FRESH off signing a deal with a new NBL side, Sam McDaniel produced a strong performance in the NBL1 over the weekend.

McDaniel has been suiting up for the Hobart Chargers in the South Men’s competition in the 2023 season, and was a standout player in his side’s win over the Melbourne Tigers at the Hobart Netball and Sports Centre on Friday night.

The Chargers have been indifferent to start the season when it comes to the standings, getting some wins on the board, but were unable to get a streak of victories together. Coming in against the Tigers, Hobart was eager to make amends for last weekend’s loss to the Miners.

The Chargers burst out of the gates with a 25-13 first quarter, before backing it up in the second to take an 18-point lead into the main break. It was a big enough buffer that when Melbourne fought back in the last, the home side could hold on for an 11-point win.

McDaniel stuffed the stat sheet, but also had a significant impact on the contest as well, doing a bit of everything in a truly influential performance.

Hobart Chargers (82) def. Melbourne Tigers (71)

Sam McDaniel – 30 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, one block

McDaniel was everywhere for the Chargers in their third win of the 2023 season, showing his NBL talent at the highest level.

He was the game’s leading scorer with 30 points for the match, playing to his strengths and getting to his spot, where he has forged a strong career in finding the bottom of the net.

McDaniel shot 12/21 from the field, doing most of his damage from inside the arc. He is at his best when backing down the opposition and putting up a mid-range shot, and he did plenty of that against the Tigers.

He was able to knock down a couple of three-pointers as well, and was a big presence in the first half when Hobart controlled the contest.

The forward was strong on the glass too, using his strength to box out the opposition and put himself in prime rebounding position. McDaniel worked his way to a team-high 10 boards, with two of those coming on the offensive end.

He was still able to prove an impressive playmaker, dishing out six assists with passes going both inside the paint and out to the perimeter. It is a skill he has developed at NBL level, and was a big weapon for the Chargers on Friday.

Now a member of the Brisbane Bullets, McDaniel looks in excellent form, and delivered an outstanding showing for the Chargers.