The National Basketball League (NBL) kicked off its 27th season with a series of high-profile performances and intense matchups that underscored the league’s growing competitiveness and star power. Opening night, held on September 26, showcased standout debuts, veteran dominance, and promising young talent across two major games on opposite sides of Australia.
At Melbourne’s John Cain Arena, the clash between reigning champion Melbourne United and last season’s grand finalist, the Adelaide 36ers, set the tone for the season. The game started explosively, with Melbourne’s Zylan Cheatham delivering an emphatic alley-oop dunk within seconds. Despite the excitement, injuries quickly altered the dynamic. Adelaide lost Flynn Cameron early to an ankle injury and dealt with foul problems for Cheatham and Nick Rakocevic, who fouled out in the first half. These setbacks weakened the visiting squad, which was already without key players Isaac Humphries, Bul Kuol, and John Jenkins.
Melbourne’s newly signed former NBA player, Cole Anthony, was a revelation, scoring 30 points in just 11 minutes despite a minutes restriction for a calf injury. Anthony’s electric debut impressed fans and analysts alike, raising questions about how long Melbourne can retain his services should an NBA opportunity arise. His confident post-game remark hinted at high team expectations, echoing past declarations by fellow NBL star Jock Landale.
On the other side, veteran Bryce Cotton showcased why he remains one of the league’s premier talents at age 34. Guarded by 198cm forward Luke Travers, Cotton overwhelmed his defender with sharp shooting and playmaking, finishing with 29 points and seven assists. His performance helped keep the game competitive in the final moments, despite Adelaide’s depleted roster and ultimately falling short by two points.
Another highlight came from Joe Ingles, marking his return to the NBL for the first time in nearly 17 years. Playing for the Melbourne United, Ingles logged over 25 minutes for only the second time since 2023, contributing 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Known for his fiery competitiveness, Ingles drew a technical foul after a heated exchange but revitalized the crowd with a deep three-pointer shortly afterward.
Meanwhile, in Melbourne’s southeast, the South East Melbourne Phoenix delivered a commanding 100-79 win over Perth. Eighteen-year-old Dash Daniels made an immediate impact in his debut for the Phoenix, posting a career-high 24 points and 12 rebounds. His aggressive offensive approach and defensive tenacity earned praise from coach Josh King, who urged Daniels to maintain this level of performance consistently. Daniels joined an elite group of players under 19 to achieve at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in a game, including Australian legend Andrew Gaze and former Next Stars LaMelo Ball and Karim Lopez.
Veteran wing Tanner Krebs also provided a strong showing for the Phoenix, contributing five three-pointers that helped extend South East Melbourne’s lead and contain Perth’s attempts at a comeback.
As the NBL embarks on its longest regular season in history with 165 games, the opening night’s blend of rising talent and seasoned veterans promises an exciting campaign ahead for fans and teams alike.