The 'Elite Eight' honoured after historic NBL1 seasons

• Tamuri Wigness leads Spartans to drought-breaking title in NBL1 North
• 'Lat's all folks': Lat Mayen's 26 powers West Adelaide Bearcats to NBL1 Central title
• Derek Emelifeonwu and Glenn Morison "Gun" down Illawarra Hawks to win NBL1 East title

The 2025 NBL1 season produced a remarkable group of MVPs, each defining their men's and women's conference with standout performances and leadership.

Across the country, these players set the standard for excellence, combining individual brilliance with team impact.

From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the MVPs showcased scoring power, defensive dominance, and playmaking that elevated their clubs week in and week out.

Their achievements went beyond statistics, influencing games with composure, intelligence, and consistency.

Representing each of the NBL1 conferences — South, East, West, and Central — these MVP winners exemplify why the league continues to grow as a proving ground for elite talent.

NBL1 South Men's MVP: Tom Wilson — Melbourne Tigers

One of the premier players this season. Tom Wilson's 2025 NBL1 South Men's MVP award was the culmination of a career-defining season with the Melbourne Tigers. Wilson demonstrated his dominance right away after re-signing with the Tigers, averaging 24.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game for the duration of the season. In addition to winning MVP, he was selected to the All-First Team for his steady scoring and playmaking. His leadership continued into the final's series, where he led the Tigers past Knox in an exciting preliminary final with an incredible 42 points and eight three-pointers and into the NBL1 South Grand Final

NBL1 East Men's MVP: Todd Blanchfield — Illawarra Hawks

Veteran wing Todd Blanchfield brought NBL-level class to the NBL1 East, and his 2025 season was a prime example of why experience mattered. Blanchfield paired his distinctive shooting technique with an experienced eye for generating space and exposing defensive flaws. His scoring production was incredibly efficient, with spurts that shifted the momentum in Illawarra's direction. Blanchfield was more than simply a scorer; he also played on the glass and as a secondary ball handler, adding versatility to the Hawks rotation. Averaging a double-double with 26.15 points and 12 rebounds per game. Against the Norths Bears, he had a season-high 44 points and 14 rebounds.

Blanchfield's impact went beyond raw numbers, with his leadership proving essential to a youthful Illawarra team. He was a vocal presence on the court, improving everyone around him. His MVP award reflects his impact on the Hawks' culture as much as his statistical domination. Blanchfield demonstrated in a league dominated by athleticism that basketball IQ and calmness are equally important weapons as he helped lead his team top of the ladder.

NBL1 West Men's MVP: Isaac White — Rockingham Flames

Isaac White's 2025 season with the Rockingham Flames was a masterclass in offensive consistency and on-court leadership. The sharpshooting guard demonstrated his ability to stretch the floor with excellent outside accuracy while also excelling as a distributor, keeping Rockingham's high-tempo assault moving. White's scoring ability was matched by his determination on defense, which frequently set the tone for the Flames' pressure strategies. Week after week, his performances demonstrated why he is one of the most skilled guards in Australian basketball outside of the NBL1. With a record season-high 47 points, 9 assists and 13 rebounds against the Willeton Tigers. Beyond the box score, White's poise in big situations was critical to the Flames' playoff push. Whether it was hitting a vital three-pointer or drawing defenders to open up teammates, he consistently delivered when the stakes were high. His MVP title is not only recognition of individual talent, but also a testament to the crucial role he played in Rockingham's successful 2025 campaign.

NBL1 Central Men's MVP: Keanu Rasmussen

Keanu Rasmussen's breakout 2025 season with the West Adelaide Bearcats cemented his reputation as one of Australia's most promising young guards. Rasmussen lit up scoreboards with a smooth shooting stroke and a fearless attitude, while also improving his facilitation skills. His fast first step made him nearly impossible to contain in one-on-one situations, and he acquired a propensity for finishing through contact against larger players. His all-around offensive arsenal helped the Bearcats stay competitive in a tough Central Division. With a season high 35 points and 13 rebounds.

Rasmussen's ascent was more than just dazzling scoring; he developed into a more complete player, making better reads and guarding with more discipline. That maturity, along with his natural talent, gave him a continuous threat to opponents while also serving as the focal point of West Adelaide's strategy. His MVP award represents not only his statistical supremacy, but also the promise of a career trajectory that appears to be rapidly approaching the national limelight.

NBL1 West Women's MVP: Teige Morrell — Lakeside Lightning

Teige Morrell established herself as the league's top inside presence by dominating the NBL1 West for the second straight season. In addition to having some of the best rebounding stats in the league, her combination of power, footwork, and finishing skill made her practically unstoppable in the paint. Morrell was unrivaled in her ability to dictate the tempo from the front court, and she constantly had opponents modify their defensive strategies to lessen her influence. The Lightning forward averaged 21.3 points and 13.5 rebounds per game.

But Morrell's ability to lead under pressure was what really made her season stand out. Although she was frequently the conduit for Lakeside's offense, she was as good at anchoring the defense, laying screens, and making deft passes. Her back-to-back MVP awards highlight both her dominance and her consistency over several seasons, which is an uncommon accomplishment in NBL1 history. Morrell is the focal point of their lineup.

NBL1 East Women's MVP: Nicole Munger — Newcastle Falcons

Nicole Munger's 2025 Newcastle Falcons season will go down in history. Munger once again demonstrated that he was the ultimate two-way force by becoming the first player to win three straight NBL1 East MVP awards. She was a tenacious scorer who could attack the hoop, make jumpers, and cause mismatches against any defense. Munger led Newcastle's fast-break opportunities and consistently locked down rival players in an equally superb defensive performance. The Falcon's star was averaging a double-double, (20 points, 14 rebounds). The Falcons' season was fuelled by her fierce competitiveness. Whether it was making defensive stops that changed the tide of the game or delivering game-winning shots, Munger consistently delivered in crucial situations. Newcastle became a continual threat in the East thanks to her leadership and persistent intensity, which boosted the entire team. Not only is this her third MVP, but it also serves as evidence of her consistent performance and the successful culture she has contributed to.

NBL1 South Women's MVP: Jaz Shelley — Geelong United

Geelong United's Jaz Shelley made waves with an incredible first NBL1 South season, winning both the Golden Hands Award and the Women's MVP award. An undefeated Geelong team that dominated the regular season with a 22–0 record was led by Shelley. She led the league in steals with 3.54 per game, averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 assists, 7.2 rebounds, and was among the best three-point shooters with 3.25 per game over those games. Leading Geelong to a Grand Final appearance against the Knox Raiders.

NBL1 Central Women's MVP: Olivia Levicki — West Adelaide Bearcats

West Adelaide Bearcats star Olivia Levicki 2025 campaign was defined pure dominance on the glass, steady inside scoring, and relentless energy across both ends of the court. She averaged 15 rebounds per game with several games above 16 boards and even a standout 28-rebound performance on April 11, 2025. Scoring was equally reliable, as she regularly contributed between 18–26 points, highlighted by a 31-point, 14-rebound effort on May 10 and a 29-point performance on April 25. Shooting efficiency was strong, with field goal percentages often above 50%, underlining her ability to convert in the paint. Levicki's offensive contribution was complemented by flashes of playmaking, delivering five assists in multiple outings. Over the course of the season, this Levicki demonstrated the durability and dominance of a true interior anchor — balancing high-volume rebounding with dependable scoring.