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.

Round 4 of the 2021/22 National Basketball League (NBL) saw some more exciting action and terrific individual performances from around the competition. Unfortunately due to another game cancellation, just two games took place. Melbourne United defeated Sydney Kings, and Tasmania JackJumpers knocked off New Zealand Breakers. Though the players could only be selected from these four teams, there were plenty of tough choices to be made.

Point Guard – Caleb Agada (Melbourne United)

How good has this bloke’s start to the season been? After being named on the bench last week in our Team of the Week following back-to-back 20-plus point efforts, he stepped up to the starting five after a remarkable effort. He won Player of the Match for United during their win over the Kings, piling on 24 points and 14 rebounds. His rebound court was the most of any United point guard, as was his ability to rack up four steals, three blocks and three assists as a stat-line, in one of the more all-round complete performances of the season. Was the first player picked in this team.

Shooting Guard – Josh Adams (Tasmania JackJumpers)

Led the JackJumpers to just their second win, Adams stood up when it counted. He finished with 21 points, four rebounds and two assists, and earned Player of the Match in that game which automatically earned him a spot here. He was able to get to the line frequently and worry the defence, nailing 10 of his 11 free throws to force the Breakers into automatic free throws earlier than normal. Though not overly efficient from the field – 38 per cent – he provided some highlight-real moments.

Small Forward – Chris Goulding (Melbourne United)

There are some cases where you have to bend the rules a little in order to get the best outcome, and that is why Goulding slots in as a three, rather than in the back court. Though it is not overly difficult to imagine given he shares the court with fellow guards Agada and Matthew Dellavedova, and as the most versatile of the three starting guards in the side, Goulding finds himself at small forward. On the court, he pup 20 points – firing five of 15 from long-range – and picking up five rebounds and two steals in a very nice outing.

Power Forward – Jarell Martin (Sydney Kings)

His side might have gone down, but not through lack of effort on Martin’s behalf. The big man poured on 19 points – shooting at 50 per cent from the field – and it was his three of five from beyond the arc that impressed. Martin also collected eight rebounds in the Kings’ loss to United and really contributed throughout his 29 minutes on court. So capable at scoring in multiple ways. he was the only Kings player to make more of his opportunities than less, and earned his spot at the starting four.

Center – Yannick Wetzell (New Zealand Breakers)

The sole Breaker in the starting five, Wetzell was the standout center across the two matches. He hardly missed a minute of action, and recorded 20 points – six of eight from the field – and made good on eight of his 10 shots from the line. Amassing a double-double with his 10 rebounds – seven defensive – the former Phoenix big man was everywhere. Whilst his side could not get the job done, he was outstanding going up against another star in Will Magnay.

Bench:

As evidenced by having to move Goulding into the three spot, there was plenty of competition for the back court spots. It was incredibly difficult not to include Jeremiah Martin in the starting line-up after an outstanding game for the Breakers. His stats stack up better than many in the starting five, but the two Player of the Matches had to take the starting back court spots. Instead, Martin is first cab off the rack from the bench after 24 points – at 56 per cent from the field – eight assists and three rebounds.

Joining Martin in the back court was a player opposing him on the night in Tasmania JackJumpers’ Sam McDaniel. Though the lowest of the scorers in the this side, McDaniel still managed the 10 points in 27 minutes, and picked up six rebounds and three steals. Having his experience out on court was crucial for the home side, and his leadership helps gel the rest of the side.

McDaniel’s teammate Clint Steindl also put up a good performance off 22 minutes of action. In an accurate shooting display the ex-Perth forward knocked down five of six from the field, predominantly from long-range. His four of five from beyond the arc really propelled the JackJumpers in building and maintaining a lead, also finishing with five rebounds for his troubles, leading the Tasmanian side well.

Sydney Kings’ Xavier Cooks earns his spot in the back-up forward bench role, after a double-double performance against United. Cooks amassed 12 points, 10 rebounds, four assists three blocks and two steals in a really impressive statline. His shooting efficiency let hm down however, only picking up four of 18 from the field, in what could have been a really good night, especially given many of his chances were in close.

Rounding out the bench five, United center Jo Lual Acuil was the most prominent of the back-up centers behind Wetzell, recording 12 points and five rebounds in the win over Sydney. He shot at 45 per cent from the field, but also denied the opposition twice, and played his role across the four quarters. As a rising talent over the past 12 months, he performed his role in the victory.