NBL1 National Finals: A look at the players from every national finals club on the cusp of NBL and WNBL dreams
They’ve dominated the NBL1 competition and, with just the national finals to go, here are the second-tier competition stars on the cusp of a title — and a shot at NBL or WNBL honours.
For most NBL1 players, this weekend’s national finals will be the pinnacle of their basketball careers.
But, for others, there’s more than a title at stake.
We take a look at the talents eyeing NBL and WNBL honours from every national finals club heading into Friday’s tip-off in Canberra, right in the middle of the CODE Sports NBL Blitz.
Don’t miss out on all the NBL1 national finals action: Click here to grab your ticket now or watch every game live on Kayo Freebies
NBL1 MEN
Tamuri Wigness, NBL1 North: Southern Districts Spartans
NBL watch: Coming off the back of an outstanding year for the Southern Districts Spartans in NBL1 North, Tamuri Wigness would be an explosive addition to any NBL back-court. The 23-year-old has been terrific over the course of the season, averaging 26 points, 6.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game, which earned him a place in the NBL1 North All Star First Team alongside current NBL stars Sam McDaniel and Reuben Te Rangi. He also took home the NBL1 North Grand Final Series MVP award for his outstanding performances in the Spartans’ 2-0 victory over the Brisbane Capitals. Wigness’ glittering form throughout the season won him a brief return to his former team, the Brisbane Bullets, for their NBL pre-season games. Is he on the brink of a second chance in the NBL?
Elliott Brown, NBL1 South: Sandringham Sabres
NBL watch: At just 19 years old, Elliott Brown is one of the brightest young stars in NBL1 this year, with plenty of potential that has already been spotted by Melbourne United, where he has spent time practising with the NBL squad. Brown started the 2025 season in stunning fashion, solidifying his place in the Sabres line-up with big performances, including a 30-point display against the Ringwood Hawks in Round 4. His numbers have not been off the charts in the second half of the year, but Brown has still proven to be an important member of a Sandringham squad that came from behind to defeat Melbourne Tigers in the NBL1 South grand final. Averaged 11 points, 2.1 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game this season.
Sean Stock, NBL1 Central: West Adelaide Bearcats
NBL watch: Sean Stock has established himself as a consistent contributor for the West Adelaide Bearcats throughout the season and could be a solid target for NBL teams looking for reliable young prospects they can develop. While he hasn’t been a standout statistically, Stock started every game throughout the NBL1 Central Finals and has proven to be an important piece in the Bearcats’ line-up. Averaging 6.7 points, 2 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game, there is plenty of room for growth, at just 20 years of age. Can his Stock rise at the national finals?
Lachlan Dent, NBL1 East: Illawarra Hawks
NBL watch: Lachlan Dent has been a very consistent contributor in a strong Illawarra Hawks line-up this year, and has made a pretty strong case to be considered for a return to the NBL, with South East Melbourne among teams who have cast their eye over the sturdy guard. The former Hawks development player averaged 15.1 points, 6.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game in 2025. He played an important role in the second-tier Hawks’ first-place NBL1 finish, and will be crucial again if they are to get the job done in Canberra. The highlight of Dent’s season came in Round 10 against the Bankstown Bruins, where he finished with 35 points, including eight three-pointers, and eight assists in a 12-point victory. Games like this are proof that Dent’s ceiling is still very high.
William Mayfield, NBL1 East: Canberra Gunners (elevated for defending champions Knox Raiders)
NBL watch: William Mayfield has been sensational for the Canberra Gunners in 2025, and has proven that he has the ability to match it with NBL-calibre talent. The 25-year-old produced a strong season on both ends of the floor, averaging 20.3 points, 4.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals in guiding the Gunners to a NBL1 East title. Mayfield’s strong two-way presence was a focal point this year and his form saw him finish second in the NBL1 East MVP race, claim a spot in the NBL1 East Men’s All Star Five, and take home the NBL1 East Defensive Player of the Year award. With a chance to cap off a fantastic season for the Gunners at national finals in their home city, Mayfield will be one to watch.
Verle Williams, NBL1 West: Geraldton Buccaneers
NBL watch: In a Geraldton Buccaneers line-up full of experienced stars, Verle Williams has been an excellent addition this season. Never far away from a highlight play, Williams has showcased impressive scoring ability as a consistent performer off the bench for the NBL1 West champions. Averaging 12.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.1 steals for the Buccaneers in 2025, Williams’ two-way impact has been crucial, with his bursts of speed and tenacious defensive ability a focal point. An NBL club might see Williams’ versatility and explosiveness as a potential back-court depth piece, even at age 27.
NBL1 WOMEN
Leah Scott, NBL1 North: Logan Thunder
WNBL watch: Could the NBL1 North Grand Finals Series MVP be the next NBL1 import to make the leap to the WNBL? Following in the footsteps of Teige Morrell, Nicole Munger and Unique Thompson – Leah Scott has repeatedly proven to be an automatic bucket in the North. Named to the inaugural 2022 National Finals All-Star Five and to the conference’s second team in 2023 and 2024, Scott is one of the competition’s best scorers, averaging 21.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season. In game three of the Grand Final Series, Scott dropped 24 points, 15 rebounds and four assists in a clutch performance that led the Thunder to victory over her former club Southern Districts Spartans. Named Finals MVP as a result, could the NBL1 hero’s next step be a national title, All-Star Five campaign and a WNBL berth?
Paige Burrows, NBL1 South: Knox Raiders
WNBL watch: Given how dominant the Knox Raiders have been since their introduction into NBL1, Paige Burrows is bound to translate her success and mentorship into the WNBL at some point. With previous experience as a Melbourne Boomers development player, winning gold in 2024 with Victoria in the U20 National Championships and now a conference champion, the 20-year-old guard must be on WNBL clubs’ radars. Her 20 points was pivotal in Knox’s shock win over the undefeated Geelong United and her ability to knock down the three, control the tempo of the game and drive hard to the basket are all aspects WNBL coaches are looking for.
Jaya Scafidi, NBL1 West: Cockburn Cougars
WNBL watch: Fresh off an undefeated season in the NBL1 West, 19-year-old Jaya Scafidi has the chance to make an impression on the WNBL coaches watching on. Known for her hustle and energy, Scafidi’s impact doesn’t always show in the box score. With physical play in one of the country’s best women’s conferences, her ball-handling and rebounding could be useful skills for guard-depleted WNBL teams this season.
Ambah Kowcun, NBL1 Central: Woodville Warriors
WNBL watch: A young Indigenous star on the rise, Ambah Kowcun’s basketball has taken her from Darwin all the way to America and an NBL1 Central Championship. After three seasons of NCAA college ball at Wichita State and then Eastern Kentucky, the 178cm guard has made a name for herself in Adelaide, averaging 7.2 points per game on a Championship-winning side. Under the mentorship of fellow Indigenous star Jasmin Fejo and the legendary Erin Phillips, her defensive skillset and shooting improved throughout the 2025 campaign. With several players unavailable for Woodville’s nationals roster, Kowcun will be leant on to produce more than she ever has — and this is her chance to impress a WNBL club.
Katelyn Shumate, Defending Champions: Waverley Falcons (NBL1 South)
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WNBL watch: As the team’s third leading scorer, 24-year-old Katelyn Shumate will be one to watch for the defending champions in Canberra. In her first season in Australia, the American guard was crucial to Waverley’s 16-6 record, alongside WNBL veterans Bec Cole and Carley Ernst. She fit in the elite squad seamlessly and will be key to their hopes of back-to-back titles. While they didn’t make the Grand Final, Shumate can make a lasting impression in Canberra and take over Waverley’s offence this weekend. With a season-high of 27 points, she is more than capable of carrying the Falcons to Sunday’s Championship Games with her creative inside scoring and deadly mid-range jumper.
Zoey Miller, NBL1 East: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
WNBL watch: The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have one of the best team cultures in the entire NBL1, and Zoey Miller has reaped the benefits. The 21-year-old has been with the program since it joined the east conference, making two grand finals (losing in 2023, winning in 2025). As a starter, Miller averaged 9.3 points, 4.5 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals this season. She dropped 17 points in the Grand Final against a star-studded Centre of Excellence team, cementing herself as a key pillar of the Sea Eagles’ championship run. A part of Sydney’s Future Flames program, Miller is already on the radar of one WNBL team. Will she land on the radar of others with an eye-catching performance in Canberra?
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