Nbl1 men’s – season preview

The UniSC Rip City Men have only one more step to accomplish— win the grand final. Last season the men fell in the Grand Final to the Gold Coast Rollers and will look to not only get back to there this season, but win it as well. The group will be without long time Point Guard and captain, Isiah Tueta, after suffering a knee injury in the grand final series. Coach Nathan Arousi has brought in American import Brandon Wood, a Michigan State alum. Wood will provide a scoring punch for the group.

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk will also not be returning to the group and will be replaced by both Tasmanian Jack Jumper, Matt Kenyon and Perth Wildcat, Corey Shervil. Kenyon is an elite defender at the NBL level and will look to bring an enormous presence to the NBL1 squad. He has the ability to play both point guard and off the ball, slashing to the basket and stretch the floor. Shervil will be serviced at the wing and is an elite level shooter with the versatility to get to the basket and post up as well. Bringing both players in will be an improved punch from last years roster.

Also returning to the group will be the core group of forward’s Louis Ilton, Josh Tueta and Eric McAlister. Lightning guard Verle Williams will also be returning after his inaugural season at Rip in 2022. Expect to see juniors Kai Bloom, Khobie Redgard and Riley Cordwell receive minutes over the course of the season. Juniors Sebastian Morris, Cal Parsons, Dane Glover and Ronnie Twidale may also see time this season, too.

The UniSC Rip City Men’s team is looking forward to chasing a championship season once again this year. Come down to UniSC stadium throughout the 2023 NBL1 North season to support the men.