Boomers 2010

Although it seems an eternity away, the team representing Australia in the World Championships of Basketball in 2010 will begin their preparation just after the close of the NBL competition this year. Those involved will begin by playing a qualifying series that, if won, will see them advance to play in the World Championships in Turkey.

Let’s take a look at who I feel will be pulling on the green and gold this off season. I have taken into account current form, as all competitions around the world are in full swing.

As with most teams, there are going to be those players who should be ‘sure things’. In my mind, this group consists of Andrew Bogut, Brad Newley, Matt Neilsen, David Andersen, CJ Bruton and Pat Mills. All of these guys had spots on the last Olympic team and their current form shows nothing that should revoke that position they have held.

Mark Worthington, Joe Ingles and David Barlow should also make the cut fairly easily, as they are continuing to improve their games on a yearly basis.

The remaining four spots will become a dog fight. I cannot recall that last time that so many roster spots have been so open on a national level.

I’m sure many people would assume that Nathan Jawai would be a lock. However, the former NBL Rookie of the Year he is currently waiting on the results of some medical tests over in the States. I feel like he will have to prove his worth after seeing very little court time overseas this year.

There are a handful of college kids that will come back and try their luck but I think Andrew Ogilvy has the only legitimate chance of securing a roster spot.

Returning from Europe, Aleks Maric and Steve Markovic will come into contention. Both players are involved with top Europeans clubs and clearly have international experience. They will be ready to show national team selectors what they have learned in their time away from home.

And speaking of our home soil, Alex Loughton of Perth is a player I feel could have the goods to become a contributor on the national team. He has a deceptively physical interior presence that would be an advantage for the Australians at the Worlds.

Others that should get invitations to vie for positions are Adam Gibson, Matt Burston, Julian Khazzouh, Luke Schenscher and Crocs own Kelvin Robertson.

Our local pharmacist, Robertson, has been hard done by when selection time rolled around the past few years, especially when you have a look at the names of the 30 odd players that were included in the camps.

There should be no excuses this time around if Kel can maintain his current form.
With so many guys going at each other for those last spots, it is imperative that each and every one of them maintain their current form, if not kick it up a notch or two, for the remainder of the NBL season.

After given the chance, the ball will be in their court and they will need to grab it with both hands and run with it. You just never know,…when they stop running they could find themselves in Turkey.

Is strength and conditioning guru Billy Johnston the guy to turn the Cowboys around next season?

I love weeks like this where I get to talk about a couple of guys that I know well making news for all the right reasons.

The first is fitness guru, Billy Johnston. The big news is Johnston has signed on for three years with the North Queensland Cowboys as strength and conditioning coach.

Johnston has been with the new kids on the block, Gold Coast Titans, for the past two years, but all signs point to him heading back to the far north.

My mail has the official announcement of Johnston’s return as the Cowboys’ strength and conditioning coach happening as early as Monday.

As some of you may know, I trained under Johnston when he was with the Bulldogs and I played for the West Sydney Razorbacks. I can tell you from experience that he is worth the hype he receives. He runs a tight ship and there is never a doubt that his strict regime has the players physically prepared for whatever the opposition throws at them.

I personally believe one of his most underestimated skills is his ability to keep players off the injury list from those little niggles that cost a game or two here and there.

Under Billy, it is sometimes in a player’s best interest to stay off that list simply because they know they are going to work as hard, if not harder than when they are healthy.

Whether it is an early morning bike ride to Woodstock or swimming laps at Long Tan pool, there will be no cheating the system because Johnston will literally be right beside you counting every kilometer or lap you’ve done.

A word of warning to the Cowboys; last time I had spoken to Billy he had developed a passion for surf skiing. I can see it now, the Cowboys annual paddle over to Maggie Island.

Johnston’s interest in his guys does not stop when the last of them walks out the doors of training either. He has an uncanny ability to locate any one of his players at all hours of the day or night and I have a feeling this will go a long way toward curbing some of the team’s after dark, off-field activities.

If the Cowboys reclaim a position in the top four next season, he could prove to be their best off season signing.

My other mate, former Crocodile Brad Newley, has officially made his first Olympic Games team.

As many of you remember, Newley enjoyed three productive seasons with the Crocs and has spent the last eight months proving himself in Europe. Newley was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the NBA who are watching him build himself and his game on the international stage. He has done well so far and his success this year should equate to a lucrative multi year deal for the upcoming years. Now the Beijing Games are the icing on the cake.

When I lasted ‘chewed the fat’ with Brad he was a little nervous about making the team, which is understandable at this stage of the selection process.

Although you would like to be confident in your selection, as the numbers start to thin out you wonder whether you are the next name on the list of guys to go home. Playing in an Olympic Games is such an honour, you just don’t want to assume anything until you get the official nod.

A huge congratulation to Newls (and on a side note, congrats to Townsville Fire’s Rahanni Cox as well) on an Olympic selection. It is an experience of a lifetime.

You can find my article in the Townsville Bulletin every Saturday.

Hoops Articles

Jason Smith is officially released from the South Dragons.

He's a big, strong, raw player right now, but he'll surprise you with his athleticism," Bryan Colangelo said of Nathan Jawai. "He has tremendous upside. He's a 22-year-old who has shown the ability to score in a variety of ways and he has great quickness and good footwork around the basket." Raptors GM Colangelo on Jawai. Courtesy of the Toronto Sun.

"Training up there (Dragons) and the experience of playing in the NBL last year prepares you more for playing with the Supercats as well, which is great," Nathan Herbert said. Dragons Herbert talks about his love for the game. Courtesy of the Geelong Advertiser.

Tasmania is now claiming newly crowned Olympian Shawn Redhage as one of theirs.

"I think there's no question now that the Boomers are genuine medal contenders". Words from Aussie basketball legend Andrew Gaze. Courtesy of The Daily Telegraph.

"We really have a talented group of guys going over and if we can push through the first round we have the ability to surprise everyone with our results," Anstey, NBL's reigning MVP and member of the national team who finished fourth in the 2000 Sydney Games, he told The Herald Sun.

Kiwi guard Kirk Penney believes they have a chance to qualify for the Olympics.

Last day results from the Orlando Summer League. Aaron Bruce has 7 assists.

Boxscores from Day 1 of the Vegas Summer League. (You have to sign up but the process is quite simple.)

Road To Redemption: Episode 1 - USA Olympic Team

Raptors GM Happy With Jawai Pick & Kendall To Miss Out

My mail has Luke Kendall missing out on the Olympic team. Team to be announced Friday.

The Australian Boomers finished their tour of Europe with a 2-3 record. They finished play today with a 89-84 victory over the Brazilians in the Acropolis Cup held in Athens.

As fans can we get a read on the tour as to how we are going to measure up at the Olympics, which is less than a month away?

We cannot read too much into it as the Boomers played without the majority of its frontline in the lineup. Firstly, Andrew Bogut did not suit up at all as he is currently in the States securing his $72.5 million future.

He will join the squad on court for the first time next week. The Boomers have one more 10 day camp before they head to Asia for a few games before the Olympics begin on the 8th of August.

Matt Nielsen missed most of the tour due to illness. Nielsen will be a key factor for the Boomers as the experience he has gained over the past three years playing in Europe will be crucial if this team is to reach the round of 8.

Chris Anstey played when he wanted to. If his body is right he is very effective. He displayed this today in leading the Boomers with 24 points, but he sat out games with injury. Will this scenario rear its head at the Olympics?

David Andersen was the only "Big" to play consistently on tour. From previous personal experience with Andersen, this guy just loves to play for Australia.

He is the one guy that plays at this level of competition all the time, so I feel his game will be ready for the Beijing Games. i look for Andersen to have a very solid campaign and be one of the Aussies best.

So with this kind of talent missing from the majority of the five games you cannot read into these results too much.

We must remember, Greece, Croatia and Brazil are all still trying to qualify for the Olympics. Out of this list Greece is the only team that is a legitimate medal chance and they steamrolled us two nights ago.

I just think we have to hold judgement until the Boomers go to Asia and play in the Diamond Ball Pre Olympic Tournament. That will give us a better feel as to how the team is travelling.

One thing to come out of this tour is that one player had to be dropped to make way for Bogut.

My mail is that former Sydney King and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Luke Kendall will miss out. Look for this to be announced in the media on Friday.

Although you fans voted Kendall out on my recent poll, I felt he was going to make the final team as the 3rd point guard on the squad. Shows you how much I know.

I guess this role will be left up to David Barlow. Not a good option in my books. Barlow has been playing well in these international games so far. I see him logging some big minutes at the wing position and being asked to the main threat from long range.

Now he is going to be asked to play maybe the most key position in the game, in a pinch. It is a tough ask to get a guy to change his role on the fly.

It might just be me, but I feel you should never take a guy away from what he has been doing well, especially at the international level.

As for Kendall, it has been a tough offseason. First his Sydney Kings fold and now missing the Olympic team. I guess if he ends up at the Melbourne Tigers all is not lost.

Nathan Jawai's trade to the Toronto Raptors has become official. It seems that Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo is happy about Indiana drafting Jawai and becoming part of the Jermaine O'Neal/TJ Ford trade.

Thanks to one of my readers (Leanyboy) who found this interesting piece of audio discussing the trade. Click this link and fast forward to about the 32 minute and listen to what he says about the #41 pick.

I'm sure this has to be nice for Jawai to hear that the team really wants him.

Other News
Former Hunter Pirates owner could end up in hot water.
Big Luke and Maher will be ready for 36ers tip off.
If you are a fan of live WNBL basketball on the ABC, you better click here and make your best play at saving it.
Tall Blacks loss to Slovenia.

Check out Greg Vanderjagt and his buying skillz!

Current Articles

My trip home felt like I was on the slow boat to China. This is an actual picture of a man made canal in Wixu.

Finally I'm back home and after a few good feeds I'm ready to go again. China was fun but it is always good to get home and sleep in your own bed. Later today I will give up my thoughts on the recent Boomers Tour of Europe (currently playing Brazil in their last game on tour.) and who will be the one left out of the Olympic team.

In the meantime here is what is current in news.

All the latest scores from the Orlando Summer League. (Maric, Bruce and Hodge)
Hawkins back on the Coast.
Ninnis gets his and the 36ers season under way.
Draper to play in Vegas Summer League.
Ebi a Grizz in Vegas.
Tassie coach to move west to assist Wildcats.
Jawai trade to Raptors official.
Boxscore from Australia vs Greece.

Bits and Pieces

There will be no more Sonics in Seattle.

Tonight is the first of two games that the mixed NBL squad will take on the national team of China.

The squad has spent the last two days practicing and getting accustomed with their new teammates. I have to say the guys have been progressing at a good rate as far as picking up what Coach Andrew Gaze is looking for.

Team China arrived in town today, but the big question is whether NBA All Star Yao Ming will play? Yao is working his way back from injury but it seems to be top secret as to whether he will play or keep recovering.

There other NBA player, Nets Yi Jianlian, is playing and I look forward to him and Alex Loughton going at it. After seeing Loughton up close for a couple of days know, I have to wonder how he got cut from the Boomers squad so early. The guy has some tools to play this game.

Tune in tomorrow to see how this squad represented Australia in China.

The Australian Boomers have kicked off their tour of Europe with a 78-74 win over Croatia.

Although on tour Matt Nielsen did not suit up for the Aussies as he is suffering from a virus.

This is a solid win for the Boomers as their previous combined five games against Iran and New Zealand presented little opposition.

Croatia is preparing to qualify for the Olympics via a tournament in Greece in the upcoming weeks. There are three spots remaining in the Olympic field and they will be filled by the top three teams from this tournament so Croatia is playing for something.

These teams play again this morning.

Germany has just enhanced their chances of qualifying for the Beijing Games. Los Angles Clippers centre Chris Kaman has just received his German passport. Potentially starting a front line that will include Kaman and perennial NBA All Star Dirk Nowitski, Germany will like their chance of securing one of the remaining three spots available at the Olympics..

Brisbane Bullets legand Leroy Loggins is prepared to run a new look Bullets as long as somebody can put up the cash. I'm guessing many people would put up their hand if they could find somebody to fund the project.

Check out this Q & A with the NBL's CEO Chuck Harmison. He talks about how the second Sydney franchise could not get off the ground.

New Zealand Tall Blacks finally taste victory. They defeated Lebanon 84-71 in the Jack Donohue International being hosted in Canada.

Now we wait and see what happens with television rights and a naming rights sponsor.

In NBA News the Seattle Sonics are moving on. Their new home will be made in Oklahoma City. The Sonics have been part of Seattle's landscape for the past 41 years. Owner Clay Bennett was always looking to move his team and it was decided today it will coast him $75 million to move to Oklahoma.

RIP Sonics and you have lost a big fan in DJ Leon Smith.

Free agent Elton Brand is considering taking the offer made by Golden State. Although it seemed as though Brand would be a simple re-sign with the Los Angles Clippers, all of a sudden the lucrative deal ($90 million) the Warriors have offered has Brand rethinking his future team.

DeSagana Diop and Gerald Green will sign free agent deals with the Dallas Mavericks.

High School kid thinking of skipping college to play in Europe before he enters the NBA Draft.

Sonics Owner Clay Bennett

Boomers and NBA Draft

The Australian Boomers continued with their build up to the Beijing Olympics tonight. They played the new look New Zealand Tall Blacks over in Auckland. Sleep walking their way to a 75-60 victory the Boomers cannot get to Europe quick enough for some competition.

The game was over by quarter time with the Aussies getting out to a early 26-9 lead at quarter time. Thanks to a fast starting Chris Anstey (8 first quarter points) the Boomers put it on cruise control for the remainder of the game.

For the Aussies, Shawn Redage and Joe Ingles had outings that would have impressed coach Brian Goorjian. Redage was everywhere. Maybe too hyperactive at times but you can see he is giving his all to make it to Beijing. I'm waiting to see how he goes when they go to Europe where he will play against bigger and better opponents.

Ingles played assertive but under control basketball tonight. I love his feel for the game but as we saw against Iran he sometimes goes for the home run play too much. His ability to make the right decision will one day make him a good player at the international level for the Boomers. For now though, the young fella has to learn to play under control on a nightly basis.

Everyone is pumping up Pat Mills' tyres right now. Sure he was solid tonight but my six year old son isn't losing any sleep over a Kiwi point guard rotation of Lindsay Tait and Jeremy Kench. Europe will be a great test for the youngster.

I can't wait for the second game of the series on Saturday in Melbourne. It means we are only one game away from finally seeing the Boomers take on some legitimate Olympic medal competition.

Enough of that. It is only hours now until the fate of three Aussies and their NBA aspirations are decided courtesy of the NBA Draft. (Catch the draft action on ESPN from 9am Friday.)

Nathan Jawai has been State side preparing for this day for about a month. Hopefully he has put his best foot forward during his workouts for about 20 NBA teams.

We will find out if he impressed anyone enough to get rewarded with a first round pick. If he does, this guarantees him three years in the League at a healthy salary.

My Prediction: Early second round (ESPN's Chad Ford has him at 33.)

Aleks Maric is someone that not all Aussies are aware of. He has plied his trade in the tough Big 12 Conference for the past four years for the University of Nebraska. An interesting stat I came across today is Maric holds the All Time record for most double doubles in conference play (26).

This is quite an achievement by anyone's standard but it does not guarantee you an NBA deal.

If Maric slips through the NBA web he will play for big money in Europe. Another local talent that will not play in their home country. Australia has quite a stable of players building in Europe.

My Prediction: Late second round pick

Aaron Bruce is a guy that has given himself the best possible chance of making the NBA.

His career statistically at Baylor actually declined over his four years there. To his credit he has taken it on the chin and found a way to get some workouts with NBA teams.

You have to admire the fighting character the Horsham native has shown in his quest to make the NBA.

My Prediction: Not drafted, but will be on someones Summer League roster.

News From Around The Traps:

Boomers dust Tall Blacks. Another write up.

Opals too good for Russia.

Small chance Bogut may miss Olympics.

Jawai ready. More on "Baby Shaq".

Maher looking for reduced role.

NT junior (Sheppard) to practice with champs.

Petrie a Hawk.

Simmons/Ford NBA Draft banter

J O'Neal/TJ Ford swap addresses.

Episode 3 - "The Rookie"

BOOMERS SWEEP IRAN

Shawn Redage did not play tonight.

Tonight the Australian Boomers ended a lack luster series against Iran with a lower scoring game. The end score, 88-65, did not really reflect the length of time the Aussies allowed the visitors to hang around in the game. The series ended up 3-0.

I just hope the Kiwi's offer a little more next week in their two games against the Green and Gold.

Other News:

Sav won't leave the Gong again, maybe!

USA interest in the Kings.

NZNBL a basket case?

Celtics Win NBA & Boomers Cruise

2008 NBA Champs....Boston Celtics



Well a little heckling from the cheap seats was just the medicine I needed to remove myself from the porcelain bus I have been driving for the last few days.

Now that my health is better lets get on with the day's play.

Congratulations to the Boston Celtics and their 17th NBA Championship.

The Celtics today killed the Los Angles Lakers 131-92 in Game 6. Nothing more needs to be said about this game than, a clinic was conducted today.

But, while I watched this series I always come back to what a coach once said to me. "All players are role players, you must just perform your role within the team."

During this NBA Championship series all the Celtics players lived up to their role. Whether is was Rajon Rondo delivering the timely assist or steal, or Leon Powe bringing energy in Game 2, the Celts team did their job.

Sure Paul Pierce was the MVP of the Finals but he was allowed to excel because all the team did their job.

On the other hand everyone is all over Kobe Bryant now because he did not deliver. He had a poor playoff performance by his standards but so did all of the Lakers roster.

The likes of Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol would have expected more of themselves, which would have allowed Kobe more room to operate and excel.

At the end of the day though the Celtics were by far the better team in this series.

Already I'm looking forward to the same two teams reaching the NBA Finals next year. Can we say we have an NBA 80's revival on our hands.

NBA Articles:
Daily Dime
Celtics camp to Champs
Lakers questioned
Chad Ford's latest draft info.
Who is suiting up for Team USA this summer?
Good article from ESPN Mag - grass roots hoops.
Cuban-Nellie dispute still going.
Sonics in court - DJ Leon Smith will be very happy.

Now to the Boomers World Challenge and those tough Iranians.

The Australian Boomers continued giving the Iran National Team a fair dinkum touch up in Game 2, 97-53.

It was never a contest. The Boomers jumped on them early with their trapping defense causing the visitors to turn the ball over on what seemed every offensive possessions.

It began to resemble an u/10's junior club game so I'm not going to waste my time on critiquing this one.

The only note worthy thing to come out of this one was Joe Ingles performance. I believe his performance tonight was not a positive one. Some costly turnovers and loose play may have cost him his spot on the Olympic team tonight.

Having played for Brian Goorjian I know how loose plays grind on him.

For those that may have missed it, Darnell Mee and Damien Ryan have been released from the Boomers squad.

NBL Articles:
Sav returns to his original nest.
Jason Crowe wins NZNBL MVP.
Bullets buyer a true mystery.
No room to be a Pig if you're a King.
Casey Frank wins NZ award.
More Kings players on the market.
Aaron Bruce and family talking NBA chances up.
Jawai looking forward to NBA. more on him video footage
Rickert re-signs with Breakers and as reported here days ago Adam Tanner signs.
Draper gets NBA try out with Raptors.
Goorj starting to plant seed, just in case all goes wrong.

For All You Celtic Fans

Tough Decisions Ahead For Goorjian

David Barlow led the Aussies with 19pts last night against Iran.

Last night saw the Australian Boomers take out an easy but scrappy 87-68 victory over the Iran National Team.

With twenty guys still in contention for the Beijing Olympic Team I can see the final team selection process only getting harder for coach Brian Goorjian.

As I have talked about in a previous blog Goorjian would have about 10 guys already earmarked for final section. By still having such a large squad during these games Goorjian is giving someone the opportunity to make his final selection a tough one. One that could have been avoided in my opinion.

Lets take Shawn Redage for example. I'm guessing that on Goorjian's final team list that he has pictured in his mind, Redage would miss out. Redage plays at the four spot, deepest position on the team.

He is not beating out Matt Nielsen, David Andersen or Mark Worthington. Sure, Goorj may rub his melon for a little while over the Worthington/Redage decision but he will take Worthington at the end of the day.

So back to my point, by playing Redage is this series Goorjian maybe creating himself some headaches that could have been avoided.

Redage is the type of player that is going to make the most of the opportunities that come his way. He proved this last night with a solid 13 points which included a perfect 3 from 3 from "down town". One area I think Redage will struggle with is finishing around the basket against the bigger European teams, and he showed a little of this last night.

If Shawn continues to play well over the next few games Goorjian paints himself into a corner as far a team selection goes.

I'd have a squad of 15 guys right now just so you have a few numbers at practice plus you can cover for the absent Andrew Bogut, David Andersen and Nathan Jawai.

Game 2 is on Wednesday in Adelaide. Goorj was suppose to make some more cuts after the game last night. If he hasn't look for someone else to make the most of the opportunity given to them creating more unnecessary headaches.

Side Note: Theses are the players I feel are just waiting for Goorj to tap them on the shoulder: AJ Ogilvy, Damien Ryan, James Harvey, Russell Hinder, Wade Helliwell.

Guys that will be kept to the end but fall short: Darnell Mee, Shawn Redage, Joe Ingles.

Time will tell if I'm close to the mark!

NBL News:

Look for Aussie YAP Adam Tanner (had signed with Brisbane) to sign with the New Zealand Breakers in the upcoming days.

BA's write up on the Boomers game.

Tigers roll Rangers in ABA clash.

Sixers keeping door open for Hodge.

NBA News:

Lakers win Game 5 but need to get better if they are to win in Boston.

You can rank the Top 10 NBA MVP's.

Which underclassmen are saying in the draft?

Yao close to hitting the court again.

Agents trying to control the draft?

Daily Dime.

I'm Lovin The Comments

Kings fans can hold their breath. There may be a saviour by the end of the week!



All weekend I have been down in Mackay helping out with junior basketball clinics. I arrive home to blog about the upcoming Australian Boomers/Iran series starting tomorrow night in Perth but I have put that on hold due to the passionate comments I have been receiving over the past few days.

I love that people are taking a keen and passionate interest in the state of the NBL and their team so keep the comments coming.

Below I have posted some of the more opinionated one's and put forth my view, again.

"You're playing the PR game bravely John, but you're only kidding yourself. Sydney is the heart of corporate Australia. It's the proving ground for the advertising dollar. So much of the nation's media is run out of Sydney that if you can't attract attention there, you lack a truly national presence.You talk about `the long run'. Truth is, there likely won't be one. Who will sponsor a competition without a Sydney presence? (And don't give me `what about the Razorbacks?' Most Sydneysiders don't know who they are.)Your obvious delight at the Kings' situation likely comes from being a former Pig ie losing GFs to the Kings, attention etc.Truth is, the league is on its knees. The A-League is about to wipe it out.Kings fan." Spud said.

Spud,
Do I think the NBL needs a Kings type of team in Sydney and the NBL? Absolutely, but it needs to be a well run organisation otherwise the NBL gets the negative attention we are seeing right now. No business needs this type of attention that tarnishes the overall product.

I have no "obvious delight" about what happened to the Kings. They were the team everybody loved to hate. Every league needs a team like this in their competition. It brings people to the game when the Kings are on the road.

As for losing the Grand Final to the Kings, I have never spent a minute thinking about the Kings winning it. Everyday I just think about how we "choked".

"If you think that the league is going to be better off without the Kings (and fingers crossed the Bullets somehow survive) then you are delusional. There are no positives to come out of Sydney losing its license. The only positive is that Johnston is gone, and the NBL could have done that over a year ago but was too incompetent! If anything, the league will lose more talent because of this. Less teams here means more players going O/S. How is that a good thing for the NBL? Or for Aussie bball as a whole unless O/S comps are once again shown on free to air TV? It's not good. Also, today's rosters are not worse than yesteryears'. The Kings team that just got tossed would've served your '98 sixers without breaking a sweat. Not to mention the Tigers team that beat the Kings. The NBL has shot itself in the foot by kicking out Sydney. The league's propularity will only dwindle further unless they take a break to re-tool. And lets hope they get a decent, independent board one of these days." Brickie said.

Brickie,
I'm not disagreeing about losing the players to overseas leagues. This is where the NBL needs to revise some of the stipulations about a team makeup, quickly.

A few ideas off the top of my head are:
1. Scrap the points system.
2. Allow a roster of 12 players (still play 10)..one of these twelve must remain a YAP .

What they cannot do is re rate these players so teams that do not have a full roster can sign some of these players. Teams that already have their roster in place will "spit chips" if this happens.

"I feel you guys that are saying the corporate dollar will take a hit. But if you think any team in the league now (with the possible exception of the Tiges) could have run with the Sixers team JR's talkin bout, you are either too young to remember them or a one eyed Sydney-sider. League is in trouble, yes. Kings staying in the comp ever going to help the situation? Hell no. And BTW, a lot of Sydney people couldn't name one Kings playa. This is not a measure of the Rbacks as much as of the league as a whole." This from Anonymous.

Just to touch on that mighty Adelaide 36ers championship team of 1998. The makeup of talent on that squad was unbelievable and not seen in today's competition.

2 imports (Kevin Brooks and Darnell Mee) with NBA experience. 6 Aussies (Brett Maher, Martin Cattilini, Scott Ninnis, Paul Rees, Mark Davis and myself) that represented their country.

The other two were Rupert Sapwell and Dean Brogan.

Sapwell had a Mars commercial at the age of 16 and Brogan is in a league of his own by winning premierships in two different national sporting competitions (NBL, AFL).

All that aside we played a pretty entertaining style of hoops to boot.

I look forward to replying to more passionate comments.

Current NBL News:
Legends Gaze and Loggins back the NBL.
Rob Beveridge knows junior talent and Aussies are up there.
Goorjian to make more cuts to Boomers squad.
Good game in the NT.
Matt Nielsen is back.
Scouting report on Nathan Jawai and here is another.

NBA News:
As the Lakers are on the brink of elimination Phil Jackson has asked me not to comment on this topic as his players spend too much time on my blog site. I respect Phil and what he is about so I have "No Comment" on the NBA today.

NBA Preview:

Europe Update and Other News

Newley is ready to wear the green and gold but he has a Game 5 decider first.

While the oncourt action has been quiet here in Australia there have been a few Aussies still in action in Europe.

Firstly, David Andersen and his CSKA Moscow team have won its sixth straight Russian championship. CSKA swept Khimky 3-0.

These where the best two teams during the season by a long shot, but Andersen's team demonstrated throughout the series why they are the best team in Europe. Khimky only dropped two games during the regular season but could not come close to taking a game off CSKA.

With all the playing completed for Andersen now his focus will turn to the Boomers and his free agent status.

Andersen can sign for any team in Europe or my opt for an NBA experience. He will be able to make more money in Europe but he may be thinking it is time to give the NBA a crack.

Although he will not get Andrew Bogut money ($80 million) he will get a nice little pay rise that would have him comfortably in the top ten sports money earners from Australia.

I only hope for the best for this guy as he took the punt to go to Europe when he was a youngster (19) and has made the most of it.

Click here to read about the results of all three games.

Now to Brad Newley. He is playing in a fifth game decider today (Wednesday) for third spot.

You may ask why for third? In Greece the third placed team gets promoted to Euroleague which brings great exposure to the club. Think about being promoted in Premier League soccer in England. That's what it means to a club.

As for Newley's play, he has been on fire. Game 4 Newley played a major role in getting his Panionios team to a decider.

His 24pts, 5rebs and 4ass should get Boomers coach Brian Goorjian excited. Being able to play an all round game against some of Europe's best teams has to be encouraging to Boomers fans as well.

Come the Olympics we will need to beat some of the strong Euro teams to advance to the medal round. By Newley having played in this type of environment he will be ready to perform on the Olympic stage and hopefully help lead the Aussies to the medal round.

After Newley completes Game 5 he is back on the plane Sunday to Oz as he is keen to don the green and gold against the Iran National Team.

With another big performance by Newley in game 5 this should see him secure a multi year deal in Europe. He has had a very solid year and will only get better from his first year experience.

I'm sorry to let 6er fans know it will be a long time before you see him in your colours.

Click here to read about Game 4.

NBA News:
Chad Ford has dropped Nathan Jawai out of the first round for now. Don't be alarmed, he will have his individual workouts with teams now and his stock will be determined on his performances here.

Zo wants one more year if body allows it.

Bloggers have their say on the NBA Finals.

You want stats on the NBA Finals look no further. Click here.

For all things KOBE. The ultimate Kobe experience.

Kareem and his sky hook have a blog. It will be overrated like his play!

NBL News:
Kings paupers, who would have ever thought?

Harris happy to be back on the Apple Isle. The mind boggles when someone is happy to be back in Tassie in the middle of winter.

Phill Jones calls it a day for Tall Blacks. I cannot see the Kiwis qualifying for Beijing with everyone retiring.

Clint Reed re-signs with Pigs.

Boomers camp underway. Find out who is hot!