THERE were eight games played across Round 15 of the National Basketball League (NBL), which meant many of the league’s rising stars were able to strut their stuff on the court. Melo Trimble still is the best shooter in the league, while players like Jack McVeigh and Finn Delaney are turning into fine basketballers. Harry Froling won’t be down for long, while for United, Venky Jois made some impact in his first game.

Adelaide 36ers – #11 Harry Froling

Froling had a little dip this weekend, but he is a star already born and in the 36ers outfit, is helping them on a run towards the top four. Coming against two top teams, against Perth he was able to put up 10 points, while also recording five rebounds. Against Melbourne, he had seven points but shot at a low 28.6 per cent from the field. In that game he had two rebounds, an assist and a steal.

Adelaide 36ers – #9 Jack McVeigh

McVeigh is popping up at the right time and gets better with how many games he has played. He was on court for more than 20 minutes in his two games and his stats show he is destined for greatness in the league. Against Perth, he had 12 points, four rebounds and two assists He followed that up on Monday night with 11 points, nine rebounds and two assists.

Illawarra Hawks – #11 Daniel Grida

Grida had an alright weekend, playing 11 and 14 minutes in his two games against Melbourne and Cairns respectively. Against United, he made four points and had a seal too. Against the Taipans, Grida managed a three pointer, while also contributing four rebounds, a season-high for him.

New Zealand Breakers – #3 Finn Delaney

Delaney always seems to take his game to new levels. On the weekend, he spent some of his longest time on the court of this season, and it resulted in some big points and plays. Against Cairns, Delaney had 12 points, shooting 100 per cent to go with a rebound and assist each. In his second game of the round, Delaney put down 17 points and was six of seven from inside the arc. Pair that with four rebounds, five assists and a steal and block each, it was a pretty sound game from the youngster.

Cairns Taipans – #1 Melo Trimble

The best shooter in the league is still going strong at 23.1 points a game. Playing against New Zealand and Illawarra, Trimble shot 31 and 24 points respectively. He had very good games that includes four rebounds and six assists against the Breakers, while adding five rebounds and four assists to his stats line when playing the Hawks. In each game he had two steals, averaging 1.3 for the season.

Sydney Kings – #20 Brian Bowen

It’s a bit hit and miss for Bowen at the moment, not getting the numbers we were used to seeing in the midway mark of the competition. Nevertheless, he still gets considerable game time at the Kings. Against Brisbane he scored four points, but went at 20%, also setting up two goals from assists. Against Perth, he didn’t score from two attempts but this time had three rebounds (his first since January 11), an assist and a steal.

Brisbane Bullets – #11 AJ Davis

Davishad some more time on court this weekend, but couldn’t perform like the round before. This round he played Sydney for 12 minutes, but could not manage a score from two attempts, but still saw a rebound and assist to his name. Against New Zealand, he went one of three with a rebound.

Sydney Kings – #15 Ray Turner

After going stat-less in the matchup with the Bullets, he played over seven and a half minutes against the Wildcats, and made the most of it. He shot four of five from the floor for eight points, had two rebounds and a steal too. he could be a handy player for the finals campaign.

Sydney Kings – #7 Tom Wilson

Wilson had had some court time this season , but this was the one where he etched himself into the game. He played over four and a half minutes against Perth and knocked down a two, plus a free throw and even pulled down a rebound.

Melbourne United – #14 Tohi Smith-Miller

The United forward didn’t play heaps against the Hawks and 36ers, but in the game on Monday night in Adelaide, he converted two free throws and put in a steal.

Melbourne United – #52 Venky Jois

Jois had his first minutes for United and the 23 year-old had one attempt and made it for two points. In his minute of game time, he also had a rebound.