THE 2022/23 National Basketball League season is less than two weeks from getting underway, and it is shaping up as one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory.

Last year saw the Tassie fairytale, some new stars step to the forefront and Sydney dominance in the big dance. With some big names joining the competition over the past few months, there is a lot to like about how the fixture is looking, as the league continues its rise on the world stage.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a look at how each side is shaping up ahead of the season tip-off, with some new look squads eager to take the next step.

The next side on the list are the Brisbane Bullets, who made headlines with some massive signings in the offseason, and have catapulted themselves into championship contention.

Brisbane Bullets
2021/22 record – 10-18

The Bullets stalled at times throughout the 2021/22 season, and despite the strong individual campaigns of Lamar Patterson and Robert Franks, only managed 10 wins. It was evident there was plenty of room for improvement after a lack of winning scores, and the front office set out to amend that.

There were rumours swirling around for months that star Aussie big man Aron Baynes wanted to make his return to the NBL, and the Bullets wasted no time in securing his signature. Any side with a player of his calibre is immediately boosted, and Brisbane coach James Duncan echoed the excitement felt around the country.

“Signing a player of Aron Baynes’ calibre is exciting. His resume speaks for itself,” Duncan said.

“His work ethic is phenomenal and he’ll bring a high standard on and off the court. We believe these attributes are invaluable.

“Speaking to Aron, he’s eager to put us in a position to compete at the highest level and we can’t wait to get to work.”

Baynes was not the only addition for the Bullets in the offseason, with former NBA guard Tyler Johnson joining the team over recent month. He is a dynamic offensive player, with the ability to nail the catch and shoot but also create his own shot off the dribble.

Combining these two with the likes of Harry Froling and Nathan Sobey will make the Bullets a force in the 2022/23 season. In the pick and roll/pop scenario, Brisbane will be all sorts of difficult to guard. Adding Baynes as a perimeter threat adds some serious excitement to their set plays in the half court.

The Bullets were the big winners of the offseason, and look to be in the top three sides heading into the upcoming season on paper.

Roster

Harry Froling, Jason Cadee, Tyrell Harrison, Nathan Sobey, Kody Strattman, D.J. Mitchell, Tanner Krebs, Lual Diing (DP), Gorjok Gak, Aron Baynes, Tyler Johnson, Devondrick Walker