Five returning stars set to shine at 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 and returning talent set to take the court this season.

After already examining who the five new faces fans need to keep an eye on, next up is which returning stars loom as 'must-see' for the five-day event in regional Victoria.

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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Joe Ingles

Heading into the Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season, there are few bigger names than Joe Ingles.

The five-time Olympian returns to the NBL after 17 seasons abroad (including 12 in the NBA and five in Europe), attempting to claim his second League title.

He joins a revamped Melbourne United side, which has four players (including Ingles) who were playing in the NBA last season, with the other three being Cole Anthony, Luke Travers and Josh Oduro.

Whether he starts or comes off the bench, the 810-game NBA veteran will bring elite shooting, passing, IQ and experience to Jacob Chance's side.

What Chris Goulding said:
‍"I think Joe will be a great addition to the team.

"His decision-making, leadership and shooting abilities make him a great teammate and someone that everyone will love to play with.

"I think he will fit into our style perfectly. It won't be long until he's hitting big shots in front of a packed-out John Cain Arena crowd."

Taran Armstrong

After a year abroad playing in the NBA with Golden State and the EuroLeague, the former Cairns Taipan returns to the Hungry Jack's NBL.

But this time the Tasmanian product is lining up for his home state, where he hopes to lead the JackJumpers to their second- ever title.

Before the official campaign gets underway, Tasmania will take on Brisbane and New Zealand at Red Energy Arena, as Scott Roth's side adjusts to their new floor general.

Now at 24, the Australian Boomer appears ready to take his career to the next level, with his impressive playmaking and vision at the heart of it, which will only benefit the likes of Will Magnay, Josh Bannan and David Johnston.

What Scott Roth said:
‍"To have home-grown-talent of the calibre of Taran on the court in a JackJumpers' jersey is so exciting.

"Armstrong is exactly what the JackJumpers are all about: the grit and grind and 'defending the island'.

"We've obviously followed him for many years, and have been hopeful that at some point he would want to come back and play for us.

"Now, the timing is right, the impact he's going to have on our team and state is incredible – Taran will show Tassie kids what's possible.

"Personally, I'm excited to coach him, and to have a high-level point [guard] such as Taran will make the game easier for our players, and I'm sure they will love playing with him."

Max Mackinnon

The son of NBL legend Sam Mackinnon returns to the club he made his NBL debut with during the 2021-22 campaign, after four seasons abroad playing college hoops. During that time, the exciting wing spent two seasons at Elon, before one each at Portland and LSU.

In the latter, Mackinnon shone, averaging 15.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

With that, and strong showing with the Next Stars team at the 2026 adidas Eurocamp, and with Charlotte at the NBA Summer League, on his resume, Mackinnon has proven why he's one of the country's brightest young talents.

He looms as a key piece to the Will Weaver rebuild in Brisbane and Bullets fans will hope he can emulate his dad's performances for the club.

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What Will Weaver said:
‍"Max is a tremendous talent who has come through the Brisbane basketball pathway and understands what it means to represent the Bullets.

"His steady improvement and the tenacity he showed climbing from Elon to LSU show he's nowhere near his peak.

"To have another player of NBA-level potential and ambition commit to our programme shows belief in what we are building here, and that is exciting for our fans and members."

Keanu Pinder

The two-time NBL Most Improved award winner is back in Cairns, where he's arguably played the best basketball of his career.

The high-flying big man, who returns after stints in Perth and Japan, appears set for a massive season with the Snakes, alongside fellow Australian Boomers Jack McVeigh, Jaylin Galloway and Reyne Smith.

His athleticism, speed and tenacity on the court make him one half of arguably the League's most exciting frontcourts. And with the likes of Jaylon Brown, Shaun Bruce and Next Star Luke Paul in the backcourt, Pinder's Taipans should well and truly be knocking on the door of the Finals.

Before that though, expect this excitement machine to electrify Red Energy Arena with plenty of dunks and highlight plays.

What Adam Forde said:
‍"Obviously, his offensive game speaks for itself. His point of difference is what he can do on the short roll and how he can finish on the rim. His back-to-the-basket game and outside shot have also taken big strides.

"But defensively? He's going to anchor our defence. One thing with Keanu that gets overlooked is that last time he was here, he had the number one-ranked defensive rating in the league.

"We were the number one-ranked defensive team, and he was sixth in the league for rebounding percentage. That's something that we've really missed since he's been gone.

"I'm excited to have Keanu back to improve us on both ends, while he's also been an important part of what we've been doing recruitment-wise."

Luke Travers

The final person on this list is returning forward Luke Travers, fresh off two years in the NBA with Cleveland.

Travers last suited up in the NBL during the 2023-24 season with United, but since then, his game has gone to a completely new level. Most notably, his jump shot looks a whole lot smoother, while his playmaking makes him a danger wherever he is on the court.

With his ability to play and guard all positions on the court, especially alongside fellow versatile stars like Joe Ingles, Chris Goulding and Sam Waardenburg, the 2020 NBL champion appears set for his best season to date.

What Jacob Chance said:
‍"Whether it was an import or a marquee local, we wanted to bring in a utility perimeter player who can play as a guard or on the wing that had some versatility to their game, and Luke fits that spot tremendously.

"He can play, essentially, all five positions. He's different, he's dynamic, he's a big athlete, and I think he's going to really help us at both ends.

"He's always been a tremendously high-IQ, team player. He has great feel, and that's something that's been present since I knew him as a 14, 15-year-old kid.

"When you look at his time in Cleveland, he spent time at multiple positions. Carrying the ball a lot, playing as a rolling big, handling in the pick and roll, and then defensively, I think that's where he's really grown the most, having to deal with the athleticism in the G League.

"I think he sees this as an opportunity to come back and contend for Championships, while still being able to showcase his skill coming into the prime of his career."

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