Last season's top 20 NBL performers ranked

• Three NBL MVPs lead the list of the top 20 performers from last season
• Six players from this list are no longer in the NBL and have signed in other leagues around the world
• Five players have switched teams for NBL26

While the craziness around free agency signings for NBL26 has reached its pinnacle with NBA champions and local heroes joining the league, we're taking a league at some of the best performers from last season.

Basketball.com.au contributor Sione Puloka lists his 20 best from NBL25.

From players who have moved teams to talents who are no longer in Australia — see who features in our star-studded list.

20. Kristian Doolittle

Kristian Doolittle contributed consistency and tenacity to the Perth Wildcats frontcourt, functioning as a reliable two-way player. Doolittle was one of the NBL's top frontcourt performers, averaging 15.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. His 51.6% field goal percentage demonstrated his ability to finish inside and convert midrange shots, frequently profiting on pick-and-roll opportunities and second-chance points. His 87.4% free throw shooting rate was particularly excellent for a power forward, demonstrating his poise and touch, an uncommon quality among big players in the NBA.

19. Sam Froling

The Hawks big man Sam Froling put together another solid season, scoring 13.8 points and seven rebounds per game. He was effective at the basket, shooting 55% from the field, and he offered excellent rebounding and rim protection. While he was not a three-point shooter, his muscular presence inside was critical to Illawarra's interior game, and he remained one of the league's most consistent Australian centres.

18. Milton Doyle

Milton Doyle remained a key offensive contributor for the JackJumpers, averaging 14.5 points, 4.2 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game. Doyle, a skilled scorer, attempted more than seven three-pointers per game and made 2.24 on 32% shooting, making him a danger from the outside despite occasional inconsistency. His defensive contributions were underappreciated, averaging 1.2 steals per game, and his versatility was critical to Tasmania's backcourt rotation.

17. Keandre Cook

Keandre Cook had a breakout season with the Brisbane Bullets, emerging as one of the team's most efficient perimeter shooters. He scored 16.6 points per game with great shooting splits, including 34.7% from three and an amazing 90% from the free throw line, making him one of the team's most consistent shooters. Cook averaged 2.4 three-pointers per game, effectively stretching the floor and providing Brisbane with an important offensive weapon on the wing. While not a major facilitator, he averaged nearly four rebounds per game and remained a consistent catch-and-shoot and pull-up threat. His ability to score consistently and remain efficient under pressure made him an important part of Brisbane's rotation throughout the 2024-25 season.

16. Matthew Mooney

Matthew Mooney was an effective backcourt captain for the New Zealand Breakers, averaging 16.3 points and 4.4 assists per game. He was an outstanding scorer and facilitator, especially from long range, as he averaged over 2.3 three-pointers per game at 34% accuracy. His free throw percentage was 82%, and he averaged more than 2.7 rebounds and 1.65 steals per game, making him a versatile two-way guard with defensive toughness.

15. Trey Kell

Trey Kell had a quietly efficient season with the Hawks, averaging 17.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in 32 games. Kell shot 42% from the field and 33% from three, while drawing a lot of fouls and making nearly 89% of his free throws. His well-rounded skill set — strong shooting, playmaking, and defensive presence — made him one of the league's most complete guards this season.

14. Xavier Cooks

Former league MVP Xavier Cooks remained a dynamic all-around presence for the Sydney Kings, averaging 15.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 28 games. While not noted for his outside shooting (0.25 threes per game), he compensated with great versatility, efficient scoring near the rim, and consistent action on both ends. Cooks also averaged 1.1 steals and 0.5 blocks per game, maintaining his hallmark switchable defence while serving as an offensive initiator in transition or the halfcourt.

13. Tyler Harvey

Tyler Harvey, the Illawarra Hawks guard once again dominated from long range, averaging 17 points per game and hitting roughly 2.6 threes per game at a 35.5% rate. His fast release and long shooting range elevated him to the ranks of the league's most dangerous offensive guards. Though not as involved in playmaking as some others, Harvey's scoring powered Illawarra through several difficult matchups, particularly when points were needed quickly.

12. Jack White

Jack White's muscular rebounding and defensive presence helped Melbourne United establish a strong position. White ranked among the league's top rebounders, averaging 13.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. He shot 51% from the field and added some range with the occasional three-pointer. His versatility to guard different positions, crash the boards, and contribute offensively made him a vital asset to Melbourne all season.

11. Jaylen Adams

Jaylen Adams had another excellent season with the Sydney Kings, scoring 18.4 points per game and controlling the attack with 6.2 assists per game, one of the league's finest records. A smooth and confident shooter, he averaged nearly two three-pointers per game at 36% and was aggressive at the free throw line, hitting 80% of his tries. Adams was not only a scoring threat, but also a real floor general who set the pace and generated opportunities for his teammates.

10. Matthew Dellavedova

Matthew Dellavedova may not have had glamorous scoring numbers with only 11.2 points per game, but he was perhaps the NBL's best passer, averaging 7.2 assists per game. Delly, known for his high IQ and leadership abilities, expertly controlled Melbourne United's offense. He shot 74% from the line and averaged over 4 rebounds per game, demonstrating that his effect went far beyond the stat sheet. His experience and vision made him the go-to person for a championship-calibre team.

9. Nathan Sobey

With an average of 17.2 points and 4.5 assists across 34 games, veteran guard Nathan Sobey was a vital member of the South East Melbourne's offense. Sobey was a reliable perimeter threat who could score from anywhere on the court. He hit 40% from the field and more than 32% from three. Additionally, he had a strong rim assault that resulted in about five free throw attempts per game, with an outstanding 83% conversion rate. Both ends of the floor benefited greatly from his leadership and experience.

8. Matt Hurt

Matt Hurt has steadily established himself as a reliable stretch big man. He proved his ability to score effectively from inside and mid-range by shooting an incredible 55% from the field and averaging 19.91\ points per game. Even though he only made 30% of his shots from three-point range, he created space that allowed guards to pass. He is also more dependable in late-game circumstances due to his 76% free-throw shooting. He is unable to rank higher, though, due to his defensive presence and comparatively modest assist totals (1.23 assists per game). Hurt's offensive style is fluid, and he is still a valuable player for the Phoenix.

7. Chris Goulding

A seasoned vet. Chris Goulding continues to put up good numbers with 19.09 points per game. Known for his outside shooting, he made 3.96 three-pointers per game on a 38% shooting clip from deep. He also recorded a 87% free-throw percentage, making him effective in converting scoring opportunities from the line. Making him

6. Rob Edwards

The Taipans shooting guard combines scoring with decent playmaking abilities, averaging 19.8 points and 2.3 assists per game. His shooting statistics, which include 42% FG, 36% 3PT, and 78% FT, demonstrate his versatility. Edwards' ability to remain effective while taking a good number of shots is what distinguishes him from some of the other players in this list. Although he isn't particularly good at one thing, he is a dependable winger who contributes to both ends. Throughout the season, his play helped his team's backcourt rotation remain solid.

5. Parker Jackson-Cartwright

The New Zealand Breakers star is the most creative passer in this group, averaging a league-best 6.6 assists per game among the players listed. While his scoring output is slightly lower (18.90 points per game), he’s incredibly efficient in his shot selection with 49% from the field and a respectable 33% from three. His quickness, court vision, and playmaking make him the engine of any offense he's in. Parker’s size may limit his defence, but he more than makes up for it with leadership and high basketball IQ.

4. Montrezl Harrell

A former NBA Sixth Man of the Year has made a huge impact in the NBL this season. averaging 20.5 points per game while shooting a stellar 56% from the field. Power finishes, offensive rebounds, and inside dominance were the main components of his game, as was to be expected. His lack of a perimeter game (only 1.89 3PA per game at 30%) and poor free-throw shooting (65%) somewhat restrict his versatility. Nevertheless, he has a special value that is difficult to duplicate because of his toughness, physicality, and enthusiasm. He brought energy to the 36ers this year!

3. Casey Prather

The Brisbane Bullets forward, a well-rounded two-way player, provided consistency on both ends of the floor. He averaged 21.33 points per game on 47% shooting and made 40% of his three-pointers, giving him a real offensive danger. Though not a strong passer (2.22 APG), his shot creation and ability to defend different spots boosted his team's rotation. Prather isn't flashy, but his solid all-around game makes him one of the NBL's most consistent wings.

2. Kendric Davis

Kendric Davis had one of the most explosive seasons in the NBL for Adelaide, averaging 25.5 points and 7.8 assists per game while demonstrating outstanding scoring and playmaking. His efficiency was high across the board: 48% FG, 37% 3-pointers, and 81% FT. Davis' ability to generate offense off the dribble and find teammates in transition or pick-and-roll made him one of the league's toughest matchups. His excessive utilization did not come at the expense of efficiency, which boosts his ranking greatly. He’ll be a great scoring machine for the Sydney Kings this upcoming season.

1. Bryce Cotton

Undoubtedly, the NBL’s best player this season and League MVP. Bryce Cotton was unquestionably the NBL's leading scorer, averaging 28 points per game while shooting a lethal 43% from three on 8.3 attempts. His 87% free-throw rate, high volume scoring, and 4.71 APG solidify his superstar status. Cotton stands out from the crowd because of his ability to deliver in clutch situations and carry the offensive load night after night. He's his team's lifeblood and one of the NBL's most valuable players, bar none, andwill be he same player for Adelaide this upcoming season.