On the Hunt: Import vows to stay aggressive

One of the shining lights from the Brisbane Bullets' loss to Cairns on Monday night was new addition Hunter Maldonado.

In his just second game with the club, and first start, since joining from South East Melbourne, the US guard dropped 31 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.

That backed up his 16 point, 9 assist showing against Adelaide in Round 15.

Despite these two strong performances, the Bullets tasted defeat on both occasions, but Maldonado is confident with the work they are putting in as a team, the results will start to turn.

"At the end of the day, we still lost and I was trying to do everything I could to help us win," Maldonado said in Monday's post game press conference.

"I focused on getting downhill the best I can, while helping the team get better on the court.

"We are still trying to find a way to win but we were out there competing hard and we just have to continue doing the right things before the chips will fall eventually."

The 26-year-old American admitted one of the main reasons he chose Brisbane was the "IQ and pedigree" of Darryl McDonald, who has encouraged his team's new recruit to be aggressive on the offensive end.

"Hunter's ability to get downhill and draw fouls helps us. Terry [Taylor] was more aggressive and those two have to be our guys and they have to keep delivering for us," McDonald said.

"We made it a focus to get downhill and look for kick outs but we have to start knocking down some more of those [good looks].

"I wish Hunter could have played earlier, as it's obvious what he can do and he's only going to continue to get better the longer he's with us."

Brisbane, who are 6-19 on the season, next play Sydney on Thursday as part of the 2026 HoopsFest.

The Round 17 fixture tips off at 9.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.