ALTHOUGH the National Basketball League (NBL) season wrapped last month, the action rolls on with free agency opening earlier this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just a couple of weeks after the Tasmania JackJumpers<\/a> claimed the 2023\/24 title, the free agency period opened, allowing out-of-contract players to make a move to a new team if they were after a change of scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There were some big names on the market coming in, but a few are now locked away after a blockbuster opening day on Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So far, the biggest movers have been the Sydney Kings<\/a>, who appear to be gearing up for a new era under new head coach Brian Goorjian<\/em><\/strong>. Along with returning superstar Xavier Cooks<\/a>, the Kings acquired the services of NCAAM duo Tyler Robertson<\/a> and Keil Leaupepe<\/a>, along with experienced guard Izayah Le’afa<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Robertson and Leaupepe have been highly touted prospects for a while, and will thrive under the guidance of Goorjian and Cooks, while Le’afa can defend and knock down the three-pointer, making Sydney a scary prospect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following a disappointing campaign, SEM Phoenix<\/a> are adding some firepower to their backcourt, getting the signature of star veteran guard Nathan Sobey<\/a> and heart and soul player Angus Glover<\/a>. Sobey will form a damaging partnership with Mitch Creek<\/a>, having established himself as one of the best scorers in the league, while the Phoenix will be hopeful Glover recreates his grand final heroics from 12 months ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The New Zealand Breakers<\/a> have also been busy in the opening days of free agency, adding the trio of Jonah Bolden<\/a>, Mitch McCarron<\/a> and Mojave King<\/a>. Bolden’s return to the NBL was much publicised last year, but he struggled to reach expectations with the Kings. McCarron appears the replacement for the likely departing William McDowell-White<\/a>, and King returns after a stint with the Ignite in the NBA G-League.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The final eye-catching move of Monday was the Cairns Taipans<\/a>‘ signing of young forward Kyrin Galloway<\/a> from the Adelaide 36ers<\/a>. Galloway showed glimpses of star potential with a strong build and athletic frame last season, and will head north to take that progression to the next level. Under Adam Forde <\/em><\/strong>– who is well renowned for his development of rising players – he could become one of the most improved players in the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n