The Brisbane Bullets kicked off their NBL25 campaign in impressive fashion, securing the Loggins-Bruton Cup as champions of the pre-season Blitz tournament.
This success goes beyond the trophy; it’s a significant step in building a winning culture for the team and setting the tone for the season ahead.
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Blitz success fuels optimism
Head coach Justin Schueller emphasises the importance of this pre-season performance, stating, “We’re at a stage of our program where we need to try and win everything we can.”
The Bullets’ clean sweep during the Blitz, which included victories over Melbourne United, South East Melbourne Phoenix, and the Cairns Taipans, highlights the team’s potential and depth as they head into the regular season.
If Brisbane can carry this form into the regular season, an improved record seems imminent and they could make a deep postseason push.
An inconsistent 2023/24
The 2023/24 season saw inconsistency plague the Bullets, finishing seventh with 13 wins and 15 losses. Missing out on the play-in by the slimmest of margins due to percentage, Brisbane showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t string together consistent performances.
However, they competed fiercely against top teams and appeared like a top-six contender for much of the season.
Individual standouts and team depth
Tyrell Harrison emerged as the standout of the Blitz, earning the Ray Borner Medal with averages of 17.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. His efficient shooting—64.3% from the floor and 84.2% from the free-throw line—underscored his improved offensive game.
Schueller’s praise for Harrison shows the high expectations surrounding the centre this season. “I don’t think Tyrell is a secret anymore,” Schueller remarks, signalling that Harrison is ready to become a key player in the team’s strategy.
“I think he’s showing what we’ve known inside the walls for a while, that he’s ready to take a leap,” Schueller adds. This timely progression coincides perfectly with the Bullets’ roster shake-up, as former NBA champion Aron Baynes bid farewell to the team during the offseason.
The Bullets’ strength extends beyond Harrison. Promising performances from NBL Next Star Rocco Zikarsky and new arrivals Deng Adel, Keandre Cook, and James Batemon III add depth to the roster.
Brisbane fans anticipate Josh Bannan and Sam McDaniel to build upon their stellar 2023/24 performances; and they expect continued solid contributions from Tohi Smith-Milner and Jarred Bairstow. Meanwhile, veteran leaders Mitch Norton, Casey Prather, and Isaac White shoulder the responsibility of steering the team through the season.
All eyes on Rocco Zikarsky
At just 18 years old, Rocco Zikarsky represents the future of Australian basketball. Standing at 7-foot-3, Zikarsky is already projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. His time training alongside former Bullet and Boomer Aron Baynes has provided invaluable mentorship, accelerating his development.
Zikarsky’s aspirations reach far beyond the NBL, with his eyes on representing Australia in the 2028 and 2032 Olympics. “Especially with 2032 being a home Olympics,” Zikarsky notes, emphasising his desire to be a core player for the Boomers on home soil.
Back to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre
The Brisbane Bullets will make a highly anticipated return to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre for their home opener on 5 October, facing off against the Sydney Kings. This marks their first game at the venue in 16 years, reclaiming what was once their fortress.
The Bullets’ offseason acquisitions, alongside Harrison’s breakout and the continued development of Zikarsky, position the Bullets as a formidable contender in the NBL25 season.
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With their success in the Blitz and the return to their formidable home ground, all eyes will be on the Bullets. Will this be the season they finally break their playoff drought?
Published 17-September-2024
