Australian NBL round 22 best performance: Nathan Sobey (by Hoops Agents)

- January 3, 2026

POSTED BY: Eurobasket News

Nathan Sobey

Nathan Sobey

International Guard Nathan Sobey (190-G-1990) put on an amazing game in the last round for South East Melbourne Phoenix, receiving a Hoops Agents Player of the Week award for round 22.
The 35-year old player got a double-double of 31 points and 10 assists, while his team beat Cairns (#10, 5-17) 111-96. Phoenix maintains the 3rd position in Australian NBL. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost a few games earlier this season. SE Melbourne will need more victories to improve their 14-7 record. In the team's last game Sobey had a remarkable five three-pointers out of 11 attempts. He turned to be Phoenix's top player in his first season with the team. Former University of Wyoming star has very solid stats this year. Sobey is in league's top in points (4th best: 21.9ppg), assists (9th best: 4.6apg) and averages impressive 52.5% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was young international forward Josh Bannan (208-F-2001) of Tasmania JackJumpers. Bannan had a very good evening with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Bad luck as JackJumpers was edged by slightly lower-ranked Illawarra H. (#8, 8-13) 92-90. Tasmania JJ managed to keep the same 6th spot in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 10-13 record. Bannan is a newcomer at Tasmania JJ, but is already one of team's top players.

Third on the list of top players last round was international forward Jack McVeigh (203-F-1996) of Cairns Taipans (#10). McVeigh scored 26 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Despite McVeigh's great performance the Taipans lost 96-111 to the higher-ranked SE Melbourne (#3, 14-7). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. Cairns can only dream about fighting for top spots in the league. They have extremely bad season and 5-17 record places them at the very bottom of the standings. McVeigh has individually a great season in Australia. After 17 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in points with 21.1ppg (6th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Samuel Waardenburg (208-F-1999) of Cairns - 22 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Xavier Cooks (203-F-1995) of Sydney - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Samson Froling (209-C/F-2000) of Illawarra H. - 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Jordan Hunter (208-C-1997) of SE Melbourne - 19 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Owen Foxwell (188-G-2003) of SE Melbourne - 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
9. Tim Soares (211-C-1997) of Sydney - 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Jo Lual-Acuil (213-C-1994) of Perth - 17 points and 8 rebounds

The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

The Player of the Week awards are presented by Hoops Agents. Hoops Agents is the most complete website about the agencies and players they represent. With more than twenty years of experience, Hoops Agents is already recognized as the most reliable destination for the players who wish to continue their career in professional basketball and are searching for a reputable and connected representation. Hoops Agents is also most complete source of transactions news.

Tags : NATHAN SOBEY, SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX, AUSTRALIAN BASKETBALL,