Stat Wrap - NBL26: Round 1

Welcome to Stat Wrap! Your behind the scenes deep dive on the numbers from each round of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season.

Doyle comes up clutch

Playing his first game for Melbourne United, Milton Doyle could not have shone brighter in the biggest moments of the game.

Across the final minutes of each of the four quarters on Thursday evening, Doyle shot a perfect 5/5 from the field and 2/2 from the free throw line. 

None of these makes were bigger than the American’s three-point make with 11 seconds remaining in the contest, which extended our lead to five points.

Following the victory, Head Coach Dean Vickerman praised Doyle’s ability to step up when needed.

READ MORE: Vickerman on Doyle: ‘He thrives in big moments’

Second chances paying off

Throughout the offseason, Dean Vickerman stressed the importance of hitting the glass in order to contend for a Championship in NBL26.

This was on full display across Round 1, as we out-rebounded opponents in both games, while recording a league-best rebounding rate of 55.1%

Fabijan Krslovic led all players across the round with 20 total rebounds, including a career-best 12 boards in his 200th game on Thursday evening.

Ili’s elite orchestration

Shea Ili has long been considered one of the competition’s best creators at the guard position, but in Round 1, he took it to another level.

The dynamic Kiwi dished out 11 assists in his 42 minutes, while registering zero turnovers.

Add to that his usual brand of elite defence, which produced three steals and created extra opportunities for his teammates, Ili’s return to the lineup was ultra encouraging.

Our stars will next hit the court on Thursday evening on the eve of the AFL Grand Final public holiday in a blockbuster Throwdown 29 matchup against the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Tickets remain on sale, so get in now to secure your seat for what is sure to be a can’t miss event!