"Night and day": Baynes' big warning

Brisbane big Aron Baynes has put the league on notice, and believes he’s in better shape heading into NBL24 than he was at any point last season.

The former NBA centre arrived in the NBL following almost two years on the sidelines with a back injury and, despite a slow start to the season, returned to being a dominant force by campaign’s end.

Baynes played 24 of a possible 28 games as the Bullets slumped to a ninth-place finish, however he believes he’s currently in far better physical condition than he was 12 months ago.

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“If you watch some of the progress for me personally throughout the season it was physically night and day between the beginning and the end of the season,” Baynes said. “And it feels like that again between the end of the season and the start of this one.

“There’s a lot of progress that’s being made. That’s one of the things about neurological injuries, so hopefully everything lines up to be able to get out there, run around and be more of how I see myself on the court.”

Baynes is one of just four players – along with DJ Mitchell, Nathan Sobey and Tyrell Harrison – who is currently confirmed to be remaining at the Bullets, following their struggles of NBL23.

Former Cairns guard Shannon Scott and import Chris Smith have joined the club, alongside a host of local talent, and a near whole new coaching staff.

Interim coach Greg Vanderjagt has returned to his post as assistant coach, while first time head coach Justin Schueller has taken the reins.

Baynes believes the club is targeting incoming pieces who will help the group move forward as a collective.

“We ended the season on a good note with what we started playing like as a group,” he said.

“There’s been a fair few changes in the off-season, however I think between the people coming in and the guys we still have, we align in what we see as necessary to do what we want to do and go out there and compete every night.

“It’s exciting getting to know these guys right now and lining up our philosophies – which are pretty closely in sync.”

Brisbane will play Adelaide in their opening clash of NBL24 on Friday, September 29.