Of Course the last couple were going to be signed with their dad's owning the team.

Aside from that is it the correct call?

Thought Hill's form at away games, last season, warrants selection.
Ng's 36ers form when Maher didn't play -also warrants selection.
Possibly Import PG and SF
Holmes, off the bench , would warrant selection.

Good signings, still plenty of room in the salary cap for SOJ ;o

Great news.

C: Burston - Horvath

PF: Ballinger - Holmes

SF: Import - Holmes - Hill

SG: Import(combo-guard) - Ng - Hill

PG: Bruce - Ng - Import(that one^)

So that's a 9-man rotation with Burdon or Hoban making up the numbers for away games.

I think they're good signings. Holmes is a solid option, Hill was decent last year and Ng averaged 13+ PPG in his last season here. Any of the three can start if required, including in the event of injury, or provide good back-up at a couple of positions off the bench.

There will undoubtedly be questions about this new "Family Club" situation, but both Brad and Darren are obviously very capable in their own right, Brad didn't appear to be treated in a questionable fashion last year, and Chek is more of a silent partner in the club. Personally, I would've signed both of them regardless of Richard's and Chek's roles in the ownership group.

We need to have 3 players scoring 20pts+ each game to be top 4.

Goorjian's interview with Cornsey, after winning the championship. He said concentrated 80% on defence, and rotating players frequently.

Like all signings. Glad darren is back, hopefully he come on a little bit more and fill a maher kinds role. Really liked his game his last year here just needs to work on his d.

Not really looking like a championship calibre team 'though is it? Unless you sign 2 imports who are top drawer, which seems more and more unlikely every season

xztatiks line up looks good to me, id sign 3 of Burdon, Kersten, Hoban, Sutton to round out the 12, aparantly you can have 12 this season on away games,
Good to see a good young core of SA players being signed!

lockstock - that's four guys with probably two imports and one other sizeable signing to go and perhaps someone else to round out a main rotation. You could've said the same thing about the Dragons last year when they had Worthington, Gibson, Vukona and Herbert. If that Dragons quartet had've added Carter, Burston and Horvath, you'd still be wondering about their potential, right? (Even with Goorjian coaching.)

I agree with lockstock. In an 8 team comp 36ers are looking 5th - 8th. A very good aba side. There is no 'wortho' or 'gibbo' in your rotations. You need to pull a rabbit out or replace Ninnis with Goorgan. Looking like a long year for 6er fans!

Not saying that it won't be competitive and the imports will be crucial, but did you really say there's no Wortho or Gibbo? What about Ballinger's 20 PPG and 8 RPG? 51% FG and 49% 3P. Third in the league in scoring, top 20 in FG%, third in FT%, second in 3P%, ninth in rebounding and fourth in blocks?

On paper, no way were they a dominant side. And there imports weren't big 20 PPG players. My point is that anyone writing Adelaide off now after four signings might want to think about that Dragons roster, as there really weren't a lot of big name inclusions there.

Granted Ballsie can play but i don't think he's the superstar some people say he is. You want him to be a dark horse in a superstars shadow. Hodge didn't work out but it was the right idea. These other SA kids are good players but not great. Your coach will be better with a years experience under his belt but once again he's not great. Brett Maher was a superstar & he's gone. Big Luke was the best BIG in it last year & he's gone. On paper at the moment i'm picking them for mediocrity. They'll win there fair share of home games but will struggle for talent when it matters. May sneak a playoff spot but won't last long. Even this is a long shot!

Looking forward to Neil Mottram putting some ink on paper soon as well

1/2 the team is signed and no imports and it is going to be a long year?i would rather wait and see what happens with the next few signings before making statements like that. Ballinger as an aussie is potentially MVP material.nickyg who has a better team on paper so far, cairns, crocs, hawks, perth who looks better so far to you?

Hill will be a huge improver this season. In teh games I saw last year he really showed glimpses of his talent. I was always sceptical of him but last year in the games I saw he really showed he has an abundance of talent and just needs some consistency and poise. Lets also not forget that he missed the best part of 2 seasons with a shocking injury that would have affected him both mentally and physically. Given the right mentoring/direction I can see him really push to be one of the 'go to' guys this season for the Sixers.
Ng on the other hand I still have my doubts about, sure he can light it up but Im not sure whether his all round game is good enough - Happy to be proved wrong though as he is a home town favourite and probably deserved the chance.

One thing I see this team wanting to have more than just big names is chemistry. In the past the best performed Adelaide teams have always had a great feel about them and performed above expectations due to all the players really buying into the team culture and playing for each other. Things like diving on loose balls, setting screen, blocking out etc all become 2nd nature when everyone is on the same page. Lets hope that the 'newsixers' can build a team and culture that brings this great attitude back!

Nickyg, to say that Ballinger isn't a superstar in this league is ridiculous, and I'd suggest you rethink your position before KRudd puts you in his cabinet.

The main difference between Ballinger and Worthington is that Ballinger isn't going on TV every five minutes talking about how great he is.

I had forgotten about Mottram but I'd be happier with him that Horvath or Cooper.

nickyg - dark horse behind a star? They still have two spare import spots available to try and recruit that star.

Yes, Maher and Schensch are gone, but I think Ng could pick up some of the scoring that was lost with Maher's retirement, while Ballinger plus two imports isn't so far from Schensch, Balls and one import.

The Blaze have recruited well and NZ will be good if they can keep their roster intact, but most other teams are going to be relying on picking the right imports as well - Perth, Townsville, Cairns (if they can afford any) and Wollongong (won't have a huge budget to work with) are all in that boat.

Burston is the best defensive centre in the comp IMO, and a starting line up of him, Ballinger, two imports and Hill/Bruce is top shelf, especially if the two imports can shoot the lights out.

A bench of Mottram, Holmes, Ng, Hill/Bruce and a young player is pretty good too.

I think the signings are great as they are all local guys with a lot of talent. Finding the correct spots in the rotation is going to be critical though and in my opinion the only option for Hill and Ng is off the bench.

Holmes needs to be the spine around which the rotation is built and should be splitting 34-38 minutes (out of 40) between the 3 and 4 spots. He can defend the a$$ out of it, is arguably that lineups leading rebounder and can contribute offensively without forcing anything.

Nickyg mate, clearly you have no taste.

I would be pretty happy with a Burston / Mottram combo banging in the lane and in the post. Obviously it would be great to have big Luke back, but who can blame him for seeking bigger dollars overseas.

I think everyone is being very negative with only 4 players signed.

Maher had a brilliant career however last season was hardly a superstar. Ng was 13ppg in 27 minutes when he played here last Maher was 12ppg in 28 minutes. So they are even in stats. Maher however had the leadership while Ng is more nimble and fresher. So I think Ng replaces Maher in a straight swap.

Schenscher is gone but if we pick up Burston then we don't lose too much from that as long as Burston stays injury free (which he has been the last two seasons). Schenscher is a better scorer while Burston is probably a better defender. This is a very important signing!

Any back up center will be an improvement on Cooper!

I expect/hope Holmes to come of age this season and really step it up. Hill will continue to improve.

Ballinger will be Ballinger once again however gives us the possibility to get 2 imports. Not sure we will though. If we can get an import point guard and a back up center/forward (Isiah Victor would be perfect and would come cheap!)

Hopefully Bruce has a good year this season and is better defensively. However, not doing anything this off season (from what I know of) it doesn't look like good signs for him.

In summary if we sign Burston, get a good import or two imports, hopefully sign another good Australian player (Hopefully Rush!) as well as a back up center and the improvement of Holmes and Hill we will be a much better team.

Would people rather use the money that would be spent on Bruce and get Liam Rush instead? That is probably the only way we would get him, I don't think Holmes would like that though. Burston and Rush are good friends I imagine so if we get one we would be a chance at getting the other.

I would like to see the line up as:

Burston/Import (Isiah Victor)
Ballinger/Holmes
Rush
Ng/Hill
Import/Davidson

Burston (C)
Ballinger (PF)
Rush (SF/PF/SG)
Ng (SG/PG)
Import (PG/SG)

Holmes (PF/SF)
Isiah Victor (C/PF)
Hill (SG/PG)
Davidson (PG)
and add another 3point shooter such as Corletto or Herbert

then two development players. I reckon that would be a top 4 side and exciting to watch.

I agree KJ - regardless of results, the potential teams being floated here sounds fun to watch. I think Ng and Hill both merit a roster spot regardless of their dads ownership of the club. I do hope one of the imports is a big body and/or defensive specialist though... the team sounds like a bit of a defensive/rebounding liability to me. Offensively though, sounding very solid.

Sorry I have been out of the loop a bit - but Burston? No doubt he has talent, but isn't he injury prone, and not the best defender of quicker big men?

Running a frontcourt of Burston, Ballinger & Holmes is solid - but are they as a unit quick and athletic enough to protect the rim?

Please prove me wrong!

Ng & Hill are good signings - local boys with talent that really strengthen the bench and can provide instant offence.

Burston played every game this season as far as I'm aware and missed only 3 games the previous season.

Shin Splint who would you suggest as a center then? Burston has good potential.

Shin - Burston is about it in terms of bigs right now. I doubt there'd be anything else around.

Anon:

Burston/Ng duo v Luke/Brett combo

Anon, i think tville have recruited well & Melb got the prized signature again (bastards). How did Cairns get Dusty? Did 36ers try for him?

Isaac, when did ballinger get naturalised? Thats news to me. Does this mean they are going to recruit 2 imports as well? And by the way i think Ballinger is a very good stable player. He is meat & potatoes & gets the job done but if hen something is lacking.

What about Rillie coming off the bench in one last cameo to help the 6ers to a title? That would give your bench a savvy veteran & a touch of class!

nickyg - Cairns got Dusty as they had good money to pay him since Cattalini left. We would have tried to get him cheap.

The Sixers have the option to sign two imports now but that depends on how much money we have.

Rillie would ask for too much and also would take too much in terms of player points so thats not an option.

Isaac do you know if Ng will retain his local player points rating or if that will be removed since he went to Singapore (even if they didn't play)?

Hard to believe posters forecasting wont make 4 etc with signings we all knew was going to happen.
Ballinger would have to be in top 5 as plyrs you would want in current NBL crop espec. as Aust.
Hill and NG were always going to be in team on ability etc.
As Scotty got Holmes to Dragons and back to us he was always going to be in team hopefully not costing us too many $ but will add to intensity and D of team in a support role.
Yes Burston is a must and waiting to read that has occurred. Not too sure Mottram and def. not Cooper would give us support role we need .
There is still a few young strong bigs around that would add to our team and have the ability to score if have opportunity.
With a good sg- pg import I think Bruce is worth getting back but get it done or move on before no good pg left. Liam Rush would be a great pick up as can play variety of spots.
A scoring PF import would be the addition that would lift us up near the top I cant believe posters wanting Winiatano back sorry but might be nice guy but was a disater last year in ball handling ,defence and scoring.

I think with Holmes and Ballinger here there is no real room for Dusty, I think most would prefer bruce but if he were to chose to leave i think crosswell with a import combo guard is a pretty good option.
I think the team is going to be looking ok
I reckon we will end up with something like

C Burston/Mottram or Horvath
PF Ballinger/Holmes
SF Import( either a 2/3 like Donta Smith or a 3/4/5 like Isiah Victor) / Hill
SG Import (combo guard)/Ng
PG Davidson/Bruce or Crosswell

not sure if that could quite fit in the points cap if not id go for a cheaper back up C like a Hoban and get Ballinger to slide into C for 10 MPG or they could start Holmes and go with 1 import, either way looks like a pretty good team to me,
giving something like
C Burston/Mottram or Horvath
PF Ballinger/Hoban or rookie
SF Holmes/Hill
SG Import/Ng
PG Bruce or Crosswell/Davidson (or they could go cheaper in this positon and replace Davidson with say Sutton or Kersten and add a cheap 2nd import??)

looks better than what Townsville, Cairns, Wollongong are likely to come up with and reasonably well on par with Perth, Gold coast, and New Zealand. Melbourne may have chemistry problems again if they are just going to be stacking there first 5, will be a interesting season ahead imo.

Anon, if looking at overall performance, Burston was on a championship team...

And like I said, nearly every team is in that same "have to get good imports" boat.

This isn't 2008/09 - a fair few players are out of the league and games will likely be 40 minutes. Few teams have managed to maintain the level of roster they previously had - e.g., Melbourne have got Worthington, but will probably not have Ere and Thomas which is a fair hit.

Make a list of all the players available, cross off those retiring, not likely to move (e.g., the NZ guys with existing contracts) or going overseas. There aren't a whole heap of targets out there. Adelaide did well to keep Ballinger from NZ and that's a better start than many might realise.

Here are the top bigs on rebound rate, excluding those playing few minutes:

Vanderjagt - signed
Khazzouh - Europe
Schenscher - US or Europe
Whitehead - import, already got Ballinger
Rickert - import, let go by NZ
Melmeth - retired
Anstey - wouldn't leave Melbourne
Gruber - import, already got Ballinger

Then Burston.

Here's a similar list, done on blocks per 48:

Khazzouh - see above
Horvath - came off the bench behind Burston
Rogers - do I have to say?
L. Davidson - not going to be a starting C on a contender
Cooper
Anstey - see above

Then Burston.

Try it on efficiency rating too:

Vanderjagt
Schenscher
Hodge - don't have to say anything
Khazzouh
Rogers
Rickert
Redhage - wouldn't leave Perth cheap
Anstey
Whitehead
M. Knight - Europe
Gruber

Then Burston.

By all means, if you're aware of an available Australian big likely to fit within a salary cap and who's a better option, speak up, but while this might seem like a so-so option, I think he's a good target given the alternatives.

Going on recruiting so far (including coaches), here is my 8.

Melb
NZ
Tv
G Coast
Perth
Adel
Cairns
Wgong

Cue the Kemp to Adelaide thread...

hey nickyg, u got no idea. blaze will be top 2 and 6ers will be top 4 so move them both up on your ladder prediction.

Anon - can you think of many top-tier import centres over the last few years? Chris Burgess was one. Casey Calvary was decent, but the Crocs didn't dominate with him. Rick Rickert has his advantages, but I think if he was the right guy for the job, NZ would've kept him themselves.

How many championship teams in recent years have won with import centres? Maybe one?

Dragons - Burston
Tigers - Anstey
Bullets - Bradtke
Tigers - Anstey
Kings - Roberts*
Kings - Stiff
Kings - Melmeth
36ers - Rees
Hawks - Dench

The other risk with taking an import C instead of going for Burston is that you have PG, SG and SF to fill and one import to use there. That means you're starting something like Bruce and Holmes or Hill and Holmes or Bruce and Hill, etc.

Is that a rumour that you just started, anon?

Personally I worry about the defensive ability of this group based on the signings at the moment. Holmes is the only one out of the three that has proven that he has any defense at all. If we sign Bruce as well(who is known for foul trouble), we are going to struggle to defend opposition guards all season long. Recruiters will need to be very careful with who they sign in the import spot(s) as well as the big guys, coz at the moment we're going to give up a lot of points each match.

Isaac - I think your forgetting Ben Melmeth...

Wasnt he almost drafted to the NBA half way through last season


;)

Scott Ninnis interview on radio re the subject.
He asked owners whether he was expected to sign Ng and Hill. No, it was his call , as will be their number of minutes.
Burston - trying very hard to get him, but born in Perth and they are trying hard.
Rillie - probably won't get an NBL gig, purely because of age.
Ballinger, Hill and Holmes have boomers training, and trying to line up imports, spending less than previously, when over the cap. Since he left Bruce's name out of training issues - guess he's not involved.

Lol, nice one Statman.

KJ, if we have Holmes, Ballinger AND Burston then Victor is out of the picture IMO.

That backup bigman spot is an intruiging one, plenty of names being thrown around. Horvath is who I had on my team but he's not ideal given that he usually takes a while to get into games and you probably wouldn't start him over Burston (coming off the benc isn't his thing), then there's the issue of how he'd fit in with Balls. He's the type of player who demands touches to get involved so maybe I've got the wrong guy in that spot. Other than Mottram(who I don't rate that highly) and Cooper I can't think of any viable options though.

Any suggestions for the combo-guard import spot? Mike Helms anyone???

I wonder if we have sounded out Ingles if he misses out next week? He'd be a solid pick up.

Also strange how there is no mention on Bruce. Hopefuly we can lock him away as IMO he has a pick upside.

nickyg speaks my language. A glorified ABA team we have so far. The emphasis on 2 good imports cannot be over stated. I had my problems last year with Ninnis, he has confirmed the same problems again. He belongs in the academy team if he wants to create opportunities for SA players. The Adelaide 36ers are an NBL team and need to be competitive in that league. No room for patriotism to your state if you're serious about a championship and your SA players are not up to the standard. nickyg yes the 36ers did talk to Rychart and chose Holmes over him.

EC - it's not as simple as Rychart being passed up for Holmes. Ballinger plays the same spot as Rychart, so Rychart would be the back up 4 man. Too expensive, money and points, for a back up.

saying it is an ABL team is ridiculous. Hill is a genuine prospect, still very young and showed in the playoffs last year that he is a genuine talent. Also in the extended Boomers squad, so must be in the eye of the national selectors as well.

Ng is as good a shooter as is available and will give scoring off the bench at the same average as Maher did last year.

Holmes gives solid rebounding, defence and efficient scoring. Also a great leadership presence.

Putting your tragic Dusty loving aside (Ballinger is better than Dusty ever was, by a mile), who would you have targeted from what is available?

thedoctor, why would they have bothered to talk to him at all then? There must have been an interest there to start off with. Money would have been the deciding factor but less money does not necessarily mean better value.

"nickyg speaks my language." -EC

Wookie?

Because he was considered cheap at some point. And, ultimately, I don't think it was Holmes they chose over him.

I really can't see how it is so difficult to comprehend that Ballinger and Rychart play very similar roles, that Ballinger is the better player and already with the club, and that you could really only fit Dusty in if he came at the right price. He clearly wasn't at the right price, so that ship has sailed.

Feel free to propose other targets though - I'd be interested to hear who you think should be signed instead.

"Money would have been the deciding factor but less money does not necessarily mean better value."

And there's actually this thing called a salary cap, and another thing called a budget.

Then there's the fact that while Dusty is a marginally better overall player, Jacob Holmes is far better suited to the SF position, at which any backup to Adam Ballinger would have to play a fair bit of.

"He belongs in the academy team if he wants to create opportunities for SA players. The Adelaide 36ers are an NBL team and need to be competitive in that league. No room for patriotism to your state if you're serious about a championship and your SA players are not up to the standard."

You didn't create that poll on nbl.com.au by any chance did you? These are quality NBL players whether they are local or not. Without comparing each one to the almighty Dusty Rychart, which ones do you have an issue with and why?

Isaac, I here an echo. You are saying exactly what I said that money was the deciding factor. I don't see how you think that I can't comprehend that both Ballinger and Rychart play similar roles. I know well that they both play the same role and never suggested that Ballinger should not be signed over him. He was not competing against Ballinger, he was competing against Holmes. Regardless of whether Rychart would be playing off the bench or not, it was worth throwing money at him because of his productivity. How can anyone look past his stats and think he would not have been an asset to the team. I am not happy with last year's achievement and expect a lot better this year. Especially because the loss of 2 teams made more players available and also the fact that last year's 6th position will see you well and truly out of the finals race this year. We were 6th last year with Ballinger, Holmes, Maher and Schenscher. Without 2 exceptional imports, do you think we are going to look any better. 2 exceptional imports won't come cheap either. Why not have spent the money on Rychart and got 1 import? Atleast you knew what you were getting.

I swear it's like talking to Ralph Wiggum.

"I know well that they both play the same role and never suggested that Ballinger should not be signed over him. He was not competing against Ballinger, he was competing against Holmes. Regardless of whether Rychart would be playing off the bench or not, it was worth throwing money at him because of his productivity."

EC, so you believe we should match Cairns' offer for Dusty, to have him play 8 minutes off the bench as Adam Ballinger's backup? Because they would be a very productive 8mins!

"How can anyone look past his stats and think he would not have been an asset to the team."

He is a greater asset to a team that has a better use for him.

"2 exceptional imports won't come cheap either. Why not have spent the money on Rychart and got 1 import? Atleast you knew what you were getting."

Because:

a) What we're getting isn't anywhere near as good as you believe.

b) You would be very unlucky to choose an import who isn't as good as Dusty.

c) It would be absolutely foolish to spend that much money (or an import spot) on a one-dimensional PF.

d) Depending on our other Aussies, it looks like there will be glaring holes at other positions that need to be plugged up by imports.

...and back to my previous post, what do you have against Holmes, Ng and Hill (without comparing each to Dusty)?

He was not competing against Ballinger, he was competing against Holmes.

Why not have spent the money on Rychart and got 1 import?

Worded it better than me, Isaac. And I certainly wouldn't be confident during the 10mins you're giving Dusty (197cm?) at Centre.

Going by Dusty's payments in the past, he would still be commanding big money, or have added stuff included to top it up...running camps and the likes..

teams today need to think further than 1 season..abit hard when trying to get imports who might sign for 2 years but opt out after 1 if they can get a euro gig...

Dusty will be servicable, but he is not the one and all in PF's..

36ers setting up for a drive into the finals for more than 1 year is where they must be looking, and by grabbing local's who can play, they are..

"I know well that they both play the same role and never suggested that Ballinger should not be signed over him. He was not competing against Ballinger, he was competing against Holmes. Regardless of whether Rychart would be playing off the bench or not, it was worth throwing money at him because of his productivity."

You can't argue with someone who agrees with you!

EC - I think you have to accept that dusty would be no more than a back up, playing limited minutes and on that basis alone just doesn't justify the points and money he demands.

Put money aside and consider just his points rating. You get the same result - to expensive for too little.

You can actually think about it in reverse - Dusty was probably offered what the Sixers had budgeted for their back up PF, and felt he could get more at another club. Cairns had a lot more to offer after losing Worthington, so Dusty took that opportunity. You could say Dusty chose not to come here, rather than the Sixers not choosing to pursue Dusty.

I like what I see so far.
Should Bruce be added it certailnly is a solid base that can be the future for many years, lots to build on.
It is obvious the new owners have a focus on the long term, not just the now! This is exactly what this league needs. It would be disasterous for them to over extend this season and walk away next year.
It is being run like a business, there will be a plan and a strategy
I am guessing that we have signed all of these guy's for realistic money, and there would be sufficiant funds to add two top class imports

"KJ, if we have Holmes, Ballinger AND Burston then Victor is out of the picture IMO. "

XztatiK, are you saying that because he wouldn't fit into the team or do you think Ninnis wouldn't consider him as he might be too expensive then to only play limit minutes?

I think he would be a great back up for Burston and is versatile to play PF and even SF (More so then Holmes). I think it will be possible to find 25 minutes (based on 48 minute game) for him a game and more depending on how well he is playing.

Looks like we are in a fight to get Burston , who would be our options at centre. I cant think of available replacement as Isaac posted other day.
I would not want to waste a import spot on a centre.
Maybe get a competitive big man like Paul Rees and only thoughts I have not signed or OS are Crosswhite or Larry Davidson or even Horvath. Didnt see as much of over teams as usual last year so could Daniel Johnson do a job . Then you would have to recruit top import that could assist with Ballinger and Centre to cover the role. Also recruiting 2 of these ok centres would create a competitive edge to gain extra time.
Concerned that keeps being mentioned we might have only 1 import. WHY. Whilst I understand maybe we maybe cant use all of our salary. Surely we have kept it tight so far.
I know there are anti Bruce posters on this site but cant work out why not signing Bruce is he asking too much. Liam Rush a great pick up has he been spoken to by Sixers.

Saucer of milk to 406! Meow!

bretts - Crosswhite is staying with Cairns, and Melbourne wouldn't give up Johnson (nor would you want him starting). Same with Davidson.

Burston is a must, and then who knows - could do worse than Coops, but I don't know if he's on their radar.

A number of teams may look to run smaller at C with their second unit - Hinder, Abney, guys like that.

Looks bare for centres doesnt it. Coops. been great worker for us but last year just totall;y froze when in position to score last year. Need to take a chance rather than using Coops at all again
Know not true centre but where is Matt Knight look like going also Ben Knight .
Although goes missing as Aust maybe Horvath might be a viable option and surely would not demand big money.
Rick Rickert good plyr though injuries slowed him down last year but still like to keep import spots to scoring Guard and a scoring FWD.
Just of concern that Burston was targeted from outset and still not done and hometown Perth in mix

Wonder how Horvath's confidence is doing? Back with Adelaide, I think he was All-NBL?

Definitely NO to Horvath!!! Pleeeaaase NOOOOOO!
What about Darnell as a PG for us? Cairns haven't signed him yet I believe and he is a SA favourite.

We also had Horvath when we finished second to last wasn't it?

I guess if there is no Burston and we have no other options then get him

Mottram over Horvath every day of the week!!!

Please no Horvath, he was and is crap!!

Can we try not to call someone crap? Might not be ideal for the role needed, but the guy put up his numbers and gave his service to the club.

As a backup to Burston you could make an argument for Mottram over Horvath. As a starter (if we can't get Burston) Horvath is ideal.

KJ, similar situation to Dusty. Victor is better, and far more versatile, I know, but using an import spot (and money) on a position we have covered better than any other is not what we want to do.

...and here's a big fat NO to Daniel Johnson, whoever said that.

Issac,

Sorry how is below average!!!

Would rather cooper!!

You seriously got problems if you would rather Cooper! :P

Not really - knows his place, no chemistry problems, can play defense - not exciting, but he's a stable and reliable option.

Pero's already signed with GCB I think. Lucky.

Yeah I wouldn't have any problem with Coop staying.

Isaac, thats fine but the point was picking Cooper over Horvath if we have the option to pick either.

X, they're talking about Vasiljevic, I think.

Interesting that Rickert has been let go. I guess that doesn't bode well for the likelihood of him continuing to be a top notch big man.

But if there is a chance he is capable of another season like he had two years ago, I'd love to see him here with the Sixers.

He absolutely dominated with his rebounding, post moves and aggression in the few games I saw him play (mostly against the Sixers).

I'm certainly not very enthusiastic about anyone who is available on that list Isaac gave above, other than Burston, and it seems like there is no guarantee we will get him at this stage.

Incidentally, if anyone from SOS is reading this: Please make sure you have done all you can to entice someone like Khazzouh or Matt Knight to stay in Oz, and will keep an eye on them in case they don't get a gig in Europe. Those are the kind of guys that we need to sign to make us a dominant team again.

Ahh skinny Pero, gotcha.

I second with Ballinger fan... Nickyg you got no taste. Ballinger is a SUPERSTAR.