ALTHOUGH they had a disappointing campaign last time around, the Brisbane Bullets are the form team coming into the 2024/25 National Basketball League (NBL) season based on recent outings, and could make an unexpected rise up the standings.

The Bullets are playing the right way and have the preseason record to back up the claims that they have improved over the offseason, knocking off some of the contending teams throughout their exhibition clashes and in the Blitz.

If Brisbane can bring this style of play into the regular season, an improved record is imminent, and the Bullets could even make a massive push to go deep into the postseason.

Brisbane Bullets

Last time around

Inconsistency was the name of the game for the Bullets in the 2023/24 season, switching between winning streaks and losing slumps to finish in seventh spot in the standings with a record of 13 wins and 15 losses. It saw Brisbane miss out on the play-in by a painful margin by just percentage, the unluckiest of teams in the race to the postseason.

The Bullets did show positive signs in their wins, hitting triple-figures on the scoreboard often throughout the season, but had slumps offensively at times too, and proved to be leaky down the other end. However, they also took it right up to some of the best sides in the competition, and looked a top-six side for much of the fixture.

The off-season

It was a significant off-season for the Bullets, with two of the biggest names at the club departing as Aron Baynes ending his 47-game stint with the team, while Nathan Sobey headed south to join the new look SEM Phoenix.

In terms of signings, the Bullets snagged two key pieces in Deng Adel and James Batemon, both of whom will be crucial for Brisbane’s finals hopes. Adel has thrived as a starting wing throughout the team’s preseason clashes, while Batemon has built his way into the team nicely, and could be an x-factor as the floor general.

The Bullets have been extremely active when it comes to preseason clashes, playing the most of any team in the build up to the season opener. They have won five of their six outings so far, which includes some impressive victories at the NBL Blitz, which is taking place at the moment on the Gold Coast.

So far, it seems as if the Bullets have maintained their high-tempo, high-scoring style of play from last season, while tightening things up defensively, which is an excellent combination.

Predicted starters (when healthy)

James Batemon
Sam McDaniel
Deng Adel
Josh Bannan
Tyrell Harrison

One to watch

It looms as a breakout year of sorts for Harrison, who has been putting together some immense performances throughout the preseason, and could join the top tier of big men in the NBL if he keeps up this level. With the departure of Baynes, Harrison’s responsibility in the frontcourt went through the roof, and he appears to be thriving as a result of this. Most recently, he posted 21 points in a Blitz win over Melbourne United and will be one of the focal points for the Bullets on the offensive end, as well as being a key figure on the glass.