How the NBL’s steals leader found his feet fast

Brisbane Bullets import Nate Hinton has wasted no time making his mark in his first NBL season.

While plenty of imports need time to find their feet in the League, the energetic guard says his stints with Team USA helped prepare him for the physicality and pace of the FIBA game.

“The FIBA rules are definitely different,” he told Fox Sports.

“You know, playing half my time at Team USA helped with that as well. But seeing the referees, seeing the physicality, seeing the style of play. It’s very similar, but it’s more physical.

“You know, it’s less timeouts. It’s more play action. So now it’s just exciting to be able to be here and excited to continue to play basketball.”

The 27-year-old had a standout career at the University of Houston before signing a two-way deal with the Dallas Mavericks.

During that time, his Mavericks team was loaded, with Hinton sharing the floor with the likes of Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson.

“It was a dream, for real,” he said.

“You know, sometimes it was like, ‘Man, I’m really here.’ You know, obviously COVID was a different situation, but it was still an amazing opportunity, amazing atmosphere, and just playing with guys like that and playing against the talented guys you see on TV all the time.

“And you know, that opportunity was a dream of mine. So I’m just thankful and appreciative for it.”

Most recently, Hinton spent time in Germany, his first stint outside the United States in his six-year professional career, and admits the move to Australia was something different for him to consider.

“I was just open to see what it was about and I started looking up some things that they had and I was like, ‘Okay, cool. It’s a nice little city.’ And they said it’s like the third largest in the country. So I’ve just been an open book and just looking to see what it has to offer.”

Hinton currently leads the League in steals and has been a spark for Will Weaver through five rounds, as the Bullets navigate a tricky stretch with injuries to key stars.

Through 7 games, he is averaging 17.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.6 steals in 30.6 minutes a night, while shooting 46.2 per cent from the field.

Read the full story here >> From NBA ‘dream’ to NBL: Underrated import’s unique Aussie path paying off