Late Night News

36ers fans would like to see Julius Hodge icing in Adelaide, not in Europe where he is with the Nets.

Don't forget you can download Episode 5 of "The OT" with JR and DJ Rod here.

- Perth Wildcats Coach Conner Henry has worked a master stroke. Earlier today in the media the rookie Wildcats coach referred to the champion Melbourne Tigers as a "NBA-like line-up".

When I saw these comments I was wondering what state Henry's mind was in. It is obvious to me know that he new what he was on about. His motivation via media worked a treat for his team.

The Wildcats defeated the Tigers 105-101 tonight in Melbourne. (recap)

I have always liked the passion Henry has displayed on the sidelines and now he has shown that he can play mind games as well.

- "We want to be 5-0 at the end of this home stretch," Breakers Tony Ronaldson said. "I think that any team that is serious about wining the championship will need a five-win home stretch and our job's far from done yet." Courtesy of Sportal.

- Shane Heal's weekly column. He talks about there being no personalities within our league. being promoted. I agree with him as the NBL has no marketing that helps promote players into the national eye.

- Paul Henare will be back for the Breakers and he touches on the how he has been effected by the injury to his young son.

- Larry "The Birdman" Abney is back to his best?

- Gold Coast Blaze youngster Tyson Demos is ready for opportunity.

- The Chinese league (CBA) expands with two new teams but almost double their games played.

- "When I was about 11, I still remember it to this day," Andrew Bogut told JSonline. "I cut myself open on a fence. I've gotten them ever since then. I was playing football outside and bent over to pick up the football, and it was getting dark, and I smacked my head right on it."

Andrew Bogut explains why his migraines happen.

- James Posey and his winning touch can now be found in New Orleans.

- Second year Portland rookie Greg Oden finally hits the court.

- After 22 years Elgin Baylor is no longer with the LA Clippers.

- "When she pulled up to my house and started yelling at me after she fired a fake gun at me, I couldn't help but to start yelling back at her," Luke Walton said. "She was in my driveway. But when we were interacting, I could tell by the stuff she was saying that she's not all there in the head -- which makes me feel bad for her." Article courtesy of the AP.

- Orlando Magic pick up option on J.J. Redick.

- If "The Hoop" is on the money, Lithuanian power club Zalrigis his heading for bankruptcy.

"The OT" & My Stroke Is Perfect

Episode 5 of "The OT" with JR and DJ Rod is here. Guest of the week is Crocs 200 gamer Kelvin Robertson. Besides dropping clutch threes this guys has jokes and does impersonations. Amazing talent and worth a listen. Along with the usual reviews and previews of games, we have another competition and song dedications to some players around the league.

Thanks to the Basketball Professor for proving this YouTube moment. Although the video does not focus on the end result of all the first twenty shots, I can assure you they all went in. (I only take 10 shots from those spots. The goal was to make 10.) You can see the next 30 tickle the twine though.

Can anyone else step up to the plate and knock down fifty in a row?

Late Night News

"The OT" went into overtime tonight (should be available tomorrow) so I only have the news for you.

- South Dragon forward Mark Worthington is named NBL "Player of the Week".

- Martin Cattalini makes public apology.

- Perth Wildcats are banged up but they have to solider on despite "big" weekend ahead.

- Tigers coach Al Westover believes his team will only get better. Chris Anstey agrees.

- Breakers Paul Henare will be back in uniform this week.

- Gold Coast Blaze feel as though they will remain in the new competition next year.

- Former Croc/Breaker import Wayne Turner signs with team in Kentucky.

- More news on Nathan Jawai's irregular heartbeat should be know with the next few days.

- Andrew Bogut misses preseason game due to a headache.

- If you like Meatloaf, the musician not the food, check out how much he is into sport.

- LeBron James makes comment that he will "go nowhere" amidst all the speculation he will flee Ohio once he is a free agent.

- If you're an NBA fan and want to get a in depth report on the Atlantic Division, this is for you.

- Glockers names his NBL team of the week.

- D-Wade to stay in Miami?

Time for bed, see you tomorrow!

Remember to bookmark http://jronfire.blogspot.com/ as http://www.johnrillie.com/ is currently being transferred to a new host.

www.johnrillie.com will be back soon!

I'm sorry to tell you that http://www.johnrillie.com/ is down due to a change of host. Hopefully it will be fixed within 24hrs. In the meantime please bookmark this address to see what is news in hoops. http://jronfire.blogspot.com/

Cheers!

All NBL Team

Is it going to take a "Homicide" to slow down Kirk Penney.

Although the NBL season is only three rounds old, I feel we should reward those who have started the season off well.

Here is my All NBL Team to date:

PG: CJ Bruton (Breakers) - He is the premier point guard in the league right now. Where ever he has played the past five years they have been a contender. Until the Breakers play themselves into a funk, Bruton will remain the guy all PG's are chasing. 18ppg , 7as and 6rebs per game.

SG: Kirk Penney (Breakers) - Penney has been absolutely on fire so far, leading the league in scoring at almost 32 points a game. Kirk is filling it up at better than 52% so Bruton will be making him option number one for now. What I like about Penney is he is adding 4 assists and 4 rebounds to his statline.

SF: Ebi Ere (Tigers) - Ere arrived at the Tigers and slipped right in by contributing 24ppg in their first four games. It doesn't seem to matter what jersey the Nigerian wears, it has points in it. Could be an interesting race for the scoring title between him and Penney.

PF: Mark Worthington (Dragons) - Has come back from the Olympics and seems to be on a mission. I'm guessing MVP is his motivation. At 18ppg, 7rebs and 3assists he is the form four man of our league.

C: Chris Anstey (Tigers) - Anstey has a mortgage on this position provided the fire remains in the belly. In a league that is filled with power forwards disguised as centres, Anstey is a man amongst boys on most nights. Although his numbers are not going to blow you out of the water, he influences the game more than we like to admit. 18.5ppg, 10rpg, 2bpg and 4to's/game.

Let me know who you feel would be on your All NBL Team and why.

News

- Taipans Martin Cattalini caught on the wrong side of the law.

- Boti Nagy tells the NBL, "Let's get serious". I agree with the Adelaide journo. We have a current season to worry about. Are the players the only ones with something to play for?

Another article from the city of churches. Something about an acid bath.

- Long time NBL journo Bret Harris weighs in one the challenges facing the sport.

- Wollongong not ready to drop off the pace just yet.

- Gold Coast Blaze need to get turnovers under control.

- Sydeny Spirit defeat Singapore Slingers. boxscore

Other News

- A few months ago I wrote about a young Aussie who has taken the high school hoop scene by storm. Angus Brandt will not commit to any college until the spring (USA) time. Former Adelaide 36ers coach Mike Dunlap (Arizona) is one of many college coaches to knock on this kids door of late. More on this.

- There is a high expectation on the LA Lakers this year.

- DJ Leon Smith needs help! (Adelaide fans, there is no need for you to read any further.) Here is your chance to get your franchise a new fan and entertainer.

- If videos are your go, here are a few sites that may tickle your fancy.

K-Rob gets a shooters roll in game 200

Raptor Supastars (video ft Nathan Jawai) & "Cat" Caught Drink Driving

*** breaking news Martin Cattalini has been caught over the weekend drink driving.

Thanks to Paulie Danger at WorldHoopsBlog, I present you with the Raptors Supastars video. Do not blink or you will miss Aussie Nathan Jawai.

Round 3 Results & News

Don't forget about the "caption" competition and Episode 4 of "The OT" is now available.

After a good win and an early morning swim I will now fill you with all the news from over the weekend.

Round 3 results

Perth 105-92 Wollongong recap
New Zealand 118-80 Adelaide recap
Gold Coast 90-107 South Dragons recap
Cairns 77-101 Melbourne recap
Wollongong 95-114 South Dragons recap
Townsville 97-80 Perth recap

LADDER

News

Cortez Groves saying all the right things.

Trevor Gleeson talks up 200 gamer Kelvin Robertson.

Brian Goorjian wants to see the Sydney Kings back in.

New Zealand shooting guard Kirk Penney believes the Breakers can get better.

BestOffGround blogs about the import saga confronting the South Dragons.

Other Hoops News

You want to know more about this season's Euroleague, check out WorldHoopsBlog and the video link for complete coverage.

TheSportCount takes a look back at Magic Johnson via YouTube.

Homicide's TV Segment -All the things you need to know about Cam Tovey