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Joined January 2015
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Grew up in Geelong, lived in Perth since and while having covered virtually every sport to some degree, basketball and the NBL has become my focus to a growing level ever since my first game in 2005. I spent several years as Perth Wildcats media manager and have covered the league for a number of organisations and worked closely with the NBL and several clubs providing content
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The Brisbane Bullets might be yet to settle on their final squad this NBL season but they are putting together enough performances to deserve in on championship discussion – and centre Matt Hodgson couldn’t be enjoying himself more.
Any nine-game losing streak ahead of a tough road trip to tackle the league-leaders is going to make for challenging times, but Cairns Taipans vice-captain Lucas Walker has overcome plenty in his NBL career to reach 200 games and this current hole is one he sees a way out of.
A team full of NBL players might still have qualified Australia for a FIBA World Cup this time four years ago but the commitment, dedication and organisation of this current group playing for the Boomers only highlights further the growth of the league.
The Sydney Kings might be the highest-profile and most fascinating NBL team to follow in years, and they are playing some good basketball, but they do still have work to do to prove they can take it up to the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United.
When the Adelaide 36ers have been up and flying the past two seasons they have been an unstoppable NBL force, and now the arrival of Demitrius Conger has sparked them to get back to that intimidating outfit heading into the FIBA break.
Losing was never going to sit well with Adelaide 36ers coach Joey Wright and despite his close relationship with Adris De Leon, he made the call to cut the import point guard and now bring in a potential NBL game changer, Demitrius Conger.
The Brisbane Bullets might have lost twice in Round 5 of the NBL to buzzer-beaters but there’s every reason to suggest they are a threat now this season and Lamar Patterson looks capable of being a difference-maker.
The Sydney Kings are a superstar team, but any success they have will always be based around captain Kevin Lisch.
All eyes were on the Australian players trying to press their Boomers claim in the Round 4 NBL double between the Brisbane Bullets and Adelaide 36ers, but it was emerging Kiwi star Reuben Te Rangi that stole the show on Thursday night.
He was captain of his club and the reigning NBL MVP before being unceremoniously dumped in his last season in the league. Brian Conklin deserved better and is proving just why he’s one of the great warriors of the league on return with the Illawarra Hawks.
The Brisbane Bullets got a crucial NBL win on Thursday to open Round 3 and are likely to have a third import soon arriving – and not before time according to former 381-game star Simon Kerle, who has joined the league’s commentary team this season.
Write the Perth Wildcats off at your peril. After being the only team to win twice in Round 1 of the NBL season, they come into Saturday’s home clash with the Brisbane Bullets having already answered one significant question.
It has been a stunning opening to the new NBL season highlighted by a four overtime classic on Friday night, and now Sunday’s Round 1 action features Tai Wesley’s return to Melbourne as a Breaker after starring in last season’s championship.
Andrew Bogut is on board, with the NBL potentially possessing the most talent it ever has entering a new season. The 2018-19 campaign is set to get underway this Thursday night and it promises plenty – and should deliver even more.
It appeared Melbourne United would claim an NBL championship from the moment they began putting together star-studded rosters, and thanks to Chris Goulding and Casper Ware, this season they achieved that inevitability.
It’s no stretch to say that it could very well be the greatest NBL grand final series of all-time and it deserves a fitting finale on Saturday night in Game 5 with the championship on the line between Melbourne United and the Adelaide 36ers.
It might have only been five days since the Adelaide 36ers levelled the NBL grand final series with Melbourne United ahead of Friday night’s Game 3, but the drama has now reached fever-pitch and it’s hard to keep track of everything going on either side of the border.
Melbourne United put on display its full championship credentials in Game 1 of the NBL grand final series on Friday night to take a one-nil lead, and Adelaide 36ers coach Joey Wright was savage on his team’s effort and has demanded a response at home on Sunday in Game 2.
For the first time in almost a decade there is no Perth Wildcats nor New Zealand Breakers set to win the NBL championship and the excitement is palpable ahead of Game 1 of the grand final series on Friday night between Melbourne United and Adelaide 36ers.
Perth Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson has accused the Adelaide 36ers of ‘over-emphasising’ contact to get foul calls ahead of Game 2 of their semi-final battle but Sixers guard Shannon Shorter is looking forward to the challenge of closing the series in Perth.
That’s a good point Ian, I hadn’t thought of like that. I guess sometimes we forget that athletes aren’t the only ones who get mistreated by their bosses! Absolutely full credit to Tommy and Cody. To look at them, you would never know what they are dealing with inside
Plenty of player drama beneath NBL surface
Hi Damo, thanks for reading. I couldn’t have been more impressed with the Breakers. Newbill and Sosa are match winners. Plus they have been without Penney and a third import. But only time will tell!
Agree on the Hawks. They should be a better team than last season. But when things go on behind the scenes to upset the harmony, it often leads to results like this!
The opposing tales of the Hawks and Breakers in the NBL
Yeah Bairstow is on injury waiver so not part of the roster this season and no chance of playing. They hold out hope he could next season, but he’s not contracted beyond this season.
Humphries and Singh are fine as your developing centres, so no issue there and Singh will be sticking around no matter what with the long-term future in India in mind. But clearly an experienced big man is what they need. And I still think a point guard too, but they obviously don’t think they need a genuine playmaker/distributor.
Looking at the positives with key NBL injuries
Thanks for reading Kris. Bear would be more than welcome back on the floor for the Bullets no doubt, especially with Mitch Young out indefinitely with his glandular fever, Tommy J still getting over a badly broken finger and Peach finding his feet after no pre-season. But unfortunately he’s no chance of playing this season because of his knee. He’s still in Brisbane with the hope of being right to go for the start of next season, but it’s an injury where it’s going to need to be managed the rest of his career now.
And yep I just don’t understand the Kings decisions. They’ve now signed Jeremy Kendle. Nothing against him, but he is another player better NOT as the primary ball handler – the same as Lisch, Cadee and Leslie!
Looking at the positives with key NBL injuries
I had to put someone last, it’s always tough and as you’ll see that by no means suggests I don’t think the Bullets could still be a threat. A slow start could make it tough though in such a tight league. To be honest I wanted to put Kings last based on my concerns over their squad, but I thought I’d get shouted down
NBL 2017-18 season preview and predictions
None of those rule changes would be bad if implemented, I think particularly the defensive three second rule would be good so no one can camp in the paint. Travelling is an interesting one. From talking to a lot of imports, it shocks them what they get called for as a travel!
But the reality is very few NBL players will end up playing in the NBA where almost all of them will play in other leagues throughout Europe, Asia or Puerto Rico where FIBA rules are in place too. The NBL will be sticking with FIBA because that’s what most of the world follows, aside from the NBA. BUT the one rule that annoys me every single year is the possession arrow. Bring back the jump ball please!
Time for the NBL to adopt NBA rules
Hi James, totally agree with you. Of course we love players speaking their minds. But saying you don’t like anyone on a team. Just hours after you did a photo shoot with Rotnei Clarke and that is a team that I don’t see any reason to call dirty, was strange by Jerome. But I understood it. He did it to fire himself up and it worked! Why Mitch backed him up and repeated it before playing in Wollongong, I will never understand. I don’t blame Joey for not wanting his players to talk this week!
Makes it great viewing though!
Sixers go quiet ahead of Game 3 vs 'dirty' Hawks
Certainly came back to Perth. They skipped the the awards night and trained Tuesday and Wednesday, and flew out yesterday
Old foes go to war but imports key for Taipans and Wildcats
My thoughts exactly James! Why bother?
If you haven’t heard of Redhage, Vukona, Wortho and Peach, you have not watched any NBL the last decade
Careers of four great NBL rivals nearing the end
Sorry guys, obviously the Breakers can only have one of Stockton/Woodside now that they have signed Carter
NBL clubs bank on getting immediate impact
Good question. In hindsight he perhaps could have got in ahead of Penney or Clarke. If he keeps going how he is, he certainly will by the end of the season
Best of the best midway through NBL season
It’s a good question and I’d only be taking a stab. But I think at least $150,000. Highest paid could approach $300,000 or potentially a bit more
The dream, the sacrifice: How hard it is to chase an NBL career
I thought they had good stories to share about their sacrifices about being away from their families. Sorry you didn’t agree
The dream, the sacrifice: How hard it is to chase an NBL career
Totally agree. He looked much better. Maybe all he needs is more opportunity and maybe he is better to start than come off the bench. I’d love to see him light it up. Will only further showcase the NBL
Sixers attempt to buck history by building NBL success
Except put him on the floor and give him a license to shoot, I’m not too sure what more Joey can do for him. Joey was so excited about his signing. But he just doesn’t look ready for it. He should be in college
Sixers attempt to buck history by building NBL success
Could be here all day talking about former NBL clubs!
Gaze has last laugh with Kings over United
I think the time has come. No doubt Mike Kelly can coach in the NBL. Give him the job for the rest of the season
Is replacing Williams enough to right United?
Just a slight correction. Goulding wasn’t there in 2014-15. He was there the season before and then came back last year
Is replacing Williams enough to right United?
Far too soon in his career to be considered for Test cricket!
Stoinis and Wade pressuring Marsh and Nevill for Test spots
Totally agree. I think he’s the perfect fit for them. Will be interesting how Khazzouh fits back in if he does make it back this season!
How can the irrepressible Sydney Kings be stopped?
Having seen Mennie bowl in Shield cricket at the WACA the last couple of years, including this past week, he bowls the perfect length and is a proven performer at the ground. Plus as Rod Marsh said he’s a handy batsmen – including making 32 this week as nightwatchman. I’m very happy with him getting the nod and I think he’ll do well
Joe Mennie's selection for Perth defies description
Hi Robert, they had over 8000 for the first home game and I think close to that mark for the others. I think they are making a bit of a splash in the Sydney market especially with adding Powell and Blake. For the first time since they returned to the league I think Sydney actually knows it has a basketball team
NBL championship or bust for Sydney Kings
I reckon that’s about the level he looks at this stage. But he is aiming to be a first round NBA draft pick so he needs to be able to handle the NBL for that to happen!
Rating the NBL imports after opening round
They certainly have the ability. But until they prove they can match it with Perth and New Zealand, they aren’t in the mix. But doing so in a playoff series would be the perfect time to turn it around!
We've learned nothing new in the NBL this year