AMONG some of the Aussies performing at a high level in the 2022/23 NCAAM season was Josh Bannan, who has continued to deliver for the Montana Grizzlies for another season.

Bannan has forged out an impressive stint with the Grizzlies over the past few years, and it seems his output as a big man is far from slowing down, delivering another solid campaign in Montana colours recently.

The forward took a big step from and individual development standpoint last season, emerging as one of the better Australian college basketball players with an increased responsibility and boosted numbers as a result.

Coming into his junior season, Bannan was a core part of the Grizzlies rotation, having established himself as a starter and was averaging over 30 minutes a game. A similar story panned out over the past few months, as the Melbourne native was a constant presence in every Montana game.

While his numbers were quite similar to the 2021/22 season, the biggest improvements in his game came in areas that are not traditional strengths for a big man. Bannan’s playmaking and three-point shooting received a massive boost in comparison to previous campaigns, showcasing his willingness to become a more well-rounded player.

Bannan posted numbers of 15 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game over 31 appearances during the 2022/23 season. His playmaking was the most obvious area of improvement, looking to make that extra pass and find his teammates to create the easiest look. This change made him a much more imposing threat with ball in hand, with the defence now forced to cover the dish-out pass.

From downtown, Bannan looked a much more consistent shooter, nailing 40 per cent of his shots from behind the arc in a composed display of shooting. He is now shaping as a modern prototype of the modern big man, and can hurt the opposition in a number of ways.

The end of the college season marked the end of Bannan’s time in the NCAAM, having recently announced his intention to start his time with the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL. The Melbournian is returning to Australian shores to start his career in the constantly growing competition, having forged his craft at college level quite successfully.