NBL1: Teams bolster rosters ahead of new season

NBL teams continue their recruitment drive as they build their rosters ahead of the 2022/23 season.

A number of teams have been very active already, including Worthing Thunder, who have made a raft of signings to signal their intent for next season.

We take a look at some of the major talking points of the summer so far.

Worthing Thunder

Thunder have their D1 rivals on high alert after 3x3 gold medalist Orlan Jackman and England star Andre Arissol made the switch from reigning champions Solent Kestrels, joining American duo Ronald Blain and David Moya as new faces at Thunder.

If that wasn’t enough, GB 3x3 u23 star Veron Eze will also line-up for Thunder having most recently represented NCAA D2 side Augustana, as is former Newcastle guard Naz Abu-Ramadan.

Hemel Storm

Hemel Storm have gone big once again, taking another star prize from Thames Valley Cavaliers. MVP candidate Hakeem Sylla will link up with former teammate Taylor Johnson at Storm as they look to go one step further than their playoff final defeat to Solent Kestrels last season. Charles Aquah-Davis also crosses the TVC-Hemel divide, while British-Canadian forward Aaryn Rai makes the switch from Ivy League school Dartmouth. If that wasn’t enough, Storm have also added a three-point specialist to their armoury in Seth Swalve. The US guard joins from the Georgian A-Liga, boasting 54% from three on 4.2 attempts per game (BBL Fix).

Team Newcastle University

Team Newcastle has some big shoes to fill going into the new campaign, with NCAA D3 products Oliver Clingain (Hiram College), Trey Carrier (Wentworth) and Temi George (Union College) forming part of their revamp following the loss of Blain, Moya and Abu-Ramadan. They have also brought in ex-Barking guard Edrick Okunola and Nestor Saa from Icelandic D1 to bolster their ranks.

Derby Trailblazers

Derby Trailblazers have re-signed last season’s stars Leighton Elliott-Sewell, L Lynch Trophy MVP Malcolm Smith and DPOTY Raheem May-Thompson but will feel the hit of losing Blake Bowman to BBL side Leicester Riders. A timely boost is the induction of EABL star Simeon Perry to the University of Derby, meaning he will represent the Blazers next season.

Former Lions II star Jase Harrison is an exciting addition, while Ryan Bruggeman also re-signs and takes up the head coach role at the UOD. British-Canadian Jake Wilmott is also on the roster after spending last season with Canadian college Camosun.