Biwali knee injury casts cloud over NBL1 finals tilt

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Sydney Comets NBL1 East star Biwali Bayles has injured his right knee playing for the New York Knicks in the 2025 Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 23-year old guard was having himself a ball game when he disrupted a lob pass of a high pick and roll and came down clutching his knee.

He had to be helped off the floor by two Knicks training staff members with 45 seconds left against the Indiana Pacers.

Bayles, who is averaging is 28.6 points per game, 7.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists for the Comets, was expected back for the NBL1 finals next week.

Bayles spoke to NBL.com.au's Peter Hooley earlier in the week about getting an opportunity to compete at the 2025 Summer League.

"It’s definitely something I dreamed of being here in this position, and I’m definitely grateful for it," Bayles said.

"So two minutes, 40 minutes — you know, I’ve always just been, no matter what time I get, I’mma go out and give 100% no matter what.

"And yeah, just soaking in this experience, man. You know, there’s a lot of great players, a lot of players in the league, a lot of great coaches — everybody here.

"So, you know, just trying to show what I can do in the little time that I get and just hopefully build off that."

Bayles revealed it was a special moment for he and his family to have his name on the NBA jersey.

"Surreal," he said.

"Like, I think the night before, like when I picked up my game loop — you know, we had to drop off our training loops and pick up our game loops — and I just took a photo straight of my jersey, sent it to my mum.

"Obviously this is not like the end where I wanna be, but you know, my first stamp of something NBA is still a dream come true in a sense.

"It’s still a surreal feeling seeing my name attached to something like that, let alone a historic team like the Knicks, so much history and stuff behind it.

"I grew up watching a lot of NBA, and Knicks was one of the first teams I watched. So it’s been special to watch throughout."

Bayles earned a Summer League contract alongside child friend and Sydney Comets juniors teammate William "Davo" Hickey.

"Me and Dave, we were talking about it all the time," Bayles said.

"Even on our way over here, his flight was an hour and a half later than mine on the Saturday. So we’re at the airport together. He’s staying at the Wynn, I’m at the Encore, so it’s like a five minute walk to his room.

"We’re just together every day just soaking in this experience, talking about, even if nothing happens here, even if we lose, we win.

"It’s just a real feeling to be here. Let alone to do it with Davo, it’s just like that’s a dream come true as well.

"And it definitely makes it easier and less lonely for both of us, man."