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NBL1 Central Round 2 Power Rankings
Early season power rankings based on what I've seen - bits and pieces of most games, a few full games. Keen to hear others thoughts.
#1 Sturt Sabres
Jacob Rigoni has come back looking every bit an NBL player. Was fortunate enough to see him first hand against Forestville and he looked a different level. Forbes is all class even while taking a back seat, we know he has another gear. Well balanced group, calling it now, this could easily be the year they break through for a title.
#2 Woodville Warriors
Did they replace one Woollcott medalist with another? Black had a mega debut for the Warriors and getting Wurm back is an underrated move after he led them to the GF in 2022. Could it be an all bald GF between Whitmore and Rigoni? Early indicators point to yes.
#3 South Adelaide Panthers
Have had some tight results against a pair of winless teams but they know how to win and have plenty of championship pedigree. Starling with 6 3s on the weekend if he’s added that look out league. Keeping themselves afloat before Jeremy Smith arrives.
#4 Forestville Eagles
Here by default as their loss came against the best team right now. Haven’t hit their straps but Mays and DJ will be the leagues best big duo and we know Doyle will be a great PG, their success will rely on the play of their wings Rathjen, Dibiamaka and Ipassou.
#5 Central District Lions
Took a tough first up loss to an improved Mavs side but bounced back to beat a fancied Norwood team at Starplex. Jenkins remains one of the best scorers in the league and Richards looked dangerous in game 2 after a tough first outing. Jimma is a handy pickup and we know they have some big pieces to come in too.
#6 Norwood Flames
Couldn’t put them above Centrals after their loss but this looks like a finals team and were methodical in their dismantling of North in game 1. Have plenty of talent in all positions along with good size up front. I expect this to be as low as we see Norwood all season.
#7 Eastern Mavericks
Could this be the year they compete for finals? A great game - victory over a talented Centrals side and a competitive game 2 against Forestville in a game closer than the score suggests. Hunter has a new lease on life after not seeing much time last year and could Freddy Webb be an upgrade on Rentoy? Exciting times for Mavs fans (at least after 8pm)
#8 Southern Tigers
Tough loss in round 1 but showed promise with a gritty performance before Starling got hold of them late. Both imports showed a bit and Abergut could be the recruit of the season. Coach Lake has them well drilled already and will cause their share of upsets this year.
#9 West Adelaide Bearcats
0-2 isn’t the start the defending champs would have been looking for. Lost by double digits to Woodville before playing South a little tighter this week. While Drmic will help, it may not be enough considering South still has Smith to add too. Heading a shining light for the Bearcats, I assume he’s an import and will use a restricted spot along with Drmic. Will get better but can they compete with the best sides?
#10 North Adelaide Rockets
Not sure what happened to Richard McCallop but he arrived to much fanfare and delivered little in his 10 minutes against Norwood. Happened to catch the Sturt game which was embarrassing for the Rockets, Sturts bench continuing to punish the Rockets starters deep into the 4th. Their talent is unquestioned so if things don’t improve soon questions will be asked of the staff.
