.

Chris Cedar He is the younger brother of Michael. His speed and strength for a point guard are great and his ability to stop on a dime makes his a tough cover. His outside shot lacks badly but he can defend 90 feet and is only 22 years old.

[Melb Wildcat]

Ismail Muhammed would be a great import from the SEABL. The other imports from the SEABL that have a smaller chance to get a gig would be Massingale and Drake Reed who have had great seasons for their teams. It wouldnt surprise me if Drake Reed actually did get signed as an import.

In terms of Australian players in SEABL

Auryn McMillan - wouldnt surprise me if he got looked at for his decent size. Ash Cannan - always good but lacks NBL height.
Greg Vandergagt - Hard to find 7'0 guys and should get another opportunity due to this.
Simon Conn - Hasnt done much wrong and has been consistant.

With the SEABL being the 2nd best competition in Aust most of the NBL talent has already been signed.