Showing posts with label ABA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ABA. Show all posts

Monday, July 14, 2008

Weekly ABA Wrap and Homicide Siting

Homicide vs Artest during the summer. Read below to find out how this ended.


Breaking News: New Zealand get off to a good start as they try to secure one of the remaining three Olympic Games spots up for grabs.

They defeated Cape Verde 77-50 with Kirk Penney dropping in 25pts. Next up for the Kiwi's Dirk Nowitski and Germany.

If you want to follow all the action live from this Pre Olympic Qualifying tournament click here.

Now back to our usual schedule.

It's that time of the week again to go around the nation and see what's doing in the various ABA leagues. Whether it is the free flowing QABL (Queensland) or the self proclaimed "Australia's Premier Winter Basketball League", SEABL, you can find all the boxscores right here with the click of a button or two. (click on the League to get boxscores)

Queensland: Cam Tragardh needs to hang out with me more often. Last week I coached him in a few games in China. He took the knowledge I passed on and gave Toowoomba 67 points (30/40fgs), 26 rebounds and 11 fumbles (assists). Pretty good Tragargamel, was Jimmy Wong in the building?

Waratah: Bruce Bolden dusted off his shoes, licked his fingers in preparation for a high post jumper and player/coached the Hornsby Spiders to a loss. I cannot wait for him and Butch Hays to match up against each other. Maybe those two should just go one on one for the game.

Big V: Sandringham's Simon Conn keeps putting up impressive numbers (another solid double double this week). Why can't he get a look at the NBL level?

Western Australia: I read on Geraldton's Micheal Lay's blog where he is torn about going to Germany to play and giving up the opportunity to stay with Geraldton. I will keep you posted as to his movements.

South Australia: Last week I gave Rupert Sapwell a wrap, this week his team Norwood gets dominated by Pero Vasilijevic in a top of the table clash. Talk about going from the penthouse to the outhouse for "Monkey Boy".

SEABL: I've been storing this one up all year. Best name in the league? Ballarat Miners Brett Goodgame. I will let you insert your own joke here.

During the NBL offseason Crocs import Corey "Homicide" Williams goes home to New York to work on his playground legend status. Recently he matched up against NBA wildman Ron Artest. Check out what happened when they matched up.

"We’re going to have to play very, very well together and we’re going to have to have great team camaraderie and do something special. But I think we have the ability to do that." Words from the great Spin Doctor Brian Goorjian while moonlighting as the Boomers coach. Article courtesy of The Western Australian.

"By evolving into the Sydney Spirit, we believe we are offering all basketball fans in this city a team to call their own." Sydney Spirit chief Steve Aquilina speaking. Article courtesy of the Sydney Morning Herald.

As predicted here a month ago, Ebi Ere signs with Dragons. I wonder if Smith being released had anything to do with this?

Check out the Vegas Summer League action. It is free to sign up (only takes a minute), then you will be able to watch Aussie Nathan Jawai live in action. He makes his Toronro Raptors debut Tuesday morning (Aussie time) at 8.00am.

Self Proclaimed Australian League Superstar, Corey "Homicide" Williams!


Friday, July 11, 2008

Jawai Gets NBA Deal and ABA Weekly Wrap

Jawai's new home. A little bigger than the Cairns "Hiss House".

I'm a little behind this week due to my excursion to China but better late than never. Here is a look at all of last week's boxscores from the ABA ranks. (Click on your favourite League to get the scores.)

Queensland: Ex-NBLer Thalo Green drops 47 points and grabs 18 boards on my hometown Toowoomba Mountaineers. Oh how times have changed on top of the mountain.

Waratah: Troy Pilon had a double double (18 & 13) for the Illawarra Hawks. Can anyone let me know if they have seen the "Truck" dribble with his left hand? It will be his first time.

Big V: Ex Tiger Luke McMillan still gets it done. He led Ringwood with 40 points and 16 rebounds.

Western Australia: Carmie Olowoyo has a double double (28 & 13) in a losing effort for Stirling.

South Australia: Rupert Sapwell has his Norwood Flame charges travelling along nicely right now. He has been unable to get an NBL assistants job in the off season, but teams will not be able to keep saying "no" if he keeps on winning.

SEABL: AIS gets the better of the Canberra Gunners in the local derby.

Nathan Jawai was rewarded with a two year deal by the Toronto Raptors today. This is quite and achievement for a second round draft pick.

With Jawai securing a two year deal this shows just how high the Raptors are on the young Aussie. There are no guarantees being a second round pick so for Jawai to secure a deal like this means the Raptors see a future for Jawai in the NBA.

My sources told me it took a little time for the Raptors to warm to the Bamaga local. Their scout Jim Kelly was not overly impressed with his first look but over time Jawai changed their mind.

They must have been keen pre draft because they had him workout twice for them.

All this is history now and I'm lining up for my Jawai jersey. Go Raptors!

The Men's Olympic Basketball team was named today. As I mentioned yesterday, former Sydney King Luke Kendall became the odd man out from the thirteen man squad.

The team: David Andersen, Chris Anstey, Ddavid Barlow, Andrew Bogut, CJ Bruton, Joe Ingles, Patrick Mills, Brad Newley, Matt Nielsen, Shawn Redhage, Glen Saville, Mark Worthington

Over the next few weeks I will give you a breakdown of each player.

Other News
Tall Blacks defeat Iran.
Another article on the Jawai deal.
Men's Olympic team.
Radford signs with Wildcats.
Goorjian to rely on "BIGS".
Day 4 of the Orlando Summer League.
For all the latest happenings at the Vegas Summer League, click here.

Beasley and Rose at the Orlando Summer League

Monday, June 23, 2008

Weekly ABA Wrap and NBL News

The Brisbane Bullets maybe sticking around after all. Read below to get the latest.



Well today produced some signings around the NBL that I had spoken about way back on May 28 of this year. I don't like to toot my own horn, but can I get a little respect for the breaking news!

South Dragons finally made it official that US import Cortez Groves has re-signed with the club, while former Brisbane Bullet championship winner Adam Gibson makes the move south.

Although the media is talking up Groves/Gibson as the new backcourt for the Dragons, look for US import Ebi Ere to still sign with the club and push Gibson to the bench.

I believe Joe Ingles will be the starting three man for this squad leaving no room for Gibson to be a starter.

The Bullets are still holding on for dear life. Brisbane basketball identity Brian Stephenson may just be the lifeline they need.

Stephenson has until the end of the month to prove that he can financially direct this club into the future, so he better have some fast twitch fibres working if he is going to get this over the line in time.

Also, the player pool is shrinking by the day so the quicker this gets done the quicker he can find players otherwise Paul Rees, Darrin Breeding and Duncan Johnstone may all get a phone call to play.

Last week Sam MacKinnon was officially released from the Brisbane Bullets. Look for MacKinnon to officially become a Melbourne Tiger soon.

With MacKinnon heading home to play for the defending champion Tigers, will we get to see him back in those "Sunny Crust" bread commercials again? (Oops, that was when he could dunk!)

Nathan Jawai worked out for the Memphis Grizzles over the weekend.

The New Zealand Tall Blacks team has been announced for the upcoming series against the Aussies.

There is a two game series this week between the two countries. Game 1 is on Thursday in sheep shagger territory, while Game 2 is in Melbourne on Saturday.

Some late news on the Kiwi team, Brendon Polybank has withdrawn due to injury.

Aleks Maric recently worked out for the New Orleans Hornets. He was kind enough to answer some question afterwards.

ABA WRAP

Queensland: Steve Broom's visit to Townsville last week left him with no fuel in the tank. Foul trouble hindered the athletic forward so he played limited minutes.

Waratah: Hornsby Spiders gave up 147 points in Wollongong. Message to Bruce Bolden - Get your team to play some defense instead of staring down the refs.

Big V: Darryl Corletto has a lazy triple double for his Melbourne Tigers.

Western Australia: My main man Michael Lay had a slow night at the office for Geraldton but his team still got the win.

South Australia: Pero Vasilijevic's best stat was 7 turnovers. OUCH!

SEABL: Anthony Stewart had 36 for his Hobart Chargers against a strong Geelong Cats outfit. Stewart must want a playing contract when he gets Hobart back into the NBL.

Episode 2 of "The Rookie"


Monday, June 9, 2008

It's A Day For Updates - ABA, NBA, NBL and the Women

The Celtics may be getting ready to upgrade this poster!

Although it was a long weekend for most, not all hoopers were fortunate enough to enjoy the three day break. Take a look at what happened in your favourite ABA League.

Queensland: Is Cairns Marlins Rohan Grey becoming the next Grant Keys? Can light up an ABA scoreboard but will struggle to make the jump to the NBL level. I must say though, I did enjoy watching Keys and the Landlord (Simon Dwight) battle at practice in the early Razorback days.

Waratah: The Cockroach's had the weekend off. Must be using the time to mentally get ready for a Maroon onslaught on Wednesday.

Big V: I cannot believe the home of Australian basketball took the weekend off. Lindsay Gaze, you need to have a word to these people!

Western Australia: Geraldton's Michael Lay goes for another triple double. I need a little help WA people, is he worth a look at the NBL level?

South Australia: The Croweaters had the weekend off too. We all know these guys do not need much of an excuse to have a day off!

SEABL: Another league that took the weekend off. How many off these players would even know what the long weekend was for, let alone been alive when "God Save The Queen" was our national anthem.

Jawai Update:
Suns see him as a first round sleeper.
Jawai up against guys at his position at Suns workout.

The Ultimate Nathan Jawai Highlights:



Aleks Maric fans: Mr Maric must of honoured the long weekend in his homeland as there is nothing to report on him.

NBA News:

The Boston Celtics went up 2-0 on the Los Angles Lakers in the NBA Finals.

After watching the game I have come to the conclusion that it is the Celtics "role" players that have secured them this early series lead.

In Game 1 it was PJ Brown that came up huge for the C's. Today it was Leon Powe's turn to shine. The second year power forward gave the Celtics some unexpected offense, 21 points in 16 minutes to be exact.

It was just not Powe either. Point guard Rajon Rondo controlled the tempo for the Celtics and added 16 assists to his statline.

Once again James Posey hit some timely threes and played solid defense on Kobe Bryant.

All is not lost for the Lakers though. The next three games will be played out west on the Lakers home floor. The Lakers are deadly at home and the Celtics have had their troubles on the road during the playoffs.

The Lakers need the likes of Derek Fisher, Vladimir Radmanovic and their bench to lift their productivity so they can match the Celtics in this category.

There is no doubting that the Bryant's, Odom's, Garnett's, Allen's and Pierce's of this series will have their say but right now the Celtics are getting a better contribution from everyone.

Kobe needs some friends to help in Game 3 otherwise they may be getting the brooms out in Beantown.

GAME 2 Boxscore
Daily Dime
Suns get their guy.
OJ Mayo signs with new agent...I cannot believe I didn't make the article as one of Rose's clients.
Nene will not be in Beijing.
NBL/NZNBL News:
Stephen Weigh heading west?
NZNBL axe team on the eve of their playoffs.
Kingma puts his feet up after three.
And For The Ladies:
Opals are in Cairns for a camp. Check out what Belinda Snell and Abby Bishop have too say about it all.
Euro stars return in pursuit of gold in Beijing.

Leon Powe's Road To The NBA

Monday, June 2, 2008

ABA Weekly Wrap

Have your say on who wins. Turn left, point and vote!

It's that time of the week again where I post all the ABA boxscores for you to peruse. Enjoy!

Queensland: Cannot believe Cameron Tragardh had 6 assists on his way to fifty points. Cam, you may have had sixty had you not passed or fumbled six times.

Waratah: My Sydney sources are telling me the Comets are the "Real Deal" down there!

Big V: Former Tiger Luke McMillan still gets the job down. Has a lazy 27pts and 17rebs on the weekend.

Western Australia: Geraldton's Michael Lay has a triple double (17pts, 12rebs, 10ass) against Wanneroo. While Cockburn is still On Fire.

South Australia: Joel Goodenough did not live up to his name as his Southern Tigers got spanked by the Norwood Flames.

SEABL: Greg Vanderjagt is looking for a NBL contract and his play for the Southern Districts Spartans reflected this. Check out his stats!

Other News Around Here:
Boomers coach Brian Goorjian will have a sports psychologist on hand at camp for players that need help due to the events that have transpired over the past week.

Maybe he should call in Dog the Bounty Hunter as well.

Rice in Singapore. Who would have thought the Singapore Slingers could sign a guy of this calibre, but once again coach Gordie McLeod and Bob Turner have found a good one in Darius Rice.

I remember seeing this guy fill it up at the University of Miami and he has continued to do so in the D-League.

If he comes to this league with the right attitude I see him as a potential leading scorer in the league.

BA and NBL release statement regarding James Henderson and his involvement with Firepower.

Boomers will match up against the USA team before the Olympics. I just hope Iran and the Kiwis get them ready for Kobe and company.

Aleks Maric is in good shape to give the NBA a shake.

The Cairns Tiapans have made comment about their strength as a club in the NBL.

Q & A with Corey "Homicide" Williams.

"One day I would love to play for the Crocs. I have had the chance to train with and against John Rillie these past two seasons. The way he works hard at training and the extra work he puts in is something that I have tried to instill in my own game." www.crocodiles.com.au

These are the words from budding basketballer Damon Heuir who is trying to get a place on the u/19 national team.

Thanks for the kind words Damon but there will be no relief for you on Wednesday night.

NBA News:
Top 10 Lakers/Celtics post season moments.

Paul Pierce gets it done against the Lakers.

Bill Simmons with another classic.

How did the "Big Dogs" look at the pre draft camp?

Sunday Conversation with Kobe Bryant


Monday, May 19, 2008

ABA WRAP

You need more than a hand LeBron!

Here is my around the grounds look at what happened in the ABA this past weekend.

Queensland: Former Croc Andrew Goodwin makes one shot all game. The most important one though. Game time.

Waratah: "Plastic Man" Goran Veg has 33 and 19. 13 "o" boards for this Croatian Sensation.


Big V: Melbourne Tigers David Barlow is getting ready for Boomers camp. Has a lazy triple double.


Western Australia: Cockburn too much for Mark Worthington to handle.


South Australia: For anyone that was wondering, former Cairns Tiapan Kane Oakley still plays.

SEABL: Bradley Knuckles goes for 38 and 24. Spectres have a miserable weekend in Tassie!

NBA:
Paul Pierce and LeBron James try to repeat what Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins did in 1988. Celtics win another Game 7. Now they get the Detroit Pistons.

Daily Dime

Hornets/Spurs Game 7 look ahead.

D-Wade buys his Mum a church.

A Gilbert Arenas blog entry.

Not quite the NBA, but take a look at what former Adelaide 36ers championship winning coach Ken Cole is up to.

Celtics vs Cavs - Game 7

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Around The ABA

SOMETHING LeBron!

Here are the weekly boxscores of all things ABA.

Queensland: Blair Smith is getting the hang of this player/coach thing. Logs 46 minutes.

Waratah: Someone please tell me that is Butch Hays Jr playing for Maitland!

Big V: New Tiger Young Australian Player (YAP) Daniel Johnson goes off for 66. That is a Big V scoring record.

SEABL: Anthony Stewart drops 41. No chance he will be a YAP.

South Australia: Rupert Sapwell's Norwood Flames have an offensive explosion of 122 points. How many were bank 3's?

Western Australia: Geraldton have another solid win. The memories of Ben Pepper keep fading with each sunset.

NBL News:
CJ Bruton and Dillon Boucher finally ink their deals with the New Zealand Breakers. Although Bruton signed for three years, the Kiwi's should get nervous after two.

Shane Heal is close to signing with the Gold Coast Blaze. They had some good meetings last week.

Crocs sign Williamson (B-Rad). Hope he likes #6 as it already has Williamson (Drew) on it.

Kiwi Nick Horvath signs with the South Dragons.

Dunking machine Pero Vasiljevic could be back in the league.

State Side:
Cavs tie series up (2-2) against the Celtics.

Daily Dime

The NBA draft is closing in on us. Mike Beasley was considered a lock for number 1. Not any more. Check out ESPN's Chad Ford and see how he believes it will go down.

All-Defensive team named.

Suns in the dark about who will coach them now.

The Original "Birdman" is back in the NBA. Chris Andersen has done his time and is now ready to move on with his life.

USC in some hot water.

Russell and Garnett Chat