A front-runner for Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Melo Trimble put on an incredible shooting masterclass throughout a period of success for Cairns, while Brian Bowen had a great time on court at home against the Breakers. Adelaide youngster, Harry Froling was inducted into the starting five with continued fascinating stats. Daniel Grida and AJ Davis are still finding their way, but are pulling in good numbers to get consistent court time.

Cairns Taipans – #1 Melo Trimble

This man is king. A combined 74 points in the Snakes’ two Round 13 matches! First up, the Taipans stunned Perth and Trimble scored 32 points including 85.7 per cent from deep. He showcased his explosive skills with seven rebounds and an assist. It was also his first game this season where Trimble was well mannered, not giving away a foul. In the final game of the round, Trimble got going early, contributing 18 of his 42 points in the first quarter alone (which Cairns led 25-18). From 29 attempts, 16 shots went in, which included seven of 10 outside. He had three rebounds, one assist and drew eight fouls against him. 

Adelaide 36ers – #11 Harry Froling

Well the call was made last week about Froling being on the cusp of featuring in the starting five, and it’s exactly what occurred on Saturday. He made the most of every one of his opportunities, putting in 14 points at 62 per cent shooting, and four of six from outside. His displays of confidence are being seen throughout the league as he added three rebounds, one assist and one steal. He also was involved in the contest against Illawarra on Thursday night where he was sinking every shot he attempted that included two threes. Froling also brought down four rebounds, assisted one score and had another steal.

Sydney Kings – #20 Brian Bowen

Well, Bowen did have a game of four last round, but not before he shot an incredible 12 points – his first double-digit score since Round 7 against United (15). Bowen also had four rebounds and one assist in the game against the Breakers. It wasn’t a pleasant night for Sydney’s contest against the Hawks, and it translated to Bowen too, who only scored four points but had a block and remained in the positive (plus five) through the game.

Illawarra Hawks – #11 Daniel Grida

On Friday night, Grida played the lowest time of anyone else who made their way onto the court, but managed four points, as well as one rebound and assist each in the Hawks’ narrow loss to Adelaide. He got more time on Sunday but shot one of four, nailing a three in the second quarter.

Brisbane Bullets – #11 AJ Davis

His debut must have impressed coach, Andrej Lemanis as Davis had 15 minutes on court in the Bullets’ win over Adelaide. He wasn’t afraid to shoot, attempting eight shots but only being successful on two. He also had three rebounds and a steal in his defensive game.