MELBOURNE (Paulo Kennedy’s View from Downunder) - Unless you've been living under a rock the past week or so, you would know the NBL has broken new ground with the Sydney Kings and Melbourne United taking part in the NBLxNBA series in the USA.

And Melbourne did it with style. Only two visiting club teams have ever won on US soil - CSKA Moscow twice and Fenerbahce Ulker once, both earlier this decade - while Maccabi Tel Aviv claimed a win over the Raptors in Toronto in 2005.

If that in itself doesn't tell you how well Melbourne played to get within a point of victory, consider that the 86 points the Oklahoma City Thunder scored was the equal-fewest ever by an NBA team against a visiting club side.

Further, if you look at the quality of opponent - and none of the four losing NBA teams have gone on to sit above .500 - probably only the two-point overtime loss by CSKA Moscow to the San Antonio Spurs in 2013 sits alongside Melbourne's effort.

It was a surprising and outstanding performance, and much of the coverage has been about how the appearances of United and the Kings have helped the perception of the NBL in Australia and abroad.

However, I'm going to look at it a little differently, because I think seeing some Aussies and New Zealanders performing in that environment was valuable from a FIBA Basketball World Cup perspective as we move to 2019 and beyond.

So here's a look at some of the individuals who have stood out, for various reasons, through the first two meets of the three-game NBLxNBA series.

Watching @MelbUnitedHQ take it right at @okcthunder and their BIG 3 was a pretty bloody great way to start the week #NBLxNBA #MELatOKC 🇦🇺🏀 pic.twitter.com/84JzUUd2KW

— NBL (@NBL) October 9, 2017

Dean Vickerman
United holding OKC to such a low total, on 35 per cent shooting no less, didn't happen by accident. Coach Vickerman has taken over what was a reactive defensive unit in recent years, and in just a few weeks turned them into a genuinely disruptive outfit.

The Thunder and their superstars never looked comfortable against Melbourne's aggressive and unpredictable D, and given the quality of opponent and limited prep time, that should put Vickerman squarely in contention for a Boomers assistant coaching role when a spot next opens up.

Steve Adams
While the focus was on Anthony, George and Westbrook, I thought Adams was the difference between the two teams with his physicality and relentless play. He didn't have it all his own way against Josh Boone and David Andersen, but he executed the little plays that mattered.

Most important were his 6 offensive rebounds and ability to convert them into points. When you think of the perimeter-based game the New Zealand Tall Blacks play, Adams is the perfect fit and you can see why coach Paul Henare is waiting so patiently to have the big fella on board.

David Andersen
The quality of DA was on show when he backed down a smaller opponent from 25 feet, and then froze with a pivot to finish at the rim. Forget 37 years old, forget winding down, Andersen's 9 points, 7 boards and 3 assists in 23 minutes tell you he's still at home against the world's best.

He has put his hand up for the World Cup Qualifiers starting in November, setting himself to join Andrew Gaze, Oscar Schmidt, Teofilo Cruz and Juan Carlos Navarro as the only men to play hoops at five Olympic Games at Tokyo 2020, and who would bet against him given his high IQ and impeccable preparation.

We could get used to this whole #NBLxNBA thing...

Hey @NBA, how's about we host you guys next year? @SydneyKings 🆚 @utahjazz Highlights pic.twitter.com/OFbWYlRGVz

— NBL (@NBL) October 9, 2017

Jason Cadee
The 26-year-old has been an impressive performer whenever he's pulled on the green and gold in its various forms, and his ability to organise a team and make big shots has always kept him in the frame as a Boomers reserve, something backed up by his strong showing at the FIBA Asia Cup 2017.

However, against Utah Jazz, the Sydney Kings point guard failed the playmaking test of Ricky Rubio's pressure defence. Cadee looked intimidated and was unable to make adjustments on the run when entries into offence were cut off.  He'll get more chances to prove himself, but that would have been a cross next to his name when it comes to the major tournaments.

Dante Exum
The 22-year-old has had a rotten run of luck - which continued with a shoulder injury three days ago against the Phoenix Suns - and that has meant he is yet to make the progress many expected after he dominated underage FIBA competitions, including US opposition.

Watching his ability to inject speed into the game for Utah perhaps gives an insight into the role he could play for the Boomers, a sparkplug off the bench, but he will have strong opposition for a roster spot from some hardened professionals by the time China 2019 comes around. Let's hope the injury gods allow him to have a good run at it.

Todd Blanchfield
The new Sydney Kings swingman is another who's danced around the fringe of the national team for quite some time, and wasn't given a heap of opportunities at this year's FIBA Asia Cup, but he looked very at home in Salt Lake City taking on NBA level athletes.

Blanchfield pulled in an impressive 9 rebounds, just behind Rudy Gobert's game-high 10, drove into the paint with ease and nailed a quality trail triple in transition, even if his perimeter game wasn’t at its usual standard. His seemingly effortless performance should garner attention from Boomers and NBA coaches alike.

Paulo Kennedy

FIBA

FIBA's columnists write on a wide range of topics relating to basketball that are of interest to them. The opinions they express are their own and in no way reflect those of FIBA.

FIBA takes no responsibility and gives no guarantees, warranties or representations, implied or otherwise, for the content or accuracy of the content and opinion expressed in the above article.