ROUND 5 of the National Basketball League (NBL) saw some new and familiar faces deliver eye-catching performances as the 2024/25 season rolls on.

The action was as unpredictable as ever with the ladder changing with each and every result as the race for a finals spot continues to prove enthralling viewing. There are new heroes that step up in every round, showcasing the depth of the NBL this season.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a look three of the top performances over the weekend, with some new and old faces catching the eye and making their mark in their respective wins.

Matt Mooney – New Zealand Breakers

28 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals

The import and former college gun led the Breakers to a four-point triumph over the Perth Wildcats at Spark Arena on Saturday evening. Following a disappointing outing in their return to the NBL from overseas on Thursday, the Breakers capitalised on an undermanned Perth team to snag their third victory of the 2024/25 season.

Mooney was the star of the show with a standout scoring performance, knocking down seven threes on 10 attempts in a masterful shooting performance. He poured in a round-high 28 points along with four boards and five assists as he led from the front for his best showing in a Breakers uniform and putting his name on the watchlist for opposition teams.

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Kendric Davis – Adelaide 36ers

23 points, two rebounds, six assists, four steals

The Sixers were challenged by the Tasmania JackJumpers at home in the final game of the round on Sunday afternoon, but got the job done on the back of a massive performance from Davis. The JackJumpers got off to a hot start at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, but Adelaide’s depth and talent came to the fore as the match went on, getting the job done by four points.

It seems a different Adelaide player stands out every week on its star-studded roster, and Davis took the spotlight this time around. He posted a game-high 23 points on 9/18 shooting, while putting in the work on the defensive end with four steals and constantly putting the opposition under immense pressure, particularly the ball-carrier.

Jordan Hunter – SEM Phoenix

20 points, nine rebounds, one block

The Phoenix finally recorded their first win of the 2024/25 NBL season, defeating Melbourne United in the Throwdown at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon. After parting ways with Mike Kelly as head coach after an 0-5 start to the fixture, South East Melbourne pulled itself off the canvas and delivered a gutsy win against its crosstown rivals.

Hunter was the physical presence the Phoenix lacked in the opening five games, taking it right up to Melbourne’s stars and not backing down when United looked to put him under the pump. He finished with 20 points and nine boards in his best outing since making the move from Sydney.