Pat Mills Is Back

Pat Mills will join the Portland Trailblazers this week.

In case you have not heard, Pat Mills has been called up to the Portland Trailblazers. After dropping 38 last week for the D-League's Idaho Stampede and injury worries to the Trailblazers, Mills will find himself seeing some playing time sometime this week.

To get all the news on Mills, check out these fellow Aussie bloggers.

A Stern Warning is all over this story as he is a huge Trailblazers fan.

The Basketball Professor chimes in.

NBA Mate has some D-League highlights of Mills.

Pat Mills Interview

Pat Mills was in attendance at a recent NBL game and he lends his time for an interview with the Wollongong Hawks media department.

He talks about where he fits in the Portland Trailblazers plans, talks about dunking on Kobe Bryant and Chris Bosh (well maybe) and supporting the NBL.

AI Retires, Pat Mills Siting

This just in. The greatest NBA pound for pound player Allen Iverson has retired.

In other NBA news, the Portland Trailblazers Pat Mills was a fan at last nights NBL game between the Wollongong Hawks and Adelaide 36ers. Below is a interview that Fox Sports Shane Heal had with Mills at the game.

"The Sport Count" on Jawai

Can Nathan Jawai expect to see more playing time in Dallas?

Anton over at The Sport Count has come up with a gem of an article about the travels of Bamaga product Nathan Jawai.

Last year Jawai left the shores of Australia to try his luck in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors but he spent most of his time parked on the bench or bouncing around the D-League scene with Idaho.

I'll leave the rest for you to read about. Great job Anton, and I love dropping by to see what the boys from Sydney have produced.

"Nathan Jawai must be accustomed to change.

As a teenager, he was plucked from serious obscurity — his hometown of Bamaga is closer to Papua New Guinea than any major Australian city, located at the remote northern tip of Australia, with a population in the low four-digits — and scored a spot at the Australian Institute of Sport, a government-funded, live-in training centre.

From there, just 19 years old, Jawai entered the National Basketball League as a teenage wrecking ball, all explosive dunks and big rebounds. He was named Rookie of the Year, putting up 17.2 points, 9.4 boards and 1.3 blocks. A big leap; from small-town kid to dominating grown professionals.

With his ridiculous size, soft (if sporadic) shooting touch, and beastly post moves, teams across the Atlantic were bound to pay attention. In Jawai, teams saw a larger Glen Davis, and a (much) smaller Shaquille O’Neal. More than that, they saw upside and size. The classic project player.
And so it was that Nathan found himself in Toronto, across the other side of the world, the first Indigenous Australian to make it to the NBA, paving the way for Patty Mills, the electric point guard taken with the 55th pick in 2009 by the Trail Blazers.

Jawai’s rookie season didn’t go smoothly, a cardiac abnormality keeping him off the court until mid-January. Even when he was cleared for play, he donned a Raptors jersey and took to the court just six times.

‘I didn’t have a good feeling at the Raptors,‘ Jawai says. The team was fine, the city great and he got along with teammates (’we’d go out, have dinner’) but he was rarely utilised, spending 10 games with the Idaho Stampede in the D-League.

When he entered the Australian national league, he was effective immediately. He seemed to easily find confidence in his size, knowing he could bump defenders out of the way, or just jump over them. In the NBA, not so much. His size helps, and his strength is unquestionable. It’s just a matter of harnessing them.

Now, for his sophomore campaign, Nathan finds himself in Dallas, sent there as fodder in the complex four-team trade that landed Shawn Marion at the Mavericks, and Hedo Turkoglu at the Raptors.

Is it difficult adjusting to a new city, new teammates? ‘Yeah, because I haven’t been playing much,’ says Jawai. ‘This is just my 2nd year. It’s a new environment.‘

But, of course, he’d be accustomed to new environments; used to packing his bags and carving out an existence somewhere new and unseen. ‘I’ve got to take it as a positive. Deal with it. I’ve just to got to work hard, try to make it into the rotation at the Mavericks.‘

How likely is he to see minutes in the coming season? ‘I can’t say anything right now…I’ve only been [in Dallas] for a week.‘

With Drew Gooden recently signed, and Shawn Marion bound to spend a lot of time at the four-spot, Erick Dampier copping an injury or getting sent away in a trade – opening up minutes at centre — looks like the fastest road to game time.

But Jawai isn’t concentrating on settling in at Dallas just yet. Not right now. He’s busy.

‘Just working with the national team,’ Jawai says of his off-season. That team recently beat Argentina for the first time in 20 years. Jawai was a key piece, contributing 22 points and 7 boards and — more importantly — keeping Luis Scola (2-8) well and truly in check. His goal with the Boomers for the World Championships in 2010, and the Olympics in 2012? ‘We’re going to work together as a team to try to get a medal.’

Easier said than done, with international competition fierce, and the Boomers so young, now building around Jawai and Patty Mills. But for a man so used to wrenching success out of change, nothing seems impossible."

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.

"Homicide" Williams Is A Croc & Aussies In Vegas

Dunk you very much. Twitter confirms "Homicide" will be back in Townsville.

I'm sure if you read my latest post you may have still had a little uncertainty as to Corey "Homicide" Williams was returning to the Townsville Crocodiles this season.

Well, I'm here to tell you that "Homicide" must be a regular reader of this blog because he did drop the news of him signing with the Crocodiles via Twitter yesterday.

These two messages in succession on Corey's Twitter page are enough for me to believe that he is a Croc for next season.

Here is how "Homicide" broke the news via Twitter, so you can make up your own mind.

"it's green and yellow one more time!!!!! Da Ville here we go again" about 13 hours ago from web (@chomicide)

"I AM THE FACE OF THE NATION YOU CAN'T HAVE CROC NATION WITHOUT THE FACE OF THE NATION CROC NATION STAND UP! GREEN MACHINE LETS GO BABY" about 13 hours ago from web (@chomicide)

News

- ``I said I'd need to see (tape of) someone pretty impressive to change my mind about going (to Las Vegas) and John (Gilchrist) is that player,'' Scott Ninnis told the Adelaide Advertiser. ``He's just knocked our socks off."

Adelaide 36ers Head Coach Scott Ninnis talking up the prospect of former Maryland Terrapin point guard John "don't call me Adam" Gilchrist.

I wonder if Ninnis was wearing the popular 1990's tube sock when he made the decision?

- While on the 36ers, former import Julius Hodge is trying his luck in the NBA again. Over the summer he will join the Chicago Bulls at various Summer Leagues.

During this recent radio (am850 the Buzz Sports Radio) interview, Hodge talks about how he is ready to rejoin the NBA.

He mentions how his "jumper" is ready.

My two cents worth on Julius' jump shot. It will be ready when my shotblocking abilities are NBA ready.

NBL fans take note, Julius believes that the French league is a little better than what Australia (NBL) has to offer.

- Brad Newley entered Day 2 of the Vegas Summer League looking to put forward a better performance from Day 1. His Houston Rockets had a win over Nathan Jawai's Dallas Mavericks.

Newley was solid in his performance with 9pts (3-6) and pulling down four boards.

Jawai did not play in this game.

- Fellow South Australian Joe Ingles was in action as well. Ingles had a quiet night shooting the ball (1-7 for 3pts) but he chipped in with 8 boards.

- North Queensland product Aron Baynes is playing for the NBA champions, LA Lakers in Vegas.

He was solid without being eye catching yesterday with 4pts and 4rebs of the bench.

- And just in case you missed it, Pat Mills will miss the entire Summer League circuit because of a broken foot.

It's All About Pat Mills

Pat Mills will have to make the Portland Trailblazers roster before he gets to blow by Chris Paul again.

Twenty four hours have passed so I thought I would provide you with as many links as possible (before I head overseas for a few days) regarding Pat Mills being drafted by the Portland Trailblazers.

Before I go though, anyone know of someone that predicted the top five picks in the draft and the team's they would end up with?

Sir Link-A-Lot featuring Pat Mills:

- Mills the fourth Aussie to be linked with Portland.

- Trailblazers press release.

- Backup point guard Sergio Rodriguez was traded by the Trailblazers before the draft. Does this leave the door open for Mills?

- Blazer Blog - live from the draft

- RotoTimes.com believes Mills was one of a few to drop too far in the draft.

- The Australian newspaper's thoughts.

- Boston Celtics were hoping Mills would slide a little lower.

- Hoopsworld hints at Mills heading overseas.

- Not draft related but a great read. Aussie rules and hoops are closer than we think.

News, Notes & New Logo

Less than twenty fours hours until we know whether Australia has once again contributed to the product we know as the NBA.

Pat Mills will be the first Aussie name we hear tomorrow. My gut is telling me if Mills goes in the first round it will be at nineteen to the Atlanta Hawks. If the Hawks roll with someone else, Mills will slip into the second round.

Joe Ingles has been very solid while on his NBA workout tour over the past six weeks. Although Eurocamp was not his best showing, Ingles has done enough to be called in the second round.

I'm trying to find out if there is any truth to the rumour that Mills and Ingles are hosting a joint Draft Party. The menu will be two items deep, vegemite sandwiches and Foster's.

Other Aussies you may hear about on the day are Aron Baynes (WSU) and Luke Nevill (Utah).

Both are interior players who will find themselves on a Summer League roster but have they done enough to sneak into the second round? I'm saying no but I still believe Nevill will find a home in the NBA.

Not since the 1997 draft has Australia had multiple players select in a draft.

News

- Big news. Shaquille O'Neil has been traded to the Cleveland LeBrons. Will the Cavs regain their old nickname back now with O'Neil relocating?

- Toronto Raptor Nathan Jawai headlines the Australian Boomers team.

As weak as the Boomers team is looking, the Chinese team will be undermanned as well. Both of their NBA players Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian will be missing during these two games against the Aussies.

Los Angles Lakers guard Sun Yue will suit up against the green and gold.

China to win 2-0 thanks to their three little helpers at home.

- The NBL is to remain as the NBL.

- Larry Sengstock hinted about the television deal on "The OT". It seems we are only days away from hearing a formal announcement.

- Hope your sitting down when you read this announcement. Glen Saville signs with the Wollongong Hawks.

- This is past rumour status if you ask me. Dave Thomas to play for the Sheep Shaggers (New Zealand Breakers).

- Ever wondered what happened to former NBA player Sam Vincent? He is coaching the Jamacian national team.

- Rogers, Cattalini and Wagstaff sign with the Perth Wildcats.

- NBA aspirant Joe Ingles is just waiting for his name to be called, now.

- Phill Jones named MVP of the NZNBL.

- Q&A with Marty Clarke.

Boomers Team, NBL & Tiny At Discos

- Basketball Australia - “The players selected displayed a combination of physical grunt and skill on a daily basis during the camp and I’m looking forward to getting on the road with the team and seeing the same effort and intensity in a game situation,” Head Coach Brett Brown said.

The announcement of the Australian Boomers team is still fresh in my mind but I wish to take some time to digest it all before I make a comment on this very diluted national team.

In the meantime here are some audio grabs from the camp in Canberra.

- Head Coach Brett Brown
- Nathan Jawai
- Pat Mills (from USA)
- James Harvey

- wwos.com.au - "I've been given the all clear now from doctors, so I'm thrilled I can continue playing basketball at the highest level with the Tigers," Sam Mackinnon said.

With a healthy Sam MacKinnon lining up for the Melbourne Tigers it really does not matter who they sign at the point guard spot.

I'm not being disrespectful to any incoming point guard (I'll guess Nathan Crosswell and already signed Luke Kendall) but MacKinnon, when healthy, is one of the best creators in the game.

Chris Anstey, Mark Worthington and David Barlow will be hoping that MacKinnon has shaken his much documented health issues so they can be the recipients of his playmaking abilities.

I'm guessing with this signing the Tigers will start the season as title favourites.

- Adelaide Advertiser - "I've got a decent outside shot and I'm a bit more mobile running up and down the floor with my athleticism" said new Adelaide 36ers signing Matt Burston.

The NBL is short on big men but I think Burston is being a little kind to himself talking about his perimeter game and athleticism.

I'm sure Coach Scott Ninnis would have preferred to be hearing about rebounding and a low post prescence from his newly signed big man.

- Illawarra Mercury - "I'm (Glen Saville) not quite ready to make an announcement yet, but we're definitely getting closer. There's still one or two minor things that my agent (Geoff McGuire) is sorting out, but it's nothing that's going to be a deal breaker."

My question to "Sav", if they are not deal breakers, why haven't you signed yet?

- Sacramento Kings taking a long look at Pat Mills?

- NBA FanHouse feels Mills is not getting the hype he deserves leading into this week's NBA Draft.

- Keith Langlois who covers the Detroit Pistons thinks Joe Ingles "could develop into a Hedo Turkoglu type" of player.

I'm sure Joe can live with that considering Hedo will be receiving a contract in the $10mil/year range this offseason.

- Who would have thought Kendall "Tiny" Pinder loved discos. Enjoy a trip down memory lane with the Sydney Supersonics. Also, check out a young John Harker with no Nappy San in sight.

Mills, Ingles Interview & More On The Beep Test

Aussie and now former St Mary's Gael point guard Pat Mills talks about why he left Moraga for the greener pastures of the pro game.

The latest from Joe Ingles.

- Yesterday I posted about James Harvey winning the beep test at the Boomers camp. Many a fan out there contacted me asking about the result/level that Harvey reached.

I can tell you that the event started at level 10 (think of Aaron Trahair at full pace with this level). Coach Brett Brown threw 20 minutes up on the clock and you keep on running until you could not keep pace with the beep test.

Harvey lasted until there was 7min 50sec left on the clock. This would have been a cracking pace by the time he finished. With this test, the pace increases after every minute.

My source tells me that Harvey and Holmes were well in front of the rest of the pack.

Mills & Boomers - Not Quite A Romance Novel

James Harvey leads the way as the Boomers complete the beep test.

- The Australian Boomers have assembled in Canberra for the first time under new Head Coach Brett Brown.

It seems that Day 1 of the camp was dedicated to fitness testing and veteran James Harvey (Gold Coast Blaze) proved that experience does count. He went on to out last Adelaide 36ers Jacob Holmes to take out the beep test.

For those who do not know, the beep test is about endurance but picking up the pace every minute you run.

Having seen Harvey perform in this test before, it does not surprise me that he won this event. Plus I believe James will be on a mission to prove himself at the international level.

What scares me though is where are the young up and coming youth of Australian basketball. Holmes is no slouch in this race either but surely some "rookie" would have seen some value in performing well in this event.

Winning the beep test certainly would have captured Brett Brown's attention early in the camp.

*** This just in from Oscar Forman. Thanks Twitter.

"Boomers camp going well, body is so sore. 5 sessions down, 3 to go. Enjoying the learning and training. The AIS rooms & food, not so much."

- Ever wondered how Boomers Coach Brett Brown arrived in Australia back in the 80's? We have AT&T to thank.

- Dual Olympian Jason Smith retires.

I think this will be the first of a few of these situations to happen before the NBL's 2009/10 season begins.

It is a shame that it has come to this as there is no doubting Smith would have helped out any number of rosters around the league.

All the best at MacQuarie Bank.

- Boomer squad member Nathan Herbert is "optimistic" he will be part of the national competition next season.

- Buzzer beater sees Nelson Giants through to final in the NZNBL.

- Waikato Pistons will join the Giants in the NZNBL Final.

- "I'm just disappointed that I still had a year to go on my contract and that after nine years, nobody called me and I found out from somewhere else."

Former Melbourne Tiger Stephen Hoare's words to Herald Sun's Grantley Bernard.

- Hoare's former teammates in David Barlow and Luke Kendall are signed by the Melbourne Tigers.

- Shane McDonald to the Wollongong Hawks?

- St Louis Billikens bound Cody Ellis "to follow in father's footsteps".

- "I'm still trying to get as many workouts in as I can to try to prove myself to the teams and put myself in the best possible position."

Pat Mills talking to the Herald Sun about his upcoming workouts before the NBA Draft on Friday (USA time).

- AJ Price of UConn has his knockers but his agent Jeff Schwartz puts forward a compelling argument. Who gets drafted first, Price or Mills?

- Toronto Raptor Nathan Jawai returns home to see family.

- Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer has Pat Mills at 28 in his depth chart.

- Ever wondered what your boss got up to on the weekend? Well, thanks to Twitter I can let the Perth Wildcat fans know that their CEO Nick Marvin was laying an egg over his two day break.

" Spent the weekend in the garden building a chook run - here's to some organic eggs"

Good luck with the chicken business Nick. Maybe give the original "chicken farmer" John Dorge a call for some tips.

Something Here For Everyone

I have actually been somewhat busy today (I give away free stuff for a local radio station here in Townsville of a morning) so I will have installed plenty of links to service your basketball needs for now.

There are plenty of NBL updates and lots of movement in the USA regarding the upcoming NBA Draft.

Sit back, click and enjoy!

- New Orleans Hornets Head Coach Byron Scott on Pat Mills, "He's a competitor." "He can flat out put it up. He can score. He's a hell of a player."

- Everyone's favourite basketballing son, Daniel Joyce is happy to be back in Wollongong and looking forward to the Australian Boomers camp.

- "The Man" Anthony Mundine is doing his bit to help out through hoops.

- Australian Boomer squad member Cameron Tragardh is showing he is still "The King" of ABA.

- Former South Dragon Nathan Herbert is looking forward to Boomers camp.

My question is, who isn't because everyone must think they have a shot of making the team?

- Oregon State Beaver bound Angus Brandt returns home to the Blue Mountains before heading into Pac-10 battle.

- Darryl Corletto turns his back on England and re-signs with the Melbourne Tigers along with Nicholls State graduate Ryan Bathie.

- James Harvey is set to re-sign with the Gold Coast Blaze.

- Basketball Australia gets $300k from government.

- Luke Whitehead wants to keep playing on the Gold Coast, but the American import is not getting any love in return right now.

- The Perth Wildcats organisation are offering prizes to their season ticket members if they sign up early.

- Townsville Crocodile Michael Cedar is the latest to be added to the long list of Boomer squad members.

- Townsville Crocodiles re-sign Cameron Tovey and Kelvin Robertson.

- There is talk of Chicago Bull free agent Ben Gordon asking for $11 million per season. Teams are hoping that this does not become true, otherwise it will be an expensive off-season for some teams.

- Thanks to Kevin Love and his Twitter ability, he let the world know that Kevin McHale will not be coaching the Minnesota Timberwolves next season.

You can find me on Twitter @johnrillie.

- Toronto Raptor Nathan Jawai is ready to slip into the "Green and Gold".

- ESPN's Chad Ford has delivered his Mock Draft Edition 5 and there is no sign of Pat Mills in the first round. Does Ford know what he's talking about?

- Alonzo Mourning has school named after him.

- Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy beaten in prison?

- The MVP Nike Puppets are back for maybe the last time this season. This is for all the Kobe haters.

Mills To Stay In Draft

History. Pat Mills is staying in the NBA Draft so St Mary's will look for other Aussies to carry the load.

Thanks to Andy Katz and ESPN,we hear from St Mary's Coach Randy Bennett and Pat Mills about the decision of Mills to go pro.

"Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett held out hope throughout the weekend that Patty Mills would look at the dearth of point guards in the draft, see that he was a borderline first-round pick and then decide to return to Moraga for his junior season.

Bennett waited until the final minutes of the deadline Monday afternoon when he finally got word that Mills was staying in the June 25 draft.

The one word text Bennett sent, "Gone," symbolized the Gaels' frustrations. Gone is the Australian Olympian, the Gaels' headline name and their link to possibly catching Gonzaga in the WCC or a possible NCAA tournament berth.

Mills went to the Reebok Eurocamp last week in Treviso, Italy where he shined well enough to warrant staying in the draft.

Bennet cited Mills' work ethic and pasion for the game in a statement, saying he will flourish as a professional.

"I respect and support Pat's decision to stay in the draft and we wish him the very best in his pursuit to play in the NBA," Bennett said in the release. "He's been a tremendous ambassador to our basketball program, and we will miss him as a person, a leader, and a basketball player."
Mills played in 26 games for the Gaels, averaging 18.4 points and 3.9 assists. He missed nine games last season with a broken right hand. He returned for the WCC tournament but wasn't well enough to lead the Gaels to the NCAA tournament.

Saint Mary's lost to San Diego State in the postseason NIT quarterfinals.

"I want to thank the coaching staff, and especially my teammates at Saint Mary's, as they have played a major part in helping me get to this point in my career," Mills said a statement released by the school. "I appreciate everything they have done to help me along the way, and they deserve a lot of the credit. Saint Mary's is my home away from home."

Mills, Ingles & Others

June 15 (USA time) is a date to circle on your calender. This is the day underclassmen who do not have an agent need to notify the NBA if they are returning to college and forgoing the June 25th NBA Draft.

More to the point, Aussie hoop fans will be glued to some media outlet to hear or read Pat Mills' tough decision ahead.

There are pros and cons for both sides of the story for Mills, but what will be his decision?

I have tried to get a feel from some of the people close to Mills and the results are interesting. Some say yes, some say no. I just hope Pat knows.

I guess we will have to wait for June 15 to roll around to get an answer. Good with your decision Pat.

In the meantime, I will provide you with some links for you to make up your own mind.

- The Two Man Game website has an article where they compare Pat Mills to San Antonio Spur Tony Parker.

- ESPN's college guru Andy Katz reports that Pat Mills is not the only underclassman with a tough decision to make.

- Minnesota Timberwolves assistant general manager Fred Hoiberg must read my blog. Just last week I compared Mills to Earl Boykins.

- Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress has shown us just how deep this year's draft is at the point guard position. Could we see a record number of PG's go in the first round?

- NetScouts an international site has thrown their two cents worth in about the point guard depth. They have Mills at nine in their depth chart.

- While a lot of the focus is on Mills, Joe Ingles is quietly going about his business as he tries to secure a solid draft position for himself.

Today Joe worked out for the New Jersey Nets as the session was viewed by 22 other NBA teams. Ingles told me that the workout "went well".

Over the upcoming days Ingles will also showcase his skills for the Portland Trailblazers, Los angles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

- nbadraft.net - "(Joe)Ingles started to warm up as the camp (Eurocamp 2009) went on but overall he was a disappointment. Appeared to be going through the motions most of the time lacking the presence to get noticed. Teases you with good length and some skills, but appears to lack any fire."

- The Australian u/19 Men's team is currently playing in the Douai Tournament in France.

Yesterday saw the young Aussies take on host nation France in an epic battle.

The Emu's went down to the French, 68-65.

Rick Majerus and St Louis will be happy to see Cody Ellis leading the scoring with 14 and a team high 5 rebounds, while Valparaiso bound Ryan Broekhoff had 8. Joining Ellis at St Louis next year will be Christian Salecich who dropped in 8 and Colorado bound centre Shane Harris-Tunks had 8.

A few nights earlier the Aussies knocked off the Americans in a thriller, 79-77. Jason Cadee scored the winning basket with a layup on the buzzer.

Washington St bound Brock Motum led the team with 19, while St Louis bound pair of Salecich and Ellis contributed 12 each.

- HoopsWorld delivers "Five Things We Learnt In The NBA This Week".

One of them being that Brandon Jennings feels Ricky Rubio is "all hype".

- Looks like new Gold Coast Blaze Head Coach Joey Wright and former Brisbane Bullets owner Eddie Groves are going to have to put the gloves on.

- Former New Zealand Breakers Phill Jones and Tim Behrendorff are looking for new jobs.

Before I leave you, here is some lighted hearted stuff from Dwayne Wade on the Jimmy Kimmel Show.

Aleks Maric & NBL News

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

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

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

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

Downlaod and enjoy.

News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesse Wagstaff #42 - a few college highlights

Mills Has 30 & Lil Wayne Lovin Kobe

Pat Mills (middle) and Joe Ingles (right) are joined by Brad Williamson in a cameo performance.

Who said basketball was struggling in this country? This picture can be found on the front page of ESPN's NBA section. Three out of the four are Aussies.

It seems that Pat Mills has come to life all thanks to the All Star Game that was held at the Reebok Eurocamp 2009.

Here is a review of how Mills looked today through the eyes of DraftExpress.

"Australian Patrick Mills was absolutely the star of the evening’s all-star game, posting an impressive 30 point performance on 8/18 shooting from the field and 12/13 from the line. Mills handled the ball on a string all game long, showing terrific quickness keeping his man off balance, and making an absolute living in the mid-range area with his deadly pull-up jumper. His ability to utilize strong hesitation moves makes him extremely difficult to stay in front of, and he did a good job not settling for tough shots from beyond the arc today, getting to the line repeatedly. He clearly thrives in up-tempo settings such as the one seen in today’s all-star game, which came in stark contrast to his morning performance, where he seemed to over-dribble somewhat while trying to create in the half-court.

NBA teams we spoke to still expressed some doubt regarding his point guard skills, which is something he could still stand to work on. He posted 3 assists compared with 4 turnovers in the evening game, seeming to be hunting shots quite a bit, and didn’t look all that comfortable getting others involved. Scouts generally were impressed by the quickness and shot-creating ability he showed, and he also did a better job defensively today as well. "

I hope Mills continues with the form he showed in scoring the basketball but can convince the scouts that he is capable of leading and distributing the ball amongst his teammates. Otherwise I fear he will be perceived as the next Earl Boykins. An undersized point guard with a scorers mentality.

- While it was a day for Pat Mills to shine, there is still plenty of buzz about fellow countryman Joe Ingles.

ProBasketballNews believes that Ingles is a "top prospect" and "may hear" his name called on Draft Night (June 25th, USA).

Also, when Ingles finishes in Europe in the next couple of days, he will head back to Chicago and workout for the Bulls on Thursday. Ater Majok will also join Ingles at this workout.

- Australian Opal Suzy Batkovic has tied the knot at the age of 29. Batkovic talks about her willingness to have children but it is "not set in cement - if it happens it happens".

With this attitude, I think "The OT" better hunt down the Olympian and have the "birds and bees" chat with the Seattle Storm centre before it is all too late.

- Yesterday I wrote about the draw for the upcoming 2009/10 NBL season. Some readers made comment and felt that I was "brown nosing".

I was just merely pointing out that the NBL has finally produced an even draw for the first time since 1996.

In 1996 we played 26 regular season games which meant we played each team (14 team comp) once at home and once away.

In the upcoming season each franchise will play each other four times. Two at home and two away.

Through my eyes this is fair and even (Yes, teams will argue about the schedule but venue availability plays it's part here, so get over it.). Where as over the past 13 seasons, one can argue over the fairness of the draw as there has been an uneven number of games against teams.

- I have not commented on the NBA Finals because my regular readers know how much I love Kobe Bryant's game, so I don't want to be tagged as being biased. But right now Kobe and the Lakers are letting their game do the talking against the Orlando Magic so I will leave the series alone.

I will let Lil Wayne's new song speak for my love of Kobe's game though.

Pat, Pero, Paul & The Draw

Joey Wright feels that Pero Cameron will give opposition teams some "food for thought". I too feel like the Kiwi international may surprise a few people this season.

On Friday the NBL released the schedule for the upcoming 2009/10 season.

If you did not already know, each team will play each other four times (2 home, 2 away) for a total of 28 games. Once the regular season is completed the top four teams will advance to the playoffs.

I'm a fan of this format as the regular season has some meaning to it. Over the past few seasons, teams that have had very mediocre season's have been rewarded with a birth in the playoffs.

So congrats to the league office for taking a step in the right direction in creating an exciting regular season. We could truly be seeing worthwhile games right to the death.

I'm sensing a 16-12 record should see you reach the playoffs.

While the NBL has been racing against the clock to get a schedule out, there are two clubs that have already made comment on the draw.

I would love to hear from both Townsville Crocodile and Perth Wildcat fans on their feelings about the draw.

Other News

- Pero Cameron re-signs with the Gold Coast Blaze.

I believe Pero is one player that has really underachieved during his NBL career. He has a skill set that should see him contributing more to his team in a Tony Ronaldson type of way.

In saying that, I'm not sure whether his skills have been utilized the best during his time with the New Zealand Breakers and the Blaze to date.

The questions is, will new Blaze Head Coach Joey Wright be the guy to get the most out of the "Rock"?

No doubt time will tell whether Wright can push the right buttons like former New Zealand National Team Coach Tab Baldwin managed to do.

- Former NBL MVP Paul Rogers has decided to remain with the Perth Wildcats for the upcoming season.

My former teammate at Gonzaga has been battling to overcome a knee and back injury that allowed him to play in only two games last season.

If the former second round draft pick of the Los Angles Lakers is healthy, the Wildcats will be a better lineup.

- The Cairns Taipans will "move on" after missing out on prize recruit Mark Worthington.

- It seems that Matt Burston is going to be the big winner with Luke Schenscher deciding to try his luck overseas.

With the lack of depth in the "big man" department, Burston has been a commodity around the NBL.

Sorry Cairns, but I'm expecting Burston to sign with a team that also is home to a WNBL team.

- A new television deal for the NBL is looking the goods.

- DraftExpress - "In the third game of the day, Patty Mills’ very talented team was blown out almost right from the get-go by Nando De Colo’s very French influenced team. Mills made plenty of shots but really struggled to control the pace of the game from the point guard position, not finishing particularly well around the basket and appearing to settle excessively for outside jumpers. His teammate Joe Ingles had somewhat of a nightmare performance, with just 1 point and 3 turnovers in 30 minutes."

- NBAdraft.net - "Overall, his (Pat Mills) performance did very little to slow the dropping of his stock and he will need to show more in the next two days if anything is to change."

- This afternoon is was just surfing the net and tweeting (@johnrillie) some light hearted banter to whoever would listen.

After a few tongue in cheek comments I become a guest on a sports talk radio show in Melbourne.

So, if next Sunday between 12pm and 2pm you have nothing else happening, listen into SportzFan. These guys are laid back and easy to listen to as they cover all sports. You can even tweet them a question. Oh, if you miss them, you can download there podcast.

- Depending on who you ask, but most people seem to think my eldest son is a "chip off the old block". So much so he created his own blog over the weekend. Parents, be careful of what you wish for.

- Shaq's beef with Orlando Magic centre Dwight Howard.

- Allen Iverson and Larry Brown to re-unite?

Dwight Howard - vitaminwater AD

No OT This Week But More Mills

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pat Mills Pre Draft Workout @ the Warriors

Mills Needs Help Via A Beveridge But LeBron Is High

Is LeBron talking to Pat Mills?

Pat Mills has declared that he is in the 2009 NBA Draft but it could come down to fellow Aussie, new Perth Wildcats Head Coach Rob Beveridge as to whether Mills will be a first round pick.

If all else fails, it is good to have NBA MVP LeBron James singing your praises.

Thanks to thewest.com.au he can read how this scenario may just unfold.

Patrick Mills could soon be feeding the ball to NBA superstar LeBron James after the Cleveland Cavaliers commissioned new Perth Wildcats coach Rob Beveridge to provide a comprehensive background report on the exciting Australian point-guard.

James has raved about Mills, especially to the Cavaliers’ front office, since the 20-year-old Boomer scored 20 points against the mighty Team USA during last year’s Beijing Olympics.

The Cavaliers wanted a background check on Mills and sought the advice of Beveridge, considered one of the game’s best development coaches who last April steered the World under-age team to victory over the US at the Nike Hoops Summit in Oregon.

Cleveland have also invited Beveridge to be a visiting coach at their NBA draftees and free agents camp, starting the day after the competition’s annual player lottery on June 25.

The Cavaliers don’t have a pick in the draft until No. 30 — the last in the first round that will guarantee a million dollar contract — but Mills has been linked to teams with selections around that mark.

“I love Patty,” Beveridge said. “And timing is everything in the NBA. There is the marketing aspect that has to be considered as well. He is a good story — a kid from Australia who played at the Olympics and did exceptionally well against the USA.

“But I spoke to his dad recently and he said if Patty doesn’t get that firstround guarantee he will probably go back to college for another year.”

Working with one of the NBA super clubs will boost Beveridge’s search for two new imports for the revamped 2009-10 NBL season. He also hoped the link would encourage NBA organisations to send NBDL players here for career development.

With Alex Loughton departing Perth and WA-produced captain of the defunct South Dragons, Mark Worthington, expected to sign with Cairns, Beveridge might be looking for a power forward among his import options.

Shawn Redhage, Brad Robbins and Stephen Weigh will have existing contracts honoured next season, Paul Rogers is believed to be close to signing a new deal while Beveridge has contacted the remaining local players from last summer’s team — Peter Crawford, Tom Garlepp, Jeff Dowdell, Ben Knight and Adam Caporn — over the past week.

Perth’s development player last season, Chris Goulding, will play for Gold Coast next season.

Other News

- Australian Boomer Mark Worthington is set to join the Melbourne Tigers. It seems the Tigers will roll with an all Aussie line up.

- NBA Draft hopeful Joe Ingles talks about the possibility of playing in the D-League.

- Darwin Basketball is looking at joining the South Austrailan ABA ranks.

- Perth Wildcats Coach Rob Beveridge feels Europe is a mistake for players.

- Russell Hinder finally gets some sleep.

Pat Mills Is In & NBL Has Action

Pat Mills is ready to hang with the NBA guys on a fulltime basis now.

Today Aussie Olympian Pat Mills has told reporters that he will be putting is name into the 2009 NBA Draft.

This is only one topic of many that is making news within basketball as we speak.

- sfgate.com - "In my head, I'm 100 percent in (the draft). There's an opportunity there, and I want to make sure I grab both horns and go for it," Pat Mills said. "I suppose there's always a backup plan, but in my head, there's no backup plan."

- nba.fanhouse.com - "According to several observers who saw the two afternoon workouts, Pittsburgh's Sam Young was the most impressive player. Young, a 6-foot-6 swingman, was in Group 1, and played with/against Luke Harangody (Notre Dame), Joe Ingles (Australia), Damion Jones (Texas), Jeff Pendergraph (Arizone State) and Marcus Thornton (LSU)."

- cougcenter.com - "Anyway, a little surprising (Aussie Aron) Baynes didn't want to see if he could catch on somewhere in the NBA this summer and fall, but good on the big fella for continuing his career. He's joining a good team that has qualified for the first division Euroleague in the upcoming season."

- The Canadian Press - "Representatives from 20 NBA teams attended, while Omri Casspi (Israel), Eric Devendorf (Syracuse), Danny Green (North Carolina), Daniel Hackett (Southern California), B.J. Mullens (Ohio State) and Luke Nevill (Utah) moved around the court in the morning. Another half-dozen were due in the afternoon, with more workouts scheduled throughout the week."

- FoxSports - "Perth Wildcats have confirmed forward Alex Loughton will not return to the NBL club for the upcoming season."

- Brisbane Times - "Centre Julian Khazzouh and forward Matthew Knight, both of who played under (Head Coach Rob) Beveridge at the Sydney Spirit last season, also informed their former coach they were Europe-bound and would not join him at the Cats."

- WAToday - "Perth Wildcats' scoring machine Shawn Redhage is staying at the club for at least the next year - and new coach Rob Beveridge has also launched an ambitious bid to bring fellow Boomer Mark Worthington back to his home state."

- Blaze website - "(Gold Coast) Blaze young gun Tyson Demos and towering centre Greg Vanderjagt will line up for their second seasons on the Gold Coast alongside former Brisbane Bullet and Perth Wildcats guard Chris Goulding."

- NBL.com.au - "After all the players and the club have had to endure over the past six months with the uncertainty of the league, it is good news to have Russell Hinder back as a Croc."

- NBL.com.au - “It has been an absolute pleasure being a part of the NBL for the past 13 years,” (Ben) Melmeth said. “Winning a gold medal at the Under 23 World championships, suiting up with Andrew Gaze at the world senior championships in Athens and winning an NBL championship with the Sydney Kings will be my three fondest memories I take from my time playing professional basketball."

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