What up ballers!
This Friday is the return of our hugely popular NBA Junkies-Division Managers Segment. There are six divisions in the NBA and the Southeast Division is up for grabs for one knowledgeable fan who can talk the talk and walk the walk of the greatest show on earth!
It’s easy, if you think you have what it takes simply email your full name, mobile number and location to my producer Nikki O at (nikkio@australialivetv.com) and we’ll do it the old fashion way…….by pulling names out of a hat and announce the winner Sunday right here on our ‘Inside the Game Blog’!
Now, there is such a thing as protocol, so here it is…..
Firstly, you will be required on ITG on Friday the 19th and every two weeks after that when we cover all the haps in the Eastern Conference’s Southeast Division. Please make yourselves available between 6:45pm – 7:30pm in a nice quiet place with no background noise!
It’s imperative that you know everything that’s going on with the teams & players in your division and express your thoughts and opinions clearly. Please, no profanity of any kind and no ‘player bashing’. If you do not like a player that’s cool, but be able to convey that in a respectable manner!
Secondly, it would be great if you could provide a ‘Intro Video’ for your division, however, we can put something together if you’re unable to do so. But we would definitely need a couple of nice photos of you for our ‘bottom of frame’ graphic that we use during the ‘live’ interview.
Thirdly, you will be required to produce two video highlight clips of your choice (best dunk, pass, block etc. or even highlight a player who’s hot at the moment) from your division and only from YouTube, no longer than 30 seconds each. They must be edited accordingly and emailed to us no later than Thursday the day before you go on air!
And last but not least, HAVE FUN & bring the energy and enthusiasm that our 5 other DM’s bring every Friday!
If there are any other questions, please feel free to hit up here, on our facebook page (www.facebook.com/insidethegametv) or on twitter.
Good luck ballers!
Holla,
Down Unda Brotha
What up ballers! Check out my Round 4 Recap of the ‘New NBL’!
1st / Breakers: The Kiwis are coming….The Kiwis are coming! And they’re bringing their undefeated record, top form & deep bench to the City of Churches. Don’t know if they’re solid defensively, but like Bret Maher…..why concern yourself with defence when you can outscore your opponent! Sweeeet ez! [4-0]
2nd / Hawks: How many times can I ‘toot’ a man’s horn before people start asking questions? But Gordie McLeod is hands down, the best coach in the competition! His troops are confident, committed, prepared & NOW….even possess the ‘SWAGGA’ it takes to win on the road! [4-1]
3rd / Taipans: After witnessing the Hawks contend for a championship last season with only 1 road win, it’s obvious what the Taipans are thinking! Haven’t talked much about Ronald Dorsey, but he’s beginning to find some form! OK, Phil Jones is officially stealing money now! [2-2]
4th / Wildcats: With 6 of their first 10 games on the road, the Wildcats are sitting nicely. Huge win versus Townsville in the Swamp….without Matty Knight! But Bevo’s got something up his sleeve & I can’t wait until he unveils it! [3-3]
5th / Blaze: Were courageous in their efforts versus the Breakers but shooting 2 of 24 from behind the arc stung a bit! However, this is still a very dangerous team but wait…..Newsflash: Hercules, Hercules is here! [2-2]
6th / 36ers: The Sixers executed their game plan to perfection against the Kings! Their energy on the court & sideline was great! Their team rebounding & scoring attack was balanced, their defensive schemes & rotations were on point and the extra pass was made religiously! BRAVO! [2-2]
7th / Crocs: The Crocs are getting hammered on the boards, giving away far too many points in the paint & are struggling to finish off close games! I know there’s not much to do in Townsville, but please….lay off the ‘potion’ dudes! Too much Mr. Hyde & not enough Dr. Jekyll! [2-3]
8th / Kings: The Kings were competitive versus the Sixers, but came unravelled down the stretch. Taj & Grizz struggled & the Sixers were hanging off Khazzouh like Christmas ornaments! But boy, was I impressed with young Luke Cooper! [1-3]
9th / Tigers: That’s two games of respectable basketball in a row for the Tigers! ‘Raise the Roof’! Yes, they’re very young, therefore confidence is vital, but that comes from winning & all I can see is wooden utensils in my crystal ball! [0-4]
THE “BIG PIECE OF CHICKEN” AWARD
Because of their Round 4 performances, at their next pre-game meal, these guys deserve the……………
- Luke Cooper – Kings
- Troy De Vries – 36ers
- Glen ‘Hellboy’ Saville – Hawks
- Shawn Redhage – Wildcats
- Gary Wilkinson – Breakers
Join me every Friday from 6pm on the ‘Inside the Game’ Basketball Show at www.australialivetv.com, my blog at www.insidethegametv.wordpress.com, our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/insidethegametv & on Twitter for in-depth coverage of the NBL & NBA.
Holla,
‘The Brutha Down Unda’
WHAT YOU TALKIN BOUT WILLIS!
What up ballers! It’s time for my ‘Recap’ of Round 3 action in the ‘NEW NBL!
1st / Breakers: Not only do the Kiwis boast the best practice facilities in the NBL, but more importantly, the best record! They are “sitting on the top of the ladder”…..doesn’t quite work, does it? Shout-out to Otis! Nevertheless, they’ve learnt the hard way how important it is to get off to a good start in this competition! Sweeeet ez! [3-0]
2nd / Hawks: No Rhys Martin. No David Gruber. NO Problema! The Hawks have already tied last season’s high in road wins! They gave Perth a scare & on the backend of the infamous ‘Doomsday Double’, took down the 36ers! Best coach in the NBL anyone? [3-1]
3rd / Blaze: Everyone loves the Gold Coast…including that bloody ‘Injury Bug’! What a blow he has delivered to Pero, Peach & the Blaze! Good win over the feisty Taipans, but with 2 bigs down in 2 weeks, there’s a possible cold front in the forecast! [2-1]
4th / Wildcats: Ladies & Gentlemen, I give you Damien Martin! That’s 2 in a row for the defending Champs! But with 3 of their next 4 games on the road, ‘Bevo’s Heroes’ will need every bit of that Championship experience & confidence! [2-2]
5th / Kings: I think the Kings & the legendary Aretha Franklin both have something in common…..they want R-E-S-P-E-C-T! And they certainly deserve it! The Kings are NOT to be taken lightly……just ask Townsville! [1-2]
6th / Crocs: The Crocs are getting early work on their end of game ‘time & score’ situations & their nerves! This team has replaced Cairns in my ‘Top 4’ but dude, they’re so ‘Jekyll and Hyde’! [2-2]
7th / Taipans: The signing of Loughton has done wonders for Crosswhite’s game! And I love the current form of Daniel Dillon! I previously picked this team in my ‘Top 4’, but am now having second & third thoughts! OUCH! [1-2]
8th / 36ers: The Sixers were inconsistent defensively & still haven’t shot the ball anywhere close to their potential….and yet it still took quite an effort from the Hawks to get that win. It’s not a ‘must-win’ versus the Kings, but it would certainly help! [1-2]
9th / Tigers: Is it time for the infamous ‘Shuffle Offense’ to go bye-bye? The Tigers played respectable basketball (thank goodness) against the Breakers & had a sniff! BUT, now they play back-to-back games versus Gordie’s Hawks! Ashes to ashes…… [0-3]
THE “BIG PIECE OF CHICKEN” AWARD
Because of their Round 3 performances, at their next pre-game meal, these guys deserve the……………
- Gary Ervin – Hawks
- Tyson Demos – Hawks
- Taj McCullough – Kings
- Oscar Forman – Hawks
- Luke Schenscher – Crocs
Join me every Friday from 6pm on the ‘Inside the Game’ Basketball Show at www.australialivetv.com, my blog at www.insidethegametv.wordpress.com, our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/insidethegametv & on Twitter for in-depth coverage of the NBL & NBA.
Holla,
‘The Klutch-man’
DING……..DING!
What up ballers! Rounds 1 & 2 in the ‘NEW’ NBL have produced a few of the worst punches………you know, the ones you don’t see coming!
1st / Breakers: The Kiwis get their 1st road win in a hostile environment & then back it up with a come-from-behind win versus the defending champs; Sweeeet ez! I think the Kiwis are more balanced & a better team without Kirk Penney! Yea, I said it!! 2-0
2nd / Hawks: Ladies & Gentleman, I introduce to you…..Mr. Gary Ervin. The Hawks don’t need to eat out when their ‘home-cooking’ is soooo good! The ‘Injury Bug’ has struck, but it doesn’t seem to matter….they just find a way to win! 2-0!
3rd / Kings: They emphatically cut down the “Ents” of the NBL & gave the Breakers cause for concern. Are they for real? Doesn’t matter, as long as they’re competitive! 1-1
4th / Taipans: Great signing for the Taipans picking up Loughton, but he needs help! Phil Jones would already be home if he was an import! But they’re content at 1-1!
5th / Blaze: Notoriously slow starters; they stole one from the Crocs! Mark wasn’t worthy, but now he is! Goulding too! The Blaze are in better shape than they should be! 1-1
6th / 36ers: That all-important 1st win is behind them, now comes the equally important 1st ‘road win’! Lots of new parts, roles are still being worked out! But Adam needs more Balls! 1-1
7th / Wildcats: What a debut for the defending champs! 1-2 is a heck of a lot better than 0-3 though…but they’re definitely missing something! Bevo’s a cool customer…if they can win a few, he’ll hold off on the import until the 2nd half of the season!
8th / Crocodiles: These guys should be 3-0 sitting on top of the NBL ladder! Instead they’re suffering from an acute case of heartburn! The shares for ‘Quick-Eze’ just hit an all-time high in Townsville. 1-2
9th / Tigers: In the words of esteemed Former US President George W. Bush, “the right hand (he’s holding up his left-hand) doesn’t know what the left-hand (now he’s holding up his right-hand) is doing”. Need I say more! 0-2
THE “BIG PIECE OF CHICKEN” AWARD
Because of their Round 1 & 2 performances, at their next pre-game meal,
these guys deserve the……………
- Gary Ervin – Hawks
- Kevin Lisch – Wildcats
- Tom Abercrombie – Breakers
- Alex Loughton – Taipans
- Julian ‘KING’ Khazzouh – Kings
Join me every Friday from 6pm on the ‘Inside the Game’ Basketball Show at www.australialivetv.com, my blog at www.insidethegametv.wordpress.com, our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/insidethegametv & on Twitter for in-depth coverage of the NBL & NBA.
Holla,
‘The Down Unda Brotha’
THE QUEST FOR THE RING BEGINS……….
What’s up ballers! It’s ‘ITG’ time! After an off-season that was entirely too long for my liking, it’s finally that time again and oh boy, it should be a dooosey!
This weekend 9 fellowships will begin their 5-month journey for the ‘RING of POWER’! Who will gain or retain HER favour?
The experts have made their choice and the Perth Wildcats are apparently the team to beat this upcoming season. And I’m quite sure that the other 8 teams are perfectly fine with this! “Perth can have the pressure, as long as we don’t!”
Now, let’s take a brief look at each team, shall we.
Perth Wildcats (Defending Champs): After winning the NBL’s pre-season tournament, the Top End Challenge in Darwin, many have picked them as favourites to repeat as Ring-Bearers this season! But with no Cat, no Galen Young & no Big Red, the ‘Dynamics’ of that championship team have changed! Yes, they have brought in Matthew Knight to replace Big Luke and maybe Stephen Weigh and Cam Tovey combined can ‘help’ replace Cat, but who will fill the void left by Galen Young? That move was ‘checkmate’ for Bevo & his crew but will he need to make the same move this season? I believe so! I think that Bevo is onto something here. He doesn’t want an import straight away. He wants his team to jell beforehand and then bring in an import after he’s certain about where their services are most needed!
Wollongong Hawks (Runner-up): Their inspirational but sometimes overzealous commanding officer, (isn’t ‘Squash’ a vegetable?) has almost the same team back. Irvin may not be McKee, but he doesn’t have to be! He’s got some game of his own jack! Oscar Forman should fit in well with Gordo’s system and beware of the Coenraad! Saville’s play & LD’s health will be huge factors as always! But let’s face it; if you haven’t learned by now…….never, ever underestimate a Gordie McLeod team!!
Townsville Crocodiles (3rd Place): “A Rivederci” to the League & Club MVP Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams. But let’s get real for a second! That move took some serious COJONES! Here’s the thing…if the Crocs don’t at least get as far as last season, that decision may come back to ‘CROC’ them! They do have some size & athleticism! A healthy Michael Cedar won’t hurt either. But check this……how much did they miss John Rillie last season? Nobody wants to talk about that….but I will!! They missed the hell out of Rills!
Gold Coast Blaze (4th Place): They blew Game 2 of the Semis to the eventual champions and had to bear that the entire offseason….ouch! Gone are Ubaka and Maxey. They’ve resigned young Simba, Chris Goulding and have recently signed Wortho! That’s BIG! This dude James Maye, well I’m going to just nickname him ‘Piro’ now, because apparently he’s capable of lighting asses up! The Blaze started off slow last season, but they have upgraded! Coach Wright’s boys will contend again this season! And yo, don’t lunch on Stephen Hoare! What he brings mostly shows up in the ‘Win’ column!
New Zealand Breakers (5th Place): Is this the year that Coach Lemanis leads his talented team to the Grand Final? Is the pressure building? Since Captain Kirk wasn’t beamed-up to the NBA, he should be returning shortly. That is, if he doesn’t decide to go ‘Euro’. Unlikely, so if they can secure the services of Sean Marks than watch out! If no Marks, than they should strongly consider talking Tony Ronaldson out of retirement! I mean that! Even with their new import Gary Wilkinson they need another vet! On another note…..if the Breakers underachieve again this season, will Coach Lemanis start looking over his shoulder……..perhaps for Pero Cameron?
Melbourne Tigers (6th Place): I wonder if the Tigers are still upset with me. You see last season after Anstey went down with an injury, I BOLDLY predicted that the Tigers wouldn’t even make the play-offs……and I was right! But I don’t think it went down too well! Wortho said that I put pressure on them! Sorry Wortho, but maybe it was the ‘Losses’ that done that! Oh well, after last season’s debacle, the Tigers will be looking for some serious ‘James Brown Payback’ this year and they have the size & athleticism to do it! They are the biggest team in the competition! The key will be the play of their guards and whether or not they can consistently handle the pressure! I’m also intrigued to see Trigger at the 3-spot!
Cairns Taipans (7th Place): Last season’s ‘Giant-Killers’ recorded some big wins and actually had a sniff at a play-off spot down the stretch! They’re a much improved team this time around with the acquisition of Ubaka & Loughton! Surprise, surprise, surprise….I’ve picked these guys in my Top 4, but only if the Breakers don’t bring in another vet in the frontcourt! But yo, what’s up with them sending their import, Arizona home after apparently drinking & driving? Didn’t Catman and D. Vale both get busted for this very thing? I don’t recall hearing their asses being sent home! Anyway, let’s see if Fearney brings his import(s) off the bench again this season!!! Players to watch, Ayinde Ubaka, Alex Loughton & Mr. Consistent himself, ‘Not So Slim’ Dusty!
Adelaide 36ers: (Last Place): Last season was EMOTIONAL to say the least! But there’s a new sheriff in town & he along with his troops, do more work before 6am than most of you slackers do all day! Yo, it’s true! You should see their workload! The Sixers will go into every game undersized. Team rebounding will be crucial, but I tell you what…NO team will be in better shape! They will look to pressure the ball in the half and full court! And they will also run and shoot the 3 baby…and run some more! No doubt that they will be competitive, but some early wins could bring it all together quite nicely!
Sydney Kings (New Kids on the Block): Ahhhhh Barry White….one of my all-time favorites! His song, “My First, MyLast, My Everything” comes to mind when thinking about these Kings. This is their ‘First’ season back, ‘Last’ place in the comp seems likely and even with Connor Henry as an assistant, ‘Everything’ will not be kinglike for the Kings! Keep a stiff-eye on Adelaide local Ben Madgen, he’ll challenge for ROY honours!
Well that’s my take! What’s your? Hit me up!
And don’t forget to join me every Friday from 6pm on the ‘Inside the Game’ Basketball Show at www.australialivetv.com!
Holla,
‘The Brown Hornet’
‘Shout Out’ to HOPS SPORTWEAR!!
ITG would like to send out a special “Thank You” to Matt and the entire Hops Sportswear Family for their contributions to our basketball show.
Episode 31 marked the last Hops NBL Trivia Competition for this season and the boys have given away 2 pairs of kicks to the Hops NBL Player of the Week winners and 6 pairs of kicks to the Hops NBL Trivia Comp winners.
Now that eight pairs of ‘FREE’ kicks including postage and handling! You have to admit……that’s a pretty sweet deal!
If you don’t want to pay $200-$250 for sneakers……and I’m not to crazy about that myself, than go to www.hops.net.au and check out what Hops Sportswear has to offer in style, comfort and SAVINGS!
They really are quality shoes and hopefully, we’ll see them again next season!
Holla,
D.U.B.
Craig Poole does it again!
Congratulations once again to Craig Poole, two-time winner of the Hops NBL Trivia Competition. Unfortunately Ballers, this was the last trivia competition for this NBL season, so on behalf of the ‘Golden Child’ and myself….thank you for your participation.
Below are the questions and answers:
1) The Adelaide Lightning’s run of consecutive years in the play-offs ended this season after how many years in a row? 17
2) Which Australian born player posted the highest individual score in the NBL this season? Mark Worthington, 31pts vs the Gold Coast Blaze in Week 4
3) Who is the only NBL player to play for different clubs in the same season on 2 occasions? Matt Shanahan – 2000 (1gm for the Wollongong Hawks & 22gms for the Cairns Taipans) / 2003 (10gms for the Wollongong Hawks & 8gms for the Canberra Cannons)
Until next season….Holla,
D.U.B.
The Envelope Please………..Sara Krivickas from Adelaide!!
Sara is the, (SAY IT LOUD) “Winner, Winner-Chicken Dinner” of last weeks Hops NBL Trivia Competition.
Yea, that’s right boys, you got your asses kicked…..by a chick! Now, now, you can lick your wombs some other time because it’s ‘CEL-E-BRATION’ time for Sara on a job well down.
We had quite a few entries but only two ballers got it right. Sara’s email arrived first! Most had Ronaldson’s number of games played wrong!
Anyway, Sara will receive her new, free pair of Hops Footwear shortly; they’re already in the mail and how coool is that!
Just in case you’re wondering what the correct answers are, think no more!
1) Tony Ronaldson retired with more NBL games played than anyone else in history. How many games did he play?
665
2) In 2007, the Tigers David Barlow set a NBL record by doing what?
Barlow went ‘100%’ from the field; shooting 14-14FG & 8-8 3ptr for a career high 37pts at the ‘Cage’ vs the New Zealand Breakers.
3) Who has been part of the NBL as both a player and a coach for over 20 seasons, but has not been part of a NBL Championship winning team?
Gordie McLeod – 12 seasons as a player & 10 seasons as a coach
The last question could be history instead of trivia by this weekend!
See ya next week Ballers,
D.U.B.
What up ballers! Sorry about the ‘Scouting Reports’! Go ahead….I’ve been called ‘Slack’ before!
Anyway, the Wollongong Hawks are about to face their ‘Do or Die’ Game 2 of the NBL Grand Final Series versus the Perth Wildcats and if there’s anything that we should have learnt from Dorothy…………(see above title).
The Home-boys are an impressive 15-1 at the WIN Entertainment Centre, tasting the agony of defeat only at the hands of a red-hot shooting Adelaide team.
But let’s take a closer look at the numbers by the Hawks and their opponents in those 16 games at the Sandpit:
Hawks – 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
24.5 22.1 20.0 21.5 88.1
Opposition – 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
17.6 20.5 18.3 21.4 77.9
Notice anything? The Hawks’ 1st quarter scoring really stands out doesn’t it? Or is it that they’ve outscored their opponents in all 4 quarters throughout those 16 home games? Hence the 10.2 points winning margin!
Everyone knows it! If you win just your homes games that alone can get you into the play-offs. The Hawks proved that this season by winning only 2 games on the road all year! Swap that loss to the Sixers with one of those 2 road wins and they are 16-0 at home and 1-15 on the road including play-off games! Nevermind all that and they’re still 15-1 at home and 2-14 on the road. In case you’ve forgotten……..the Hawks finished in second place!
However, to become the 2010 NBL Champions the Hawkees have finish up 3-14 on the road. Strangely enough, it’s not as impossible as it seems if they can only take care of business tomorrow night.
In Game 1, when the Hawks stop allowing the Cats to casually bring the ball up the court and get into their offenses, but started to pressure the ball, especially in the half-court, not only did the Hawks get back into the game………they took the lead!
The Hawks have to be tough and focused in both their half-court and transition defenses. If Sav and Trigger can get going early and Sav avoids early foul trouble, that’ll definitely help!
And lets not forget about dessert………….’Apple Turn-Overs’ anyone? The Hawks average 19.5 over their 4 play-off games and the Wildcats only average 12 over 3 games.
I’m aware of the ‘mud-slinging’ and attempted ‘Jedi Mind Tricks’ that’s been on display by the coaches and journos in the media, but make no mistake about it……the Perth Wildcats DO NOT WANT a game 3!!!
They do not want to go back to Challenge Stadium with the ‘burden of expectation’ to win that game and their 5th NBL title.
If the Hawks win Game 2…..they have the advantage! Not the Wildcats!! Believe that!!!
So, the next time you’re thinking about going out for dinner…….try some home-cooking instead!
And if you want/need to side-step a ‘pressure’ situation, then avoid it totally, by taking care of your business….early!
Holla,
They call me……….’Coach Tibbs’
PERTH VS WOLLONGONG: “TALE OF THE TAPE”
What up Ballers?
It’s Grand Final time and if I use my powers correctly, most of you are thinking……………….hmmm, “the Wildcats in 3”! Without a doubt due to their possession of home-court advantage.
I concur. I’m not saying it’s impossible for the Hawkees to win at Challenge Stadium, but the probability of them doing exactly that seems far-fetched, especially after only winning two games on the road all season long and recently scoring an all-time low of 53 points versus the Crocs in Townsville.
Let’s face it, the best road team (Townsville) just lost…..comprehensively!
However, what are the chances of Perth winning the NBL Crown at the Sandpit?? Could they sweep?
No matter what happens, it should be a good series. If Perth wins, than the Wildcats are all alone, both as the 2010 Premiers and also as the Boston Celtics of the NBL.
If the Hawks win, oh boy what a ‘Cinderella Story’ for that club, the Illawarra and the NBL!
Anyway, statistics don’t tell the whole story, just part of it!
So let’s go to the tape to see what they have to say and you can decide for yourselves!
TEAM COMPARISONS
(OVER 2 GAMES) PLAY-OFFS (OVER 3 GAMES)
PERTH WILDCATS WOLLONGONG HAWKS
18 / 1ST QUARTER / 21.6
20 /2ND QUARTER / 21
19 /3RD QUARTER / 17.3
24.1 /4TH QUARTER / 16
81.1 /TOTAL PTS PER GAME / 76
73 / PTS AGAINST / 75.3
46.8 / FG% / 50.5
34 / 3PT% / 35.8
73.1 / FT% / 71.7
22.1 / DEF. REBOUNDS / 23.6
10.1 / OFF. REBOUNDS / 8
33 / TOTAL REBOUNDS / 31.6
12.1 / ASSISTS / 14.3
10.1 / TURNOVERS / 20
5.1 / STEALS / 7.3
2.1 / BLOCKED SHOTS / 5
17 / FOULS / 16
18 / FOULS ON / 18
35 / POINTS IN PAINT / 30
5 / 2ND CHANCE POINTS / 5.3
10.1 / POINTS OFF TURNOVERS / 7.6
Does anything jump out at you? It should!
Stay tuned for Scouting Reports!
Holla,
“They call me…..Coach Tibbs”
Inside the Game Basketball Internet TV Show 