ALTHOUGH it was an almighty team effort that got the Willetton Tigers over the line against the Eastern Suns on ANZAC Day, rising young forward Josh Ibukunoluwa was one of the biggest positives in a huge win in the National Basketball League (NBL)1 West Men’s.

Having competed at U20 level for Western Australia in the past, Ibukunoluwa looks set to take the next step in his basketball journey. At 19 years of age, he has plenty of untapped potential, and looms as a damaging forward in the future.

Ibukunoluwa’s Tigers hit the road to take on the Suns to kick off Round 5 of the 2024 season. It was a competitive first quarter, with proceedings tied at 22 apiece. However, Willetton completely dominated the second and third quarters, outscoring the Suns 56-27 to put the game to bed by the final change, cruising home to a 26-point triumph.

Although he was far from the most experienced player on the court, Ibukunoluwa took home the ANZAC Medal for best-on-court and impressed in a big way.

Eastern Suns (76) def. by Willetton Tigers (102)

Josh Ibukunoluwa – 14 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal, two blocks

It was a breakout performance of sorts for Willetton’s young forward, who posted a double-double off the bench to catch the eye in a big way.

Although it may not seem grand compared to the big individual performances we have seen in the last couple of weeks in the NBL1 around Australia, Ibukunoluwa’s 14 points was an equal team-high figure, showing just how balanced the Tigers were in their big win.

Coming off the bench, he was given 28 minutes of court time given how much he was impressing when on the floor, and Willetton was winning by enough to rest its starters and get some valuable game time into the young forward.

From the field, he shot 6/9, with five of those makes coming from inside the arc, getting good position under the post and finishing at the rim. However, he did showcase his range with one three-pointer on two attempts, putting forward his case as a stretch forward.

Ibukunoluwa also made it a double-double, with 10 rebounds for the game, boxing out the opposition bigs and taking advantage of some poor shooting from the opposition.

The 19-year-old forward showed that he belongs at NBL1 level, and with plenty of improvement ahead, could become one of the best young forwards in the country.