Pasadena 72
Last year
NBL Central 2023 Power Rankings
With the season only a month away it's time to start some too-early power rankings.
1. South. Have to start here until proven otherwise. Sounds like Smith is likely to return and keep all of their core from last year plus have added Lloyd McVeigh who could be a nice surprise packet in this league and displace one of their starters. The best import/restricted duo in the league and an experienced coaching staff. Back to back looking good.
2. Forestville. Have announced some big re-signings as well as Brad Rathjen who fills an important need at guard for them this year. With Rios back as well they look better balanced than last year and still arguably the most talent in the league. Can Andy get it together for another title?
3. Woodville. Have lost Humphries but have some exciting ins with Ficken returning to the league and from what I can gather an NZ import too (couldn’t find much on him). Continuity counts for a lot though and Whitmore’s game planning will see them at the pointy end again.
4. West Adelaide. Could go either way. Mccarron and Drmic are in which obviously helps boost them from last year along with Joel Spear, but they’re starting a long way back after a disappointing season. Seems a very guard heavy team and new coach, could take a while to gel, if it ever does. I can’t have them above the top 3 at this point but it will be exciting to see if they can work it out.
5. North Adelaide. Announced an import recently and his film looks like he could tear up the league. With some early announcements of a pair of interstate recruits plus Mccalop lining up in reserves (I assume there will be an announcement soon) the Rockets have a high ceiling under Rojo. Parfitt seems to have taken a big step forward judging by reserves numbers.
6. Sturt. Haven’t heard much out of their camp besides rumours of Tom Daly returning. Not sure on Rigoni coming back after playing in Europe but have picked up young gun Jamie Smith. Hard to put them higher without knowing much about their team but rarely do they fall too low.
7. Norwood. Could be a changing of the guard. Big import announced looks the goods and will be genuinely big in this league plus McBride will be better in his second year. Haven’t seen Harding on reserves lists yet and if he doesn’t play that will be a big out for the Flames. O’Dell will be better for having a year under his belt and they will challenge the teams above for finals.
8. Centrals. Made a big signing this week with Ngor Nai who looks every bit as accomplished as an import. Brings back Jenkins and have announced a second import as well. Could make me look silly for putting them this low but it’s a tough league this year and they have some unproven players for Sapwell to develop.
9. Southern. Look to have picked up some handy young players judging by reserves in Logan and King. Could move up this list depending on imports and other signings but quiet at this point.
10. Legan back and young NSW kid Jasper Rentoy comes in. Haven’t seen another import announced. Wray has his work cut out and they’ll stay here until proven different.
