Marshall ready to give Pioneers 'X-factor'

Adelaide 36ers swingman Nick Marshall will look to build on his late NBL24 form when he returns to Mount Gambier Pioneers for the 2024 NBL1 South season.

Marshall, who was a key focus for new Adelaide head coach Scott Ninnis in the back end of NBL24, was elevated into the starting line-up and played a key role as the 36ers won seven of their final 10 matches.

The 198cm swingman is a back-to-back Alan Scott Medallist as Pioneers MVP and has re-committed to the club for a fourth straight season.

Marshall averaged 22.3 points per game at 49 per cent shooting to go with more than six rebounds per game last season as the Pioneers fell short in a preliminary final exit to eventual champions Knox Raiders.

Pioneers head coach Richard Hill was thrilled with Marshall’s decision to return to Mount Gambier and knows his swingman will be a vital part in Mount Gambier making the next step this season.

NBL1 SOUTH 2024: Next level dreams await

“It’s great to have our MVP from the last two seasons return for his fourth stint with the Pioneers,” Hill said.

“It’s been exciting for all of us to watch Nick’s development and I’m really looking forward to that continued growth.

“Nick’s athleticism and versatility provides an extremely valuable X factor for us.”

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Marshall will be joined at the Pioneers this season by 36ers NBL24 development player Akech Aliir, who joins Mount Gambier after a breakout season with North Adelaide Rockets in the NBL1 Central in 2023. Former Adelaide 36ers point guard Tom Daly is also back in Pioneers colours, after taking one year off.

The NBL1 South season tips off this week, with the Pioneers facing a tough double header on the road against Sandringham Sabres and Waverley Falcons.