‘He’s All-NBL first team for me’: How Breakers star became one of four ‘locks’ among elite

Since joining the NBL in 2023, Parker Jackson-Cartwright has established himself as not only one of the league’s most exciting players, but one of its most reliable and influential performers.

And that’s why a host of NBL experts believe he’s one of four “locks” in the All-NBL First team.

“He’s All-NBL first team for me,” NBL Overtime analyst Pete Hooley said.

Watch live coverage of NBL and WNBL 2025-26 seasons with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

“I think we’ve got three locks – Bryce Cotton, Kendric Davis, and I think Nathan Sobey the way he’s playing and the way South East Melbourne are playing. PJC’s got to be in there.”

Lanard Copeland echoed the sentiment, placing Jackson-Cartwright firmly among the league’s top guards.

“He’s one of the best three guards in the league,” Copeland said.

“You look at KD (Kendric Davis), you look at (Bryce) Cotton, and you look at this guy.”

Copeland also acknowledged how team results can often influence broader recognition, despite individual performance.

“Because they’re not up there winning a lot of games, we don’t talk about them as much,” he said.

“But he has been terrific for his size and the way he’s unafraid to go to the basket and get the job done.”

“The guy deserves what he can get,” Copeland added.

Across three seasons, Jackson-Cartwright has consistently produced at an elite level. Despite standing at just 5’11, he has dominated with career averages of 19 points, 6.6 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting 46.9 per cent from the field and 33.4 per cent from beyond the arc. His combination of speed, control, and competitiveness has made him one of the toughest matchups at the point guard position.

Damon Lowery, a former NBL point guard, provided further insight into why Jackson-Cartwright continues to thrive despite physical disadvantages.

“The little big man – he’s faster than you, he’s been small his whole life,” Lowery said on NBL Overtime.

“He goes around guys, he gets his lefty floaters off. His three-ball is real dangerous now and then in transition, you can’t stop him.”

This season began in disrupted fashion as Jackson-Cartwright managed an ongoing rib injury, impacting his early rhythm and availability. As his health has improved, so too has his influence on games and the Breakers’ overall competitiveness.

On the season, he is averaging 17.4 points per game, along with career highs in assists (7.8) and rebounds (4.5), reinforcing his growth into a more complete, all-around guard. While his shooting efficiency has dipped slightly, his impact on winning has increased.

The Breakers currently sit seventh on the ladder with an 8-13 record following a significant offseason reset built around their ‘back to black’ mantra, prioritising New Zealand-born talent. While results have been inconsistent, Jackson-Cartwright has been the constant, particularly during a recent stretch where the team has gone 5-4 across its past nine games.

That level of play has not gone unnoticed.

Beyond individual scoring, Jackson-Cartwright’s impact is evident in how he elevates those around him. One of the clearest examples this season has been the growth of Sam Mennenga, who is averaging career highs across multiple statistical categories, including 16.3 points per game.

While development is rarely attributable to a single factor, Jackson-Cartwright’s playmaking and tempo have played a meaningful role.

“He’s getting players involved,” Lowery said.

“Sam Mennenga’s having his best year ever because he’s riding with Parker.”

READ MORE:

NBL DAILY:‘Reassessed in a week’: Wildcats import receives positive injury update

EXCLUSIVE:Two-year rise from ‘intolerable’ to ‘best player in the NBL’

Competition for All-NBL honours remains fierce, with standout seasons also coming from players such as JaVale McGee, Jack McVeigh, Bryce Hamilton, and Mennenga. However, the league’s voting format – allowing any player from any position – ensures Jackson-Cartwright remains firmly in the conversation.

Copeland also referenced the impact of Jackson-Cartwright’s early-season injury, suggesting his true form has only recently emerged.

“He couldn’t play, he couldn’t breathe,” Copeland said.

“And all of a sudden he got healthy and you see the real PJC.”

What may ultimately shape Jackson-Cartwright’s All-NBL chances is team success. The Breakers’ 8-13 record, despite their improved form, could weigh against him in award voting.

Still, regardless of results, one constant remains. Jackson-Cartwright continues to defend with intensity, organise the offence, and rise in moments when his team needs him most — traits that define elite point guard play.

Earlier this month, Dillon Boucher spoke exclusively to foxsports.com.au about early discussions surrounding Jackson-Cartwright potentially obtaining New Zealand citizenship, which would see him classified as a local player and open the door to Tall Blacks eligibility.

“He definitely sees this as his home – a home away from home,” Boucher said.

Boucher also recalled an early conversation with Jackson-Cartwright regarding that possibility.

“I asked if that was something that he’d be interested in, and he said, ‘Absolutely. I’d love to explore what that looks like.’”

Whether or not that pathway eventuates, one conclusion is already clear: Parker Jackson-Cartwright is among the NBL’s best players and an All-NBL-calibre guard.