Can We Follow The Rules?

If the NBL brought in rules about social media avenues, this could be Chris Anstey asking the question.

Last night when I sat down on the Laz-E-Boy (yep, fully reclined) getting ready to watch some high quality basketball on Fox Sports, the first words I hear when the hoops came on was something along the lines of, "We have to speak quietly because the national anthem is being played."

I certainly do not have a problem with the anthem being played, but I had just read the week before that the NBL would be going to a 'standardised game presentation' and Advance Australia Fair would not be part of the presentation.

So much for the rules.

This has been an issue that has been around the league for decades. At the beginning of every year, the head office will say that this is how we want things presented, teams will have access to the court at this time, etc,etc but clubs give it the nonchalant nod of the head, then go on their own merry program.

Although it sounds petty, if the NBL is to begin to move forward in a positive direction they need to pull these disobedient franchises back into line. I could only imagine what approach CEO of the AFL Andrew Demtriou would have taken if a AFL club took matters into their own hands.

You can fix this behaviour very easily. Fine the clubs for this inconsiderate behaviour. Clubs are not flush with funds right now so hurt them in the hip pocket. The message will get across pretty quickly.

NBA Commissioner David Stern rules with an iron fist. It works, but you need to be able to follow through with strong repercussions.

For way too long clubs have been able to manipulate league protocol.

The time for change is now.

Another point I noticed during last night's Melbourne Tigers/New Zealand Breakers class, was injured Tigers centre Chris Anstey was going hell for leather on his phone at one stage early in the game.

Was he texting, Tweeting or Facebooking?

I'm not sure, but this behaviour would not fly in the NBA.

Facebook and Basketball News

FACEBOOK. I have finally taken the leap into this world that generates so much talk during our stretching time at practice. I was putting off joining for as long as possible, but I have given in and joined the masses.

Am I sold on it? I'm not sure yet but it has been great to get in contact with people I have not seen or heard from in years.

One thing I have worked out about Facebook though is, once you become "friends" you get caught up in a whole new web of people. This can become interesting stuff in itself.

But I'd just like to share my best experience to date with this cyber tool.

I happen to have a young teammate (let's just call him #6) who has changed his relationship status (one of the 1st questions you get asked when you sign up), quite recently. He has changed his status very recently to "being in a relationship".

This is a big move (and show of affection for the young lady) for any young bloke.

Just casting my mind my back to my youthful days it was quite a step just to tell your "boys" that a particular female had gained girlfriend status, let alone tell the cyber world. Wow, how times have changed.

Since the status change of my Western Australian born teammate, there is a rumour circulating that he met his lovely partner under similar circumstances. (I will seek confirmation of this tomorrow at practice.)


Now to the News

- The Melbourne Tigers extend their winning streak to seven. They defeated the league leading South Dragons in their Australia day clash.

Click here to listen to what Dragons coach Brian Goorjian had to say about his import Danta Smith. D-Day were the words used I believe.

All boxscores from Round 19. LADDER

- The New Year blues continue for the New Zealand Breakers. Having led the competition until the calender ticked over to 2009, the Breakers will be hoping to snap out of their losing (1-5 over past six games) before the playoffs.

The Melbourne Tigers recent surge seems to have put an end to the Breakers hope of finishing in the top 2.

- "Unless you've got a millionaire backer somewhere, you're just not going to have a team, and that's disappointing from a basketball point of view. It's turning into a rich person's only game." Wollongong Hawks Mat Campbell talking to the Illawarra Mercury.

- Cairns Taipans show they have plenty of spirit left.

This week will see the Taipans and their northern rivals the Townsville Crocodiles play for the last time. Should be quite an emotional game here in the "Ville.

- Former four time Olympian and NBL MVP Ray Borner has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.

- Melbourne Tigers import Dave Thomas has his "new" team back ticking on all cylinders.

- The Perth Wildcats have discovered a loophole (there's a surprise) in the NBL rules so Paul Rogers will be right to suit up in the playoffs.

- Canberra Cannons celebrate 30 years of history.

- Former Sydney Spirit owner Greg Evans has sunk more than a basketball team.

- Fellow bloggers, The Sport Count, have come up with a basketball tribute on Australia Day, The NBA's Top 10 Aussie Ballers.