Bogut Should Be An All-Star?

Andrew Bogut is currently enjoying what Vegas has to offer while most of the NBA fraternity is in Dallas for All-Star weekend. (Sorry Andrew I went to as many Internet cafes as possible to vote for you.)

Bogut's Milwaukee Bucks teammate Brandon Jennings is there for the Rookie/Sophomore game but he also feels the Aussie centre should be representing the Bucks in the main game.

Zags/Gaels and the Bogie Man

This should be you this afternoon!

If you're an avid hoops fan and you are stuck in the office, you need to fake a sickie right now.

Today on ESPN there is a plethora of college hoops and for me it is the 3pm game that holds the most interest.

It is the clash between the nationally ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Aussie laden St Mary's Gaels. My take on the game is the Zags will win but the 5 Aussies at St Mary's will all have productive games.

After that game is completed, you need to turn over to ESPN HD at 5.30pm and catch a special on Milwaukee Buck Andrew Bogut. It is an up and close look at how the former #1 draft pick lives life in Wisconsin.

Good luck slipping out of the office and enjoying your afternoon on the couch.

Aussie Hoopers Around The Globe

Whether it is over Kobe Bryant or playing in Turkey, Brad Newley knows how to score the ball.

I have not done an around the globe look in at how our exports are doing, so here is the latest on how they are performing on the international stage.

- Former Townsville Crocodile Brad Newley has taken his game to Turkey after a two year stint in Greece. Newley continues to shine as he had 19pts and 4rebs as his team, Besiktas, defeated a fellow GU Alum, Richie Frahm and his team, Mersin, 85-74.

- Let's turn to the NBA and Andrew Bogut and his Milwaukee Bucks got a win against the Detroit Pistons. Bogut helped with 6pts and 8rebs as he battled foul trouble. More importantly, I wonder how the Buck fans are going with the sweet seats Bogut has kindly purchased for the home fans?

Portland Trailblazer Pat Mills registered a DNP, while David Andersen hit the court for 10 minutes and 2 points as the Houston Rockets snuck by the Blazers and Brandon Roy's 42 pts.

Tomorrow will see Minnesota Timberwolf Nathan Jawai get a chance and Mills gets to look forward to some PT (playing time) as the Blazers play back to back games.

Re Mills: I just find it funny that he is listed on the roster but will be out of action for quite some time due to his foot injury. Got to love that.

- Former NBL scoring machine Ebi Ere had a lazy 21pts and 6 rebs as his team cantered to an easy win in Italy.

- Ever wondered what happened to Commonwealth Games gold medalist Neil Mottram. Well he has teamed up with former South Dragons championship winning guard Rhys Carter (and 10th leading scorer in the league) in the Swedish League for a team named Gothia. They had a 92-76 win over the weekend. Both Aussies had strong performances (click on score to see stats) with Mottram fouling out, which should not be a surprise to anyone. Keep up the good work boys.

- Former Sydney Spirit star Matt Knight is now eating glass in Hungary. Click here to see how efficient his last monster game of 24pts and 14rebs came about.

- Click on the individual names to see their stats from this year to date.

Aleks Maric, Aron Baynes, Joe Ingles, Matt Nielsen, Wade Helliwell and Alex Loughton.

All Things NBA - AI Is Special

While it is the off season for all things basketball, I have been keeping my readers up to date with all things NBL but today's edition purely has the NBA in mind.

- Lamar Odom and the champion LA LAkers have finally hugged and made up. Weeks ago the two parties stopped partying together, but in the end Odom wants to taste success again and he feels that Los Angles is the best place for that to happen.

- Former NCAA Championship winner Hakim Warrick has signed on with Andrew Bogut and the Milwaukee Bucks. The former Syracuse star has signed a one year deal. He spent four years with the Memphis Grizzles.

- MavsMoneyball comment on newly acquired Dallas Maverick Nathan Jawai making the roster ahead of Ryan Hollins.

Surely some proud Aussies cannot be happy with this comment?

- Vince Carter is very happy to have made his way to the Eastern Conference Champions, the Orlando Magic, and is more than happy to play in the shadow of Dwight Howard.

- Kelly Dwyer's NBA bites and pieces.

- Spaniard Ricky Rubio is a "50-50" chance of playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves this upcoming NBA season.

- I came across this Allen Iverson footage. So good, I'm calling it a night.

Under 23 Rule Continued

Thank you Luc Longley for choosing college over the NBL - Michael Jordan.

Yesterday I started to blog about the under 23 rule the NBL has ran with over the past few years.

Today I will continue to elaborate and expand one why I think this rule needs to be scrapped.

Still using some of the material from Boti Nagy's article, lets take a look at this quote from someone from within the hallways of the NBL office.

"The whole rationale behind reserving one place for a young Australian player within each team's 10 contracted roster positions was to offer an alternative pathway for athletes looking for elite competition to the U.S. college system."

News alert. Gone are the days that young Aussie hoopers are happy to dream of pulling on the jersey of their home team (providing they have one). There is a bigger picture that has been created by the likes of Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Andrew Bogut and Pat Mills' success at the college level.

Aussies are running to the US college system in record numbers in the hope that they can keep working on and improving their games with the hope that the moneytrain called the NBA or Europe comes calling after a period of time.

Sure, over the past few years we have seen Joe Ingles and Brad Newley forgo the college route to stay home and develop via the NBL, but they have now been lost to our game. (It would be interesting to see if either of these guys would reconsider their path taken.) Plus they are the exception to the rule.

If basketball in Australia wants to provide a pathway for juniors to the pro level in this country, they need to cultivate a better system than the current.

Basketball needs to find it's "cash cow" so each NBL franchise can implement (something similar to the NRL) an u/23's competition in conjunction with the NBL.

Although this sounds good in theory, I'd still debate whether there is enough junior depth to support such a concept but if we are to change the landscape of our sport something like this has to take place.

It would be great to see the development of the likes of Brock Motum, Cody Ellis and Jorden Page right before our eyes instead of heading across the Pacific to college. But the simple fact that our sport does not have a system in place to stop this exodus we cannot throw rules in to make it look like we are developing youth.

Go through the NBL rosters and look at the u/23 player at each team. Please let me know who you think will have a productive 10 year career in the NBL. My pencil is still very sharp.

Tell me what last year's Young Australian Players Steven Broom and Zac carter are doing now?

The best option for kids right now is to head to college in the USA and continue to develop their game, while getting an education as well.

There is no doubting that I'm in favour of the college experience. I'm a great example of this path as there is no way I would have achieved what I did in the game without spreading my wings and heading to the northern hemisphere for college.

I hope the NBL has an overhaul of the age rule rather soon so we stop penalizing kids that are simply taking the best career path on offer right now.

News

- Joe Ingles is close to signing in Europe with CB Granada. (you will google translator)

- Townsville Crocodiles sign Mackay junior Todd Blanchfield.

Under 23 Rule & Bad Promos

I feel your pain Brad (Davidson).

Last week Adelaide journalist Boti Nagy briefly touched on why the NBL holds a roster spot for an Australian who is under the age of 23.

I have had many an animated discussion with various people in the basketball fraternity, so it is time to share my thoughts on this topic.

First and the most obvious point to me is, the NBL is a professional league and has to be striving to put the best available talent on the court. By restricting one of the ten available roster spots per team, every year you are going to lose talent just to fulfill this age limit obligation.

Let's use the Adelaide 36ers as an example to highlight my point. It looks as though veteran point guard Brad Davidson is going to lose out so the 36ers can make good on filling a roster spot with a wet nose kid who has not earned his stripes.

I'll highlight this example a step further. Final game of the season and the 36ers need to win to make the playoffs. No playoff birth for the 36ers and Head Coach Scott Ninnis is out of a job because someone in the front office believes they underachieved with the roster they have put together.

Does Ninnis feel more comfortable looking down his bench and seeing Brad Davidson or some kid who has the right date of birth (that allows him to squeak a year or two out in the NBL until he turns 23..another point I will get to later) when import John Gilchrist fouls out of the game?

The answer is a no brainer.

I use the 36ers as purely an example. I can go through nearly every other roster in the NBL and make a similar case.

For now I will end this post here because I have just wound myself up just writing about this topic. Sorry, but I have a passion and desire for this game to succeed in this country. When basketball has the audacity to call it "professional" sport but we put so many restrictions on players, it really leaves me shaking my head.

If I have cooled down by tomorrow, I will express my feelings on the AIS/US college part of this argument.

News

- Australian Boomers name squad to tour South America. There are six new faces that will pull on the green and gold for the first time. Young guns Jason Cadee and St Mary's bound Matthew Dellavedova will make their debut.

Washington State grad Aron Baynes has decided green and gold is more to his liking than black and white. another win for the Aussies over the Kiwis.

Utah Ute grad Luke Nevill gets his chance to impress Head Coach Brett Brown.

New Adelaide 36ers centre Matt Burston has done well to overcome some horrific injures and get the chance to represent his country.

Last tour's captain James Harvey and Washington St bound Brock Motum were not selected due to injury.

- Former assistant coach of the South Dragons,Guy Molloy, to head to Ballarat.

- Former St Louis Billiken Kevin Lisch is bringing his defense to Perth.

If he brings more defense than offense to the west, the janitor at the Wildcats practice facility will not be changing the nets too often. Between Lisch, Brad Robbins and Damien Martin, someone will need to put points on the board.

Oops, I forgot Martin Cattilini has returned to the west.

- Look for former New Zealand Breaker import Rich Melzer to be teaming up with a fellow Minnesota native on an NBL roster this season.

- Just sniffing around You Tube and found these two Aussie NBA stars (Andrew Bogut and Nathan Jawai) shooting some interesting (low budget) commercials.

Aussies Draft Stock

Remeber this name - Ater Majok

The 2009 NBA Draft is just around the corner so I have tried to dig up as much available information on all Aussies that have a chance to be drafted.

My first stop when looking for draft info is ESPN and their draft expert Chad Ford.

Currently Ford has Pat Mills going to the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 28th pick.

It will be interesting times for Mills over the next couple of weeks. Unless he gets a first round guarantee from a team, we may see Mills head back to St Mary's for his junior year in the West Coast Conference.

Mills has not yet hired an agent so he can still choose to go back to school.

Let's not forget this draft is very deep at the PG position and with Mills injuring his hand toward the end of the college season, it may be best to head back to Moraga for one more year.

Ford has yet to include a second round in his Mock Draft but he has Joe Ingles positioned at #38 on the depth chart.

Ingles is impressing with his workouts to date.

Also getting a birth in the top one hundred is Ater Majok at #80. The Sudanese born Aussie who is yet to play a game at UConn will surprise many if he remains in the Draft. He has not hired an agent so the Huskies should see him back on campus soon.

Utah Ute Aussie centre Luke Nevill cracks Ford's Top 100 list. At #88 I'm saying Ford is thinking Europe for the 7 foot Western Australian.

NBADraft.Net also has Pat Mills going to the Timberwolves but at #18. Either the Wolves are bluffing all journos or things are looking very good for Mills.

The Timberwolves have tried both Sebastian Telfair and Randy Foye at the point without much luck.

Mills speed in the open court is what has everyone salivating.

This website has Majok at #52, Ingles at #82 and Nevill at #85 on their Top 100 Big Board.

The DraftExpress has Pat Mills sneaking into the first round with the Cleveland Cavaliers taking him with the 30th pick.

More good news for the Aussies. This site has Joe Ingles going at pick 52 by the Indiana Pacers.

Here are a few YouTube clips. First, Andrew Bogut on PTI and then Ater Majok showing us his skills.

ESPN Australia - PTI with Bucks Andrew Bogut



Ater Majok footage - a little old

Boomers Squad Announced

Thanks to Twitter I found out why Mark Worthington was not included in the Boomers squad. Read below to find out more.

- Brett Brown has announced his first ever Boomers squad.

When first reading the names on the list I was left scratching my head. I understand and believe it is a great idea to have the likes of future stars Jason Cadee, Cody Ellis and Brock Motum attend the camp. I have no problem with youth at the camp.

But, I'm going to track Brett Brown down though before I comment on some of the other names on the list. There has to be some method in his madness as to why certain players appear on this National Team squad.

I fear that I will say something dumb before I do some homework on this topic, so I will get back to you with my thoughts soon.

So stay tuned for more, but please feel free to leave your comments about the squad.

Thanks to Twitter, here is why Mark Worthington's name does not appear on the Boomers list. "taking the offseason off to rest the body.....been going for 4 yrs non stop....brett was good about it."

- Andrew Vlahov has a great idea to paint the new competition "Green".

After reading the article, Basketball Australia would be mad not to take a look at this. Good to see Vlahov put his Stanford education to good use finally.

- The Perth Wildcats get paid $100k to play a game in Darwin.

While talking about the Wildcats finances, things are looking up.

Via Twitter, CEO Nick Marvin said,"Signs of support emerge for the Wildcats as first white knight steps up."

All is looking good for the league as the Sandgropers start showing their financial support for their Wildcats.

Who is this mystery White Knight though?

- The Wollongong Hawks have named Gordie McLeod as their coach for the upcoming season.

It is the old "local boy returns home" story but this is a great appointment by the new Hawks front office.

Whatever roster the Hawks put together, the fans will know McLeod will get the best out of them. He has proven this at both West Sydney and Singapore.

- Q & A with Andrew Bogut.

If you are a fan of Bogut's and wish to get up close and personal with him, he has retooled his web address to http://www.andrewbogut.com/

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

News & Notes

"Hold me back boys. I'm pissed JR has not called me yet." - Andrew Bogut

While I've been entrenched in the NCAA Tournament over the past four days, I have now had some time to catch up on some news from back home.

- First, the Townsville Crocodiles have re-signed Head Coach Trevor Gleeson for another three years.

This is a good move by the Crocs as Gleeson has started to really put his blue print on the franchise. He has been here for three years now, so the players are really beginning to understand what he is about and expecting from them.

Gleeson has coached his team to the playoffs in each of his first three years in the far north. This is good enough to be a franchise best as far as streaks go for playoff appearances for the Crocs.

I look forward to having another year under Trevor.

- I have noticed NBA superstar Andrew Bogut had a crack at me about not calling him since I have been in the States.

As he mentioned we did Twitter during his Utah Utes loss to Arizona.

My excuse for not calling him is, I know he is rehabbing his back (that is more important than talking to an old frail has been) and licking his wounds as his Utes are done and my Zags are still alive.

I certainly have his number on speed dial, don't worry about that. Let's just see if he wants to talk to me at the crack of dawn, right after my three young kids have woken me early in the morning.

- "This month alone the Wildcats will conduct 100 school clinics across WA." This quote comes from Perth Wildcats CEO Nick Marvin, and is courtesy of The West Australian.

I'm sure the Wildcats have a good presences in the community but I do believe that this figure (100 clinics) is a little inflated.

That is an average of three a day and I know (I have school age kids) school only goes for five days per week.

I would love to hear from Nick Marvin to see how he goes about conducting 100 clinics in such a short time. That is some great time management.

- The big news story in the States at the moment is not on the court, but off. The Shaq vs LeBron pregame show is dominating sport talk shows.

Shaq believes he has LeBron covered in the pre game hype game. Let's watch this one carefully. I can tell you the Shaq had nothing tonight before the Nuggets game but maybe he is just waiting for LeBron to return serve.

You decide who is the current winner!






My boy DJ Rod is trying to help out Shaq with some ideas via Twitter, and Shaq responded.

This is how their correspondence went.

"DJ Rod@THE_REAL_SHAQ you put your fingers up like horns and charge at your team mates who have towels - like bullfighting."

Then Shaq replied with this!

"@DJ_Rod ok ok I like I like"

I'm sure Rod will not sleep tonight thinking of other things to get Shaq to try.

- A couple of older articles that talk about the new NBL league.

First, Andrew Bogut shares his thoughts and then Melbourne journo Grantley Bernard talks about taking the top job.

- Time is ticking again for the Wollongong Hawks.

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.

Chris Anstey joins "The OT"

Another superb edition of "The OT" has arrived.

This week former NBA but current Melbourne Tiger player Chris Anstey joins us and discusses all facets of his career. He also feels as though the recent tinkering the Tigers did with their roster has them ready for another shot at the title.

Also in this edition Rod and I take a look at this rounds games. What an import round for most playoff bound teams?

And don't forget get we have a few competitions you can enter.

Enjoy!

Australia: It Is Time To Vote

Vote for Andrew Bogut and make him a slam dunk at this year's NBA All Star Game in Phoenix.


Australia, it is time we had one of our own represented at a NBA All Star Game.

Now is the time to make it happen and vote for Milwaukee Buck centre Andrew Bogut. With less than three weeks remaining before the final votes are counted, time is of the essence.

I have made it as easy as possible for you to vote. Just click on the All Star logo below and cast your vote.

I'm sure Andrew will give us all a shout out from Phoenix if we can make it happen for him, just as China does for Yao Ming.

Is There A Place For Bloggers In The NBL?

caption time: There is a CD up for grabs for the best one. I now you guys can get creative with this great photo.

I truly believe it is time the NBL broadened their horizons and decided to use some of the material that bloggers provide to the basketball reading public.
Very much like NBA.com use the likes of superstar Gilbert Arenas and others to spice up their otherwise generic website. Fans love to hear from the players and blogging is a great way to connect and be somewhat interactive with them.

It is important that the league targets guys that are serious about producing worthy and insightful work, but I feel this is another avenue that has yet to be utilised by the NBL.

I'm surprised that club websites do not have some of their players blogging.

What got me thinking about the underutilisation (yes, it is a word in my dictionary) of this media outlet was a recent game the Crocs had against the Sydney Spirit in cockroach territory.

First, the game was sponsored by http://www.andrewbogut.net.au/. Bogut ponied up 30K of his own money to help out his mates at the Spirit. (Just between you and me Andrew, for a 30K donation the courtside announcer could have mentioned your website a little more often. I felt everyone should have been leaving that place just wanting to visit your cyber world once they got home.)

The NBL does link Bogut's website on the NBL's official website. (Can JR get a link?)

Also sitting in the crowd was the king of basketball forums, Derek Nielsen. Nielsen is the gatekeeper of the Ozhoops forum.

Whether you think these forums sites are good or bad, they are here to stay and they serve a purpose.

I feel Nielsen's expertise could be used in a situation such as this. Live blogging from the game. I'm not sure if any other media outlet was giving live, up to date scores on this game, but why not have Nielsen doing a live online analysis of the game.

Bring something new to the table for the fans.

Now I'm not sure as to the expense and magnitude you need to go to make something like this happen but, "if you build it they will come".

If people know it is there, they will keep an eye on the score while they are mowing the lawn on a Sunday afternoon.

AsaSpace is another cybernerd that was taking in the game. Every now and then this guy does a little work for Sportal, so I guess the NBL is using his skills indirectly.

Playing Penny to Asa's Shaq is photographical genius, S23Pix.

Another basketball diehard just trying to do his bit for the sport.

You need to check out his site. He has some great action photos. Too bad most of them are of the Wollongong Hawks.

Last but not least is asternwarning.

A Sydney King's fan from way back who now calls England home. He has been a long time blogger, mainly about his NBA Jailblazers, but I thought it would be interesting to hear his thoughts on how the game is travelling since he last took in a game, Down Under.

Now hold your horses before you climb all over me. Sure the NBL can not allow for anyone and everyone to come under the NBL media banner but take this game for example. There would have been more outcasts (no Andre 3000 and Big Boi were not at the game) then mainstream media at the game.

For a sport that is looking for improved media exposure, maybe it is time to look outside the normal parameters and include some of these other avenues.

I will use my own blog as an example and be very generous with the numbers. I will have more traffic come through my site in a week than over half the teams get at their home games.

The game is alive but are we moving with the times?

Nate Robinson with the tip jam!

The Complete Andrew Bogut Interview

Due to a busy week for myself "The OT" studio was left to collect dust this week.

I'm sorry to disappoint our regular listeners but we will be back next week with our normal great show.

In the meantime, I have uploaded the complete Andrew Bogut interview from a few weeks back.

Enjoy and remember to tune in next week.

What's Making Headlines

Aussie Luke Nevill is in his final year at Utah. Could he follow in Andrew Bogut's footsteps to the NBA. His coach believes so. Read more below.

- "I think if he continues to grow physically and emotionally, he should be a 10-year pro (NBA)," Utah coach Jim Boylen said about Aussie centre Luke Nevill. For the rest of the article, read it here at the News-Leader.com.

- Here is an update on young Aussie big man Angus Brandt. A Springwood, NSW junior who is attending Prep school in Illinois and will go D1 for sure.

- The other remaining 9 NBL clubs have come together to throw the Sydney Spirit franchise a lifeline. Hopefully the package will see them through the remainder of the season.

- Jason Smith and his family are becoming all too familiar with the current Spirit situation.

- South Dragons have been told to make the trip to Sydney.

- The Wollongong Hawks may struggle to find a lazy $1.5mil lying around so they can play next season.

- The Australian Boomers job is Goorjian's if he still wants it.

- Milwaukee Buck Andrew Bogut ready to go but injury says no.

- Brian Goorjian likes Taipans Kerry Williams. Is he starting to recruit this kid for next season already?

- Injured Crocs point guard Kelvin Robertson ready to tackle Taipans.

- Pat Mills and his St Mary's teammates taste their first defeat of college season.

Crocs/Tigers Press Conference

Joyces Revenge & 1st Import Goooone

Daniel Joyce hit the game winner in the Gong tonight.


- It has been reported that Daniel Joyce has landed the knock out three as the Gold Coast Blaze (2-12) snuck by the Wollongong Hawks (6-6), 111-110.

The Blaze trailed for the majority of the game before Shane Heal, Pero Cameron and finally Joyce hit from long range to get the Blaze their first road win for the season.

Once the game was over Joyce senior gave everyone any earful who cared to get involved. Beside sections of the crowd, Glen Saville and Eric Cooks were a few victims of the rather excited Joyces.

The Gold Coast now travels back home and play the road troubled Adelaide 36ers on Sunday afternoon.

- The NBL has seen its first import sacked this year. Adelaide 36ers have released rookie import Mark Tyndale.

Tyndale was brought in to be a solid contributor for the team but due to injuries to key members (Brett Maher and Brad Davidson) the 36ers feel they need a little more from their import position.

Only having seen Tyndale play a few times I felt he was going to be a good fit for this team. A slasher who seemed to be unselfish and who could be the guy to fill the holes on any given night. He would also be the guy given the tough perimeter defensive assignment.

It was obvious he was not the guy who was going to take over a game, but he was never recruited for this.

Tyndale leaves our shores averaging 13ppg, 6.5rpg and 4apg. Not exactly chopped liver.

- "NBL imports should improve the NBL and the teams. Cal Bruton, James Crawford, Ricky Grace, Lanard Copeland, Darryl McDonald, Rob Rose, Al Green, Scott Fisher and Leroy Loggins got people to games."

"Now we've got Mark Tyndale, Dusty Rychart, David Gruber, Isiah Victor and Rick Rickert. Say no more." If you want to read the rest of The Herald Sun's Grantley Bernard, click here.

Interesting to see that Grantley did not mention any of the current imports playing in Melbourne.

- South Dragon often injured centre Matt Burston praises surgeon and Brian Goorjian for his fast start to the season.

- Steve Carfino all over Eric Cooks like a cheap suit.

- Conner Henry looking for playoff type atmosphere against the Taipans.

- National Team coach Brian Goorjian tells a Melbourne audience that Pat Mills was the best player at the Olympics for the Boomers and Andrew Bogut cannot be expected to shoulder the load internationally.

- "Chairman of the Boards" Mark Davis is conducting a holiday camp over the Christmas break in Adelaide.

You Tube Clip of The Day

MJ loses at his own camp!

Andrew Bogut Drops By "The OT"

Andrew Bogut hangs with "The OT" boys.


Episode 10 of "The OT" is ready for listening. This week's guest is Australian dual Olympian and Milwaukee Bucks center, Andrew Bogut. As well we discuss all things basketball. It has been a huge week for the sport.

Bogut's Bucks, NBL Results and News

Will the Bucks make the playoffs? I don't think so.

Yesterday I caught my first bit of NBA preseason action, all thanks to ESPN. It just so happened to be Aussie Andrew Bogut and his Milwaukee Bucks and the Monta Ellis-less Golden State Warriors in Beijing. (Plenty of mopeds to ride in China, Monta!)

Now, I honestly want the Bucks to have a great year because I believe there would be a good spin off for the sport Down Under, via Bogut receiving extra media attention due to the team's success.

After watching the game though I feel that new coach Scott Skiles will be in for a long year.

I feel confident in saying Bogut will average a double double and continue to pass the ball well from the post, while continuing to develop his all round game. The Bucks though have no guy to pick up the slack if Bogut has a quiet night or when he sits with foul trouble.

Dan Gadzuric and Francisco Ellison will provide energy but they certainly do not scare anyone.

I like rookie Joe Alexander but he will take time. His perimeter game has to be honoured and his athleticism and skill should lend to a good low post game over time. With Michael Redd and Richard Jefferson already established players, Alexander will have to learn quickly where his shot will appear, most likely on the offensive glass.

I believe this draft choice will work better than Yi Jianlian. I saw Yi over the offseason and would question whether he has the mental toughness to develop into a reliable NBA player.

Charlie Villanueva can score the ball but is he really a difference maker on this team? I question that but he could be a great pick up for a team that is looking for an offensive spark off the bench. I would try to trade him for a point guard!

Let's move to the perimeter. With the pairing of Redd and Jefferson, the Bucks have two guys that are capable of scoring enough points on any night to win a game but they cannot win enough games on their own to make a run at the playoffs.

Redd has shown that he can score in the league while his team struggles to make the playoffs. It is time for him to show that he can help his team advance to the playoffs, otherwise his legacy will remain as a good scorer on a bad team.

Did he learn anything from his Olympic experience?

Jefferson has been to the NBA Finals with the New Jersey Nets, twice. I'll be interested to see what he brings to the Bucks on a nightly basis. He is best in the open court but unless the Bucks defense improves under Skiles, the Bucks inbound the ball way too much for Jefferson to be at his best.

He has been blessed to be running the lane with Jason Kidd delivery the rock to him over the majority of his career. How will he go with Luke Ridnour, Ramon Sessions and Tyronn Lue diming him up?

Now to the point guard position. You lose Mo Williams and get Ridnour in return. Looking from the outside in, I'm guessing this is not a Scott Skiles' type of guy.

Ridnour can make great decisions in the open court but once in the half court his perimeter shooting really lets him down. Teams (Warriors did) will double team off of him and make his jumper beat them. He may penetrate but unless his floater/teardrop is going on the night, he will be the guy teams make beat them.

Teams will not help off of Redd or Jefferson so Ridnour needs to find a way to finish.

Lue may find some extra minutes as he does a good job of dogging the ball carrier on defense and can knock down the perimeter "J" a little better.

Buck's fans may be able to help me out here. Is Charlie Bell the answer at the point guard position or is he too offensively minded to help here?

I watched this preseason game in hope of seeing something promising from these Bucks, but I just saw more of the same of past years.

Unless Joe Alexander has a ROY type year or Bogut has an All-Star type season, the Bucks will again win around 30 games and miss the playoffs. The Bucks last playoff season was 2005/06.

I really hope I'm way off the mark here as the Bucks having a good year will help the sport of basketball in my native Australia.

NBL Results-Round 5

Perth 89-77 Wollongong recap
New Zealand 120-108 Gold Coast recap
Wollongong 105-95 Adelaide recap
Sydney 101-106 South Dragons recap
Townsville 93-107 Perth recap
South Dragons 108-80 Melbourne recap
Cairns 102-87 Gold Coast recap

Ladder

News from the wires

- Gold Coast still thinking playoffs.

- Brian Goorjian can see a championship.

- Andrej Lemanis is uptight!

- An up close and personal look at the Wildcats.

- Kevin Garnett and Rick Rickett fight.

- Crocs Hammered.

Today's News & Notes

Aaron Grabau will have his jersey retired, while still playing.

- The Singapore Slingers are trying to hold onto Philippine guard Jason Castro. This kid must be quite the drawcard if Bob Turner and his Slinger staff want him to play in Singapore despite them not having any concrete schedule or league to play in.

Since the Slingers decided to pull out of the Australian NBL, Castro became the number three draft pick back in his homeland.

- Cairns Taipans will retire current player Aaron Grabau's jersey this Saturday night when they open up their season against the South Dragons. In a rare move by a sporting organization the Taipans feel Grabau is worth the honour, especially considering he is the only "original" player left within the franchise. The club celebrates its tenth birthday this year.

- Daniel Joyce is learning from the best. Shane Heal has taken the young Gold Coast Blaze point guard under his wing.

- New Zealand Breakers needs the defense to lift if they are to get some wins. Is it just me, but it seems that all teams are saying the same stuff at this time of the year. What happened to the Doug Moe days when you would just outscore a team.

- Nathan Jawai to spend time in the D-League?

- Nick Horvath likes the youth on the South Dragons roster.

- You need to find out what NBA transactions have happened over the summer, ESPN's John Hollinger has it all right here for you.

- Kobe decides against surgery on his "pinkie". That means a fast start for the Lakers and a repeat MVP trophy coming his way!

- Doc Rivers is seeing more than Celtic green these days. He has agreed to a two year extension which will see him through the 2010-11 season.

- Locals disappointed in who LeBron supports.

- Zach Randolph trade is on ice for the moment. Could it be a draft pick holding up proceedings?

- Ball Don't Lie gives you Cleveland's best NBA bloggers and Chicago's. Maybe we can get J.E. Skeets and his staff to do this for the NBL in Australia. It would only take a minute out of your day but keep us Down Under very happy.

- Our newest blogger Knicks Jamal Crawford has a new entry and he discusses teammate Ed Curry and the season he will have.

- Courtesy of Basketbawful, Greg Oden talks rehab and sings. Hope his rehab sees him on the court soon. My ears are sore.

- Brew Hoop has a poll up asking "Who's the best Buck?" Aussies and Andrew Bogut fans better get there quick.

Australian basketball great Andrew Gaze gives a "That's Gold" during a recent tour of China.