ONE of the biggest positives for the National Basketball League (NBL)1 is the amount of young talent coming through in the 2024 season, demonstrated by the performance of Elijah Kamu in Round 1 of the North Men’s season.

Kamu has improved out of sight each year he has been a part of the Gold Coast Rollers, and that trend appears to continue after a pair of outstanding outings in Round 1 over the weekend.

The Rollers went 2-0 over their two games, delivering big wins over the Ipswich Force and the South West Metro Pirates, storming to the top of the ladder after the first weekend of play.

Kamu’s opening performance against the Force was particularly strong, stamping his authority on the match and announcing himself as one to watch this season.

Ipswich Force (82) def. by Gold Coast Rollers (102)

Elijah Kamu – 34 points, 12 rebounds

Kamu was one of the leading scorers in the opening round of the 2024 fixture, looking like an experienced star despite being just 19 years of age in a league full of veterans of the sport.

His 34 points were the most of any player in the game, with the power forward playing to his strengths and rolling to the hoop with intent.

Kamu combined well with veteran point guard Jason Cadee in pick and roll situations, being on the receiving end of dish off passes and finishing at the rack with powerful strength and excellent timing across all four quarters.

The big man shot an accurate 16/21 from the field, with a large chunk of his makes coming at the rim, where he does his best work, although he did attempt one shot from behind the arc given how well he was scoring the ball.

Kamu was strong when pushing through contact, converting several and-one plays having continued to put muscle on over the off-season. He proved too much for Ipswich’s front court, and is now a scary prospect when heading to the rack.

Following up misses is also a strength of Kamu’s, and he pulled down four offensive boards and converted the putback opportunities at the rim. His dominance in the paint was a big reason why the Rollers had such a big win, and they now look a much more dangerous side with his recent development.

Kamu then backed it up a couple of days later as Gold Coast made it 2-0 with a win over the Pirates, posting another 26 points and seven rebounds on 11/15 shooting from the field.