Alright man lol

Corey Easley from Perry Lakes to Willetton
Ben Smith from Suns to Redbacks
Joel Questel from Suns to Wanneroo

Ben Smith, that's a good pick up for the Redbacks

jarred Jackson ( redbacks ) linked with the goldfields side.

sorry Jackson to Mandurah

Willo going all out Jesus

Clive a Weeden re signed, Jackson is rumoured but no news there

Is Shamua definitely going to the Goldfields?

Shamus

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Lots of news to start rolling out Soon.

Louis Timms to Wanneroo

What I'm hearing yes

Willetton women looking strong too.
Malpass, Hooper, Napier coming back, maybe Harper.

D Dialls back in the league... to Gero!

Chan and Holmes leave the Cougar Den for the Suns

Matacz out of retirement back up at the Wolfpack

Willo to add two imports to the lineup of Cody, Easley, AJ, Armour & Scott... Salary check please Mr Commissioner!?

Corey Craig to the Flames, with both Land's re-signed and expected to play as of Rd 1 and Chudier Pal due back around Week 9. Moore & Bowman to also postpone retirement thoughts for at least another year.

Della & Gerovich back to Cockburn

Prue to actually stay retired this time around!!

Albany potentially back in the league as of 2016

What's the salary cap? Is it still 60,000?

Is Easley now an Aussie?
If not then Willo will only be able 1 x other import.

Darnel Dialls is a beast, fantastic pick up for Gero if true, just what they need.

What the hell is going on at Kalamunda??

lauren Jeffers,to perry lakes , danika pisconeri to perry lakes once college finishes. waycott travelling.patton gone. slammers to sign 2 imports have already signed a 65"" centre looking for a American PG to replace Jeffers. zoe harper back ?Courtney hargraeves to flames
rintala gone back to USA wont play for suns,pickens not returning for the lightning,dunham not back for magic, Richards, payne, pass retired for cougars?
the one thing that may change the upcoming season is if Tomlinson and graham stay in WA , otherwise flames back to back.tigers r-up.

http://www.wolfpackbasketball.com.au/news/general_news/mercer_returns_to_lady_wolfpack/262

Dialls all but a done deal at the Buccs (B Brown would be in the know out of anyone in the midwest!)

Unless TVL has left the 'Den' its hard to see RD or TG back their given their rather colourful history!

New Slammers import coming with impressive wraps... Southwest to have Four Americans in the starting lineup is ridiculous - yes a rule is a rule but pull the other one... seriously!!

Blacky reportedly offered Dennis Taiwhiti 'Double whatever Lackovic is paying you..." When it was discovered the polynesian powerhouse was doing it for the love of the game, A Black then pulled out an offer of $500 per week - makes you wonder how much the rest of the 'stars' are getting at Willo next year and just what sort of a message is it sending to their juniors coming through of trying to get an SBL Contract if they're just trying to buy a Championship!?

D Martin to join D Matacz and G Hire at the Wolfpack next season... Surely his ageing body and history of injuries has to pose some worries for the 'Cats heirarchy?!

M Utley to shock the league after recent successful Advanced Hair 'Yeah Yeah' therapy sees him now with some golden locks reminiscent of his pre-pubescent years, coincidentally the last time he had a full head of hair! Darren Whopper Russell still thinks it looks like a 'cheap rug that he bought from some dodgy Discount Store in Kwinana...'

If Cockburn have lost Scott Holmes and Chan , who is left Big financial problems so no imports .
Now have a new SBL director but too late they players have gone Will take them years to rebuild .
BWA are overseeing finances to try and keep the club going .

"Blacky reportedly offered Dennis Taiwhiti 'Double whatever Lackovic is paying you..." When it was discovered the polynesian powerhouse was doing it for the love of the game, A Black then pulled out an offer of $500 per week"

I like the guy but seems a bit of a stretch... much like Lakovic saying NBL teams were hunting him down too.. Seriously he had a great season with Reddies last year but 500 a week?!?!?!

However staying on the topic of centres, in a league where big men seem to be worth there weight in gold (and more in the above case), you would think Louis Timms is the biggest "free agent" in this offseason.. His 20pts and 10 rebs would be very handy for any club who can secure his services.

Quite a few departures for East Perth Eagles. Kyle to Willo while JT and Joe both set to retire. Kissilev and Nikola Donlagic also rumoured to be taking the year off while Sunday has ties to Perry Lakes. Would Jervis still want to play SBL? If true they will have a younger squad next season.

Same for Stirling with a few role players off the bench rumoured to be not returning. Also not bringing Corey Cooperwood back, but will have Jordan Wild return. Cody Ellis would have "restricted" status if he comes back next season, same as Jervis for Eagles last year.

Joel Q to Wanneroo is a done deal. But nothing yet solid on Louis Timms also making the move to Wanneroo but would have to be front runners.

Corey Easley is still classified as an import, so Willo could only get one more import. Get the right balance and that team is early favourites.

Ben Smith to Redbacks. So much firepower in its backcourt, makes you wonder why JJ would stay with the limited mins he is likely to get. But like Willo if they get the right balance and chemistry they will be very tough.

Early pick for top 4 would be WIllo, Perth, Wanneroo and Rockingham. Wooden spoon is a tie between Kalamunda and Cockburn.

With Willo your adding Damo,Armour,AJ,Easley and an Import 5 man. Thats your likely starting 5 right there!

In 2010 they did a similar thing adding Ty Shaw,DJ,Tovey,Prince and Jones and that netted them a championship...
Worked last time, maze well try again.


I dont agree with Bunbury having 4 imports though, but again they are just playing by the rules. Agree that rule needs to change, Maybe the import needs to play 100 or 150 games for that club before he/she can be classified as a Aussie Import.

NT Wrote 'Early pick for top 4 would be Willo, Perth, Wanneroo and Rockingham.'

Surely Gero has to be in that Top 4... Same team that made it to the GF basically (Lewis, Cook, Ralphy & Wunders) with the confirmed addition of DT and the strong chance (As per conversation with Hez on the weekend at State Champs, email conversations between the Buccs and Dialls "have been promising...") that even without Dialls they'd have to be a certainty for Top 4 if not Top 2 given it is nigh on impossible to get a win up on their home court in front of the Midwest Maniacs that are the Buccs Supporter Base!

Early Prediction For Top 8

Gero - As discussed above
Willo - $$ will play a part here but will there be enough ball for everyone to get their 'numbers'?! Could self implode if Blacky isn't able to keep everyone happy...
Rocko - Same team as last year with the addition of Pal come June and Corey Craig back in a Flames uniform
Wolfpack - JQ is a nice pickup for them and Timms would make them very strong inside with the return of Matacz also.
Spiders - Should be strong again but need two solid imports again to push for a Top 4 spot
Slammers - 4 Yanks will always get you a Top 8 berth, but need more out of their locals if they are to make it past the Quarters... Refs also cracking down on how much Harrelson is allowed to talk to them during the game when he is on court too would be nice to see seeing he is given ALOT more leniency than any other coach around the League due to his playing role also!
Giants - Haney will bring aggression and passion back into the Kal club, something which is definitely needed. Will have a good first 6, but will definitely need to find something out of their young brigade to push for a Finals berth
Hawks - Despite Nixy's own self admission that he needs to 'get on a recruiting drive' the boys from Headquarters are always 'thereabouts' and expect the same next year. Rumors a wildcat or two could end up in the blue and white would not surprise either!

Best of the rest:

Lightning
Senators
Eagles
Magic
Cougars
Suns

Wanneroo women have added Edmondson
Willetton women added Louella Tomlinson
If you're a junior at these clubs looking for an sbl opportunity, may have to look elsewhere.
Looks like Rockingham, Willetton and Wanneroo are the teams to beat in the women, good luck to the rest.

http://www.wolfpackbasketball.com.au/news/general_news/wolfpack_welcomes65532_joel_questel/264

http://www.wolfpackbasketball.com.au/news/general_news/wolfpack_welcomes_tall_fern_guard/263

Keep them coming guys, normally the time of year imports are announced. Post here if you here anything

The season needs to start

Both Slammers imports set to arrive next month, I can't get over Willeton and their All star starting five, salary cap not existent or are these guys paying themselves?

Craig,
I would be more worried about Bunbury having 4 x Imports then Willeton's new starting 5.

Yeah you are right, I was referring to both of them. Where is the money coming from haha?

Well Tre Nichols looks really good from game footage I've seen, I think the Aussie guards will struggle to keep him in front of them because of his quickness.

Hopefully he doesn't struggle too much with his inconsistent shot because he looks like an excitement machine

http://www.wolfpackbasketball.com.au/news/general_news/antonia_edmondson_joins_wolfpack_in_2015/267


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Ephrem Davis from Joondalup to the Tigers.

Rumours of AJ to Tigers false.

Rumors re AJ NOT false... has been training with them, just trying to get out of a contract in NZ before 'officially' being unveiled is the word out of Willo.

AJ hasn't been to a single Tigers training, confirmed by signed players Burston and Cody. Not sure where you heard that from, average source

On 10 December 2014, Majstrovich signed with the Southland Sharks for the 2015 New Zealand NBL season.

Willetton women: Returning Marsh and Antonio, Napier, Malpass, Harper. Heard Louella Tomlinson is heading there too...jeeperz

Or just win one within the salary cap that is available to every team. Didn't realise a cap meant you had to not use the extent of it...don't really agree with people who make that argument ^^ if you want to not spend all 60k or whatever it is, that's your loss

They've obviously elected to go with no 'imports' as all players have played in the SBL before. Armour is a Willetton player through juniors, Easley is essentially Australian having a wife and children here. Scott an Australian that would be stupid to stay at Cockburn. Davis a previous Tiger and Joondalup last season, is the only real import.

They're simply being smarter with spending instead of 2 unknown American names. Not to mention Alan Black being a big draw card.

Every girl on the women's team is ex Tigers except Tomlinson.

I'd be more concerned about how Mullenax, Hafford and Jackson are all getting paid at Mandurah when they posted some serious financial losses last year...

MEEEEEEEE-OWWWWWW!

What's an Anton Fimmano?

Adrian Majstrovich confirmed at Willetton. Has attended all training sessions to date.

John Dickson also to make a much anticipated return as Corey Easely has been naturalised and an import spot has opened up

Anton was in the Cockburn team playing at the weekend against Bunbury.

A shame that Dominic Cheek is out of Giants.
The guy can play but doesn't seem to make many good decisions...
McDonalds All-American in High School
Solid performance at Villanova
Then the wheels have fallen off:
- Skips Senior year to go to NBA, not drafted
- Drafted in NBA D League then cut
- Goes to Italy and then cut before playing
- Goes to Morocco and doesn't play a game
- Signs contract in UK and doesn't show
- Backs out of discussions for SBL 2014
- Not sure but appears to have backed out of contract with Giants for SBL 2015

and these are the reported activities...

I wonder if he will ever get a start on his pro career?

lol at the John Dickson and AJ suggestions....

Both aren't even in the country.

Although Cody is a good player, and at SBL level, probably a great player this will make Stirling a weaker team than last season.

Last season with 3 x import level players the Senators were a tough team when fully fit. This season (unless there are some surprises to come...) they are basically down an import level player.

Then with Throns going to college? will he be returning?

Gee somebody is a big Anton fan, From where I was on another court he looked as if he had an impact, played a few good mins.

Whose Anton

Was over at garden city the other day bumped into AJ. Nice bloke, we had a good chat and he seems excited about the season ahead with the Tigers.

Who's Anton Fimmano

is josh garlepp playing for the hawks/ signed? I believe the goldfields based side have approached him .Emily fielding seen down at a big v club? her sister kate has signed with the Mandurah magic.

yes confirmed.

Edmondson, harper, Tomlinson, haven't they all signed with new clubs . isn't that even stranger considering its been spoken about on here for months. where they focusing on the waves prior or SBL.

Goldfields will be alot better than most think, i'd have them 7th or 8th

Top 8
Gero - what they lost with Shamus in assists, DT will make up for in Points. Bennie coming back as a restricted player after playing in Canada hurts their depth though not being able to bring in another import.
Wolves - Very impressive lineup up in the Northern Suburbs. Who starts out of Huntington & Timms?
Flames - Corey Craig added to a decent enough squad. Need their young guys in Roberts, Pal & Beard Boys to step up more to be a serious contender
Willo - Agreed all that talent has to gel eventually but aside from their 'big 6', will they have the depth to challenge deep into the season?
East Perth - Losses of Donlagic and Kisselev will definitely test their depth. When and how many does Jervis play determines how high they finish in the 8
South West - Three Americans will get you a finals berth every day of the year...
Lakeside - The powerhouse of the early 2000's enters the second season of the 'post-andy' era. Prue is going to be a massive loss as will the Sofoulis boys if neither suit up as reported...
Goldfields - Are handy enough to about #7... back end of road trips could be their undoing and they need to make Brookman St a formidable place to play in again.

Best of the Rest
Hawks - Tough gig for Nixy this year but could be the surprise packet
Redbacks - If Lackovic hasn't learnt how to play against a 2-3 zone, Perth will struggle again
Magic - $$ talks but probably even less depth than last season with no true point guard
Senators - Always pull off an upset or three but never do enough to look like contenders
Suns - Picked up two imports... will battle the Cougars for the Spoon
Cougars - Exodus and financially struggling... LONG year for the Cougar Den Faithful

Interesting to read that Bennie played in Canada and now is a restricted player. This will have a huge impact on the Buccs.
I guess we will get a better idea in the next couple of weeks but here are my thoughts for top 8:

1st) Redbacks
Contrary to the comment above, I think Nik knows how to beat a 2/3 zone but you also need the players to do it. Adding Ben Smith and a shooting import should give him the outside fire power.
Dennis is another year better.
Starters:
1) Wagner
2) Smith
3) Import
4) Dennis
5) Import

Solid bench - Prior, AJ, Kiwis

2nd) Bunbury
Really they have 4 americans in Ty, Clive, and the new imports. Add one of the Hickert boys and you have 5 x players with 4 years college experience.
Starters:
1)Ty
2)Import
3)Import
4)Hickert
5)Weeden

Solid Bench - Worthington, Weir, Hitchcock, and the two wily vets in Smith and Edwards

3rd) Mandurah
This team was hit by injury last season and not having a true PG really hurt them. Jackson will have a break out year this season and will make Smith, Mully, Hafford, Gerovich all better players...

Starters:
1) Jackson
2) Florance
3) Hafford
4) Smith
5) Mullenax

Solid Bench - Della brothers, Gerovich, McIlroy?

4th) Willetton
Addition of 4 new starters may take a while to gel but it depends on who they play in first 4-6 weeks.
Will be interesting to see how Kyle and Scott go together. Kyle is a scoring pg who has the ball a lot in his hands, although Scott can be a spot up shooter he to likes to have the ball.

Starters:
1) Kyle
2) Scott
3) Cody
4) Easely
5) Davis

Solid bench: Clarke, Reed, Nordhoek?

5th) Buccs
Not having that 3rd import level player will hurt them. I guess rumours of Dialls were just that, rumours?
DT will give them more production from PG but it adds another dominant personality into the mix...

Starters:
1) DT
2) Lewis
3) Ralph
4) Cook
5) Wundenburg

Bench: Wrensted then??? (any injuries will have big impact)

6th) Wolves
Ettridge would have recruited heavily and replaced any losses from last year with at least similar level players. Adding Questel and Timms, then rumours of Matacz making a return are big ins. All 3 are potential starters and I could easily see 2 of them having all-star type seasons.
Then is there an import or two coming...
If the SBL version of the splash brothers (Trian & Seb) continue last year form then they could easily be top 4... (I'm actually questioning whether they should move up now...)

Starters:
1) Questel
2) Trian
3) Seb
4) Timms
5) Huntington

Tough Bench: Matacz, Easther, Maxwell?, Perret, Wellsteed

7th) Flames
Having the stability of same squad will get them some early wins. Need some consistent scoring help for Cooper, so Godfrey and Remmers will have to step up. Both had some big games but were also quiet in other games. Need both to be consistently around 20ppg

Starters:
1) Taylor
2) Godfrey
3) Bowman?
4) Remmers
5) Cooper

Bench: Is Moore still playing? After much hype in juniors time for Roberts to step up

8th) Hawks
If Cassir is fit and their new imports are decent then they will win a fair share of games. Interesting that Nix went with new/untried imports. Could be a master move or make for a long season. Another year of experience for Dixon at PG should see him step up

Starters:
1) Dixon
2) Import
3) Cassir
4) Purser
5) Import

Bench: Garlepp (may start if import plays PG), not sure on others

9th) Eagles

As stated, how many games Jervis plays equals how many games Eagles win... A bit unknown roster at this stage but Forde would have recruited and continue to use his position at Wildcats to lure other clubs juniors. (Kyle, Vague...)

Starters:
1) Tupaea
2) Dech
3) Williamson
4) Vague
5) Jervis

Bench: ?

10th) Giants (Need imports to be studs and play all season. Have a lot of players come in this season so may take some time to adjust)
11th) Lightning (Need imports to be studs, will role plays like Jackson/Dixon step up?, is Prue 100% confirmed?)
12th) Senators (If rumour of Lay returning then they will move up ladder with Lay/Ellis/Import)
13th) Suns (may surprise people if imports are quality. Seva/Horn/Import/Holmes/Import not a bad lineup)
14th) Cougars (could have been top 4 if they kept roster together and added quality imports)

Michael Lay would be classified as unrestricted so they would still be able to get an import plus Cody.
In fact, if you look at their FB site they have signed an import out of a small school.
Kyle Lindbergh from Dordt College. This is a NAIA Division 2 college, he was an All American in his senior year with approx 17ppg and 11rebs.

At 6'7" the Senators aren't looking that tall this coming season.

Austin Bruton back at Stirling also.

Slammers are clearly the team to beat this year.

I think most fail to realise the advantage that they are going to have in 2015.

People are commenting on what teams may or may not make finals based on having none/one or two imports.
Slammers are going to be running around with 4 American born imports.
Think about that advantage.

You give any team in the competition that luxury and im pretty sure they would be very dissapointed if they are not playing in the last game of the season.

Buccs - Depends if Bennie Lewis is restricted, if so that will bring them back down to the pack a touch but still very much a force.

The Slammers situation makes for a very interesting debate.

4 x American born players (was Clive born in US?), although meeting the restricted player policy it just doesn't seem right...

There are a lot of different ways to look at this situation and largely none are really right or wrong.

Slammers are probably looking at it from a view that they want to give themselves the best possible chance at success in a semi-professional league, possibly benefit from the improvement these players can drive with local players, hopefully drive some excitement and involvement in the basketball community etc

Others around the league are looking at it as possibly the Slammers bending the rules, stalling the development of local players, giving the Slammers an unfair advantage etc...

I don't see a problem with it but I do believe in situations like this BWA should work with the Slammers and make sure there is a development plan being followed so that it isn't a short term fix.

If there is not a plan in place then it isn't sustainable solution and Slammers may drop back to the results that they were experiencing a couple of years ago (winless seasons)

The only risk that hopefully doesn't eventuate is that all the other clubs go with a Wildcats model... Source players from all over that place that have some slim claim to being unrestricted at the expense of developing young local players...

No was just commenting on what ive read on here.

while I don't agree with what the slammers have done, you have to realise they don't have the luxury of recruiting from other clubs, ie what Willeton have done done this year. So if your going to have a go at the slammers have a go at willeton for stunting junior development.

Ty is clearly going all out for a championship. Either way if they win it or not, they will be in trouble in the coming years. Locals won't be happy playing behind 4 imports and will stop playing. There is also a lack of juniors in the sbl squad.

Clive was born in the USA, but has an australian parent.

Also news out of bunbury is josh weir is out for a season with acl. Leaving their guard stocks incredibly thin with just Harrelson, import Hitchcock and Phillips.

Likes every team injuries and continuity will be the key to winning the championship.

http://www.sblonline.net/forum/

Thanks Bored, looks like Bennie is still unrestricted based on the new import?

Bob, good points and I agree to most of what you have said.

Although, with the money Slammers have spent on the imports/naturalised players, they could have attracted local talent from other clubs. They proved it a couple of years ago in the WSBL program where they were able to get Zoe Harper and a couple of others players from other clubs.

The Willetton direction is interesting. Last year they lost a lot of games but appeared to be building on a largely Willetton junior platform. Would this have resulted in success in future years? it is hard to tell as they have gone in a different direction this year by recruiting 2 x players from other clubs (Kyle and Scott) to come in and be their main guys. Scott obviously a Cockburn player and Kyle now a journeyman in SBL as he is essentially with his 4th club... Willo x 2, Eagles, Lightning...

Does this approach stunt the development of players like Clarke, Reed, Cody, Nordhoek, Black etc???

Take Cockburn as well. Last year went with 1 import (if you can call him that...) and got a lot of valuable time and experience into their juniors. If you have Seva, Van Lit, Scott, Field, Vague, and Holmes. Then add 2 x quality imports and you are a championship contender.

But they all left and the Cougars will really struggle this year.

What will their approach be going forward? Develop Vinci, Kamara and Co?

Field and Van Lit still there...
Scott, Vague, Seva, Holmes gone

guaranteed Scott is getting paid and fair enough.
Not sure if Seva and Holmes will get more opportunity with Suns as they are getting 2 x imports... Might have been better staying at Cockburn.
Not sure if Asst coach at Wildcats should be recruiting DP players that other clubs have help develop? Didn't really do Armour's NBL chances any good going to Eagles, although they won championship and he got an all-star...

Although young kids have to play behind imports, i dont see that as an issue. As a young lad i always had to play behind SBL legends or imports, i invited that challenge and it made me a far better player than I was going to be. Kids now automatically look for an easy way out and don't realise that they ruin the learning curve of their Basketball.

If your playing behind an Import, don't run away, stick it out, play harder and better and make it so a coach cant just sit you down. Too many times do we complain about this and its pathetic. Play harder and improve your game. How much time do you spend after school playing???? How much time do you put in at the gym???? if your not playing everyday after school then sorry you aren't working hard enough, plain and simple. Don't give me I have too much work, school work, family trouble BLAH BLAH BLAH just suck it up and play.

As for imports and restrictions, i say the more the merrier. Whatever makes this league more interesting and more competitive, then how can you hate on that? Bennie will be non restricted as he never gained a contract for the Canadian Team. So Gero have signed another import along with Carter and Bennie. This will provide Gero with a much needed boost. Adding in DT and now Gero will have a deeper bench than ever before. Figuring out starters will be interesting.

Lakeside seem to have two good imports again but of course its so hard to comment as High light videos are so well made these days, you just never know. Bunbury are loaded with Yanks and in all honesty GOOD!!! They need to be competitive and it provides the league with some exciting basketball.

Not all teams can be like Waneroo and East Perth and just take Wildcats guys because the coaches also coach there or because they live North of the River and have ties there. Wildcats have told certain players that its a good idea to move to East Perth as they get to still train with a wildcats coach so to speak.

Good on them, thats what they want to do so be it. Cockburn have lost loads of young talent to Money and promises and you know what, so be it. Cockburn have lost so much talent in the past recent years due to financial instability and also some issues with staff there.

Perth redbacks will be tough again as usual, still have Wags and seem to have found a gem in Turner. What else is around who knows. Rocko have Land boys back which is good for stability and they get the leagues dirtiest?floppiest player and the leagues MVP back at the same time. Willo are stacked on the starting 5 side but bench wise who knows right now. Im sure with Blacky there they will play hard and dirty and he will sort out enough balls for them all. They will base a lot of scoring around Kyle and Damo and it will be a fun team to watch.
Magic will have a similar team and will rely hevily on Mullenax and Hafford for scoring along with Ben Smith.


Waneroo
Gero
Perth
Bunbury
Willo
Magic
Eagles
Rocko




Top 8 in no particular order and can throw in stirling for a possible sneak peek in the 8 who drops out i do not know.

Welcome to the Wolfpack Kevin Davis

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Anon 254, I don't think that there are anyone getting their nose out of joint, apart from maybe you. What I see above is discussion on the different approaches clubs have taken and some thoughts on how the restricted player policy is working.

aqauman, some great insights. I guess it all depends on your situation. Usually an import player would play 40 mins a game so if you are playing behind one you are probably lucky to get double figure minutes (if you are good enough the coach should find some minutes for you...)
A lot of times it is simply the opportunity of minutes that can see a player go from bench warmer to solid contributer... A great example is Josh Throns, he appeared to come from nowhere when he moved over to Stirling and had a couple of great seasons.

My only comment on teams having more import level players is that I hope the clubs have a long term plan. Nothing worse than seeing a club bounce from one end of the standings to the other based on how much they can spend on players from year to year...

Wolves just went to championship favourites...

PG - Questel/Ironmonger
SG - Trian/Maxwell
SF - Seb/Wellsteed
PF - Huntinton/Easther
C - Kevin Davis/Timms

If the above is their confirmed roster then that would be about as strong a team as we have seen in the SBL for a long time.

Anyone know if Maxwell is playing?

Plus you add the experience of Ettridge and this is the team to beat.

Wildcats DP should give you enough info

East Perth

Not quite sure how that signing fits into Wolves team. They have a pretty good front court rotation with Huntington, Timms and Matacz already. Add in another big rebounding body, hopefully Timms doesn't lose any minutes.

Did hear that Timms might be having some surgery on an ankle so maybe this is the contingency plan...

Great to see Cockburn looking at some import players to help. Hopefully the guys come across and help them be competitive.

Mmm did hear that about Timms. Long time to be out for an ankle. Shame

Aqauman said "Rocko have ...and they get the leagues dirtiest?floppiest player"

I didn't know Jo Alan had left the Eagles...

Miles Tierney is the former Giants player now at the Hawks.

Giants...

Key Losses:
Matt Leske (retired)
Duran Blue (import)
Tommy Hannon (import)
Miles Tierney (Hawks)
Adrian Majstrovich (Tigers? NZ?)

Key Gains:
Jacob Holmen (import)
Jay Bowie (import)
Shamus Ballantyne (Buccs)
Ed Zunic (Melbourne Tigers)
Brandon Holloway (Caboolture Suns)
Daniel Forlano (Rockingham Flames)
AJ Lydiat (Wolves)

Staying:
Lordan Franich
Mike Excel
Russell Hurst
Lewis Mann
John Santia

Lakeside

Prue will play this season

Seva Chan getting paid.... that is incredible.

I very much doubt Seva would be getting paid.
Would say he went for more minutes and possible starting spot..
Which he may have had a Cougars this season anyway...

Would be great if a couple of people going to the Blitz could give a brief recap on what they see...

It is always an interesting tournament. Coaches trying not to give to much away but still trying different things.
Players out due to other commitments or injury.

I think it would be better if the tournament went back to having a winner/finals so that there was a bit more to play for.

At the moment it is not that helpful as you never know what team you will get to face. A full SBL roster or a team of young U20/D League players...

Maybe this could be the All-Star type event that everybody would like to see. Why not have a 3pt comp with every club having to enter a player, and a dunk comp maybe with a voting system to see who competes...

I know I would have liked to see Bennie Lewis v Stan Oyoke v John Dickson in dunk comp

And Quinn McDowell v Trian in 3 pt comp...

Obviously just an example...

If you can think of a few why not name them???

Austin Bruton
Kyle Armour
Brad Jackson
Ben Smith
Joel Questel

Yep all good shooters, hence the suggestion of a 3pt shootout.

Would be interesting to see who would perform under the pressure.

I'm sure it would be quite easy to get some prize money or donation for this.

I would probably rather watch the 3pt shoot out than the Blitz games...

Who would each team enter?
Buccs - Ralph or Lewis
Tigers - Armour or Scott
Redbacks - Ben Smith or JP
Senators - Bruton
Wolves - Trian or Seb
Giants - ?
Magic - Gerovich or Ben Smith
Cougars - Field
Lakeside - Jackson
Eagles - Williamson
Flames - Land
Slammers - Ty
Hawks - ?
Suns - Horn

Could be fun...

if there was prize money, a decent amount, that would make it very interesting.

Adrian Majstrovich has just been cleared to the Southland Sharks (NZ) so that puts to rest the rumour of him suiting up with Willetton.

Interestingly it was first mentioned on their Facebook page in early December.

What is Adrian Majstrovich like these days? I am surprised he is not in the NBL anymore.

Why would bwa bother having blitz website and not update scores?

Reply #518278
re: SBL Movers and Rumours
Why would bwa bother having blitz website and not update scores?

Was thinking exactly the same thing, may have the results up before next years Blitz.

I think it is more about the people who are running/working at bwa...

I have no doubt they ran those crap point of emphasis meetings all weekend and probably wasted money on a website for the blitz and then can't even update scores.

It is pity as a lot of the clubs are putting big efforts into making there teams as professional as possible and the quality of players has never been better, then u have bwa who are running the league like a county bush league.

With the popularity of the Wildcats right now, bwa should be cashing in and be able to generate corporate support for league.

Did mr rick smith manage to make it to the blitz yet this year?

I thought that's why we went to computerised scoring so scores could go up quickly, no score updates on Twitter or Facebook either.

@Peter - Seva Chan definitely getting paid. Not a rumour.

If you check the results you'll see willo only blew one team out. I didn't get to watch every team but Wolves looked to be the strongest.

Slammers did look tough but as always might struggle a little bit with depth.

Mandurah won every game, should be decent again. Mullenax looked a little out of shape.

Speaking of out of shape, Carter Cook looks like he ate all the money Geraldton had for a good second import.

Rockingham flying under the radar again, pretty much the same team that had them finish second and adding in c craig.

There have been a couple of these, but has Jarrad Prue actually retired?

Mm, righto, that sounds promising. I hear the Suns' imports (Kevin Anthony and Lien Phillip) did well during the Blitz, hopefully signs of life in Kalamunda!

Cockburn not getting 2 imports

^^who?

"Saw they picked up that kiwi import who was at the giants last year" - what?? are you talking about Adrian Majstrovich? if so, 1. he's not an import, he's basically an Aussie who lived most his life in WA; and 2. he signed with the Southland Sharks ages ago. Besides, Kiwis are not imports in the SBL anyway

Magic Bench Jackson 2Dellas That's not bad

^^ they're paying Jackson, why would he start on the bench...

What are lightning imports like Great to see Suns and Cougars with imports Sheldon is worth respect Will be a asset to Cockburn Hope they get 2 imports

Yerp, Dixon out 4 weeks. Rob Cassir also out until mid-season with a knee injury

Hawks were pathetic against the Eagles tonight, down 30+ when it mattered and down 0 - 15 after 3 minutes. Coaches and players seemed overwhelmed. Will finish bottom 2 or 3 if they don't make some serious adjustments.

Suns v Mandurah

Exciting start to the season with an overtime win to the Magic 106 over an improved Suns team 98.

Some good play by both teams, and some scrappy horrible play mixed in between.

Magic appeared to struggle against the defence of the Suns early, with what must easily be a double figure in turnovers for the first quarter.

Seva Chan had a great game, strong defensively with a handful of steals, and smart play with the ball in the point.

Ben Smith started and finished the game well, great play under the basket, the Suns never really had an answer for him all night. I believe Jaarod Holmes had a cracking block against Ben, but that was a rare defensive stop.

Taylor Mullenax, who looks like he is carrying a little extra ballast early in the season, took a while to get going, but when he did he proved to smart to strong for the Suns.

Magic import Jackson struggled early, missed some crucial free throws, but had some good speed and some crisp passes throughout the game.

Suns imports a fit and athletic, but had a challenging first round game. Kevin Anthony while showing some good speed, had a lot of trouble finishing on the drive. He looked nervous so hopefully will gain some composure in future games.

Lien Phillip at 208cm positioned himself at the top of the key far too much, often firing off poor jump shots. Suns will need to find away to get him working closer to the hoop to take advantage of his size and length.

Holmes, I though played a pretty solid game and will be strong contributor for the Suns this year.

Rhett Della killed it from the free throw line, Geordie Murray knocked down 4 3's coming cold of the bench. Was surprised he was not utilised more in the OT.

Mandurah with Mullenax, and Smith are going to cause headaches to teams all season.

Suns need to get their imports firing and if they can, they will be quite a challenge for most teams this season.

Good to have the SBL back!!

classic Prue-like game: 8 points and 26 rebounds... off the bench!!

Fade away Ray Turner 30pts/30rbds.
Wonder when was last time this happened in the SBL?

Who can shed some light on this game??

Anyone know how tall Kerrod Horn is? He doesn't seem to have a listed height anywhere...

Perhaps Random could do the write ups

Can anyone shed any light on why there's a redbacks write up but no other club. I know that there's the complete wrap for the weekend which is as discussed^ a regurgitation of stats, but why the individual club report on redbacks??

Is it something to do with how much of a fail Curtin was and trying to boost numbers? Seems a bit dodge.

You will find that Redbacks submit this write up and have done in previous years.

How can the move to Curtin be a failure?
Great facility, easier to get to, more secure car park...

If you are judging by crowd numbers, then a lot of other metro teams home games could also be called a failure right...

Can't wait to see the Curtin facility. Do the Reddies have access to the gym etc.? How many people were at the game?

Hawks Eagles had a decent crowd, but more about Joes 400th I think.

I'm not disputing the curtin move, it's a great facility, probably second to WABS. Comfy seats and lots of them.

There was hardly anyone there given how much advertising and exposure they put into it. There were signs all around the uni, on main roads. LED signs. It was promoted inside the UNI too.

Redbacks had the second lowest attendance number last year at 204 average. I'm just saying that it's a bit of a fail that they probably pulled that number again even though they promoted it so much, it was a season opener AND both men's and women's played. The sbl posted to their fb about Ray turner individually after the blitz and now again about redbacks individually.

If redbacks want to do there own write ups that's fine, put it on their site, but isnt the SBL meant to be neutral?

WABC*^^

And no, there was not 550 people at Curtin. Sorry.

The facility at Curtin is new and comfortable, there is ample parking and there was a range of food options - what more could you want?

Am I the only one that can't register with the SBL forum - just says invalid e-mail?

Okay I retract my comment about it being a fail. Nice venue, making effort etc. that is definitely good work.

My main point is the SBL site. BWA is obviously made of people who have worked up from the associations, I know there is a strong Joondalup presence and then some Redbacks, and obvs Perry Lakes.

I've just noticed not a great neutral stance in a few posts....

Christian Shelter lakeside women's import, ACL done for season

Exactly well done to those who promote there own club and spend the time to write an article.
Im sure the SBL would love every club to submit a article each week.

It is a shame about Shelter doing her ACL. Does anyone know if Franich has done his ACL as well?

3chnz, you have missed the mark on both the Curtin post and the BWA website.

I'm sure Redbacks would have hoped for a sellout and definitely put in ample effort for this to happen. But having SBL there is a new thing and will take some time to grow. If they can win some games and their import keeps putting up those numbers then I'm sure crowd numbers will increase. Keeping in mind that WABL will start in a month or so and this will increase numbers.

With BWA, they are actually being neutral by posting articles submitted by clubs. It just happens Redbacks are one of the only clubs to get this done.
I'm definitely not a fan of how BWA operate but I don't think there is a problem of them being neutral. More likely that they don't have experienced people in key roles, and a CEO that is like a ghost...

Firstly I was at Curtin and there was definitely not 550 people there. Why do Redbacks people constantly have to fudge their crowd figures? They did it all last season and obviously have the same people 'counting' again this year... It was more closer to the 300 mark but definitely nowhere near that horrendous quote! I agree its a new facility and there are going to be issues, but even Mr Magoo could look at the pics off the SBL Photo Gallery page and see that those numbers are grossly overstated! Maybe the SBL need to start threatening fines for clubs who are continuously falsify crowd numbers to make them look good when overall stats are released to all clubs at seasons end!!

In regards to the previews, why can't each club get out an article each week. Email BWA and I know adam will put it on the website! Don't get narky at the likes of Redbacks who take the time to promote their club!! If more clubs actually were proactive in getting their 'brand' out there more, we wouldn't look like such a second rate league half the time when it came to Social Media. ABA have a youtube channel for crying out loud, maybe we need to look at getting some journalism students at one of the Major Uni's over here (Curtin if we have the link there already!) and get them to do a weekly show on?!

As a state we need to start being proactive rather than reactive, otherwise it will be a case of same old, same old and the standard complaints year in, year out until something IS done by ALL clubs to make the League a better package!

So round 2 is already in the books and we are starting to see the better teams establish themselves, with a couple of surprises.

My 'power' rankings after 2 rounds:

1 - Buccs
A massive weekend with big wins over Hawks and Redbacks. New import looks the good and they will only get better with Cook getting in better shape. If new import and DT accept coming off bench all year then they will be tough.

2 - Wolves
Did enough to beat Suns without playing that well. Have a great roster and have been getting good minutes into young guys. Damo will improve with more games in his comeback which will make these guys even better.

3 - Slammers
May have the best balanced team in league. If Ty stays healthy they are contenders. Just need one of Hitchcock, Wortho, or Hickert to have a solid year and they are right there with top teams.

4 - Magic
Will keep getting better as JJ learns to control team. Best big guy combo in league, just need Hafford to consistently get 15 and 6 then they will be close to top teams.

5 - Flames
Quiet achievers. Corey Craig seems to have made a decent comeback. If he and Godfrey can be consistent scorers then they might move up a couple of spots. A lot of scoring pressure on Cooper and Remmers at the moment.

6 - Redbacks
Is JP playing? They are struggling a bit with all the new faces and all playing together. Not a good sign when your imports go for 48 and 24 and you just scrape out a win against Lakeside. Surprisingly they are struggling to score. Will get it going though and move up ladder.

7 - Tigers
Have 2 big wins against weaker teams but were beaten soundly by Wolves. As much noise as there was about Armour and Scott, their imports let them down a bit. Tigers will rely on Cody to have big games and will likely win when he plays well. Not very deep so may struggle mid year when injuries start to happen.

8 - Eagles
Same old, same old. Probably getting enough wins while Jervis is resting to hang around.
Have been very competitive and look to just run out of steam or get in foul trouble. When Jervis returns they will be a lot better but may be 1 player off being a championship contender.

9 - Suns
Surprise package so far. Imports have helped but Seva Chan is the biggest difference. This kid has shown that he can play and might be early contender for Most Improved. Need Holmes and Horn to put up bigger numbers to crack top 8

10 - Lakeside
Swing looks to be a top tier import but other guy may not be the player they needed. He probably can play but as an undersized big on a small team he will struggle.
Hopefully Dixon and Jackson can make the transition between role players that had some good games to consistent veterans that have mostly good games. How long to Prue returns to 48 mins

11 - Cougars
Another surprise. Adding import helped them along with Sheldon and Grant. These two are just smart, hard nosed players. Young ginger from Lakeside has shown to be a good pickup (and bad loss for Lakside)

12 - Senators
Will improve if Throns returns from college but just don't have enough talent right now. Teams can now focus on Ellis and import. Last season you had 2 imports, Ellis, and Throns to cover...

13 - Hawks
First team to hit panic mode. It is early and the he probably needs a couple more games to adjust but the big import doesn't look the goods. Scoring big numbers is one thing, but at close on 7 feet you need to be getting more than a handful of boards.

14 - Giants
Unfortunately looks like it is going to be a long year. Really bad for them and Lordan if it is an ACL injury. He needed to be their 3rd best player for them to compete.
Shamus not the player he was when he was last there and none of the new guys look to be big contributors.
They probably won't move up ladder until they can get a Shamus/Hezza combo to go with 2 imports and a shooter like Hulme.

Small import for Hawks doesn't seem to be gelling with his team either.

I wouldn't put Willetton 7th man. Saying they aren't deep when Easley and Noordhoek come off the bench... Cmon now

Ndftd, why don't you give us your rankings then.
I'm just going on games so far, I will be wrong as different teams play better and also drop off pace.
Easley and Nordhoek do give some depth off bench you are right.

Jervis would have made a huge difference to Eagles game, if he was playing from the start of season I think they would be top 4 right now.

It will take a few weeks for the teams in contention to sort themselves out and play their best basketball. There's a big difference in having your import(s) here for two weeks or four weeks. A big worry is Perry Lakes who look like they may not win a game.

Any chance we can get this much activity on the the actual SBL forum. Or getting a new topic made up, instead of having to scroll down on this old thread everytime?

Some things I have noticed in first couple of weeks.

- Perth taking a while to adjust which probably not expected. Prior looked really unfit in pre season blitz so will take a while for him to get back to peak fitness. I still they they will contend for championship, just need to make the 8.

- Cockburn look like a top 8 challenger. Everyone seems to have forgotten how good field is. Without Scott and Chan, the teams seems to havee a better understanding of where their looks are going to come from. Could have been 3-0 if they had their second import in round 1.

- East Perth will struggle to get enough wins on the baord before Jervis comes back. Did see Balcombe back which will help.

- Hawks and Giants to challenge for spoon.

- I think you have your top 6 challengers- in flames, wolves, gero, slammers, willo, perth.

- Mandurah probably the 7th best.

- The 8th team to come from East Perth, Cockburn, Lakeside and Stirling (depending on how long throns is here, and whether illiadis comes back).

- Suns to for 12th as they have very little depth.

- Like the NBA, I think what ever team stays healthy wins the championship.

1. Slammers-
Putting these guys #1 simply based on them beating Gero, who could also be top of the ladder. Really this could be Joondalup, Buccs or Slammers who all seem on par with depth, size and skill. Joondalup could be a bit 'smaller' in terms of weight compared to Slammers and Cart-I mean Buccs...

2. Buccs (as above)
3. Wolves (as above)

4. Flames - good team and largely unchanged. Will fly under the radar and will continue to pick off the mid-weaker teams. I think there'll be a gap between 3rd and the rest though.

5. Tigers - have it all except a big who can muscle his way around like Mullenax, Turner, Cook and the Slammers big do. I think they have enough speed, 3pt shooting and backcourt skill to finish high, but will get pushed around by the above players.

6. Magic - Opposite of the Tigers, have the inside presence but Jackson is there only real confident guard (albeit a good one). I think they'll struggle as the season goes on with an older playing group.

7. Redbacks - having 2 imports(who are dominant) can only get you so far. With little to no support against Lakeside, they grinded out a win but I don't think they'll keep it up for the rest of the season, especially back to backs as seen against Gero..

8. Lakeside - 1 good import, 1 average. Not deep and really will be competing with Suns and maybe Cockburn at this spot. All three teams rely on their imports.

9. Suns (see above)
10. Cockburn (see above) both revelations and I agree with the statement made earlier, Seva is putting in some work. Along with Holmes getting a decent share of the ball, and if Horn starts knocking down 3's, they'll push Lakeside out of the top 8. Actually thinking they should be in there now...

11. East Perth. Even when Jervis returns, I think the damage will be done early.

12. Stirling, Dud import. Ellis has too much work to do in that team.

13. Perry Lakes, VERY dud import, Hobbs seems okay though. I can't see how a 7'ft centre grabs 5-6 rebs a game.
14. Giants. :(

Hawks: Purser and Garlepp working hard, but too many passengers and injuries (Cassir and Dixon). Also, while Hobbs is good, he hasn't gelled well and looks to be playing for individual stats i.e. never hesitates to shoot and his assists are not high. Regarding Conrad, yeah bit of a dud, but I give him a couple more games (he looked alright on Friday with 13pts and 9reb against Cougars) - he has been released mid-season by both his previous teams in Holland and Canada, so third team in a row to release him??

On Conrad, didn't realise he had been released by two teams previously.

Really makes you question what the coaches at Hawks are thinking.

To pick a guy released by two teams and a 7 footer (which is always a risk in SBL which is not a league suited to big centres...) Maybe they are the ones that need releasing?

They should have gotten a couple of guys like Cecil.

They looked at bringing back Cecil but his Spanish team's season is still going and they didn't want to wait for him. They weren't great last season, but Cecil was reliable despite being injury prone.

Nixy is a good coach, just doesn't have much to work with at the moment, besides he's a cripple himself having had an operation on right knee prior to the season.

ryan smith is a find for the hawks. The guy can play. had 29 on Friday night against the hawks.
he is a former slammer junior

against the cougars should i say

where was Smith against the Buccs? Hopefully not injured.

Even if Cecil was not available there are plenty like him or even better.

Why in the world would you go for a guy who has been released mid season, not once but twice.

Conrad had a less than impressive college career at a small NCCA D2 school. He averaged around 6 pts and 5 rbds.

In comparison, Thomas from Lakeside was an All American in the NAIA D1. This is the top 30 odd players in that division in the US. (and Thomas looks to be struggling as well)

When you compare the guys Redbacks got from big D1 schools then Conrad is always going to struggle.

I feel for the guy as he has been put into a situation he is not ready for and will likely have a tough year...

He really does look to be struggling,

Over the 3 games so far, only 8 shot attempts per game. Surely you want him taking 20 shots minimum.

9pts/7rbds and 1.6 blocks in 34mins not a great return.

Generally speaking at 7ft tall and 26yrs of age if you are looking to come to SBL to ply your trade there must be a reason!!

Fair call on WV 7 foot comment.

Most guys coming out of college can be picked up for the minimum (immigration requirement approx $500/week etc) as the European teams don't often go for a rookie unless they have had a great college career. In which case they aren't coming to the SBL anyway.

I know Redbacks aren't rolling in cash so can't see either of their guys getting much more than the minimum.

Anyways I hope he proves us all wrong and has a dominant season, the Hawks surely need it...

Exactly, you want everyone who comes over to have great seasons as only strengthens the league.

Anon great power ranking by the way.

"Nixy is a good coach, just doesn't have much to work with at the moment, besides he's a cripple himself having had an operation on right knee prior to the season."

Where has he coached/played before going to Hawks?

Nix's first season as head coach was in 2013. He took over mid-season after Shawn Dennis' left for Townsville and led the team to a second place finish with an 18-8 record. Both times the Crocs played the Wildcats at Perth Arena in 2014-15, Nix was on the bench alongside Dennis.

Regarding Ryan Smith, he was at a mate's wedding on Saturday night, so no worries there. He is definitely a good pick up.

He was wearing a moon boot two weeks ago.

It would be good if BWA could manage stakeholder expectations and put out a comms on when these updates can be expected etc.

It is almost pointless having these stats on a website if it is not updated close to real time. After a couple of weeks people will not even go back there to look.

As a comparison, the VJBL (Vic Juniors) games on a Friday night are all done on a paper scoresheet as some of the venues don't have electronic systems.

All of these game results are often updated by Saturday afternoon, but definitely done by Sunday.

The VJBL doesn't do leading scorers etc but there is in excess of 800 games that they get scores uploaded.

SBL is putting stats etc but from my knowledge all of these are entered electronically and should be available as soon as someone verifies then authorises.

If this assumption is wrong then it would be good for BWA to advise otherwise we are all checking for updated stats on a Monday morning.

I looked at the SBL stats yesterday, specifically the turnovers, and saw the leaders averaged 4.5 per game. A look down the list of all who committed a turnover revealed there were two players averaging six per game. These guys were not even listed in the stat leaders page. The SBL provide a disgraceful service to those who support basketball in WA.

Muo returning to the SBL with the Giants: https://www.facebook.com/GoldfieldsGiants/posts/715922828520316

this makes the goldfields giants a very legitimate chance of playoffs, this and the fact that franich will play again at some stage again this season.exciting starting 5 with shamus throwing dimes .if they finish 5-8 in the playoffs which I expect they will it would be a tough match up playing them at home in game 1.

I reckon Mathiang Muo will give the Giants a really good balance. He can play inside and out and will defend. With Exell back as a shot blocker they will be much better than they were over last two weekends.

^^ bump

Agree with 429.
It is much easier to read and reply on this forum.

The other thing is that you can check out the threads from other leagues around Australia (although the SA threads with bickering between club supporters is getting a bit old...)

Obviously BWA would be aware of the comments/complaints on these forums. You would think they would take it on board and action.

BTW, the individual stats on sbl.asn are still not updated.

The coaches that us stats in their scouting reports must be loving this...

The stats are there, it's just the averages aren't working/up-to-date. You can see the player's three/four games so far, it's just if you want the player's average, you'll have to calculate it yourself. FoxSportsPulse must be the problem, I doubt it's the SBL.

For example, the NBL Grand Final Game 1 and 2 stats are not up for the Cairns Taipans and the Breakers players. So if you look at Torrey Craig's profile, you'll see 30 games when it should be 32 - not sure if it's the NBL's fault or the system. So it could be the same with the SBL, it could be purely FoxSportsPulse's stuff up.

DaHuzyBru not sure I follow you. Are you suggesting that if you go into the box score of each game then you can get the 3 or 4 game stats for a player? (adding each game together...)

I think everyone is referring to season stats where it collates each players totals and gives averages. This area only has 1 or 2 games.

Don't know if the recent resignation of Rick Smith has much to do with the disarray at BWA...

Wow that is big news...

Although he is the CEO I'm not sure it would have much to do with the disarray. BWA has been the same since he was there.

No disrespect to the people in the BWA office but it is difficult to have people in senior positions (Cxx or Management of Comps) if they have limited or no commercial experience.

I doubt there are many BWA employees that have held similar roles to what are being asked of them in a commercial, competitive business.

A few things...

SBL FORUM
As one of the administrators of the SBL Forum, I would love to see this sort of conversation happening over there. But as someone has correctly said, you need to be a registered user to post.

There are two reasons why the SBL Forum will remain a registration-based forum for the time being:
1) The spamming we get is unbelievable. We get approximately 250 bogus accounts sign up every day. These are spamming accounts that, if activated, would lead to 99% of posts being spam.
2) In the early days of the SBL Forum, we received a couple of letters from lawyers in regards to defamatory comments made by anonymous users. With peoples livelihoods on the line, we disabled anonymous posting. And to be honest, my personal opinion is if you want to comment on something but have the luxury of hiding behind an anonymous name to protect yourself, then you are weak as piss. If that leads to the SBL Forum dying out, then so be it.

SBL WEBSITE STATS
Yes there are problems with accumulated stats on the SBL website at the moment. However it is a Sporting Pulse issue which the SBL are trying to get to the bottom of.

And if anyone is wondering, no I do not work for the SBL. However instead of sitting back and criticizing them when something like this happens (without knowing the actual facts), I usually send off a simple email asking a question, which is generally followed by a satisfactory answer.

Further to my above post, you will all be happy to know that as of 5 minutes ago, the stats problem on the SBL website has been fixed.

^well, there you go!

"And to be honest, my personal opinion is if you want to comment on something but have the luxury of hiding behind an anonymous name to protect yourself, then you are weak as piss."

Sorry to be rude, but is your real name Lukosius, and is Random his real name.
I do love the reviews Random does and your input and knowledge is great

@ Lukosius - I can't register on the SBL forum as it is saying my e-mail is invalid.

There is no contact or help e-mail addy on the forum that you can access unless you're registered.

Bit of a problem

a marked decrease in Anon posts on here... hehe

I can't count the 8 'amazing' players but they will be v strong.

Atm Easley comes off the bench. Add another 3/4 and you've got:

Armour
Scott
Cody
IMPORT
Davis

Clarke
Easley
Noordhoek
Burston
... Dam son, bench unit looks alright?!

So how does that work, the Aussie citizenship?
Is a date already locked in and they waiting it out.

If this is the case then makes sense why they signed him in the first place.

Gives them options...

haha.
AJ isnt restricted so he could play tomorrow if he wanted to!!

Dammit the guy is in NEW ZEALAND! He ain't coming...
I think Easley has committed to Tigers for 2016

Greeny, I have used this username for many years however I do not hide behind it. Most people in SBL circles know who I am, as is also the case with R@nD0m.

And for the 'Anonymous' who stated...

"Lukosius, not sure if calling your target audience "weak as piss" is the greatest marketing concept ever seen..."....

well you proved my point lol.

This is straight off Jason Conrad's recruiting page:

"He is not very aggressive offensively (only averaging 6.2 ppg his senior year) and needs to be more aggressive on the boards as well. With his mix of touch, size and athleticism, he has the potential to plan in the D-League and potentially impress enough to make an NBA roster, but he needs to play with a higher motor, get stronger (add muscle) and assert himself on both ends of the floor if he wants to realize his full potential."

Big gamble by the Hawks getting this guy in...

What's with the Majstrovich rumors again? Training with Willetton? He played in the NZNBL Blitz last weekend, are you sure that was him? He is set to debut with the Southland Sharks on April 1... http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/67463729/southland-sharks-raring-to-go-for-start-of-new-nz-nbl-season

many trolls on here DaHuzy...

haha relax, Im sure he was joking!

Good 7-footers are a rare commodity these days. Generally any of the good ones won't appear in a league like ours.

And the ones that do usually aren't great, i.e. Conrad.

With so matter athletic and versatile 4/5 men in the SBL these days, getting in a 7-footer is a big risk.

The SBL isn't really a 7-footers league, compared to say, Europe. 48-min games along with upbeat game play makes it tough for players like that.

I think this was a recruiting error by the Hawks.

Send an email to [email protected] quoting your username.

Trolls, trolls everywhere...

Does anyone know if there is any truth to the rumour that the Wildcats have bought the West Coast Waves with an ex wildcats assistant as coach?
Good news if true

Heard the rumour from the place where all good rumours come from, the pub.
Source was pretty confident it was true.

You guys are all really stupid to think any rumours on here are true.

AJ told me it was true

Wildcats taking over Waves is going ahead.

Yep, and some people think rumours on here are stupid and untrue.
It will be a great move for the Waves and gives BWA time to concentrate on promoting SBL, WABL and game development.

So who's the (rumored) new coach?

We might be both thinking of the same ex assistant, I didn't think he was interested in doing it either. If it is the same I thought he was off sitting by the side of a lake!

5 imports for waves then?

everyone went mad at gaze for suggesting it to be shut down.

the soccer league did it now look at how good their brand is.

going a bit off topic here though

we need everyone to jump back on the sbl forum

Saw Stirling v South West tonight.

If Cody catches a cold Senators are stuffed....too small, very shallow and really massively outmatched.

Ellis fought a lone hand.

Something to note as I was at the Tigers Cougars game:

Damien Scott gets ALOT of open 3pt looks but has been incredibly inefficient this season, shooting 8/42...

I'd hate to see the how many he could score if he scored at a decent clip.

Anyone know why Eagles only had 8 players last night?

Yeah, don't reckon any club can really stop the Slammers right now. Too overpowered with four (*ahem* two) imports and Mark Worthington's bro... their too strong.

I was impressed by SW.

Tre ran the point and they just have the inside-outside game down pat.

Again hard to judge as Stirling didn't have the interior defence to cope, however I would think its a Buccs-SW GF from where I sit.

Really enjoyed the WSBL game too - the SW point was excellent.

Back problems? C'mon now Charlie, first you had Willetton finishing 9th overall and now you ain't owning up to a poor choice of import...

I mean no doubt he may of hurt his back, but they were probs looking for any excuse to get rid of him.

Whats everyones thoughts on Perry Lakes making the 8 if say...Adrian Majstrovich returns to Perry Lakes in two weeks ;) ....

He only flies Qantas...and they now have the direct flight path goin on...

Well Round 3 has come and gone and we are starting to see which teams have got their pre-season timed right and the ones that are a bit under done.
Cockburn continue to surprise based on pre-season predictions having them as cellar dwellars, with Redbacks/Eagles/Hawks all starting to hit the panic button.
My 'power' rankings (which are purely based on results, stats, rumours etc) please feel free to give your opinion.

1) Slammers
Ty has definitely got his import selection right and the Slammers have got off to a flying start.
Voelkel seems to be an absolute gem and has taken over Ty's title as a walking triple double.
Slammers beat Buccs in 1st game and then have played 4 lower ranked teams but they still get my vote as #1.

2) Buccs
Having only played 1 home game and 4 away games to sit at 4-1 is a great start. Especially as the lose was only 6 pts to Slammers.
Adding DT and import Quincy has the Buccs back to the dominant team that they were with Blankston.
They go a legit 7 deep and have coverage for multiple spots should they get injuries.
Getting a win in Gero will be near on impossible this year.

3) Wolves
Getting the job done with only dominant display against the Tigers. Two important away wins so far.
Are a very experienced team that will end somewhere near 20 wins I think.
Adding Timms mid-season may disrupt chemistry but will make them by far the deepest team in the SBL.

4) Flames
All of their wins are against teams outside the 8 but they are undefeated with 2 away wins so far.
They are experienced and have depth at all positions.
Have Buccs and Slammers in the next 3 rounds so will be interesting to see where they are at.
I think they are about 5th/6th by the end of the year.

5) Tigers
I had them as 7th last time and I'm still not sure with them...
3 home wins and a big road loss. Too early to tell if that means anything more than just a 3-1 record.
Just scraped home against Cougars on a last second shot (which could have been an offensive foul...) but have been convincing against Eagles and Giants.
Rumours of a mid season import joining the team when Easely becomes an unrestricted player are interesting. Definitely would make them deep and will get the forum going with claims of buying a championship...
Should get a couple more wins before facing Buccs in round 6.

6) Magic
May have been a spot higher if they didn't drop the game against Hawks this weekend.
Good production from Florence, Della and Jackson.
Mully and Smith have had solid starts but are still under their combined pts/rbds from last year. I would expect Mully to slowly get more dominant as the season goes.
Hafford has been solid and will get better, at 15ppg/5.8rb/3.4ast he is under his season from last year so expect improvement here.
Jackson has doubled all of his key career stats and will only get better. It is great that he is getting an opportunity to run the team and show his game.

From here it gets harder...

7) Redbacks
They have probably played one of the hardest schedules to date with their last 3 games (losses) to Magic, Flames, Buccs.
They do have 3 home losses already which will make it hard for them as they will need to pick this up on the road.
Having said this they just added Prior back to their roster and they should start to win some games soon.

8) Cougars
With a 3-2 record and only close losses the Cougars have exceeded a lot of peoples prediction. Although we weren't sure they were getting imports when all the doom and gloom was predicted.
Milam and Lane have formed a good trio with Field and Pesava seems to be a good pickup from Lakeside.
Their veterans are also providing support.
I suspect that when other teams get their rosters sorted and gel a bit better then the Cougars may slide down the ladder a bit.

9) Lakeside
Swing is legit. Seems like he can create a shot and gets to the foul line a lot. If he had a better 3pt shot then he would be near on impossible to stop, aka Payne.
Prue still rebounds a lot but missing the players he used to kick it out to. Will be up and down until guys like Dixon and Jackson step up and become consistent threats.

10) Hawks
Won against Magic this weekend and big import didn't play much. Is this a sign of him be cut?
Not sure when Cassir and Dixon will be back but until then they will struggle

11) Giants
Adding Mua is a great signing (Why didn't Eagles have him signed already???) This will make them tougher but I think they are 1 player away from competing for top 8.

12) Suns
Will improve dramatically on last season but still a very young team. Will get about 8 wins I think

13) Senators
Really miss the 3rd import level player. Ellis is no doubt a dominant SBL player but not one that can win games on his own. New import appears solid but really needed to be dominant.

14) Eagles
Hit by injury and unavailibility of Jervis. When/if they get their roster together they will move up ladder. Not sure if they can repeat last year effort as they did win games early last season.