Five new faces set to light up the CODE Sports NBL Blitz

With the CODE Sports NBL Blitz ready to take over Bendigo from September 2, it will be the first time for fans to get a glimpse of some of the new talent set to take the court this season.

Let's take a look at five fresh faces that you need to keep an eye on.

The Code Sports NBL Blitz is five days of non-stop action at Red Energy Arena from Wednesday, September 2 until Sunday, September 6.

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Cole Anthony

It's no surprise to anyone, but NBA superstar Cole Anthony will be the biggest drawcard in Bendigo for the Blitz. Since Melbourne United announced his signing, fans everywhere have been trying to wrap their heads around why a former first-round pick from just six years ago would choose to leave the NBA at this point in his career.

Anthony himself has stated that his decision was not financially motivated, but rather seeing the chance to play in one of the most well-respected leagues in the world and try to win a championship. Yes, the relationship with former Orlando teammate Joe Ingles helped the recruitment, but make no mistake, Anthony is ready to prove a point.

Whether that's scoring, rebounding, facilitating or simply living above the rim, the former dunk contest participant is set to light it up on the floor.

What Jacob Chance said:
"To have someone at his age, still 26, entering his prime, come in and be really motivated by winning and putting himself in a position that he thinks is going to help him achieve his individual dreams, which is to get back to the NBA and play at a really high level, that's an exciting time for our club."

Arnas Velička

Last season's EuroCup assists leader will provide a different style in the point guard battle for NBL27, with Arnas Velička set to lead the charge for the new-look Brisbane Bullets. Head coach Will Weaver made the Lithuanian star a priority in their off-season build, and for good reason, with a decorated European professional career already at just 26 years old.

Velička will be the tallest point guard in the competition at 6'5" and will pose a unique challenge for defensive assignments used to limiting the scoring weapons in Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis.

Having grown up battling a European style from such a young age, Velička's ability to control a game, while also displaying his on-court IQ, will be a fascinating watch this season.

What Will Weaver said:
"Arnas is a winner because he makes everyone around him better.

"He is tough, versatile, true point guard who loves defending and passing, but that doesn't take away from his immense scoring ability."

Skylar Mays

The Phoenix are ready to unleash their new floor general Skylar Mays, who may just be flying under the radar in terms of biggest off-season signings thus far. Having more than 100 NBA games under his belt, Mays is ready to get back to his very best, and pairing up with Josh King seems to be the perfect recipe.

Mays is another taller guard who can create his own shot and be a high-level defender on the other end, making him another unique prospect. King has been vocal about what Mays can bring to his team, and that after two years where he hasn't played to his full potential, he's ready to shine in a Phoenix jersey.

What Josh King said:
‍"He's a very talented player, and I've said this one time before, and I think he would say this to us as well: he's probably not coming off his best year or two.

"But he's a guy that I feel like has tremendous potential to be an MVP-type candidate.

"I'm really excited to get him in the gym, as he's a tremendous player who's really gonna help our team this year."

Jaylon Brown

The Taipans unveiled Jaylon Brown last week, and while the name is incredibly familiar to basketball fans, his highlight reel looks very different. The 31-year-old is coming off a season at Petkim Spor, having played 130 games in the Basketball Super Ligi, and if there's one thing he knows how to do, it's score the ball.

Brown's resume is filled with stints across Europe, and his play style is sure to fit seamlessly into what Adam Forde is building in the Far North. At just 183cm, Brown may not catch the eye of fans straight away, but as soon as he gets a head of steam and a runway to take off … look out below.

When you put Brown alongside Jack McVeigh and Keanu Pinder, this Taipans team has all the pieces to put up some big numbers every night and have plenty of fun doing it.

What Adam Forde said:
‍"He is such a dynamic scorer and playmaker. But more importantly is he plays at a pace and speed we want to thrive in again.

"He operates so well in the open court and pick-and-roll, that guys like Keanu [Pinder] and Jack [McVeigh] will have so many options available to them - as too will Jaylon."

Torrey Craig

He's not a new face, but since he only played half a season last year, he lands here as a name fans need to watch at the Blitz. NBA veteran Torrey Craig joined the Sydney Kings as an injury replacement in January and went on to play a huge role in them winning a championship. The Kings then put themselves in the box seat to lure him back for a full season, and now the star forward is ready to make an even bigger impact for the champions.

Craig was a hot commodity after the season, and for good reason, with the 35-year-old able to do it all on the floor, including becoming a lights-out shooter from deep. Since he left Sydney, Craig joined the Puerto Rican league and put up almost 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists a night, and has continued to show that he has plenty left in the tank.