Making The Most

Black does give a slimming look, doesn't it?

I have yet to really discuss how the opportunity came about for me to join the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL for my 16th season at the professional level.

It all happened all so quickly. A phone call from Head Coach Andrej Lemanis, a quick discussion with the wife and next minute I'm on a flight bound for Auckland.

After saying yes to the Breakers I had to make several phone calls to understanding bosses (at least I hope so) around the traps. I really appreciate the understanding these people had towards my situation in allowing me to continue playing the sport I love.

Once I landed in the land of the long white cloud (yes, this is true) the honeymoon period began.

Tuesday morning was my first practice (at this level since February) and although the team had returned from a loss in Perth, I was focused on bringing a positive energy to the group. (If there has been one thing that has been highlighted since Ive spent time away from the game, it is how lucky I am to have the ability to earn a living from something that I love to do.)

I didn't come into the group and do anything different than what I have not done at any other team I've been affiliated with, but sometimes when a team has a loss, you forget to keep the fun element in it. It is amazing what results you can achieve when there is an element of fun attached.

The first game against Perth arrived and I went into it without expectation. Hell, I have been out of the game for 9 months so what could I have expected? I knocked down a shot (I cannot believe Martin Cattalini went under a screen on me, but cheers), grabbed a few rebounds (despite what Daniel Eade said) and got the win. Everybody's happy at this point in time.

Now the honeymoon is over, it's time for us to go on the road and get the club's first road win for the season.

I head into the "Sunshine Swing" still with no expectation yet, as I'm still getting my feet wet with everything Breakers, all the while trying to get myself to a level physically that I will be happy with.

I certainly appreciate the opportunity given to me and I'm looking forward to making the most of this before I head back to the real world, whenever that may be.

I Have Internet

I'm sure you fans the other side of the ditch must have thought I was out shopping for Ugg Boots and the odd warm sheep skin jacket over the weekend, due to my lack of blogging.

Not the case. I was out of cyber world action over the weekend, but I'm back baby.

I'm not going to lie, I was sitting in my apartment with the heater on trying to guess my password to gain Internet access. The guessing game became an arduous task after a few hours of punching in a few hundred password attempts (I know now how Ben Wallace must feel at the free throw line...just hoping and praying) you can have before you think about throwing the Wi-Fi router out the window.

Give me a few hours and I'll be back to let you know what I've been up to.

What's On The NBL Wires?

- sportal.com.au - "He's a smart player and a good guy (me), " Andrej Lemanis (New Zealand Head Coach) said. "He's certainly helped already with the chemistry of practice and you can tell there's a fun feeling in the gym when he's in there talking some trash and having a good time."

- Check out one of my first interviews here in New Zealand.

- Wollongong Hawks pair take out monthly honours. Head Coach Gordie McLeod and point guard Tywain McKee have taken out the coach and player of the month award respectively.

- Diploma has officially become the Perth Wildcats major sponsor.

- Melbourne Tigers new import Julius Hodge is a comedian? Adelaide people may disagree with that.

- Adelaide 36er Chris Molitor. You have probably never heard of the 36er rookie, but here is your chance to learn something about him.

Pull The Trigger - Episode 4

In this episode Wollongong Hawk centre Cameron Tragardh chats with Iowa boy, Dave Gruber. Also, Tragardh kick starts his food drive for NBA players.

McKee - POM & Jawai Top 10 Play

Wollongong Hawk import Ty McKee has taken out the NBL Player of the Month Award. Hawks Coach Gordie McLeod was voted Coach of the Month.

McKee gets interviewed by Hawk legend Glen Saville. Check out the interview where McKee talks about his NBA (stolen) sock collection, watching my teammates CJ Bruton and Kirk Penney play and he thinks Wollongong is like living in Hawii.



Nathan Jawai has began to see some regular minutes with the Minnesota Timberwolves. here are today's Top 10 plays from the NBA. Jawai has the block shot that leads to the buzzer beater. Thanks to NBA Mate for the tip.

Ogilvy Off The Bench

Thanks to a concussion, AJ Ogilvy has been coming off the bench.

One of Australia's best in the college system is AJ Ogilvy. Playing for the Vanderbilt Commodores but due to a concussion suffered during the preseason, his role has been limited to coming off the bench.

The Commodores smashed their DII opponent, Alabama-Huntsville, in their exhibition game 91-56.

This is how Yahoo! Sports has reported the Ogilvy bench situation.

"Festus Ezeli started over A.J. Ogilvy due to Ogilvy's missing the majority of preseason practice due to a concussion. Stallings (head coach of Vandy) says that Ogilvy's concussion is fully healed, but said that Ogilvy was nowhere near his full-game readiness due to missed time."

Vandy's season opener is against the high powered Lipscomb Bison on the 16th of November.

I'm Back Baby

I'm feeling a little lazy tonight as I'm a little tired from practice today and I had to carry my new Sheep Shagger friends to a win at the local trivia night (hope this is a good sign).

I'm ecstatic to be given the opportunity to hopefully continue my NBL career here in New Zealand, no matter how long the stint is for.

I will Phill you in a little more over the next few days once I have found my feet and Ugg Boots.

In the meantime here is how other people are seeing this move. Thanks to everyone for their well wishes, either through Twitter or Facebook.

- Mookie from A Stern Warning is all over the comeback. Thanks for the use of the sweet picture in the Breakers outfit.

- The Townsville Bulletin's Josh Alston was all over the story before most.

- Adelaide's Boti Nagy is just warming up to the idea of my comeback. I look forward to some colourful words. Oops, I spoke to soon. He is beginning to warm up.

- Liam Cox of 7 News Townsville has it covered as well.

MJ vs Russell

According to Yahoo! Sports Marc J. Spears, Bryon Russell (of Utah Jazz fame) and Michael Jordan (not sure what his claim to fame is) are about to engage in a one-on-one battle on the court.

Jordan hinted at the idea during his Hall of Fame speech. In the meantime Russell has been working behind the scenes trying to make it work, financially for Jordan.

What are the odds of the game ending with Jordan stepping back and nailing a fade away "J" in Russell's face?

Here is how Spears reported the concept:

"Bryon Russell thinks he’s lined up enough cash and TV interest to lure Michael Jordan into a one-on-one exhibition.

Jordan called out Russell during his Hall of Fame speech, saying the former Utah Jazz swingman motivated him with his trash-talking. He challenged Russell, saying: “From this day forward, if I ever see him in shorts, I’m coming at him.”

Russell responded by telling Yahoo! Sports he would play Jordan anytime.

Russell now says he has substantial financial backing to stage a public one-on-one game, but declined to give details. He hopes to talk to Jordan soon in person and seek his approval.

“I am hoping it can get done because everybody wants to see it,” Russell said to Yahoo! Sports. “I wasn’t the one that called me out. I’m just returning the favor. I think people will fall in love with it to see M.J. and Bryon going at it again.

“I just need him to see what I got. And I guarantee you he will fall in love with what I got. It could be a very lucrative event for him that could put a smile on his face even after he loses.”"