THE National Basketball League (NBL) season is set to kick off later this month, with the 2024/25 season starting on the 19th of September to mark what should be another exciting fixture of matches.

Last year saw a changing of the guard of sorts in the NBL landscape, with a first-time champion crowned and plenty of players staking their claims as stars of the competition. With the league as stacked as ever when it comes to talent, there are superstars emerging from every club each fixture.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be highlighting three players that have the potential to take their respective games to the next level, and appear primed for big campaigns.

Breakout candidates

Tyrell Harrison – Brisbane Bullets

One of the easiest selections based on preseason form, Harrison looks set to become one of the premier big men in the competition after gaining added responsibility with the departure of Aron Baynes. He had shown glimpses last season, but his preseason form has been immense on the offensive side of things, putting his name forth to lead the Bullets after some key names left the side.

In Brisbane’s three preseason games, Harrison has posted 18, 20 and 24 points, shooting above 60 per cent in all of these outings. He uses pure strength to outmuscle his opponent, and looks ready to take on more offensive responsibility. Harrison could also average a double-double given he recorded 10-plus rebounds in two of his three warm up matches.

Angus Glover – SEM Phoenix

This is a tricky one, because Glover is already an established role player within the NBL after winning two titles as a member of the Sydney Kings, showcasing toughness on the big stage. Over the off-season, Glover headed south to join the new look Phoenix, and could get a bigger role within the team, especially given recent form.

Glover put in starring performances for the Eltham Wildcats in the NBL1 South Men’s throughout season 2024, putting his team on his back on a consistent basis, and hit some massive game-winners in the postseason to eventually lead them to the title. Now returning to the NBL, Glover looks set for a boost in court time and it resulted in a 24-point performance against the Bullets in a preseason hitout, and showed he is capable of taking his scoring game to the next level.

Taran Armstrong – Cairns Taipans

After spending some time at college level with the Lancers, Armstrong joined the NBL as a member of the Taipans, but had to share point guard minutes with some import teammates. However, the runway has cleared and he looks destined to be the leader and focal point of Cairns’ side for the 2024/25 season in an exciting move from coach Adam Forde.

A crafty point guard that has an incredibly high ceiling as a player, Armstrong will be able to score and create for teammates with ease, and should thrive as the floor general for the Taipans. He has not had the opportunity to showcase what the team looks like when he leads the way just yet, but is certainly one of the most intriguing players to keep an eye on at the NBL Blitz.