Valuable experience for former Geraldton Buccs Alex Ducas and Johny Narkle as their maiden NBL season wraps up

Two of Geraldton’s favourite basketball sons had their first taste of NBL during the 2025-26 season, gaining valuable experience as they look to further their professional basketball careers. Johny Narkle’s Illawarra Hawks and Alex Ducas’ Brisbane Bullets have wrapped up their seasons after finishing eighth and 10th respectively, meaning both players’ NBL rookie seasons have come to a close. Narkle’s body of work with the Buccaneers in NBL1 West was rewarded with a one-year deal in August last year as a development player with the Hawks. He played minutes in 18 games, averaging 2.1 points, but showing flashes of the brilliance Geraldton locals are all too familiar with during his time at the Buccs. While his NBL plans are unclear heading into the off-season, Geraldton will have to make peace with the fact Narkle won’t be in Buccs colours next NBL1 West season after signing with Cockburn Cougars. But speaking post-match after the Hawks’ round 22 clash against the Tasmania JackJumpers, Narkle said he looked forward to “hopefully coming back next season”. “I’m feeling good. The coaches have trusted me and given me an opportunity and I feel I’ve taken it on,” he said. “I’ve gotten here now and I’m just trying to maintain a roster spot or even go further in my basketball career, so we’ll see how we go.” Hawks coach Justin Tatum said he sees potential for Narkle to have a long NBL career. “You’ve seen him when he played in the NBL1, winning the championship,” he said. “He can continue doing the same thing in the NBL once he gets the experience and the weight up under him and a group that believes in him, and that’s the Hawks.” After becoming the ninth Australian basketballer to win an NBA championship ring with Oklahoma City Thunder last year, Ducas returned to Australia and was swiftly recruited by Brisbane. With his contract up at the end of the season, some uncertainty surrounds where his future lies, despite a solid rookie season when he was able to get on court. Several injuries made it difficult for the 25-year-old to find his rhythm at the top level, preventing him from unleashing his full potential in Australia’s top league. Rated as an elite shooter, he struggled to reflect that in the 30 games he played, averaging 8.5 points, two rebounds and a field goal percentage of 36. Should he overcome these injury woes and find some consistency, Ducas is more than capable of improving on his 2025-26 season with Brisbane. Late last year, Ducas also returned to the Boomers squad for the first time since 2023, as Australia played New Zealand in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.