In this edition of The World Tour, Ignacio looks at the games of Rocco Zikarsky, Izan Almansa, Alex Toohey and a number of other 2025 NBA Draft prospects from the Australian NBL.
The Hawks bench is probably the best bench unit in the history of the NBL and it's interesting how much different analysts apportion the credit to Olbrich, Days, Lee and Hickey. Olbrich's sheer efficiency stands out as well as Days' rebounding for his size. The question I ask when evaluating nbl bench players is: why isn't he starting?
For Olbrich it is the pace that the Hawks play with. To average over 100 points in 40 minutes with FIBA rules is insane. They want a faster 4 and want to play 0 seconds without Froling or Olbrich on the floor. His best role is probably defending a 3point shooting big while being an inside secondary playmaker alongside a 3point shooting big who overpowers you if you go small at the 4.
But in general you gotta look more closely at the guys on the winning teams because Olbrich is likely going to win two championships in 12 months (no 1 option - MVP and Finals MVP - on Canterbury in the off season (NZ) and Illawarra).
This was really awesome insight. I really see Olbrich developing into a perennial NBL stand out, and the feel for the game at his size is super valuable, so it wouldn't shock me if he makes the NBA. I think he's at an awkward spot not because of his talent, but because of how the PF position evolved in the NBA and how hard it is to find a place in the league if you can't create your own shot (via dribble jumpers and/or drives) at that position.
The Hawks bench is probably the best bench unit in the history of the NBL and it's interesting how much different analysts apportion the credit to Olbrich, Days, Lee and Hickey. Olbrich's sheer efficiency stands out as well as Days' rebounding for his size. The question I ask when evaluating nbl bench players is: why isn't he starting?
For Olbrich it is the pace that the Hawks play with. To average over 100 points in 40 minutes with FIBA rules is insane. They want a faster 4 and want to play 0 seconds without Froling or Olbrich on the floor. His best role is probably defending a 3point shooting big while being an inside secondary playmaker alongside a 3point shooting big who overpowers you if you go small at the 4.
But in general you gotta look more closely at the guys on the winning teams because Olbrich is likely going to win two championships in 12 months (no 1 option - MVP and Finals MVP - on Canterbury in the off season (NZ) and Illawarra).
This was really awesome insight. I really see Olbrich developing into a perennial NBL stand out, and the feel for the game at his size is super valuable, so it wouldn't shock me if he makes the NBA. I think he's at an awkward spot not because of his talent, but because of how the PF position evolved in the NBA and how hard it is to find a place in the league if you can't create your own shot (via dribble jumpers and/or drives) at that position.
Lanard Copeland: "Lachie Olbrich sign him up for ten years!"
Peter Hooley: "Nah, he's going to the league (NBA)"
The +- leader for the Championship Hawks? Lachie Olbrich (+58).