There isn't many in the NBL really.. Worthington, Trigger, Khazzouh and maybe Adam Gibson. Maybe.

But even then I don't like Khazzouhs game, Trigger is more a 2nd option guy.

Last year the clear choice was Ervin & Penney.

Damo Martin

khazzou

loughton

or wortho

I would prefer to build a franchise around a young guy like Jesse Wagstaff rather than someone such as Worthington who has probably reached his peak bearing his age.
Even from his rookie season I believed that Wagstaff would evolve to the same level or greater than Mark worthington has been able to achieve. If he's able to do so i would make for a wonderful career.

Stephen Weigh

Woops, sorry thought I was Marty Clarke for a second :p

Gibson or Khazzouh EASILY!!!

Gibson is not a franchise player. Khaz, but even then he isnt as dominating at what he does in ratio to what Penney or Ervin could do. True game breakers, that make lesser players better. Hence they are value for money.

Cheerleaders.

Then we may get live One HD coverage back.

how old is daniel johnson??

seriously he is just getting better and better. will be one of the best offensive forces in the nbl for the next 10 years if euro doesnt call. really needs to step up his ability to defend other teams 6'10+ guys but that may forever be his weakness that you accept because he does 18 and 12 day in day out.

surround him with a good pg, some shooters from range and another 6'10+ guy who can defend all the bigs without being a complete f up on the offense and you have yourselves a team.

i see a euro team offering him big bucks in 2 or 3 years.

Martin, Worthington, Vukona. Guys who can defend.

DJ is no franchise player, not even close to being close... shows glimpses and all that, but hasnt taken over a game like franchise type players do. And dont see it coming anytime soon.

League just doesnt have those tough game changers right now, Cat, was one of my favourites. Always felt you were in a game with him on court.

I agree with Isaac - Martin, Worthington, Vukona - and maybe Gibson and even Crawford but certainly not Trigger.

I don't think that you can build your team around ONE player, as I'd choose Khazzouh, but need a decent coach to be able to work him hard and get that fire in him to get that "take control" mentality that Penney and other great players have... That killer/game dominator instinct that he's only shown glimpses of so far these last two seasons and a solid work ethic are the only things holding him back from being a true force in this league...

Partner him with a quality PG like Damo, and THEN you've got a franchise... Both still young, very likeable, recognisable guys who are great on the court and off, which is a big part of being a franchise player, not just being able to put up huge numbers...

Id say Cedric jackson - even as an import.

In terms of Aussie players - Lisch (when naturalised), Khazzouh (got to get him the ball), Gibson, Wortho and D Johnson

I wouldn't build around Johnson. He'd be the project C you put with Wortho. I like to think of the "build around" guy as being a defensive anchor. e.g., you start with Wortho and Martin, and then you can fill in the gaps with streaky guys, role players or purely offensive stars. I'd prioritise that rather than pay up for Khazzouh and then try to find something that will work with him.

I like his game, but has Khazzouh found himself on a .500+ team in his NBL career? Had two years with the Pigs, part of a year with the Spirit and now with the Kings. Is he just picking the wrong sides?

I would rate any of the teams Khazzouh has been on as good. Razorbacks (he was very young there) and Spirit were both very poor teams when he was there. The Kings are new but have potential.

I said Johnson as he has a huge upside - needs to work on a lot of things. He is still relatively young and has improved every year since he has been in the league. He has definately improved quicker than most other guys in his age group like Weigh, Coenraad, Walker, Allen etc. At 24 he can still play for another 8 years as a starter so that would be appealing to build around - not to mention he is 7'0.

Interesting .. - to compare to Clarke's favorite
and Wortho asked if he could come here for 3 years
but didn't seem to fit , here.

Hey, Anon#350039, these aren't the only guys I'd want. I'm just saying that these are the first Aussies / Kiwis I'd go after if I was starting up a team. They're winners, they change the game and lift the team, and they produce the goods consistently.

If anything, I'd say that Vukona actually under-performs.

johnson has definately tore some games apart so far. i really see him improving as the years go on as well. cannot so far and doesnt show signs of ever containing the opponents bigs which is the big worry.

Vukona obviously he's one of the best defenders in the league and arguably the best rebounder.

Khazzouh the clear standout to build your team around. I wouldn't include imports as they seem to come and go a lot, so Cedric Jackson is out.

DJ is becoming a super offensive player. He has the physical tools to be a good defender, but as others have said, time will tell whether he can improve enough to become a true franchise player.

If you're looking at defensive players to build around, Ian Crosswhite should be up there. He is a big reason why Cairns keeps achieving despite being written off.

If I had my choice of NBL swingmen, Abercrombie would be my first choice without a second thought.

Really like what I have seen of Bose so far. Could actually be the second coming of Cattalini if he keeps improving.

I like Daniel Dillon as well. Only thing holding him back is his inconsistent outside shot.