Missing in action: Top stars out for NBL1 National Finals

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The structure of the NBL1 National Finals tournament has been a hot topic in recent weeks and there's no wonder why with a bunch of our national league stars missing the opportunity to represent their clubs with another title up for grabs.

More than 10 NBL and WNBL talents have not taken the court at the tournament at the State Basketball Centre in Wayville, South Australia - leaving discussions around the tournament's future even more up for discussion.

While day one of the tournament showcased some incredible action, led by Alex Starling's game-winner for the Forestville Eagles as well as Shyla Heal dominating for Bankston, we couldn't help but notice the absence of some of the country's best players.

NBL legend and NBL1 champion Jason Cadee spoke about how much national stars missing the tournament impacted the quality on a recent episode of the Cut to the Jase podcast.

"A lot of NBL programs don't give a sh*t now," Cadee said on the Cut to the Jase podcast.

"We have to decide where this is going, because we're starting to see teams pull their players out (before the end of the season), saying no, can't play the rest of the season in finals.

"And if NBL teams are starting to do that, well, what are we doing? Because now we're going to lose them for finals, because they're going to play a few games in August."

Cadee said NBL teams should be happy their talents are playing in meaningful competition in the lead up to their professional seasons.

"Firstly, it should be good your players are still playing, they don't miss trainings," he said on the basketball.com.au podcast.

"But secondly, then the nationals, the people that probably care about it, aren't the people that we actually want playing at it, because they know they're not going to even get there.

"So I just think it's a waste of time."

The topic has been a hot discussion on social media during the start of the tournament as well.

As mentioned on The Splash, basketball.com.au's rumour column, it's believed the tournament could be set for a major restructure in 2027.

On the women's side, Tayla Brazel is absent for the NBL1 National Finals due to representing Australia at 3x3 tournaments, while several others - including former UC Caps guard Monique Bobongie - are off to college.

NBL1 MEN - NATIONAL FINALS

FRANKSTON BLUES

Austin Shelley (Melbourne United - Training Player)

GOLD COAST ROLLERS

Jensen Bradtke (Melbourne United - Development Player)

Preston LeGassick (New Zealand Breakers)

Jimmy Whitt (Perth Wildcats - Nominated Replacement Player)

NORTHS BEARS

Fabian Krslovic (Melbourne United)

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (Illawarra Hawks)

Hunter Goodrick (SEM Phoenix)

ROCKINGHAM FLAMES

Isaac White (Adelaide 36ers)

NBL1 WOMEN NATIONAL FINALS

MACKAY METEORETTES

Monique Bobongie (Michigan State University)

STURT SABRES

Tayla Brazel (Adelaide Lightning)

WARWICK SENATORS

Chloe Forster (Townsville Fire)

Jayda Clark (Formerly UC Capitals)