Import Will Hudson has revealed a timely lift in training intensity was one of the catalysts behind the Gold Coast Blaze’s three-game winning streak that has propelled them into the NBL top four.

The big American said the squad reached the conclusion they were not working hard enough during the week and it was affecting them come game time.

With that corrected, the results have been tremendous and Hudson said it would be no different heading into Saturday night’s home clash against Wollongong.

“We had to change up a couple of things in order to execute (coach) Joey’s (Wright) game plan,” Hudson said.

“It came down to putting a full game together and I think it really starts with how we have been practising and the intensity that has been going on in training.

“I really believe it has helped us prepare for the games and we have made a conscious effort to lift that intensity.”

The big man has relished his increased court time in recent weeks that has come on the back of the Blaze’s recent spate of injuries. They are rolling with just eight players at the moment but are still getting it done.

Hudson shares Wright’s opinion it has helped them grow tighter.

“We are a pretty close group,” he said.

“This season is a long grind and you are going to face adversity throughout the year with injuries and different line-ups at times.

“It just comes down to how well we perform with that adversity and come together as a unit.”

The 206-cm tall Hudson has relished his increased court time in recent weeks and it is evident his confidence in this league is growing by the game.

“There have been a lot of adjustments that I have had to make throughout the season,” he said. “But you do whatever needs to be done for the team.”

This is Hudson’s first team out of college in the US after playing with Oakland University in California.

While he has no room for comparison, the 22-year-old forward said the NBL more than holds its own in terms of world basketball leagues.

“Some people might not realise how good this league is...I think it is really underrated how much talent is in this league.”