The James Batemon Effect: Brisbane Bullet’s Winning Formula

“Expect a guy who can shoot the three, who can attack [the rim], and who can get his teammates involved, and look to wreak havoc when defending the opposing point guards on the other end,” James Batemon of the Brisbane Bullets boldly declared before the NBL25 season started. And he is certainly delivering.

Initially pegged as a defensive-minded floor general, the 27-year-old rising star is showcasing his versatility and making history. Batemon has transformed into one of the NBL’s most prolific scorers, delivering the highest individual score in the league’s 40-minute era, a historic 51-point performance against the Perth Wildcats, in a game that also saw him sink nine 3-pointers.


Read: Bullets vs Wildcats: Brisbane Soars as Batemon Delivers Historic 51-Point Masterclass


Solid All-around Player

While his scoring has grabbed headlines, Batemon’s defensive tenacity remains a cornerstone of his game.

His Brisbane Bullets profile describes him as “…a well-rounded point guard with a defensive mindset who is a more than capable playmaker and distributor, and has a knack of knocking down the big shot.”

His modest statline of 5.6 points per game coupled with feisty defence in Brisbane’s 0-3 start initially reflected this defensive-first assessment. However, his offensive game soon exploded, with his back-to-back 20-point performances propelling the Bullets to their first two victories of the season, signalling his emergence as the team’s offensive catalyst.

Global Journey to Brisbane

Before donning the Bullets jersey and moving to Australia, Batemon crafted his game across two continents. His collegiate career began in the United States at North Dakota State College of Science, where he averaged 20.8 points as a sophomore, before transferring to Loyola Marymount University.

At Loyola as a junior, he ranked fourth in scoring, among the nine schools in the West Coast Conference (WCC), leading all newcomers with an average of 17.8 ppg in his All-WCC Second Team season.

The following year, in his senior collegiate campaign, the budding star started and played all 34 games, making school history with the third-most minutes played in a season at 1201.

He dominated the WCC with 54 steals and started to make a name for himself, making it into the All-WCC First Team and the Lou Henson Award Watch List. He was also the Jamaica Classic Montego Bay Division MVP.

Batemon ended his collegiate career tied for 13th with a 17.0 career ppg, 15th in career free throws made (323), 16th in career assists (261), and third in career minutes averaged (25.2).

Batemon’s professional career had a rocky start, however, with the 2019 NBA Draft season leaving him high and dry. Undrafted in the US, he moved to Europe to start his pro career, playing for the Latvian-Estonian League with BK Ogre. His professional career spans Latvia, France—where he earned LNB Pro B MVP honours—Greece, Germany, and Israel, each stop adding layers to his versatile skill set.

NBL25 Performance Highlights

After moving to Australia for NBL25, the talented point guard’s influence on the Bullets’ fortunes has been undeniable. Averaging 15.9 points on remarkable shooting splits of 51.7% from both the field and three-point range, Batemon’s scoring prowess has become the team’s barometer for success.

In the Bullets’ four victories, his numbers have surged to 28.3 points per game on an even more efficient 59.7% field goal and 62.2% three-point shooting:

12 October: 20 points (7-14 FG, 6-9 3P) in an 87-85 win over Phoenix
17 October: 21 points (8-14 FG, 5-8 3P), 5 rebounds in an 84-73 victory against NZ Breakers
2 November: 21 points (9-16 FG, 3-5 3P), 6 rebounds versus Cairns Taipans in a 92-88 win
17 November: Historic 51 points (19-28 FG, 9-15 3P), 4 rebounds, 2 steals, zero turnovers in a 105-84 triumph over Perth

Role evolution

Despite his scoring capabilities, Batemon’s path in Brisbane hasn’t been linear. After starting the season in the first unit, he transitioned to a sixth-man role for six games, including three of the Brisbane Bullets’ wins. When injury forced him back into the starting lineup against Perth, he rose to the occasion with his unprecedented 51-point masterpiece, showing up masterfully to his appointment with destiny.


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With the Bullets currently at 4-6, Batemon’s emergence as a scoring threat alongside his established playmaking and defensive abilities positions him as a crucial piece in Brisbane’s push toward playoff contention. His remarkable efficiency and ability to take over games suggest that the best may be yet to come for both himself and the Bullets in NBL25.

Originally published 29-September-2024. Updated 19-November-2024..

Bullets vs United: Brisbane’s Woes Continue Against Melbourne

The Brisbane Bullets’ search for a win against Melbourne United continues as they suffer a 120-103 defeat at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Yet another loss in the Bullets vs United matchup marked a 12th consecutive defeat against the Victorian side dating back to March 2021.


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Norton’s milestone night interrupted by power outage

In his 350th NBL game, captain Mitch Norton demonstrated his continued importance in his 13th professional season. Starting his career as the youngest-ever Townsville Crocodiles captain at age 18, Norton’s trademark hustle plays and efficiency set high standards for his teammates. His milestone evening begins perfectly as he scores the game’s opening basket, finishing with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

With 3:24 remaining and trailing 104-89, the game experienced an unexpected 30-minute delay due to a power failure. Following the interruption, the Bullets showed a brief fightback but ultimately could not bridge the gap, with United maintaining their advantage to secure the 17-point victory.

Offensive efficiency, defensive challenges

Keandre Cook erupted for a game-high 23 points, leading the Bullets’ scorers. Cook’s efficiency at the free-throw line was on full display, as he converted all 11 of his attempts. This aggressive, attack-minded approach from the Bullets was reflected in their impressive 29-for-33 performance from the charity stripe as a team.

Casey Prather added 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Josh Bannan chipped in 17 points and 6 boards. Tyrell Harrison also made his mark, finishing with 13 points and 6 rebounds.

Even with coach Justin Schueller placing a heavy emphasis on defensive intensity, the Bullets were unable to stop Melbourne United, who poured in 85 points through the first three quarters. The Bullets got outmuscled and out-hustled: United outscored Brisbane 44-32 in the paint, 20-13 in second-chance opportunities, and 13-4 advantage in transition.

Looking forward

The loss drops Brisbane to a 3-5 record after playing a league-low eight games. They now have an extended break before facing the Tasmania JackJumpers at MyState Bank Arena on Friday, 15 November, followed by a home clash against the Perth Wildcats on Sunday, 17 November.


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The loss also carries additional concern with experienced forward Jarred Bairstow suffering what appeared to be a serious lower leg injury, adding another challenge for the team to overcome as they look to improve their position in NBL25.

Published 08-November-2024


Match preview published on 03-November-2024.

Bullets vs United: Bullets Look to Upset Melbourne in Norton’s Landmark Game

Bullets vs United: Bullets Look to Upset United in Norton's Landmark Game

The Brisbane Bullets (3-4) are set to celebrate captain Mitch Norton’s 350th NBL game when they host second-ranked Melbourne United (7-3) this Thursday, 7 November. Bullets vs United tip off 6:30 p.m. at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.


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Strong form despite early struggles

Fresh off an impressive 92-88 comeback victory against the Cairns Taipans, the Bullets showcased their trademark late-game resilience—a consistent factor throughout the early season. Norton’s defensive excellence was evident in Cairns, where he spent most of his 33 minutes containing Taipans’ star Rob Edwards.

“We’re very lucky to have him and there is not a person in our organisation that doesn’t feel that way,” says coach Justin Schueller, discussing Norton’s influence. “We’re going to make sure we celebrate that [his 350th game] the right way.”

Evolving guard rotation; patient youth development

The Bullets’ guard rotation has transformed from its initial NBL25 strategy. What began with James Batemon starting and Norton coming off the bench has evolved into an effective partnership, with Norton starting and Batemon providing scoring punch as sixth man.

Batemon’s offensive firepower was on full display in Cairns, leading all scorers with 21 points, while centre Tyrell Harrison dominated the boards with 14 points and 20(!) rebounds.

While veterans lead the charge, the Bullets maintain a measured approach to youth development. NBA prospect Rocco Zikarsky’s playing time—averaging under 10 minutes per game with just 5 minutes in Cairns—has been a subject of fan discussion online. Veteran teammate Casey Prather emphasises patience in the 18-year-old’s journey.

“There’s no ceiling, the only thing is going to be him and how hard he can take it on, and how patient he is,” Prather tells Sydney Morning Herald. “NBA teams are salivating over him right now.”


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Bullets vs United

Melbourne United arrives as one of the NBL’s hottest teams, riding a three-game winning streak and showcasing their championship credentials. The Bullets’ recent form, winning three of their last four games, suggests they’re ready for the challenge against the league’s second-ranked outfit.

With both teams hitting their stride, Thursday’s clash promises high-quality basketball between two in-form sides.