Day 2 Review - Crocs vs Breakers

Rolan roberts had his best game in Crocs colours, but it was not enough to help his team get over the NZ Breakers.

The New Zealand Breakers were clinical in their 102-91 win on Friday night against the Townsville Crocodiles in the Top End Challenge as they advanced through to tomorrow night’s final.

The Crocodiles had the better of the Breakers on the scoreboard in the first half (51-49), but you could feel the Breakers starting to wrest this game away from the North Queensland franchise as they went to the main break.

Knotted at 66 halfway through the third quarter, the Breakers’ offense became efficient and the Crocs could not buy a basket from long range.

Kirk Penney (23 points on 9-of-21 FGs) came up with some timely baskets but Tom Abercombie showed me some of the talent people are talking about. He finished with 18 for the game but 12 of them came after halftime. He had the play of the day as he tip jammed a missed free throw home. His wing three, followed by a baseline jumper in consecutive possessions late in the fourth, created an eight-point buffer that put this one to bed.

Corey Williams (27 points, 19 in the second half) kept the Crocs in striking distance but they could not dial in from long range tonight going just 5-of-19.

Last night’s hero Russell Hinder had a reality check with his 0-of-3 performance from deep while Michael Cedar, Peter Crawford, Kelvin Robertson and Brad Williamson went a combined 3-of-12.

Former Sydney King Rolan Roberts (20 points and 13 rebounds, including eight offensive) had his best game in Crocs colours as he registered a double-double.

For me the Breakers just look like a team that has been together for a while.

CJ Bruton and Boomer Oscar Forman are still to come back into the lineup and, by all reports, import Awvee Storey will be a handful once he gets a better feel for the Breakers’ system.

I’m thinking the Breakers will start the season as favorites for the 2009/10 title.

Tomorrow the Breakers will face the Wollongong Hawks in the final, while the Crocs take on the Gold Coast Blaze for third place.

Random Thoughts From The Game

- Kelvin Robertson needs to get back to 100% ASAP. The Crocs miss his speed and three-point shooting.

- Dillon Boucher makes plays just because he wants it more than the guy he is competing against.

- Corey Webster has skills but he will hit the pine when CJ Bruton decides his offseason is done.

- Kirk Penney was not his usual best tonight. Although he manufactured 23 points, he went 0-of-6 from three and 5-of-9 from the charity stripe. I guess the scoreline could have been worse if he was on fire.

- Recent Australian Boomer killer Alex Pleager is here but not suiting up because he is hurt.

My Thoughts From Day 1

Michael Joiner is reminding me of Oliver Miller.



After sleeping on the first day's play here is what I feel is News worthy.

- I love the cleanness of the Marrara Indoor Stadium. There are no decals on the court for the to slip on and injure themselves. But what I have noticed is the non exist presence of NBL signage around the stadium.

Like any event these days you need sponsors, so there is a small spluttering of them around. The NBL major sponsor OAMPS - Insurance Brokers are noticeable, tournament organisers RV Sport have signage as well as the local newspaper, the Northern Territory Express.

I'm asking you NBL, why no signage here in Darwin to launch your new branding?

- Gold Coast Blaze pairing of Kiwi international Pero Cameron and import Michael Joiner are heavy on the tooth. I'm just glad I'm not picking up that tab.

- It certainly looks like Gold Coast Blaze young gun Chris "The Machine" Goulding is going for this look. I cannot wait to see what the Perth crowd can come up with when he returns to the west.

- The Adelaide 36ers new uniform looks very much like the Detroit Pistons. Coach Scott Ninnis will only be hoping his squad can play the "D" like the Bad Boys.

While on the 36ers, they are here in Darwin without "bigs" Adam Ballinger and Matt Burston.

- The players meet yesterday as a group to discuss how the Players Association can best represent themselves through these trying times for the sport.

The "Ranga Club" had to postpone their meeting due to Adam Ballinger's absence. President Rob Beveridge instead sat poolside and flirted with the idea of a tan. Luke Schenscher advised against the idea.

- Melbourne Tigers owner Seamus McPeake has lost some serious weight in the off season. One thing he has not lost is his passion for the game. After an interesting call during the Tigers game, McPeake voiced his opinion to everyone and anyone in ear shot. I have never seen Basketball Australia's CEO Larry Sengstock head for the exit so quick before.

Good to have you back Seamus.

Day 1 Review - Crocs/Wildcats

A rare moment in the game...Rolan Roberts not fouling!

DAY ONE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS (2 - 3 mins download time required)

The night cap from Darwin was the Perth Wildcats taking on the Townsville Crocodiles and the players did not let the large crowd on hand down.

Russell Hinder was the hero in this one as he drained a game-winning three with time expiring to see the Crocs get away with an 85-82 win.

This was a see-saw affair all night between two teams that have built up an intense rivalry over the past few years. Eight points was the largest margin at any break during the game so the fans were treated to some entertaining basketball in this clash.

New Boomer and second year Wildcat Stephen Weigh came out full of confidence as he led the Wildcats with 11 first-quarter points.

Crocs Michael Cedar and Brad Williamson keep their team in touch with seven points apiece.
In the second quarter it was Corey Williams that started to have an impact on the game as he provided some of his trademark drives to the basket. Scoring and assisting, Williams was beginning to put his footprint on the game.

For the Wildcats, Drew Williamson provided some punch off the bench with eight points in the quarter against his former team.

After the halftime break Crocs import Rolan Roberts found himself in foul trouble immediately. Three fouls in three minutes meant he had four for the game, which saw him take a seat on the bench to cool his heels. This is something that Roberts is going to have to address because he is not getting the minutes the Crocs would like to see him playing (he ended up fouling out in 14 minutes.)

Both teams started to look comfortable (a few of the games were very scrappy affairs) in the second half as the players lifted their intensity as crunch time approached.

It was that man Weigh (19 points) again who nailed a three to give the Wildcats the lead with a few minutes to go. One Williams three-point play and the scores were knotted again at 82 with under a minute to go.

The Wildcats came up short on their final possession and the Crocs had 19 seconds left to make something happen.

Williams pushed the ball and penetrated into the middle of the keyway. Surrounded by Wildcats’ jerseys, Williams found the cold as ice Hinder (previously 2-of- 11 from the field) for the game winner. Hinder stepped up and knocked in down.

Wildcats import Kevin Lisch pushed the ball and got off a decent chance but it came up short.
This end was only fitting for the game of the day.

The Crocodiles will take on the New Zealand Breakers tomorrow in a semi final matchup.

Thoughts From The Game

- There was no Damien Martin (reinjured his wrist on the recent Boomers tour of China) and Luke Schenscher (waiting for a clearance from the Los Angles Lakers) for the Wildcats.

- Peter Crawford is wearing number 71. I’m interested in finding out why?

- Martin Cattalini suffered a cut under his eye but came back into the game.

- Kevin Lisch reminds me of one time Sydney Kings import Tony Bennett. What happened to that guy?

- Corey Williams looks like he belongs in a boy band since he no longer rocks the Mohawk.

Day 1 Review - Hawks/Tigers

Butch Hays or Tywain McKee?

DAY ONE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS (2 - 3 mins download time required)

The boilover of the opening night of the Top End Challenge was the Wollongong Hawks turning up the heat in the second half to run away with an easy 100-94 win over the favoured Melbourne Tigers.

New Hawks import Tywain McKee (Coppin St) came into his own in the second half, penetrating his way to the hoop at will. Slick ball handling and slashing finishes at the rim saw McKee finish with a game-high 24 points.

It wasn’t just the McKee show however as the Hawks had four others in double-figures; Cameron Tragardh with 20, rookie Tim Coenraad 15, Glen Saville 11 and Larry Davidson 10.
The Tigers got out of the blocks fast and led 29-20 at the first break. Daniel Johnson was a key as he had all 10 of his points in the first ten minutes.

Once the second quarter began, the Tigers started to show that they have been on the road for over week and playing their fifth game in seven days.

With the Hawks blowing out the lead to nineteen points during the third it was Nathan Crosswell (17 points) and his penetration that helped the Tigers give themselves a chance. Matt O’Hea and Luke Kendall nailed threes to cut the led to five, but it was that man McKee who penetrated and found Larry Davidson in the corner for three. The Hawks never looked back after the “Hungarian Stir Fry” drained it from down town.

The composure the Hawks played with when the Tigers were trying to claw their way back into the game should have the people of Wollongong excited about their team.

The Hawks will play the Townsville Crocodiles on Friday and the winner will advance to the Grand Final on Saturday night.

Random Thoughts From The Game

- Chris Anstey is taking his time and using the preseason to get himself ready for the season. He logged 20 minutes but the intensity was not there for the former Boomer.

- Tim Coenraad will give the Rookie of the Year Award a nudge this year. Back from the States and just finished playing for the Northside Wizards in the Queensland ABL, this young fellow plays with confidence and a chip on his shoulder. Gordie McLeod has found a good one here.

- It has been mentioned to me that Tywain McKee is a young Butch Hays. If first impressions are anything, this comparison could be on the money. Minus the long socks, McKee conducted himself with confidence and style. He had the move of the night when he hustled down a loose ball, threw it through his legs in traffic and tear dropped it over the Tigers defence for two.

- The Melbourne Tigers will make a roster move at some stage. They have some good youngsters getting some experience in the preseason but we all know Seamus McPeake has a plan.

Top End Challenge

We are only about an hour away from the first game of the Top End Challenge.

At 5pm (NT time..and all times are this from now until Sunday) we kick the tournament off with two Queensland teams. The Gold Coast Blaze and the Cairns Taipans do battle on the back court while at 6pm the Melbourne Tigers take on the Wollongong Hawks, on the "Show" court.

There are two courts here in Darwin so we have a staggered start.

I will be having live look ins on the back court as there is no Internet access. I will endeavour to keep you posted with score updates for the first hour of the Queensland Derby.

Once six o'clock rolls around the Tweeting will be frenetic. I will be courtside for the Tigers and Hawks class.

I cannot wait for the platter of fried food to be delivered to the media bench. And yes, I will wash it down with a full strength Coke.

Back to the games. At 7pm the Adelaide 36ers will take on the New Zealand Breakers. I hope to have the "live" look ins happening because I'm going to be glued to the Perth Wildcats, Townsville Crocodiles contest tipping off at 8pm.

To get the latest updates from the Top End, sign up for Twitter and join me @ http://twitter.com/johnrillie .

Time To Join Twitter

Follow me (@johnrillie) on Twitter to get the latest from the Top End.

The NBL preseason is well and truly upon us. This weekend (or starting Thursday) the Top End Challenge is being held in Darwin, Northern Territory.

It's format is very similar to the old "blitz" but the games are the full 40 minutes. Tomorrow's action will start at 5pm NT time, with the winners advancing to the semis on Friday, while the losers will play in the "lucky losers" bracket the remainder of the weekend.

How will you be able to follow all the action?

Easy, join Twitter because your's truly will be heading to Darwin bright and early in the morning to try and keep the NBL fans happy and up to date with his journalist skills.

I have been assured that I will be able to get internet access from within the stadium.

I'm a little disappointed that I don't have the capability to blog live, so I have gone for the next best option. I endeavour to Twitter until my fingers bleed or Russell Hinder does not flop.

So, you have plenty of time to sign yourself in and get a Twitter account so you can be up to date with the latest from the top end.

Follow me @ http://twitter.com/johnrillie

News

- Melbourne Tigers Sam MacKinnon is hoping to stay away from the Darwin Hospital on this trip. It was in Darwin where his season come to an end last year.
- The Cairns Taipans have suffered their first loss of the preseason to the Melbourne Tigers.

- "Ranga" Luke Schenscher joins the Perth Wildcats.

The Wildcats coaching staff is littered with blood nuts (Head Coach Rob Beveridge and A/C Mark Radford). I'll endeavour to find out if Schenscher's deal also includes being part of the bench staff.

- Former head coach of the Gold Coast Blaze Brendon Joyce is getting legal with his former employer.

- Michael Johnson is talking up the talent that is coming through in Singapore.

- Injured Melbourne Tiger star Mark Worthington is talking up the Perth Wildcats defense.

- Shawn Redhage is named the Wildcats captain, while owner Jack Bendat thinks they are a good thing.

- Townsville Crocodile Cameron Tovey is turning into the team's defensive stopper.

JR On Eurobasket

Out of site, out of mind. Not so for this one time Greek Tragedy and Greek journalist, Serafim Karaiskakis. Below are the hardhitting questions that the Eurobasket journalist wanted to know.

"Interview with John Rillie - Aug 31, 2009 (by Serafim Karaiskakis) John Rillie (195-G-71, college: Gonzaga) the famous Australian player spoke to Eurobasket.com.

Eurobasket.com: Tell us how you decided to become professional basketball player.

John Rillie: Becoming a pro player was a culmination of hard work and following a dream. From an early age I new I wanted to go to the USA and play college basketball. I was lucky enough to live the dream and have four very enjoyable years in the college system. One year at Tacoma Community College and three years at Gonzaga University. Good times. After college I was fortunate to be offered a pro deal in Australia with the Brisbane Bullets.The start of a fifteen year pro career.

Eurobasket.com: Pick the best starting five in your dream team.

John Rillie:

John Stockton - I need someone to get me the rock

Me - Best two guard getting around

Reggie Miller - Stockton would keep both of us happy

Larry Bird - He would be the glue guy. Give us a little of everything.

Moses Malone - I need a bull down low to rebound mine and Reggie's misses.

Eurobasket.com: How you stay in shape and still dominating in the NBL league?

John Rillie: Dominating is very kind.The way I feel I have allowed myself a long and successful career is I stay in shape all year round. I love the game of basketball so I will play anywhere, anytime.

Eurobasket.com: Inform your daily routine and give some tips to the young players.

John Rillie: Besides the usual time you spend with your team practicing, I always do some work on my own. You need to keep your individual skills sharp and you do not necessarily get this in a team practice. During the season I always make sure I get up at least an extra 250 made shots a day. I always keep count of makes.

Eurobasket.com: You played in AEK Athens, why you left from there?

John Rillie: The AEK situation is a very interesting one. Although I was not performing at the level I was hoping, the bank account was very light. When you are responsible for other people (wife and child), it is very important the bank account is getting looked after. History will show i was not the only one in a tough situation there.

Eurobasket.com: Whats your opinion about the strength of the Greek league.

John Rillie: I loved playing in the Greek competition and Euroleague. The European style is a lot different to Australia. In Europe it is very tacticial and half court driven. Each possession means a lot to the outcome of the game. Australia is very much run and gun and a whole lot looser. Europe really helped develop areas of my game that needed work to be successful at the international level.

Eurobasket.com: Inform us about the best game in your career.

John Rillie: I would say a 45pt (highest points by an Australian in an NBL playoff game) performance in a semi final series in NBL (Australia). We were the underdogs but me and my teammates had a great belief we could win the series.

Eurobasket.com: What are your plans for the future?

John Rillie: It seems my playing days are numbered so I hope I can stay involved in the sport somehow. I have just started a sports management company, so I'm hoping to provide a service and advice to help out the young players coming through. I would love to get into coaching as well."