My Thoughts On Your Comments

Don't forget Episode 2 of "The OT" with JR and DJ Rod can be downloaded right here.

Over the past few weeks I have noticed an increase in comments. I'm not sure if that is a reflection on my writing and/or topics but I welcome ALL comments.

What I've done tonight is highlight a few that have come in over the last week that I will comment on.

Anonymous wrote, " Rill's. Sick and tired of NBL coaches and CEO's throwing the line out there that there are 30 guys without a job/team from last season. What a load of crap. Every Singapore guys are still playing and getting paid. If they chose to leave that team becuase of the move out of the NBL, then that was up to them. For the Kings, the only guys from last season's teams without a job are Kendall (probably the most high profile on the list) and BJ Carter. From the Bullets the only guys without jobs are Mick Hill, Rhys Martin, Justin Brown. Bradshaw went to Europe. The rest are guys who couldnt get contracts Rigby and Mottram. So I have 7 reputable players who were in some way effected by the collapse of these teams "direectly". If you throw Dench, Campbell (Blaze), Hunt (Perth) who probably effected indirectly. Subtract retirements (Dmac, Copes, Castle, Stiff, Trahair, Shanahan, Pepper). How does that up to 30 guys without a job as being reported consistently around the country?? The Perth situation with Dowdell & Garlepp is just a selfish one. They opted to take on Knight knowing the points, in fact they got rid of Hunt to get the team they wanted in the first place! There are probably more players on the fringe of programs affected by the YAP rule, then those out of work by the demise of the bullets/kings. And lets face it, besides Kendall - who on that list is a front line NBL player of the future??"

I agree with what you are saying here, "Anonymous". The NBL has certainly not lost 30 players due to the off season happenings.

As you mentioned there are only a handful of players that have been affected by the three teams folding. In fact the Young Australian Player (YAP) would have had more of a bearing on this more than anything else.

I cannot fathom how Luke Kendall is not playing in our league right now. To think that the last guy cut from the Olympic Team cannot get a contract in his own domestic competition is mind blowing.

Somehow I think some CEO's and coaches have commented without really thinking about what the result really has been.

Dodge Taylor wrote, "Singlets wise I have Nique, Timmy (which I got him to sign), KG with the Wolves (one of my friends lost it), Steph with the Wolves, Reggie, my boy Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, a Georgetown Iverson and Nash from his Dallas days."

Kelthoctor said, "The only NBA jerseys i own are Nuggets #20 (Ellis), Lakers #9 (Nick Van Exel), Celtics #5 (Bill Walton, yeah, its really old)".

On the jersey front, I have to admit to sporting my share in the day and still rock my "Miller" jersey down at The Strand.

My collection started with a Dominique Wilkins and Michael Jordan uniform. Man did I think I was "pimpin".

Next, I added a "Big Game" James Worthy jersey. If only I could finish the break like he did!

Then the jersey club became exclusive. I have about 6 or 7 Reggie Miller jerseys in my closet, still. Anything from Pacers to Team USA. Miller Time will live on forever.

As for no Moses Malone attire. My own brother tried to rip me off on the sale of a sweet 76ers Malone jersey.

My names Rillie not silly.

Glockers wrote, " Yeah let Luke Martin play for goodness sake. Though I would just ditch Dann since he has never taken the next step and Reed is an adequate back-up at the three spot. That way you can fit Luke in."

I'm not sure if all the backlash helped but Luke Martin has got his wish and is playing for the Sydney Spirit.

Glockers, I agree with you regarding Greame Dann. I'm not sure how many teams will keep taking a punt on this guy's untapped potential. He has skills but does not handle advice to well.

Keep the comments rolling in. I will begin to highlight the comments of the week and respond.

News

- The final game of Round 1 was tonight and it allowed Brian Goorjian to taste success in his 700th game on the sidelines. A late technical foul on the Perth Wildcats allowed the South Dragons to get away with a 91-87 road win.

recap boxscore

- Both the Melbourne Tigers and the Cairns Taipans have got out of the blocks fast. Each team has started 2-0 in Round 1.

- Brian Goorjian talks to The Age's Stephen Howell about success.

- Goorjian on Andrew Gaze.

- New Zealand Breakers take deep breath as new reform has them pencilled in.

- Sydney Spirit Coach Rob Beveridge said, " the state of basketball in Sydney, it's red alert." Courtesy of Foxsports.

I agree with Beveridge. We cannot just think all will be right when the league revamps itself next year. We have a season to play and I believe it will impact how the sport is perceived now and in the future.

- Michael Hill (not the jeweler) believes that Brisbane needs to be included in the NBL.

- 36ers looking for 2-0 start to season.

- Shane Heal has nothing to prove.

- NBA training camp is just around the corner. How will the Rookie's fair?

The NBL's only quadruple overtime game (1994). Brisbane Bullets vs Perth Wildcats