The Fab Five: Our biggest Blitz storylines

The Blitz is just days away and there will be many talking points to come out of the week. Across the course of the tournament, coaches usually mix up their rotations, while being cautious not to give away too much of their playbook.

>> Five players to watch at the Blitz

Usually teams will play at least one of their Blitz games as close to a regular season as possible, which means we should have some answers to questions before NBL25 officially tips off at HoopsFest on September 19.

Here's five storylines I’ll be following closely at the Blitz.

Sydney Kings' defensive identity

The Blitz normally isn’t a major indicator of how teams will perform in the regular season, but it definitely gives us a glimpse of what we can expect. If what we have seen from the small sample size of Sydney so far is anything to go by, then this could be one of the best defensive teams we have seen.

Brian Goorjian was full of praise after their games against New Zealand and suggested that the Kings will be playing like a “wrestling tag team match.” By that, he was insinuating that rotations will be quick and consistent, and they’ll be pressing up full court defensively and keeping the heat on for the full 40 minutes. They have more than enough talent on their roster to do that, and if everyone buys into that style, it’s going to be incredible viewing.

Xavier Cooks and Brian Goorjian.

First look at Cairns' new outfit

I’m very intrigued to see the new look Cairns Taipans hit the floor on the Gold Coast. There’s a lot of unknowns about this roster heading into NBL25, but if history tells us anything, they’re going to play a unique style under Adam Forde.

They went hard early in the off-season to sign imports Rob Edwards and Tanner Groves, and the Blitz will probably be our first example of why they wanted those two. Both come into Cairns with reputations of being tough, physical and versatile players which is right up Forde’s alley.

With young star Taran Armstrong, holding the keys to this team, I think the Taipans are going to shock a few people when they put it all together. They say you can’t coach effort, but Forde is proof that perhaps that isn’t exactly true.

Taran Armstrong.

Elijah Pepper or Ben Henshall? Is there room for both?

Perth have two of the most exciting young prospects in the league in Elijah Pepper and Ben Henshall. The question now is, who cracks the rotation to play meaningful minutes in NBL25, or are they both set to step up and contribute right away?

Pepper arrives at Perth off the back of an outstanding college career, where he proved he can score at a variety of levels. Henshall also showed in limited opportunities last season, that he’s capable of scoring at a high rate when needed. I’ll be keeping an eye on the Wildcats' rotations at the Blitz to see how they use their young stars.

Ben Henshall.

Is Mojave King set for a breakout campaign?

We haven’t seen Mojave King in the NBL since 2022, but the small samples we have seen from New Zealand leading into the Blitz indicate that he’s ready to thrive.

Still just 22-years-old, King will likely be needed to take on a more aggressive role for the Breakers and should have plenty of opportunity to do that. The current roster make-up of this team has some question marks around who will put points on the board outside of their MVP candidate, Parker Jackson-Cartwright. I think Mojave King will be one of those who relishes the added reasonability. 

Mojave King.

Sam Froling, the go-to guy

With the Hawks returning the majority of their top four side from last season, it’s another indication that Justin Tatum will be relying on Sam Froling to take on more responsibility once again for his team.

Froling has steadily improved his output over the last three seasons, averaging 15 points and 8 rebounds per game in NBL24. The big key for him is to find that level of consistency that has him as a major offensive threat every night for the Hawks.

Last season, Froling had nine games where he scored over 20 points, but also had 12 games where he scored under 12 points. Tatum will be hoping to unlock that middle ground from their star big man, who has the potential to be one of the most dominant big men in the league.

Sam Froling.