Nunawading, Victoria – The Nunawading Spectres are excited to announce the signing of American guard Riley Lupfer, who joins the club as their first import for the NBL1 South 2026 season.
Lupfer arrives at The Graveyard following standout stints in both NBL1 East and NBL1 South, most recently with the Albury Wodonga Bandits where she cemented herself as one of the most potent perimeter scorers in the country. A former collegiate star at Boise State, where she set the program’s record for made three-pointers, Lupfer brings proven shooting pedigree, high-level offensive instincts, and valuable experience across multiple Australian conferences.
“She’s one of those players who just feels the game as a scorer,” said Spectres Head Coach Paul Flynn. “Riley doesn’t need a lot of space or time. She has an ability to shift momentum instantly, and that’s a rare weapon in our league.”
Beyond her elite shooting, Flynn highlighted Lupfer’s impact as a playmaker.
“People see the shooting numbers, but what often gets overlooked is her court vision. She’s dangerous playing out of the pick-and-roll. The way she reads coverages and manipulates defenders, she can punish teams by making the shot or hitting the roller right on time. That dual threat makes her incredibly hard to scheme against.”
Lupfer’s Australian résumé includes a strong year just gone with Albury, where she connected on 112 three-pointers, and a season with Launceston where she made 94 three-point shots, both campaigns shooting just shy of 40% from beyond the arc. Her explosive scoring performance last July, a 55-point, 16-three-point outburst that set a league single-game scoring record, remains one of the most memorable individual displays in NBL1 across any conference.
Flynn said Lupfer’s arrival aligns perfectly with Nunawading’s evolving offensive identity.
“She gives us instant gravity. Defences have to respect her everywhere, which opens the floor for our guards, our posts, and our cutters. And she competes, that’s what I love. We’ve got a player who embraces the responsibility of being a go-to option.”
Lupfer becomes the latest addition to a growing 2026 roster as the Spectres continue to shape a group capable of challenging.
