My Thoughts From Day 1

Michael Joiner is reminding me of Oliver Miller.



After sleeping on the first day's play here is what I feel is News worthy.

- I love the cleanness of the Marrara Indoor Stadium. There are no decals on the court for the to slip on and injure themselves. But what I have noticed is the non exist presence of NBL signage around the stadium.

Like any event these days you need sponsors, so there is a small spluttering of them around. The NBL major sponsor OAMPS - Insurance Brokers are noticeable, tournament organisers RV Sport have signage as well as the local newspaper, the Northern Territory Express.

I'm asking you NBL, why no signage here in Darwin to launch your new branding?

- Gold Coast Blaze pairing of Kiwi international Pero Cameron and import Michael Joiner are heavy on the tooth. I'm just glad I'm not picking up that tab.

- It certainly looks like Gold Coast Blaze young gun Chris "The Machine" Goulding is going for this look. I cannot wait to see what the Perth crowd can come up with when he returns to the west.

- The Adelaide 36ers new uniform looks very much like the Detroit Pistons. Coach Scott Ninnis will only be hoping his squad can play the "D" like the Bad Boys.

While on the 36ers, they are here in Darwin without "bigs" Adam Ballinger and Matt Burston.

- The players meet yesterday as a group to discuss how the Players Association can best represent themselves through these trying times for the sport.

The "Ranga Club" had to postpone their meeting due to Adam Ballinger's absence. President Rob Beveridge instead sat poolside and flirted with the idea of a tan. Luke Schenscher advised against the idea.

- Melbourne Tigers owner Seamus McPeake has lost some serious weight in the off season. One thing he has not lost is his passion for the game. After an interesting call during the Tigers game, McPeake voiced his opinion to everyone and anyone in ear shot. I have never seen Basketball Australia's CEO Larry Sengstock head for the exit so quick before.

Good to have you back Seamus.