The NBL's new batch of imports are already setting tongues wagging, but Perth Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson says it's too early to judge who will be a guaranteed hit.
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The Wildcats were on the receiving end of standout displays from star import LaMelo Ball and surprise packet Didi Louzada during the NBL's pre-season Blitz.
Ball, touted as a first-round NBA draft pick next year, tallied 19 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in Illawarra's overtime win over the Wildcats.
The 18-year-old is among a group of early favourites to win the NBL's MVP award.
Louzada's signing for Sydney Kings wasn't met with the same sort of fanfare as Ball received.
But the Brazilian - the 35th pick in the NBA draft this year - showcased his talents with a 29-point haul in Sydney's 103-71 win over the Wildcats.
Louzada nailed eight of his 11 three-point attempts to prove he will be a major threat beyond the arc this season.
South East Melbourne Phoenix import John Roberson was named the Blitz's MVP, with the point guard giving the NBL's newest franchise an early confidence boost.
New Zealand Breakers recruit RJ Hampton, Cairns Taipans wing Kouat Noi, ex-NBA guard Scotty Hopson, and Perth Wildcats big man Dario Hunt are among the other new imports keen to set the NBA alight.
But Gleeson said it was important to reserve judgement until the imports were put through the grind of an NBL season.
"Well they're all great at the start of the year, and then we find out halfway through the year who is quality and who is not," Gleeson said.
"The quality of players that have come into the league is unbelievable, it seems to be getting better every year.
"The teams are going deeper with three imports, and now you've got your Next Generation players, so you've virtually got four imports playing. It's certainly raising the bar every year."
Gleeson was particularly impressed by the hot form of Ball.
"He's a lot more impressive than I thought," Gleeson said.
"Just his quickness and his maturity, he's still an 18-year-old, and he has the skill set that is elite at that level.
"We'll see how he handles the season playing the ups and downs of the grind. But he's definitely got a skill package there."
Melbourne United are the early favourites to win the title, with Sydney Kings and Perth Wildcats also highly rated.
Australian Associated Press
