Every Player Rated: Championship Series

It’s number one against number two in the Championship Series and it’s a matchup that is full of talent all over the floor.

Derek Rucker has rated all the key players ahead of Game 1 on Saturday night and will do the same following each stage of the series.

Game 1 between Illawarra and Melbourne tips off on Saturday night at 8pm AEDT.

Watch every game of the Hungry Jack's NBL25 Championship Series, live on ESPN.

Trey Kell III - superb all-round basketball player with no weaknesses. Big PG who can dominate games in number of ways. 9.5/10

Tyler Harvey - electric scorer and playmaker. One of the best-shot makers in the NBL. He has a tremendous sense of the moment in games. His step back and floater are world class elite. 9.3/10

Sam Froling - extremely effective center who keeps it simple. Scores efficiently, rebounds sufficiently and plays physically. One of the top 3 Australian bigs in the NBL. 9.1/10

Todd Blanchfield - must be watched closely by fans and Melbourne Utd. On a tear on the offensive end in the past six weeks. Hit eight threes in Game 3 to bury SEM. Tremendous experience and valuable role player. 8.3/10

Darius Days - slowly getting into decent form. His size, strength and shooting could play a part in swinging a game or two in the series. Excellent rebounder. 8.2/10

Want Swaka Lo Buluk - defensive-minded guard who continues to improve as a shooter. He’s one of the top two-way players in the NBL. Will have moments guarding Chris Goulding that could determine the outcome of the series. 8.2/10

William Hickey - impactful and dynamic bench player who fills the stats sheet. Super high energy player and disruptive on the defensive end. Will be a significant factor in this series. 8.2/10

Hyunjung Lee - shooter. Going to shoot it when he’s open. Going to shoot it as soon as he gets in the game. Will look to hurt Melbourne United by shooting. He’s a SHOOTER! 8/10

Mason Peatling - utility big man who does the dirty work for Illawarra. Has surprised everyone with the quality of his play this season. Can step out and knock down the three ball. 8/10

Lachlan Olbrich - size, youth and enthusiasm. Performing consistently well and within his role. Wonderful prospect and potential. 7.7/10

Daniel Grida - big heart and fan favourite. Has performed very well in the past month since being given more court time. Scores in transition and off effort plays. 7.5/10

Trey Kell III.

Chris Goulding - in sizzling form and possibly shooting the basketball at a career best. The primary focus of Illawarra’s defence. Incredible scoring ability and offensive savvy. 9.4/10

Jack White - bounced back strong in Game 3 in the third quarter. Elite all-round basketball player. Will be a major problem for the Hawks. 9/10

Shea Ili - DPOY, who can significantly influence the outcome of games with his defensive play. Will have a huge defensive responsibility against the Hawks’ guards and also needs to be a solid offensive threat. Excellent passer and penetrator. 8.6/10

Ian Clark - major weapon off the Utd bench. Huge Game 3 to save the season. Class, skill, deadly scorer. 8.5/10

Matthew Dellavedova - high level PG who provides excellent organisation, leadership and elite ball distribution. Plays with superb intensity on the defensive end. If he can shoot at better than 35 per cent from three throughout the series, Melbourne United's title hopes increase exponentially. 8.4/10

Flynn Cameron - extremely talented offensive player who possesses good size and athleticism. Exceptional shot creation and making. High level three-point threat. 8/10

Marcus Lee - knows how to win. Excellent rim protector who had an impactful Game 3 against Perth. Dunks a lot! 8/10

Rob Loe - the big Kiwi rebounds and shoots the three. Enjoys instigating and protecting. Very physical player with a big matchup against Sam Froling. 8/10

Kyle Bowen - handy role player who always provides positive minutes on court. Energy, rebounding, screening and defensive intensity are his on-court habits. 7/10

Tanner Krebs - solid offensive bench player. Shoots it well from deep and plays within the structure on both ends. Could have moments that matter in the series. 7/10

Chris Goulding.