WATCH every game of the 2020-21 NBL grand final series LIVE, FREE and in HD on SBS VICELAND or stream live via from 8:30pm (AEST) Friday, June 18.
Megan Hustwaite gathered predictions from representatives from the seven clubs on who will win the best-of-five Grand Final series between Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats and tips for the Grand Final’s Most Valuable Player, the Larry Sengstock Medal.
Sengstock was the first ever Grand Final MVP in 1979 and a five-time championship winner with St Kilda Saints (1979, 1990), Brisbane Bullets (1985, 1987) and North Melbourne Giants (1994).
The opening game of the NBL21 Grand Final series tips off tonight in Perth.
JACK MCVEIGH, ADELAIDE 36ERS
“It’s always hard to pick against the Wildcats, they just know how to win big games, but for this one I have to say Melbourne United is going to win. Their athleticism and playmaking make them tough to beat.”
Larry Sengstock Medal: Chris Goulding, Melbourne United
“With his big shots and big plays it will be exciting to see him try and win another ring!”
HARRY FROLING, BRISBANE BULLETS
“Melbourne United to win, just based on form and the way they have been playing.”
Larry Sengstock Medal: Scotty Hopson, Melbourne United
“I think (John) Mooney vs (Jock) Landale will be a tough match up and Scotty might have some freedom.”
SCOTT MACHADO, CAIRNS TAIPANS
“Melbourne United have their complete team. Wildcats showed great fight coming back and winning the first series but just don’t have their closer in Bryce Cotton.”
Larry Sengstock Medal: Scotty Hopson, Melbourne United
“He’s been coming out ready to play in these finals.”
DAN GRIDA, ILLAWARRA HAWKS
“I think Melbourne United will win the Grand Final series because they have Dave Andersen on the team.”
Larry Sengstock Medal: Jock Landale, Melbourne United
“Jock will be Grand Final MVP because he is unreal form right now!”
TAI WEBSTER, NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
“Melbourne United. They’ve got the nicest team and the best coach (in Dean Vickerman).”
Larry Sengstock Medal: Jock Landale, Melbourne United
RYAN BROEKHOFF, SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
“I think Melbourne United will win. The loss of Bryce Cotton will be hard to cover for Perth against the firepower of Melbourne.”
Larry Sengstock Medal: Jock Landale, Melbourne United
DEJAN VASILJEVIC, SYDNEY KINGS
“Melbourne United will win the championship either 3-0 or 3-1 especially now Bryce Cotton is out for the year. United’s depth will outplay Perth’s depth tremendously because it doesn’t matter if you contain (Jock) Landale or (Scotty) Hopson, someone else will step up.”
Larry Sengsock Medal: Jock Landale, Melbourne United
“Jock’s got some fire in him this play-offs. He knows he’s been counted out from NBA teams so he’s coming into this Grand Final series to win and then make that jump to the NBA."
Friday 18 June
Perth Wildcats v Melbourne United - Grand Final Game 1
20:30 - 22:30 (AEST) *Tip-off time 20:35*
LIVE on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand
