NBL Blitz

This pre-season is going to heat-up like no other when the Hungry Jack’s NBL hits the Gold Coast for the Blitz in September!

The tournament will showcase all the new faces, player signings and arguably the most talented group of Next Stars ever seen.

Next Stars AJ Johnson (Illawarra), Alexandre Sarr (Perth), Bobi Klintman (Cairns) and Mantas Rubstavicius (New Zealand) are already on 2024 NBA draft boards, and will get their first taste of NBL action.

The Queensland teams will garner strong support with Australian Boomers’ stars Aron Baynes and Nathan Sobey leading the Bullets, along with the first look at 17-year-old, 7’3 Next Star Rocco Zikarsky. Exciting Australian youngster Taran Armstrong and Next Generation Award winner Sam Waardenburg will be on show with the Taipans.

Returning 2022 MVP Jaylen Adams, DJ Hogg, Jonah Bolden, and Australian Next Star Alex Toohey headline a new look Kings’ team, which will be hoping to lay strong foundations for a three-peat. Matthew Dellavedova will make his return, alongside superstar teammate Chris Goulding for United.

Three-time MVP Bryce Cotton is certain to entertain fans when he hits the court with new Perth Wildcats teammate Keanu Pinder.

The Tasmania JackJumpers loom as a strong side once again this season, with returning superstar Milton Doyle, electric point guard Jordon Crawfowd, and local favourite Jack McVeigh leading the way for Scott Roth’s men.

A new coach will be patrolling the sidelines for South East Melbourne, with Mike Kelly taking the reins. Dynamic duo Mitch Creek and Alan Williams will play vital roles in the Phoenix’s campaign.

After coming just one game from a championship last season, the New Zealand Breakers will reload and try to go one step further. Returning point guard William McDowell-White holds the key to the Breakers’ hopes.

Despite finishing last with just three wins last season, the Illawarra Hawks are prepared to soar in the new campaign. Import trio Tyler Harvey, Justin Robinson and Gary Clark, along with rising Australian star Sam Froling, create a dangerous line-up for Illawarra.

Adelaide brings back Mitch McCarron and Sunday Dech, who will be tasked with bringing the 36ers back to the promise land.

Games tip-off on Saturday, September 16 and runs until Friday, September 22, giving fans a week-long opportunity to enjoy the best basketball league in the world – outside the NBA.

The winning team will be awarded the Loggins-Bruton Cup, while the tournament’s most outstanding player will take home the Ray Borner Medal.

The winner will be the first placed team on the Blitz ladder. Three points are awarded for a win, while one point is awarded to the side that wins each quarter. In the event a quarter is tied, both teams receive half a point. No points are awarded for overtime periods.

The 2023/24 Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz is proudly supported by Major Events Gold Coast and the Queensland Government.