Ball number one in New Zealand NBL for round 1

- March 17, 2025

POSTED BY: Eurobasket News

Jackson Ball

Jackson Ball

Former international Guard Jackson Ball (191-G-2008) had an amazing evening in the last round for second-ranked Hawkes Bay Hawks, receiving a Hoops Agents Player of the Week award for round 1.
The 16-year old player was the main contributor (40 points, nine rebounds and four assists) to his team's victory, helping them to outclass, the league's bottom-ranked team Panthers (#10, 0-1) with 34-point margin 112-78. Hawks was forced-out from the top positions in New Zealand NBL. But it's just the very beginning of the season and Hawks won both games without losing any. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Ball had a remarkable 83.3% from 2-point range and got five three-pointers out of 7 attempts. He turned to be Hawks' top player in his first season with the team. Jackson Ball has solid league stats. He is league's best scorer averaging so far 38.0ppg. Ball is in league's top in and averages impressive 81.8% FGP and 62.5% from behind 3-point line.

The second best player in last round's games was young American Josiah Allick (203-F-2001) of Southland Sharks. Allick had a very good evening with a double-double of 26 points and 11 rebounds. Of course he led Sharks to another comfortable win outscoring Nuggets (0-1) 98-70. His team has extremely good start of the season. They won their first game. However the season is at the beginning, so everything can happen. They still may lose their high position in the standings. Allick is one of the most experienced players at Sharks and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 26.0ppg (#5). He also registered 11.0 boards per game.

Third on the list of top players last round was another Hawks' star - American forward Darnell Cowart (203-F-1998). Cowart showcased his all-around game by recording 25 points, 13 rebounds (!!!) and 5 assists in the last round. He was another key player of Hawkes Bay Hawks, helping his team with a 103-100 win against Jets (#8, 0-1). Hawks has a very good start of the season. But there were just 2 games played, so it's too early to judge them at this stage. Cowart also has a very good start of the season with very strong stats. Cowart has a great season in New Zealand. After only 2 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 12.5rpg (2nd best) and assists with 6.0apg (5th best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tae Hardy (190-G) of Bulls - 30 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists
5. Corey Webster (188-SG-1988) of Jets - 32 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Alex Robinson (185-PG-1995) of Panthers - 24 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists
7. Kruz Perrott-Hunt (191-G-2000) of Whai - 27 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Miles Gibson (198-F-1998) of Jets - 25 points and 4 rebounds
9. TuKaha Cooper (191-G-2002) of Sharks - 19 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists
10. Dontae Russo-Nance (190-G-2005) of Jets - 25 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists

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 : JACKSON BALL, HAWKES BAY HAWKS, NEW ZEALAND BASKETBALL,