"He's been exceptional": High praise for Hunter

After months of anticipation, HoopsFest is officially upon us, with action tipping off in just a matter of hours.

The first match of the four day hoops extravaganza will see WNBL heavyweights Perth and Bendigo lock horns.

Following that, two undermanned sides, Sydney and Brisbane, will face off at RAC Arena.

With so many players out for both sides, it creates opportunities for others to step up and seize the moment.

One who's been doing so since arriving in Brisbane from South East Melbourne is Hunter Maldonado, who is averaging 23.5 points, 7 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 2 steals and 0.5 blocks.

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While the American's play hasn't resulted in a win yet, it has caught the attention of NBL champion Mark Worthington.

"Hunter Maldonado, I was wrong. I am sorry. Anyone who knows me knows that admitting that is big for me. He has been exceptional [since arriving in Brisbane]," Worthington said on Thursday's episode of NBL Now.

"It may have come at the expense of younger players, but Brisbane needed him to be competitive.

"I like that he is not settling [for jump shots]. At South East Melbourne, he deferred and took more perimeter shots. Now he is attacking the rim, drawing fouls and getting to the line. He had 18 free throw attempts last game.

"He is playing at a level that Darryl McDonald would appreciate and he is making a strong case to stay in the NBL."

In terms of the Round 17 fixture itself, dual Olympian Worthington believes it could be a 'danger game' for the Kings, who sit in third after winning eight of their past 10 contests.

"It is a danger game [for the Kings], they have been hurt but still winning," Worthington said.

"They have beaten teams they should have lost to. They should beat Brisbane, but the natural reaction is to relax.

"The matchup I am most interested in is Brian Goorjian versus Darryl McDonald, who have a rich history as player and coach.

"[I believe] the Kings win but I hope Alex Ducas, a West Australian from Geraldton, continues to take steps. I am sure the Geraldton fans will come in large numbers to watch him."

Thursday's fixture tips off at 9.30pm AEDT (6.30pm AWST), live on ESPN.