Tyler Cook might be here for a short time, but he’s clearly here for a good time as the South East Melbourne star strengthened his claim on the unofficial NBL Blitz MVP award, but it was late heroics from Cairns Next Star Bobi Klintman that stole the show on the Gold Coast.
Down four with 2.33 left, the Taipans rallied, scoring six straight points, Klintman coming up big with a pair of late buckets that first gave them the lead, then put them in front for good with 36 seconds left in a 100-95 win.
Cook, who only arrived in Australia last week as a temporary injury replacement for star Phoenix big man Alan Williams, added another 16 points and six rebounds to finish with Blitz averages of 21 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal.
The athletic 203cm big man’s arrival looks another recruiting masterstroke from Phoenix boss Tommy Greer, who had the former Chicago Bull on a plane bound for Melbourne just days after Williams’ injury.
Any hopes another club had of securing 25-year-old once Williams returns for the Phoenix appear futile — Code Sports understands he’s being shopped to big money EuroLeague teams, with his work in the NBL sure to attract attention.
Klintman looks destined to one day excel in the NBA after producing another classy performance, putting his stamp on proceedings with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Swedish sensation is aiming to be a lottery pick in next year’s NBA draft and will be right alongside Perth’s Alex Sarr in the best Next Star conversation all year.
The draft board battle between the pair will be must-watch and will draw global attention to the NBL all season.
Former NBL MVP Derek Rucker praised the 20-year-old’s offensive ability and aggression that belied his tender years.
“He has made a good name for himself and I really like what he has brought to the table,” Rucker said during the commentary on Kayo Freebies.
Power-packed Taipans import guard Patrick Miller paced all scorers with 21 points, while his opposite number Gary Browne led the Phoenix with 19.
Young Cairns floor general Taran Armstrong caught the eye again, the rookie a perfect 4-4 from the field on his way to 10 points to go with five assists.
Originally published as NBL Blitz 2023: Latest news, results from pre-season tournament
