IN this series each week, we take a look at the strongest performing players at each position to create the league’s Team of the Week.

Over the most recent weekend, the first round of the National Basketball League (NBL) produced some thrilling action across the first six matches of the season. There were some big individual performances as players wasted no time getting back into the swing of things. The reigning league MVP announced his presence in the opening matches much like other familiar faces in this list, while there are some fresh recruits making their first appearance.

Point Guard – Bryce Cotton (Perth Wildcats)

It was almost impossible to leave out the three-time NBL champion, who produced one of the performances of the round in his second outing of the season. After missing last year’s grand final series, the three-time NBL Most Valuable Player did not take much time at all to get himself back into form. Despite a quiet first match on Friday night where much of the offence ran through a Wildcats teammate (who we will mention shortly), Cotton was able to bounce back strongly in the round’s final match, where he poured in 31 points and five assists. His scoring came from all over the court, but the most impressive aspect was his ability to create space off the dribble. His slippery nature and tight handles allowed him to generate some separation, and more often than not, he was able to sink the jumpshot that followed.

Shooting Guard – Josh Adams (Tasmania JackJumpers)

The league’s newest side delivered a remarkable overtime victory over the Brisbane Bullets to kick off their time in the NBL in style. One of the main contributors in this victory was Adams, who produced an impressive regular season debut as the side looks to build some chemistry amongst the side. Adams combined well with teammate Josh Magette on the offensive end, perfectly demonstrated by the pair executing an exciting play in overtime which resulted in Adams throwing down the monster alley-oop dunk. In the end, Adams finished with 20 points, all of which proved crucial in driving the JackJumpers to the win, as he drove inside with plenty of success. Moving forward, the guard looks to be a scoring machine for the JackJumpers as they build on their first win.

Small Forward – Mitchell Creek (South East Melbourne Phoenix)

South East Melbourne Phoenix produced a towering performance in their 24 point victory over the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday night, and they were led by none other than their captain. Creek was lethal with his scoring, pouring in 19 points on some reasonably accurate shooting. Not extending his range as much as he has shown in the past, the Phoenix skipper was deadly inside the arc, making eight of his 11 attempts from inside the three-point line. Creek was one of a number of strong scorers for the Phoenix and has started his season in fine fashion.

Power Forward – Victor Law (Perth Wildcats)

The Perth Wildcats’ newest recruit delivered in spades in his first outing for the club, with Law delivering the biggest points total by a player in a single match for the round. In Perth’s first match for NBL22, Law was essentially unstoppable in his debut match, scoring from wherever he wanted as he controlled the Wildcats offense. He produced a whopping 37 points in just 36 minutes, and shot the ball quite accurately too, making over half of his shot attempts from the field. With the side already able to rely on Cotton for scoring, the addition of Law makes this side even more dangerous as they look to amend last year’s grand final loss.

Center – Duop Reath (Illawarra Hawks)

Our first Hawk on the list sees Reath slot in at the center position, following an impressive debut match in the NBL. There was plenty of hype surrounding the inclusion of the big man following an impressive Olympic campaign where he earned a bronze medal for his efforts with the Boomers. Despite the weight of expectation, Reath was able to deliver on the big stage, pouring in 18 points and nine rebounds, both of which were game highs in an announcement performance. The Hawks look the real deal this year and Reath is one of the major factors as to why this is the case moving forward in the NBL22 season.

Bench

The backup point guard spot goes to one of the league’s brightest new recruits in Xavier Munford of the South East Melbourne Phoenix. In his first regular season showing for the club, the guard delivered a memorable performance, finishing with 27 points, seven rebounds and five assists in a terrific debut. He showed no fear or hesitancy in front of the home crowd, and got the fans out of their seats with a magnificent performance.

Moving to the backup shooting guard position we have Nathan Sobey of the Brisbane Bullets. While he may have played plenty of minutes at the point guard spot over his career, an exception had to be made here as it was Friday night’s match where he produced a game-high 24 points and nearly dragged his side over the line. The Brisbane skipper appeared unstoppable and if not for an unsportsmanlike foul late in the contest, he may have been the match-winning factor.

The backup small forward position goes to Luke Travers of the Perth Wildcats. In his two outings, Travers showed that his quest towards the NBA Draft appears likely, given his strong performance in Perth’s first two matches this season. He delivered 15 points and seven rebounds in the first match, showcasing his dynamic ability to score the basket when called upon. In the second outing, he upped his effort in the rebounding battle, pulling down a whopping 13 boards in an impressive start to the season.

Coming in at the backup power forward position is Adelaide 36er Daniel Johnson, who has delivered a pair of strong matches to start his NBL22 campaign. The league veteran once again looks to be a crucial part of the Adelaide offense, and stepped up despite his team copping a couple of losses to start the season. In the side’s first match against the Wildcats, Johnson was the shining light with 22 points despite their opponents applying immense defensive pressure for much of the match. He then backed this up with 12 points in the match that followed and has started his year in style.

The final backup spot goes to Tasmania JackJumpers center Will Magnay, who looks truly back to his best. Following a bit of time off due to some injury troubles, Magnay looks fit and firing again, and recorded a double-double in his side’s overtime win against the Bullets on Friday night with 10 points and 10 rebounds in a telling performance.