Top 10 Rising Stars to Watch in New Zealand NBL This Season

As I sit down to analyze this season's New Zealand National Basketball League prospects, I can't help but reflect on how coaching changes elsewhere might influence our local talent development. Just yesterday, I read about Norman Black's expected appointment as Gilas coach for the SEA Games - a move that reminds me how crucial proper mentorship is for emerging players. Having followed the NBL for over a decade, I've developed a keen eye for spotting genuine talent versus temporary flashes of brilliance. This season presents an intriguing mix of young prospects who could potentially follow in the footsteps of past NBL stars who made it to international competitions.

Let me start with what I consider the most exciting prospect - 19-year-old shooting guard Liam Smith from the Canterbury Rams. I watched this kid drop 32 points against the Saints last preseason, and his shooting mechanics are simply textbook. His three-point percentage hovers around 42%, which is remarkable for someone his age. What impresses me most isn't just his scoring ability but his basketball IQ - he reads defenses like a veteran player. I've spoken with several coaches who believe he could be New Zealand's next international representative if he maintains this development trajectory. The way he moves without the ball reminds me of a young Kirk Penney, and that's not comparison I make lightly.

Then there's Wellington's new import, American point guard Marcus Johnson, who averaged 15.2 points and 7.8 assists in the Australian NBL last season. I've reviewed footage of his games extensively, and his court vision is something special. He's what I'd call a pure floor general - the type of player who makes everyone around him better. The Sharks managed to sign him for what I understand was approximately $120,000 for the season, which could turn out to be the bargain of the year if he adapts quickly to the New Zealand style of play. His performance in their opening game against the Giants - 18 points and 9 assists - suggests he's adjusting just fine.

What many fans might not realize is how much the development of these rising stars connects to broader basketball ecosystems, much like how Norman Black's appointment in the Philippines represents their commitment to developing their national program. Similarly, our NBL serves as a crucial breeding ground for Tall Blacks prospects. Take Southland's power forward, Ben Thompson - at 21, he's already showing defensive capabilities that could see him representing New Zealand within two years. I've watched him record 4 blocks in a single quarter against Nelson, and his timing is impeccable. His coach told me privately that several European clubs have already expressed interest, though the figures being discussed - around €200,000 annually - might be premature for now.

The Nelson Giants have what I consider the most underrated prospect in 20-year-old small forward Josh Miller. His stats don't jump off the page - averaging 12.3 points and 5.1 rebounds - but when you watch him play, you see the complete package. He plays within the system, makes smart decisions, and has shown consistent improvement month after month. I particularly love his mid-range game, which has become something of a lost art in modern basketball. If he can improve his three-point shooting from its current 34% to somewhere around 38%, he'll become a genuine star in this league.

Speaking of development, the Taranaki Mountainairs have two young players who've caught my attention - twins Sam and Chris Wilson. At 22, they've both shown remarkable growth since their rookie seasons. Sam's perimeter defense has improved dramatically - I tracked his defensive rating at 98.3 last month, which places him among the top defenders in the league. Chris, meanwhile, has developed a reliable post game that complements his brother's outside shooting. Having siblings with this kind of chemistry is rare, and I believe their unique connection gives Taranaki a strategic advantage that other teams underestimate.

What fascinates me about this season's crop of rising stars is how they represent a shift toward more versatile, positionless basketball. Players like Auckland's 19-year-old forward, David Chen, exemplify this trend. Standing at 6'8" but with guard skills, he can legitimately play three positions. His handle needs work - he averaged 2.8 turnovers last season - but his potential is enormous. I've spoken with scouts who believe he could grow into a Draymond Green-type role if he continues developing his passing and defensive versatility.

The Hawke's Bay Hawks have what I consider the most intriguing international prospect - 18-year-old Australian import Jordan White. Though new to the league, his athleticism is already turning heads. I watched him throw down a dunk in their preseason game that had the entire arena on its feet. His raw numbers - 14.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in the Australian junior league - don't fully capture his upside. He needs to work on his outside shot, but his physical tools are undeniable.

As I assess these players, I keep thinking about how development pathways have evolved. The news about Norman Black taking over the Philippine national team reminds me that proper coaching makes all the difference in transforming potential into performance. Here in New Zealand, we're seeing the fruits of improved development systems. The NBL's investment in youth programs - approximately $2.3 million annually according to league sources - is starting to pay dividends with this deeper talent pool.

My dark horse for breakthrough player of the season is Manawatu's 21-year-old center, Michael Brown. He's relatively unknown after playing college basketball in the United States, but his combination of size (6'11") and mobility is rare. I've watched him dominate practice sessions with his shot-blocking and rebounding. If he can translate that to game situations, he could average a double-double this season. The Jets are reportedly considering offering him a two-year extension worth around $180,000, which would be a smart investment in my opinion.

Looking at these ten rising stars collectively, what excites me most isn't just their individual talents but how they represent the growing strength of New Zealand basketball. The NBL has quietly become one of the better development leagues in the Asia-Pacific region, and these players are evidence of that progress. While we watch Norman Black's impact on Philippine basketball from afar, we have our own coaching talent and development systems producing players who could someday make similar impacts internationally. The future of New Zealand basketball appears bright indeed, with this new generation poised to take the league - and potentially the international stage - by storm in the coming years.