Mitch Creek is poised to make a significant return to the Australian Boomers squad for the first time since 2019, as the team gears up for the upcoming FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers. Meanwhile, the New Zealand Breakers are set to strengthen their lineup with the return of key players, as the final looms large in the NBL season.
According to sources close to Fox Sports Australia, the 33-year-old Creek is expected to join the national team for their crucial away games against Guam and the Philippines later this month. While Basketball Australia has yet to officially confirm the squad, Creek’s inclusion would undoubtedly bring a wealth of experience and scoring prowess to a team currently leading Group A with a 2-0 record.
Mitch Creek’s Impactful Return
Creek’s last appearance for the Boomers was in 2019, and during his 20 appearances in the green and gold, he has averaged 9.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. Currently enjoying a standout season with U-BT Cluj-Napoca in Romania, Creek’s return could be pivotal as the Boomers aim to solidify their position in the qualifiers.
Game 1: Australia vs Guam, Thursday 26 February, 8:00 pm AEST
Game 2: Australia vs Philippines, Sunday 1 March, 8:30 pm AEST
Breakers Bolstered by Key Returns
In a parallel development, the New Zealand Breakers have announced the return of Sam Mennenga and Karim Lopez for their final regular-season game against the Cairns Taipans. Both players have been cleared to play following recovery from their respective injuries. However, import Izaiah Brockington will miss the match due to a hip flexor strain.
Mennenga had been sidelined for five games after fracturing his wrist, while Lopez was managing a lower-leg issue. Dillon Boucher, President of Basketball Operations, expressed his satisfaction with their return, emphasizing the hard work both players put into their rehabilitation.
“It is fantastic to have Sam and Karim back on the floor. They have worked incredibly hard in rehab and given our medical team confidence in a return to play,” Boucher stated.
The timing of their return is crucial, as the Breakers prepare to face the Adelaide 36ers in the inaugural NBL Ignite Cup final, where a prize of $300,000 is at stake.
Goorjian’s Kings: A Team for the Ages?
Meanwhile, Brian Goorjian, a legendary figure in the NBL coaching realm, has expressed high praise for his current Sydney Kings lineup. Speaking on Big Sports Breakfast, Goorjian suggested that this team might be among the best he has ever coached, citing their depth and talent across the roster.
The Kings, led by MVP candidate Kendric Davis and supported by players like Xavier Cooks and Matthew Dellavedova, have shown remarkable form late in the season. Goorjian highlighted the impact of Tim Soares, whose physical presence and leadership have been instrumental in the team’s success.
“He’s got a physical presence, he really runs the floor, he shoots the ball,” Goorjian said, emphasizing Soares’ influence beyond the statistics.
As the Kings face the Brisbane Bullets in their final regular-season game, a win would secure them the top spot on the ladder, setting the stage for a potential championship run.
The MVP Race: A Tight Contest
The race for the NBL MVP title is heating up, with Damon Lowery, a former NBL champion and media personality, weighing in on the competition between Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis. Lowery, speaking on SEN WA Breakfast, expressed his support for Davis, citing the Kings’ likely first-place finish as a decisive factor.
“Kendric Davis – and let me say why,” Lowery stated. “There’s no right or wrong answer. Both of those guys are extremely worthy, but my pick would be Kendric Davis because his team is going to finish first.”
With the Andrew Gaze MVP Awards approaching, the final three nominees will be confirmed after voting by captains and coaches. The possibility of a tie between the two superstars remains a tantalizing prospect as the season draws to a close.
As the basketball world eagerly anticipates the outcomes of these pivotal games and awards, the stakes have never been higher for the players and teams involved.
