NBL1 All-Stars are certainly not making up the numbers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The side containing three Tasmanians will enter the NBL Blitz preseason series stocked full of confidence.
It took the All-Stars - from 10 different NBL1 clubs - just a handful games to gel and win the world invitational basketball tournament held in Thailand this week.
A dominant second term set up a 82-60 win over Hi-Tech Bangkok City in the final on Wednesday night.
The Australians had been impressive over the five days including a 85-70 win against Iranian champions Kalleh 85-70 in the semi-final and a 20-point win against NBA G-League side Greensboro Swarm, who are feeder side for Charlotte Hornets.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
The average winning margin of 23 points will satisfy the young squad to prepare the All-Stars for the intensity of NBL opposition.
NBL1 general manager Dean Anglin, who has driven the concept for the All-Stars, is confident that the NBL hopefuls can match it with Cairns Taipans on Saturday night at the Silverdome.
"The NBL1 All-Stars team showcases some of the competition's best players from the men's competition," Anglin said. "We are looking forward to them competing against the highly-talented opposition and giving our fans another chance to watch the NBL1's best."
The All-Stars will debut in the NBL Blitz that includes facing Brisbane Bullets first in Ulverstone out of the need for an even number of sides since the entry of the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Cairns runs out in the first Launceston game - ahead of the Bullets facing Adelaide 36ers - looking to better its wooden spoon last season.
"That is what this week is about: trying to understand our identity as a team," Taipans point guard Anthony Fisher said, "and hopefully we will come out with some good results."
Subscriptions are available here.
Sign up to our Sport email here.
Know a junior sport star? Make a nomination for our 2019 Junior Sports Awards here.
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
