It's Back Baby, The OT

These ladies are happy to see "The OT" back.

With a Marv Albert, YESSSSS ringing through my head, I'm happy to say The OT is back.

This sites podcast has been on a hiatious for most of the off season due to some shenanigans, but I have mustered up the testosterone to give this whole process a crack myself.

My former partner in crime DJ Rod and myself have had to part ways (not our own doing) so I've jumper into the drivers seat and am learning the technical side of things on the fly.

Enough of the small talk.

On this week's episode of "The OT", I review Round 1 of the NBL as well as look forward to Round 2.

My special guest is Wollongong Hawk and dual Olympian Glen Saville. He talks about the Hawks surviving and what it meant to be able to play last Friday night at the Sandpit. Sav introduces dynomite point guard Ty McKee to the Aussie delicasy, the boiled spud.

Turn in and let me no what you think of the solo effort.

In other news, Mark Worthington and Ben Knight play Starsky and Hutch the night before their season tips off against the New Zealand Breakers, at The Cage. (Also can be viewed on Fox Sports at 7.30pm Wednesday)

On his own blog Worthington describes Knight and himself as Starsky and Hutch, but I think of this combo more as Columbo and Murdock from the A-Team.

Worthington tells us that, "We have had some trouble in my neighborhood with people opening mail, stealing credit cards (Benny Knight's) and leaving mail in different places. Tonight I found him. The thrill of the chase was on." (full story here)

I cannot wait for more on this story. so please keep us posted Wortho. I'm thinking Dukes of Hazzard style next time boys!

The Wollongong Hawks are at it again. Leading the way with "Most You Tube Footage", the Hawks Larry Davidson talks about getting "hammered", while dropping and giving Glen Saville five as he does the interview.

Already there have been whispers around the league wondering if the Hawks can be stayers. Same must be said about their "underground" journos.

All that said, I love your work Wollongong. Keep it going.

"The OT" - Episode 33

"The OT" is ready for your listening pleasure.

In Episode 33 we roll with two interviews and no jibbering from the peanut gallery.

First, Rod and I do our best to hit Basketball Australia CEO Larry Sengstock with the tough questions. Larry nearly spills the beans on what the television deal with Fox Sports will entail. Also, we question him on some of the current rules that may be restricting players from gaining a contract. He also clears up some of the questions regarding the rule changes happening in this year's NBL.

Back by demand, we entice Paul Rees away from the dairy farm for a few minutes. He enlightens us on a few relationships he had with opposition players as well as teammates.

Let "The OT" know what you thought of this format, where we just had the interviews.

Hope you enjoy!

Aleks Maric & NBL News

Episode 32 of "The OT" has finally been released, and with good audio too I might add.

This week Rod and I were joined by guest host Russell Hinder around the card table.

Our special guest is Aleks Maric, a guy who I truly believe has flown under the radar in Australian basketball circles. We talk college basketball, his dream to be an Olympian and Andrew Bogut picking up the tab.

Besides Maric, we discuss the player signings in the NBL and the NBA Finals.

Downlaod and enjoy.

News

- Crocs website - "Peter (Crawford) is one of the marquee Australian players in this league", said Townsville Crocodile CEO Ian Smythe.

Clink on the link above to read the Crocs media release about the signing of Crawford and former Perth Wildcat teammate Jeff Dowdell.

It seems the Crocs are loading up at the wing position. With returning players Michael Cedar and Brad Williamson also on the perimeter, it seems hard to believe the rumours that Cameron Tovey and former Melbourne Tiger Tommy Greer will also be added to this lineup in the near future.

Townsville fans will be happy to hear that it seems Kelvin Robertson will be returning.

- GC Blaze - "In my opinion, Anthony Petrie is probably one of the most underrated players in the league," said Gold Coast Blaze Head Coach Joey Wright.

The Blaze have beaten out the Wollongong Hawks and Perth Wildcats for Petrie's autograph.

- GC Blaze - “He (Mika Vukona) is a brilliant rebounder and a great defender. His athletic ability allows him to play above the rim and fans will find him a very exciting player to watch”, said Blaze CEO Dave Claxton.

- While on NBL signings, national squad member Adam Ballinger has returned to Adelaide after having a hard long think about joining to the New Zealand Breakers. Ballinger is currently playing in the New Zealand National League.

- If you can believe Dusty Rychart's Facebook status, he will be joining the Cairns Taipans for season 2009/10.

- Although it has been published that the Melbourne Tigers are chasing Metro State's All-American Jesse Wagstaff, expect the ACT native Wagstaff to be in a Perth Wildcats uniform.

- Matt Campbell stays in Wollongong. No surprise there, but it will cost him $5000 as he pledged for a Hawks membership. That has to be a first in sports history, a player paying the club to play. Here is a one on one interview with Matt.

- Daniel Joyce, Matt Burston, Peter Crawford, Daniel Johnson, Cameron Tragardh and Anthony Drmic have been added to the Australian Boomers squad.

- Check out this interview with legendary NBA baller Robert Horry. He says he should be in the Hall of Fame, and I agree with him largely due to his seven championship rings.

- If you read Andrew Bogut's website/blog, you know the big man has a thing for cars. Well, Orlando Magic centre Marcin Gortat believes he has the fastest car in the NBA.

- DimeMag puts a solid argument forward in supporting Aussie Pat Mills in this year's NBA Draft.

Jesse Wagstaff #42 - a few college highlights

No OT This Week But More Mills

I can tell you this week's OT sounded like this is where we recorded. Not the case but that is where it ended up.

I have had a few e-mails today asking why is this week's "The OT" so late.

The true story is Rod and I huddled around the card table like we do every Tuesday night and we jibbered on and on and on. Once it was a wrap we figured it was only hours till it would be launched.

Unfortunately due to recording difficulties the audio sounded as if we where recording it inside a public toilet.

So since we are more about providing a quality product, an executive decision was made to scrap this week's episode and resume once again next week.

I apologize to all listeners who's highlight of the week is "The OT".

Pat Mills Pre Draft Workout @ the Warriors

Your Chance To Fire Away

It's just over 24hrs before Rod and I put together another terrific podcast.

This is where you, the listener, come into it.

We are thinking if there is enough interest we will do a Q&A about my current basketball situation. We are still tossing up about a video format this week.

So, to get involved e-mail your question to jronfire31@yahoo.com and Rod will hit me with the question.

Episode 30 - Is Paul Rees A Character?

"The OT" has reached Episode 30 and I believe we have our funniest interview of all time.

Former Australian (not Bulleen) Boomer Paul Rees joins us for our "blast from the past" segment, and entertained Rod and I as he pretty much interviewed himself.

The 1994 NBL Finals MVP has us in stitches from start to finish. Hope he does the same for you.

Mark Howard the media manager for Basketball Australia joins us as well. He will keep the listeners in the loop as to where we are with the new elite competition.

Please download and enjoy the episode and let us know what you thought of the Rees interview. Depending on the response, we may have to hear from the "Big Fella" a little more.

"The OT" - Episode 29

My Lips Are Sealed

This piece of 36ers merchandise may soon become a collectors item.

For those of you that have listened to the latest episode of "The OT" would have heard that I have put a media ban on myself regarding comment on the NBL.

I'm staying true my word so here are plenty of links to fill you in on what is happening.

- The NBL's kickoff date is still in question.

- The Adelaide 36ers may become the next extinct basketball team.

- Cairns Taipan Aaron Grabau talks about the current NBL situation for players.

Cal Bruton - The Black Pearl

Episode 28 of "The OT"

A rare action shot of Brett Brown in his playing days for Boston University. The new Boomers coach joins us on "The OT" for a chat.

"The OT" has come up with the big interviews this week.

The new Australian National Team (Boomers) coach Brett Brown takes time out of his San Antonio Spurs playoff schedule to discuss the Boomers.

He mentions how Andrew Bogut, David Andersen and Matt Nielsen are the "Big 3" with Brad Newley knocking on the door.

Also our "blast from the past" is a former teammate of mine, Derek Rucker.

Rucker a former Davidson College Wildcat standout touches on all topics that include Tina Arena and her lyrics, Seamus McPeake, Pat Mills vs Stephon Curry and my weightroom habits under tough nut fitness guru Billy Johnstone.

To complete the program, Rod and I discuss the NBA playoffs.

Enjoy!

Larry Sengstock Talks On "The OT"

After a few weeks break "The OT" is back.

The new saviour of basketball here in Australia joins us. Yes, Larry Sengstock saw this program as a great spot to start spreading the new message. More importantly though, Larry talks about how he actually wanted the position.

Also, we start our off season "blast from the past" segment. Former Newcastle Falcon Marty McLean joins us.

If you cannot remember the shooting guard being part of the Falcon's franchise for seven seasons, don't worry you won't be the only one.

I had never had a conversation with this bloke in my life, but he had us in stitches. A real character and entrepreneur.

Listen to find out more about McLean and why he feels he couldn't play in the NBL these days.

Overseas Aussies Win Awards

"The OT" is returning very soon.

While it has become a little quiet on the hoops news front here in Australia, a few of our fellow countrymen are achieving elsewhere in the world.

- Pat Mills has been named to the All-Bay Area team. This is the San Fransisco Bay area team. Other Division 1 schools that come into consideration besides St Mary's are, San Fransisco, California, Stanford and Santa Clara.

Although Mills missed a portion of the season due to a hand injury, he was in line for the MVP of this team.

- Mills is not done with his award collecting as he was joined by Utah Ute centre Luke Nevill on the CollegeHoops.net high-major All-America 1st team.

- While Andrew Bogut will not get any awards for his play this year (due to injury) he should be congratulated on the great job he did recently in raising $50k for the Bushfire victims in Victoria. Read all about the event right here.

- This may be old news to some but Matt Nielsen has been named to the All-Eurocup second team.

Nielsen's Spanish team Pamesa Valencia lost in the quarter finals of the Euro Cup to Russian team BC Khimki.

- David Andersen will get another chance to play for a European title in the upcoming weeks.

His team Barcelona will be joined by CSKA Moscow (his old team), Greek power Olympiacos and the Greek "Green Machine", Panathinaikos.

The Euroleague Final Four will be held in Berlin from May 1st through 3rd.

- As the Greek League is heading towards the playoffs, Brad Newley has continued to build on his very solid season. His last performance of 21pts and 8 rebs highlights what a great year he is having.

Look for Newley to impress with the Houston Rockets in the NBA Summer Leagues this off season.

- While on award winners...A fellow Aussie blogger A Stern Warning has asked for some good old Aussie support. His blog banner has been nominated in a contest (a Basketblog Header Playoff) and he needs our support.

Click on the above link and vote for his banner.

I find it interesting that two Portland fans would be put head to head in such a contest.

Andrew Bogut & The Bushfire Appeal

A Fan's Response

This is what you need just in case you do not like Grantley Bernard's music choice.

The other day I linked an article from Melbourne journo Grantley Bernard. The article is somewhat serious, has a few jokes and lets everyone know the Basketball Australia CEO job is open.

Now a avid fan of our sport has taken some time out of his daily schedule to respond with some of his own ideas. I asked the scribe if it was alright if I went ahead and published his thoughts.

Here they are. Enjoy and please respond with your own ideas. (It is lengthy but has some great ideas.)

"I'm tired of watching people who "like" basketball or use the NBL as a stepping stone to or something their own personal glories that lie elsewhere. I want an individual running the league who is passionate about basketball and wants nothing more in life than to see it succeed. In addition they need to possess true business nous when it comes to making a product work. If that person is Grantley Bernard so be it, but his suggestions range from reasonable to ridiculous stupidity to communism. True, Bernard has been a front runner criticizing the NBL over the past few years and he couldn't possibly do a worse job than Rick Burton presided over, but anyone purporting seriously to throw their hat in the ring for the NBL’s chief position needs to come to the table with at least a bag full of sensible ideas. Please allow me the opportunity to partially dissect some of the “weaker” suggestions:

Rule 10: Imports do not start on the bench or play fewer than 35 minutes. They're supposed to be stars, not role players.

My take: This would be a monumentally stupid rule on so many levels. Firstly it does not acknowledge the role of the aging import who may still have an incredible 25 minutes left in him, which will be valuable considering the league is about to chop 8 minutes off the game time anyway down to 40 minutes. Matter of fact, as any basketball watcher knows, it's far more important who finishes a game than starts.

Secondly, Bernard is are proposing to put American guys up front that are the “stars” when he also wants to cut tickets to 25 bucks (Rule 5) and give away 10% of the ticket revenues by offering charity seats (Rule 9). Which stars are you proposing are going to come and play here for the money you’d be offering? And which of those stars would we really want on the court for 35 minutes at the expense of some of our Aussie players? I see shades of Dave Lindstrom in the belief that only Americans can play.

Thirdly, What a great way to stymie the development of Australian basketball, Mr Bernard, as well as setting our cultural attitude back 20 years that Americans in general are better ballplayers than Aussies. How can a guy who purports to want the head honcho job of the league honestly believe that a league can be marketed effectively to an Australian public when you are putting imports out front as the "stars", many of whom are short term players or using the league as a stepping stone to the NBA or Europe, and then expect the NBL to be embraced by the average fan? Then at the same time turn around and criticize an organization for not being team oriented on the floor with a straight face (or is it pen)? Wake up, people support the name on the front of the jersey, not the back, unless we are talking about Aussies who playing in the NBA. The playing time quota of an American import is only relevant if it is hurting his team.

Rule 8: Only one assistant coach is allowed on the road. It's a matter of economics. He will also be responsible for making sure players are home from nightclubs. This will be called the Al Westover Rule.

My take: Well of course it’s a matter of economics, because after you wisely slice 10 percent of their ticket revenue for charity purposes in rule 9, you've just wiped over 130K off the operating budget of a team each year anyway (assumes a full house and calculated on the basis of 350 seats at $25 for 15 home games). Why would someone with the best interests of the league at heart financially penalize already strapped teams just to get the community into basketball? If you really want to enfranchise the community, make the players go to schools instead and donate time, using their profiles to raise awareness and promote basketball? This seems a sufficient and logical "grass roots" step if you ask me? Chopping ticket revenues by 10%, nice sentiment, wrong idea.

Rule 19: The average age of the three-man referee crew should not exceed 42.3 years in any game.

My take: Grant, Are you going to restrict players playing over 42 years of age also? How about commissioners? I hear sports-writers tend to lose it after 40 as well. Have you heard of Earl Strom? Dick Bavetta? Guys who were/are OLD and the NBA deemed fine to officiate at the highest level. Quality refs are hard enough to come by as it is, why be completely ageist and throw the baby out with the bathwater? Have you monitored the quality of refereeing according to age demographics? Do you know exactly who makes the better calls, the younger guys or the older guys? My hunch is a resounding no. If the ref is good enough, they should be allowed to run the game, period. Before we know it you’ll be tossing women refs out once they get too old, heaven help the league with a discrimination lawsuit directly as a result of your genius referee employment program.

Rule 7: Games are not to be played with a ball that looks as if it's been left in the back yard for three weeks.

My take: Is this a criticism of the FIBA ball? It seems good enough for the rest of the world....Go get an NBL deal done with Spalding or Wilson (or even Buffalo Sports) if you think the Molten version is not good enough Mr Commish to be. If the balls look too old, making sure they have a game ball endorsement deal should fix this up quick smart.

Rule 15: No black socks, shoes or ankle braces. And Rule 16: No undershirts, especially of different colour to the uniform. It looks cheap.

My take: What if the uniform is black and the socks match? This is stupid and nitpicky. It reminds me of the old mother hen's that used to fuss over our uniforms when we were playing rep ball as kids. Your dislike of unattractive multi colored sprawls can be simply solved; just make the teams submit uniform dress codes at the start of the year and then enforce it with fines if they stray. Simple. If you really wanted to make uniforms look less like clown outfits, take the advertising off them. Except that’d pose a financial problems so you can’t go down that path….

Rule 20: The national anthem to be sung only at the grand final, but with no twists, turns or electric guitar solos.

My take: What’s wrong with patriotism? I like the suggestion about not massacring the anthem with electric guitar. The rest of the suggestion is, dare I say, un-Australian. What country is it? I'd rather hear Advance Australia Fair than see all the b-grade dance teams combined at NBL games 100 times out of 100. Better still, how about we not get any of the miserable singers who continually butcher our anthem? It stays.

Rule 1: Court announcers will just announce.

My take: Like it or hate it. This has evolved to become part of the home crowd advantage. Look at basketball all over the world. Same deal.

Rule 2: If the game-night music is not in my iPod, it doesn't get played.

My take: Wow, are you serious? This is more than just a bit of a scary proposition. How old are you? What music are you into dude? Do we get Emo rock or are we pelvic thrusting to Britney Spears? (If I hear Cold Chisel, Icehouse, Kulcha, Guy Sebastian or any other nonsense at an NBL game I'm heading for the exits along with everyone else). I guess at least you will be entertained at the games. Even NBA Commissioner Stern doesn’t get this deep in the weeds.

Rule 24: All referees must have their natural hair colour. This will be called the Bill Mildenhall Rule.

My take: Funny joke. Are you really in the running for this job?

Rule 12: If the margin is 10 or less with three minutes left, there will be no entertainment during time-outs.

My take: I don’t follow the logic of this decision, especially if there, say, a double timeout in a 10 point game with 30 seconds left. You won’t even give us one of the golden oldies from your ipod playlist?

Rule 22: Any coach who sits on the floor during a time-out will be given a technical foul. This will be known as the Goorjian Rule.

My take: I'm worried about a commish with a vindictive streak a mile wide, personally. It already seems like Grantley has Goorj in the crosshairs for some of his tendencies (Rules 22 and 33). So what if he sits on the floor?? He can sit on his head for all I care. Besides, what antics is the crowd going to be entertained by during a double timeout in the waning stages of a 10 point game now that you wiped out all the entertainment?

Rule 23: Fox Sports commentator Steve Carfino's microphone will be muted for 60 seconds every time he uses the terms, "One-bounce dribble" and "No kidding" and refers to his college days or the Sydney Kings.

My take: Carfino is nowhere near as bad as John Casey and his “All cotton”, “User Friendly Rolls” and not to forget his excruciating radio-specific commentary minutia that never allowed the screen to do the talking: (ie; “Dribbles the ball, one bounce, two bounce, thinking about a pass, looking for someone, decides on the shot fake, shakes to the right…..). If Carfino picked up those habits from anyone, it was sitting alongside Casey listening to that drivel. Use your wisdom and power to develop the next generation of “Voices for the NBL”, more on this below)

Some initial suggestions for a chief to improve the NBL:
1. Do whatever you can to make the on court product as strong as it can be. To do this, financial strength is a must. The NBL chief needs to oversee a league towards becoming as close to competitive in terms of financial attraction to the European leagues as possible. While value of the dollar to the Euro is always going to be difficult to overcome, the NBL should at least be seen a viable first option for non-NBA Australians. While losing Aussies in their prime to Europe benefits Australia at the Olympic level, it hurts the NBL from a fan’s perspective and a business perspective. Retaining the Ingles and David Andersens of the world is a must. In order to do this you have to maximize profit and revenue then reinvest it back into the on court product to strengthen it. You can start by instilling rules that impose fiscal responsibility on the clubs, starting with re-engineering the salary cap and points system (ie getting rid of it).

2. Restructure the NBL web pages. NBL.com.au is a painful site, both from a content perspective and functionality (the RSS feeds are a mess). There is no reason for an NBL fan to use this website regularly. It contains a scant nod to history with some records that have no context. It has no video footage that is globally accessible, no merchandise, really weak statistical wraps of games and is a fairly worthless medium aside from the standings. It needs a significant revamp because it's not fan friendly.

3. Develop a historical online statistical database. Start collecting stats in a meaningful way and compiling a database so stat geeks can start filtering through them and making some intelligent analyses rather than looking at who scored the most points in a game. People want to be able to compare best fives on a floor or historical performance of Joe Ingles to a young Shane Heal on a 40 minutes basis. Any keen basketball fan knows that the US followers of the NBA are setting a standard with number crunching and young kids from all over are getting into it. Many sports are heading in this direction, don’t be left behind. (Here’s an idea, get some basketball loving engineering/computer software geeks from RMIT, Melbourne Uni etc to put it together as a school project.)

4. Put the NBL players into primary and secondary schools in a heavy way, especially important in regional Australia. Basketball has massive junior participation all over the country. How do you think the AFL got back into the good graces of the public after they admitted their worry regarding basketball's popularity in the early 90s? They started programs like Ozkick and worked on the grassroots, that's how. Pair state championship/rep/elite juniors games as tipoff double headers with NBL games. Get the grass roots thinking about going to NBL games again, and then get them to the games. I also think there is huge room for high school basketball to be realized in a more organized fashion than it currently is in Australia. Support this with NBL partnerships. This gets kids talking about it in schools and playing in the playground.

5. Get a merchandising deal going with an Australian retailer (even if it is K-Mart again) that puts logos on chests and minimizes the dent in the average Joe's wallet. NBL merchandise has typically looked cheap, felt cheap and been overpriced. Australia doesn't have an economy of scale like the US, so keep item options limited and universally appealing so you don’t blow your budgets. Quite simply, putting a non-cheesy team logo on quality fabric shirts is not difficult. Why should anyone have to pay 100 bucks for a 5 dollar made in China Melbourne Tigers hoodie? Or 50 bucks for a t-shirt? No wonder people prefer NBA gear, they can get it for half the price and mailed directly to their house AND it's better quality fabrics.

6. Create a library of NBL archive footage. You have already stated history is important, but history doesn’t start and end with a Hall Of Fame (Rule 11). Plenty of people WANT to see clips of old Andrew Gaze bandaged up going deep from three while concussed, Arne Duncan playing for Nunawading, Jim Havrilla pulling shards of glass out of his shoulders simply to check out which ex-NBAer and college stars made their way through our league. Channel 7, 10 and ABC all had these games and must have some degree of footage stored away. Get as much of it as you can and create an NBL archive that is proprietary. Select releases of NBL footage is a must. Fans should be able to buy Grand Final DVD’s every year, or at the very least, a well compiled year in review.

7. Prime Time TV on FTA locked in as a regular event. You know why cable TV is no good for the NBL, because it has low penetration into Australian households as it is expensive and largely perceived as not good value for money. If FOX footy channel had a 0.6% audience share at its peak, how are you going to make NBL a household sport in this capacity going forward? Here’s what you need: One game per week (say a Tuesday night) and make them marquee matchups. Find a station that wants to do for basketball what SBS has done for soccer. Find talent that can CALL games and wants to serve as the media face of basketball. The game has really only seen one great Australian play-by-play caller and it was Steve Quatermain. Why can't we get back to making the voice of the game an important vehicle for the sport?

8. Capitalize on free promotion opportunities. Not to criticize JR and DJ Rod, (because I think they do a brilliant thing and I want to see them continue) but why has the NBL gotten to the point where these guys and bloggers are almost the voice of the NBL? It points to a massive failure in marketing and strategy that could have easily been at least partially addressed with a used laptop, skype and a free version of audible. Surely the NBL can address this? Where is the embracing of the web as a vehicle for promotion? These efforts can yield a big bang for a small buck. My mental vision of the NBL IT department looks something like a dust covered Atari under the stands of the old Albert Park stadium.

9. Be thorough in evaluating who owns a team. Complete transparency for team ownership before expansion licences are handed out is essential. Include a thorough financial analysis and firm contingency plans so when over leveraged businesses go belly up (like ABC childcare and Firepower) the fans, who are emotionally invested in their teams, don't get royally screwed. I'd like to see if the Hawks NFP model works because it could be another future model for clubs if proven successful.

10. Place the Boomers at the center of the national league. Playing for your country is the pinnacle for all Australians in almost every sport. They should have a short triangular series (held in revolving capital cities) every year versus quality international sides over two weeks during a midseason break. Why are the Boomers not doing Weetbix commercials like the Cricketers? Because nobody knows who the hell they are that’s why.

11. Make the All-Star weekend a centerpiece event. Not only have one, make it count for something so the players play hard. One suggestion, make it Australia vs. world and put prize money on the line for winner takes all. Perhaps the answer is splitting the league into conferences and having the winner of the all-star game decides home court advantage for the finals (irrespective of record). Either way, provide an incentive so it’s not considered a joke.

12. Celebrate and acknowledge Australian players in the NBA. This needs to happen, even if they are not past NBL players. Find a way to involve them in the promotion of the league. What about the Bret Browns, Mike Dunlaps and so on who go to the NBA? Why is nobody retaining connections with these guys and putting it out there so people can understand just how valuable the NBL is to the global basketball community?
Finally, JR and DJ Rod, PLEASE keep calling the NBL out for the dumb shit that they do. Only by turning the flame of scrutiny on them is improvement going to come. If the new comp fails, dark days for basketball are ahead in Australia. "

We're Coming After You TBJ

(Click to enlarge, slightly!)

Sometimes you have to gloat just a little, even if it only lasts for a day.

This website's podcast has slowly but surely been building in its popularity and DJ Rod loves hyping up the stats, especially in comparison to The Basketball Jones (TBJ). Yes guys, you are our measuring stick for some reason.

If you can read the above iTune stats, "The OT" has just snuck ahead of TBJ at the last poll. (Sportal covers many sports so they fudge the stats a little so we ignore them.)

I'm sure JE Skeets and his cast will have some great response to this graph, but as I said, DJ Rod and I will live it up while we can.

Enough of the this banter, time to slip a DVD on for the kids and crack open a bag of chips and a 3 litre Tampico (Aussies don't know what they are missing out on with this fine drop) juice.

The evening session of the NCAA Touney is about to begin.

Emery Atkinson & Episode 26, What's The Link?

The latest installment of "The OT" is ready for your ears.

In this edition we catch up with championship winning guard Joe Ingles of the South Dragons. He talks about where he thinks he will be next year.

Also we talk to Wollongong Hawks captain Matt Campbell. Mr Everything in the "Steel City" at the moment, Campbell explains how you can help him save the Hawks.

DJ Rod and I talk a little NCAA and the Player Points System within the NBL.

Take a listen and tell us what you think.

Next time you hear from me I will be in the Valley of the Sun stalking Shaq and taking in the NCAA tourney live.

"The OT" & Some Random News

I could not let this picture go unnoticed. It is none other than Greg Vanderjagt and Chris Goulding. WOW is all I can say, but click on your favourite Spartan to get the latest podcast from "The OT"..

Episode 25 (or episode Dave Simmons, he beat out Matt Earp) of "The OT" was a little late off the production line but it is still full of whole hearted hoop news. Plus you will get to hear who predicted the NBL Finals will go the distance of five games.

Also in this episode DJ Rod, introduces a new section which allows punters to ask questions. This could become interesting.

We touch on the Chris Anstey/Melbourne Tigers situation after Game 3, the NBL awards that have already been decided and the last chance to get your banner noticed. You have a chance to win a 22' monitor thanks to http://www.itstore.com.au/

News

- Are the Melbourne Tigers bad sports? Yes, says Scott Derwin.

- In case you have been hiding out, the Tigers squared the NBL Finals series at 2-2 tonight.

recap boxscore

- Could this be the beginning of State of Origin basketball? Sign me up.

- Former teammate Aaron Trahair is a basketball development officer over in the west.

- If you are tall and want to play basketball, Albury Bandits are the team for you.

- Drew Williamson to suit up for the Southern District Spartans.

- Kareem is not impressed with Shaq.

- I guess the SEABL conference is about to begin play. They have a tipping comp with prizes up for grabs.

- NBA D-League announces an unusual playoff format. Let me know what you think of the idea. While on the D-League, read about their Top 10 proud moments this year.

- Little known Aussie Matt Schmechtig was announced as Player of the Week in the American Midwest Conference.

- Is Jesse Wagstaff the next great Aussie to come out of Metro St? Check out his stats to date.

- Another name to remember may just be Tim Coenraad. Coenraad has just been named to his third All Conference Team in four years.

Calvin Talford Edition of "The OT" & News Links

Early in the week we strayed from the norm and launched a Grand Final Edition on our weekly podcast show. This means you the listener gets twice the fun this week as we also did our tradition weekly edition of "The OT" as well.

Times flies when you have fun so this made it episode #24 or as we like to say now, episode Calvin Talford. The one time high flyer for the Hobart Devils graced us with his presences and #24 on his back.

In this edition we talk about all the weekly issues surrounding the sport. Also as captain of the Crocs I get to vote on the end of season awards so I reveal who got my vote in all categories.

Happy listening and remember to e-mail (jronfire31@yahoo.com) me who your all time favourite #25 was so we can dedicate the next edition to a former blast from the past.

News Links

- Adelaide 36ers guard Aaron Bruce wins the NBL's Rookie of the Year award.

If you have listened to the podcast you will have heard Bruce received my votes for this award. In fact I also had Perth's Stephen Weigh second and Cairns' Kerry Williams third. Plain and simple, it was slim pickings this year.

Early pick for next year, St Mary's Lucas Walker.

- "We had him (Robert Rose) in mind when we got (Donta Smith)," Brian Goorjian said last night. (Courtesy of The Herald Sun.)

Was Goorj thinking of bringing Rob Rose in instead of Donta Smith? Click on the link above to see what he was talking about.

- Cairns Taipans former coach Mark Beecroft moves into the front office as their general manager.

- Victoria and South Aussie teams have been finalised for Brett Wheeler's charity game.

- Surprise, surprise, Brian Goorjian asks for more defense.

- Wollongong's ABA team is now gone.

What is happening to sport in this once rich sporting region?

- Shaq and former coach Stan Van Gundy exchange words.

- March Madness has hit us square between the eyes. Here is a full slate of news regarding your favourite conference's tourney schedule. Plus here are some coaches to watch as well.

College Prospects - Cody Ellis

***A Grand Final Edition of "The OT" is ready for your ears. Enjoy!***

I'm hoping Cody Ellis keeps it to three turnovers per game - Rick Majerus

Now that my oncourt duties are complete for another season I can get back to a blogging project I have put on hold over the last week.

As promised I'm going to give a scouting report on each of the kids who played at the recent U/20 Men's National Championships and will be taking their games over to the USA to compete at the NCAA (college) level in the near future.


First up:

Cody Ellis (PF 202cm) -signed @ St Loius Billekins

There is no doubting that Ellis has talent but he is going to test Billekins Coach Rick Majerus's patience's.

Ellis who averaged 17pts and 7 rebs per contest through the six game tournament should have had better looking stats. I believe Ellis has the ability to own this tournament (a double double at the least) but he was prepared to just see himself float through.

The disappointing aspect for me was his extremely high turnover rate. He tallied 27 over 6 games. This will have Majerus pulling out what hair he has left.

What I like about Ellis' game is he has the ability to stretch the defense with his offensive skill set. Although he shot only 28% from down town during this tourney, his stroke looks much better than this.

I have been told he has a solid low post game, although it was not on display during the week. Ellis settled for the mid range game or facing up on his opponent. He was often much bigger and more skillful than his opponent so he could face up and use his skill.

Billiken fans will be happy to know that his highest score of 23 came against the eventual champs Queensland, whose frontline is littered with fellow Aussies joining the Division 1 ranks.

Some of the Billekin forums have questioned whether Ellis can play on the perimeter? I will say no from what I witnessed. His speed on the perimeter would be exposed.

He has a good feel and understanding of the game but this should not surprise anyone as his family has hoops running through their blood.

Although I was not happy with the "too cool for school" attitude displayed by Ellis he has the potential to help Majerus and the Billekins improve their program.

This kid did have programs such as Wake Forest chasing his signature.

If Ellis buys into Majerus' system and what he is about, his game will grow and prosper as Andrew Bogut's did at Utah. If he doesn't, his talent will go to waste just like fellow countryman Ben Melmeth.

News

- The South Dragons are already working the refs for the upcoming Finals series.

- Are the Tigers and Dragons finally turning it into a fierce rivalry?

- Goorjian still talking about the great job he has done.

- Wollongong Hawks last ditch effort. Also check out this site to help them survive.

- "The Bear" wants to hibernate in New Zealand again.

- "Australian champs Sydney Spirit test mettle of Yeng Guiao’s RP five."

This is one of the best researched articles I have ever read. If you are looking for a laugh, please read carefully so you do not miss one of the untrue facts. The title of the article is just the start, it gets better.

- Sean Marks interview, thanks to Jeff at Inside Hoops.

"The OT" Soon & Ready For Perth

I'm here (Perth) and DJ Rod was there (studio) but we managed to punch out an episode of "The OT" for our avid listeners. Hopefully it should be ready to download any minute now.

Tonight sees this year run to the NBL championship begin and me and my Crocs kick start it off here in Perth.

Yes, we have not looked like winning a game here in Perth all year, but we only need to win this one and all will be forgotten.

It is a elimination final so the season is over for the loser of this contest, while the winner will meet the South Dragons in a best of three semi final.

I believe we (Crocs) are ready to rock and roll. We came over here a day early (hence my lack of blogging) to give ourselves the best possible chance to prepare for the Wildcats.

There is a good feel amongst the group and it seems as though we are ready for a good performance. I guess we will find out at about 9.30pm if this feeling was correct.

Time for shoot around and last minute preparations (plus my half an hour allotted time at the Perth library has run out) so I have to run.

Later.

"The OT" Early Edition

Due to my road game against the Melbourne Tigers, "The OT" has been recorded a little earlier this week. Hope you like the sound of that.

This week our guest is Wollongong Hawk legend Glen Saville. He drops by and talks about the Hawks last game, who has dunked on him the best, where Dwayne Wade actually hit him during the Olympic Games and why he groped a mascot at a recent Hawks home game.

Also in this episode we discuss the hot topics around the league and another coach drops by "The OT".

Enjoy.

Brad Newley Joins Us On "The OT"

Click on the logo to download the episode.

The latest episode of "The OT" has landed. Brad Newley joins us from Greece. He tells us about the European way to play the game and how he hopes to join the Houston Rockets, sooner rather than later.





Besides Newley, we look at this week's games and discuss all the hot topics around the NBL.