Tomkins To Carry Flag, Jackson Talking Trash and NBL Preseason

What an honour - congrats to James Tomkins.

Tonight saw the Townsville Crocodiles open the preseason against the Perth Wildcats.

The Wildcats got away with a 100-91 win at Murray Stadium.

The Crocs got out of the blocks rather sluggishly allowing the Cats to go on a three point shooting barrage. Of the top of my head the Wildcats drained five threes in the first quarter, which helped them to a fast start.

They had a double digit lead for the majority of the 1st quarter. After that our defense improved and saw us go into half time trailing by three, 52-49.

For the remainder of the game it was a see saw affair until the last five minutes.

Perth caught fire again from the land of plenty. Six threes in the last five minutes allowed them to blow the score out of reach.

Perth 100 (Alec Loughton 25, Darnell Hinson 16, Stephen Weigh 15) beat the Crocs 91 (JR, On Fire 20, Kelvin Robertson 18, Michael Cedar 15)

I will try and hunt down a complete boxscore, later.

Notes of the Game

Alex Loughton was on fire early in the game. Scored his points in many different ways, threes (3/4), post ups and mid range. Could be a Boomer at the next Olympics.

Stephen Weigh: Although it is preseason and you don't want to get caught up in it all, the former Utah Ute will be a Rookie of the Year candidate.

Brad Robbins hair style has me believing Oasis (music group) has found a new band member.

Paul Rogers (knee surgery) and Shawn Redhage did not play for Perth.

Corey "Homicide" Williams (bad hair cut) and Brad Sheridan (rested) did not play for the Crocs.

Our next preseason game is against the Cairns Taipans on the 15th at Murray Stadium. See you there.

Also thanks to the people who are supporting the free throw challenge I have thrown back in Steve Nash's direction. I'm still waiting to hear back from him.

Other News:

James Tomkins to carry flag for Australia.

"People are going to try and stop us any way they can. They have to play like that otherwise we'll kill them." Opals centre Lauren Jackson speaking to Sportsnetwork. Got to love trash talking in the women's game. (video)

Dirk Nowitzki to carry flag for Germany, but some athletes disagree with decision.

Aussie Olympian Andrew Bogut (of Croatian heritage) wants to beat Croatia.

Bogut should be ready for Croatia.

The blog DEADSPIN is asking is Team USA doomed?

Article about Canberra athletes (Pat Mills) arriving in Beijing.

Yao Ming to carry Chinese flag for second time.

Only one Dream Team.

Former West Sydney teammate Steve Markovic signs in Italy.

Nathan Jawai, Boomers biggest fan.

Sean Lampley back on the Tigers radar?

Wollongong coach Eric Cooks might juggle this year.

For Troy DeVries fans, he is playing in Spain. (in Spanish)

Rod Grizzard in town for the Tigers.

Rosell Ellis ready to roll.