JJs starting two imports and the bench, Terangi has opened the bank at JJs.

Harrison first eight points for bullets, Gak three fouls in three minutes.

JJs trail by ten at quarter. JJs not taking it to serious, Roth likes being underdog in the season proper. Brisbane looking on, could surprise, Bairstow looks a very good pickup.

Crawford and Doyle still looking the goods. Bullets by five.

interesting game this, JJs without Drmic or MacDonald and Brisbane without Bannan

McDaniel also missing from bullets. Terangi got got lot work to do, looking bad defensively.

Both sides would be reasonably happy to get rolling. Brisbane by 13, Bateman, Prather, Harrison, Rocco, Adel, Smith Milner and Bairstow looking good. Very early days for JJs, Deng probably the pick but they rotated through a lot players. Young Nunn looked ok to. Very relaxed sort game.

Yes, young Nunn looks like he could be another nugget Roth has unearthed as a DP. Walter Brown still very young and looks to be still growing and also coming along nicely. Deng certainly looks like he can hold down the 4 with maybe Drimic who didn't play but apparently has gone to another level in pre season. Crawford hit an incredible scoop 3 on the half time buzzer which was disallowed. Sword hit a corner 3 and then all over Bateman first trip down the court but then seemingly put it all away for show another day. Brisbane imports looked good and Bullets may well cause some upsets this season. JJs seemingly blowing away the cob webs and ran some very different rotations giving everyone a run. Both teams would be happy with the hit out.

Armstrong looking like he could have a big year.

First to admit I'm wearing the rose coloured glasses and we've been going for 10 min, but Cairns won't get the spoon.

49 each, Cairns might be better than first thought, Melbourne still rely on Goulding and Illi a lot. Prather wife clearly in love with Australia, praised everything from coffee, food and weather. Their baby I believe was born in Australia.

Is it just me or does Bradshaw look very uncomfortable on the ball

I like the look of groves though. Suits cairns perfectly

I said it before and I'll say it again, Taipans are a chance at top 6. This game obviously doesn’t reveal everything but still impressive so far

I can't see it word. I'm still picking Cairns will collect the spoon this year!

Without Armstrong on they look lost

fair enough, honestly both arguments have merit. we'll just have to wait and see! Melbourne slowly taking over this game but not out of Cairns reach yet

I like the way they battle with a low budget and forde fits them perfectly but they just need more output at SG/SF

Would love to see them knock some big teams off though considering they spend about half as much on salaries!

yeah good calls on the SG/SF, always admirable how they perform with their budget

Cairns can't afford to lose any of their top six or seven players, they can cause problems, certainly at home, be lucky to make play inns at this stage.
United are just a professional outfit, don’t look as good as last season, got a very oldish side and could suffer injury problems as well .

As you say time will tell but I just see teams like the hawks having a more complete roster

Geez this preseason blitz builds anticipation for the season though. Some excellent player additions to the league

United have so much variation and options in their offence though dunkman. Very hard to defend over the course of a full game. White a great addition to that

Agree Cairns depth may be an issue.

But Armstrong was very good and Edwards looked solid. Groves could turn out to be really good signing, he looked rock solid. Pedro looked awkward, but first game so can hopefully only improve.

I'm happy to stick with my call we definitely won't get the spoon. Play-ins right on the cards.

From what we've seen so far it looks like luck and injuries could make a big difference, all sides look so even.

Thoughts on Sword for the JJ's?

Will he be able to cover the McVeigh hole?

Too early to know re sword and his upside.

The rotations the JJs played against the bullets was mainly DPs Brown and Nunn with others. Sword did not get a lot of minutes when he was on, he looked smooth.

Word from the JJs ie Ast coach Radford is that he is stil getting use to the Jackjumpers system which is understandable.

Injuries can destroy anyone. They ruined SEM and NZ last season. Or Carlton this year in the AFL.

But teams like United, Perth or Sydney have decent depth across 1-5.

Cairns or Adelaide would be in huge trouble with just 1 or 2 injuries to certain players.

Watching Blitz go get a feel for new players. Encouraging that Edwards shot 24. They'll need that.

Just been watching more.

Cairns imports all look good

Very encouraging game for them.

Playing vs a United side who knows Vickermans system and traditionally do very well at the Blitz, but Cairns were right with them for most of the game.

Having said that, United missed a lot of open looks. They will bury some teams with their 3 points shooting this year but it was off yesterday

Expect a slightly different role and more plays set for MacDonald this year for JJs to help cover some of the loss of McVeigh's scoring output. Lit it up last year in one game beyond the arc scoring 24 for the game. Possibly the best shooter on the roster now outside of Crawford and Doyle. Know that is a big call but he makes a lot of shots in different ways and virtually never misses anything in warm ups. Drmic probably gets a slightly different role too and will be very important. Not relying on Sword to fill the void for McVeigh as a shooter. Roth was talking about him playing 15 to 20 minutes a game on team need roles Monday (interpret that as shut down D) Doyle probably shoots a lot more and Crawford looked supremely confident last night. Might be one of those imports that improves in year 2. Maybe Nunn gets some minutes too based on last night. The rest play their roles as per last season with Krislovic and Gak being very important coming off the bench.

SEM should start Kenyon. Balance out their scorers with more D. Bring Wieskamp off the bench.

Hawks get the job done over the Phoenix 112-93. SEM need to work on their defence.

SEM will be frustrating but exciting to watch.

There will be plenty of games like this, but equally plenty of nights where SEM are the ones scoring 112 or thereabouts

Early early days but I'm seeing 3 title contenders starting to rise above the rest. Sydney, Perth and Illawarra

SEMs D not enough. United's Offense not enough. Cairns, Brisbane not talented enough. Adelaide not enough depth especially big man depth.

NZ too early to say.

And JJs, like United, won't have enough offense and fire-power.

It's Sept 8 and no one is showing anything. All these games are just miles in the legs. To make predictions is just to say mine is bigger than yours. Just be happy Ball is back and back earlier than normal

Watching Matt Hurt's jump shot is enjoying a thing of beauty

But watching Hurt play Defense really hurts me

Don't agree Sebastian

As I explained to you recently, Historically the September favourites win quite often

Things are emerging quickly and it's worth paying attention

Pre-season is virtually meaningless. The 36ers won back to back Blitz championships in 22 and 23 and never made the Top 6.

Having said that I'm staying with my Top 3 prediction of Sydney, Perth and Illawarra, the rest likely just making up the numbers.

NZ uniforms are so hard to read

I love the way doolittle plays

You have Perth top 3 and NZ bust. How's this looking at half time? Just watch hoops. You have never really had a clue lethal vertical

As Zodiac states all pre-season results are irrelevant. Just like predictions

My sportsbet account says otherwise. Ive been winning most years for a long time- and partly that's been through paying close attention to off-season signings and pre-season.

But each to their own

(Gamble responsibly, you're more likely to lose than win etc etc etc)

Ps I only bet on NBL and to a lesser extent, AFL. And smallish amounts. I'm not really a gambler as such.

Pps Zodiac, I've never placed a bet on the 36ers

I'm not saying go Bet on the Blitz winner. I'm saying you can glean valuable information from what's happening right now.

Ppps if your going to reply, at least read my posts. Whered I say NZ bust? I didn't. I've consistently said they're the hardest team to predict right now. An unknown quantity. That's 100% true

Who cares about your fictitious Sportsbet account! Can reply in one post or you just like talking to yourself in threads. No one pays attention to your biased ridiculous delusions.

Glean valuable information?

Like predicting Rayjon Tucker is the favourite for MVP perhaps?

The good teams don't want to show their hands and just get miles into their players legs and the crap teams go all out to impress to try and bump up their memberships.

You can't put much stock in what goes on in pre-season. Especially new imports who haven't had a chance to be scouted by opp teams yet.

Breakers need to learn some foul discipline, may very well cost them this game

Lol Sebastian!! Fictitious

Happy to post this seasons bets and we can check and confirm in 6 months

So far

Title
- Perth $8.00
- Hawks $17.00

Playoffs
- Perth $1.72
- Hawks $6.00

Last year I had United, Perth, NZ for title with a JJs hedge mid-season. And Cotton for MVP.

early days still but not convinced at all on NZ, we'll see

Perth win 108-102 off the back of a 41 point final quarter. Cotton and Pinder combine for 57pts. Bolden finishes with a bizzare statline of 1pt, 1ast, 10rebs.

I guess a win is a win but not impressed with that first outing for the Cats. The issues from last year are still there.

JR still got some anger issues he needs to reel in (though he was right about that 8 sec no call)

Glover the only player from SEM in the plus at +8. Sobey -24, Hurt -22, all other around-6-8. Glover should play 30 minutes a game. This side looks like a typical Greer, Mitchell side, no defenders. Early days but Kelly had better start benching guys, Hurt defensively is not u/12 level and Wieskamp only slightly better. Sobey still thinks he owns the ball, why bring in Walton jnr.
Hawks looking good and deep, those that think Olbrich isn't going to put pressure on Froling for his place or the four spot from the import will be surprised, he’s more chance nba that Froling.
Finally, defence normally wins championships, maybe Greer had better learn this.

Good win Perth the 4th qtr intensity was palpable here in Singapore...

New NZ coach rightly had a tanty at one point. Multiple consecutive offensive rebounds and missed put backs not leading to a foul despite heavy contact, ball goes down the other end for weak instant call at the cats basket. There will be no discussions about consistency at ref HQ though so get ready for a season of coin flip frustrating head scratchers.

Dunkman. I agree with most of what you say but Walton only played 15 minutes and was quite good in that time. He will play a lot more once the real stuff begins. Won't happen but I would start Glover and bring Sobey off the bench as the second unit scorer.
SEM's interior D was terrible.
Hawks will hope that Days can play some decent D because they also are poor defensively. They certainly have plenty of offense though.

Drexler, will you be at the intercontinental cup in Singapore?

I agree kwhite. Perth should easily put the breakers away based on the roster. Windler was talked up but didn't offer much. They can't go through the full season reliant on Pinder and cotton like that. But in saying that, it was great to see Pinder playing direct and with confidence.

Bolden still looking poor for the Breakers. Hovers out at the perimeter, barely uses his height to effect and no anticipation to get into the paint for rebounds. I can't see him lasting the season. Maybe if mody liked him enough to sign him he can take him to the b league and save paying his contract out

@ fsos pit, I agree re Walton but the number of times he was ready to receive the ball and Sobey went his own iso way, yes sometimes he scored, or missed or turned it over, Kelly is going to have to get this team firing quickly or he's out the gate. The team play was nearly non existent.

I’m going to try keep off the refs this season but I wished they had watched the Olympics a bit more as most that was excellent refereeing. I’d don’t think they did though, again early days.

word14 No it was just a euphemism for my VPN connection

Windler went up for some rebounds like Warwick Capper/Gary Ablett Sr. back in the day. Once he has eased into the lineup I hope to see a lot more of this, a tenacious gimme the ball every board attitude is what we need this season. Pointless making judgements about him though after only his first showing in a preseason game but that deep 3 was pretty automatic. Lets run some plays for him JR!

Ah ok drexler, fair enough lol

Dunkman I'm sure every ref watched the Olympics. They call the game as they are told to call it. Also not sure you would get your take on the refs from Serbia or France as examples

[The good teams don't want to show their hands and just get miles into their players legs]

Is that why United's won 4 of the last 10 Blitz's? (Or something like that)?

Bit of a generalisation

What's useful is seeing the new players in a 40 minute game. Very different to watching 5 minutes of YouTube highlights and scouring their stats, which is all I do pre-Blitz.

What SEM needs to do is clear.

1. Vary the 5. Make at least one change. Bring in Kenyon and/or Glover. Lewis even worth considering. Sobey, Wieskamp and/or Hurt, 1 of these guys (maybe even 2) come off the bench.

2. Don't play Hurt at the 5. He'll get eaten by most of the NBL 5 men. Just Play Hunter for as many minutes as he stays out of foul trouble, and Majok the rest.

Or I suppose you could play Hurt at 5 in limited circumstances.

But it's about having the mix right.

Hunter will be indispensable for this group. If he has a career-best year they may contend. Keeping him out of foul trouble will be one of Kelly's greatest challenges this year.

LV, weren't you just telling me on here about a week or so ago that Wieskamp and Hurt were going to be guns because they came from the G-League?

I said

https://www.hoops.com.au/forum/52193-early-nbl-ladder-predictions/#p948374

"Hurt and Wieskamp have been discussed a lot. They should be good scoring options but their D will be crucial to SEM's title aspirations."

In that thread I predicted SEM 15-13 (forgetting it's 29 games)

After seeing Hurt and Wieskamp their D is worrying.

As I said, I don't (right now) place them as a legit title contender. Right now, in my mind, that's Sydney, Perth and Illawarra only. Until someone else proves otherwise. Which may happen at some point. We'll see.

I should add, if I was re-doing those predictions right now, I'd adjust Illawarra up from 13-15 to say 16-13. Just behind United.

But I think United will be a good regular season team but not a great playoff team. They'll be a semi final loser I think. Hence why I'd predict United better record but Hawks a better title shot.

United are solid and deep, well coached and structured.
JJs similar but bench over achievers last season imo. McVeigh mirical shot won the championship
Perth look very solid and reasonable to good bench
Sydney strong in all departments.
Illawarra looking very solid, also reasonable to good bench
The rest fight it out at this early stage.
Why would SEM bring in two highly paid imports to start them on the bench and their bench isn't deep. The American guy commentating when that game was on said and I quote, neither Wieskamp and Hurt were not know for their defence and two other starters are Sobey and Walton jnr. lol.

No way are Wieskamp and Hurt highly paid imports lol

Oh dear. Not this again.

G League pays low, therefore overseas leagues pay G League imports lowly amounts? Righto. That's completely illogical.

First year uni teaches supply and demand. It's economics 101. Not that you need uni- it's a common sense concept.

Hyper-analyse the Blitz > ? > Profit

Import minimums are 20k US net a month plus car and accommodation, I'd say that is highly paid.

PW The Blitz is useful with filling in the immense knowledge gaps arising from the NBL being a 2nd tier, highly transient league.

20-25k USD per month is standard. 6-7 months work. Not sure I would call that highly paid, relative to what the stars get paid in the NBL but each to their own. Bryce Cotton is on $750k a season, that's highly paid.

Dunkman who told you that's import minimum? CJ Massingale was playing for like, 38k Aussie a season. That was years ago, but still.

There are definitely cheap imports around from time to time.

But guys who've played NBA regular season last year and averaged 20ppg shooting 40% from 3 in G League. No, they aren't it. Their services would be desired. Hence the demand in supply and demand.

Sorry LV G-League imports are usually cheapies. The 36ers admitted Kendric Davis was a cheapie because they said they were trying to land a big fish for our second import, Jarell Martin.

Ask yourself why Cairns have signed two G-League guys as imports, Edwards and Bradshaw? The Taipans only spent $6,000k above the salary floor last season, they're a poor club. They didn't re-sign Miller because he would've demanded a big raise as a proven gun in the NBL hence settled for a couple of G-League guys plus Groves who bounced around overseas last season.

Source? Who said that? Link?

Note that Davis is a 5'11 Point Guard, who generally would be cheaper than a 6'7 SF or a 6'10 PF/C. And Davis hasn't played an NBA game unlike the other two.

But nonetheless I'm interested

Edwards averaged 8ppg last season! Hurt averaged 20.5ppg!

Also Cairns would be paying their Aussies bare minimum (Adnam, Stith etc), so they'd be paying their imports more than last season to make up for it. That wasn't enough to keep Miller, sure, but they would be paying decent dollars.

I agree on the call to start Kenyon over Wisekamp for SEM. Their defence is atrocious.

Cant wait to watch Matt Hurt have to try guard Xavier Cooks/Darius Days/Jarrell Martin/even Josh Bannan. Like I said a few weeks ago, elite shooter but a Brady Manek 2.0

Thought Windler was good for Perth, 9 points in 12 minutes and gee he crashes hard for boards.

No point overanalysing anything, aside from the comp looks really even with a few favourites out in front. fingers crossed no easy beats this year.

I can't remember if it was Ninnis or Weston who said it in an article on the NBL's website. It was after they had signed Davis but before they had signed Martin.

True at sub 6 foot and no NBA exp he would've come cheaper than the two SEM guys.

LV how much of a hard on do you have for Matt Hurt? WGAF that he averaged 20 ppg in the G-League? There's no defence and it's 48 min games too. So 16 ppg in a no defence league. I bet the guy struggles to guard a chair.

He looked like he'd struggle to guard a chair against Hawks.

Not sure what Greer and Mitchell were looking at when recruiting this team....
Firepower - maybe
Defense - surely not

Make or break for Kelly this year, Greer too you’d have to think

It may be a "no-defense league" or more accurately a "less defense league" but fact is, few people average 20ppg there.

Shooting is the most important individual skill in basketball, and Hurt is clearly an uber-elite shooter, going 53/42 at Duke and 55/40 at G League while putting up a high volume of shots.

We saw him put in some ripping shots yesterday.

That makes him valuable despite his terrible defense. He needs to be in the right situation alongside the right team-mates to cover his weakness and maximise his elite shooting. Not sure SEM is that situation however!

I can understand you chasing Walton jnr as he is a very good point guard, he can score but also get your team playing team. He's never been great defensively but to put two more non defenders with him plus Sobey doesn’t add up to me. It’s alright thinking you have got a good defensive centre, Hunter is not going to stop that avalanche. Hurts defence yesterday was atrocious, early days I’ll admit.
At least the season is rolling and it does look like it’s going to be so close that it’s going to have upsets all over so all will have a chance.

End of the NZ-Perth game was a pretty epic collapse by NZ. I think Mooney will come good, but worrying signs from Gillespie based on this game and the first Kings preseason game.

I would rather NZ drop that one now an learn from it than in the regular season.
Huge improvement over the games against Sydney so they're trending in the right direction.
Poor defensive rotations kept Perth in that one and then NZ collapsed.
More time together and a couple more games will hopefully sort that out.

Liking Mojave King and Grant Anticevich looks good when his shot is dropping.

Derek Pardon didn't look great pre-season and look how he turned out.
Gillespie will be fine.
Boldens the one who will really need to find some form.

I thought Gillespie was much better than versus the kings and remember he was up against one of the leagues best bigs in Pinder, who was in beat mode

But he's also more a role player than a top level big

I think guys like froling and Humphries will struggle against him

Who I was really impressed by was darling. Strong, direct and quick plays attacking the basket. Upgraded this year from DP and he could get some time if he keeps playing like that

Agree Kolzee, Darling did not look out of place.
Hopefully he can work his way into the rotation.

Pedro Bradshaw been on the call this second quarter of Tas vs Adl, seems like a great guy

Michael Randall saying Martin is out for 4-6 weeks.

What was your 3rd import lever talk again, Weston?

49-37 to Sixers at the half. Really liking Davis, Humphries and Dech, DJV got pass more instead complaining he's getting fouled. There depth is a worry, it’s just to inexperienced, they will do some good stuff mixed in with poor mistakes.

JJs just running everyone, Roth is a smart cookie, they will be in it, I don’t believe they are favourites, I’m not convinced on some on there bench standing up to previous levels but I’ve been wrong on this before.

Hooley saying Martin going to be out majority of season by the time he gets back to fitness he needs to be in to play.

Wells clearly looks like he knows what he's doing, I’m impressed with Sixers, they are not going to be champions but I’m thinking maybe creep into sixth. They move the ball very nicely. Dech looking like a different player. Davis talent and clever.

Dech feels like the perfect guy to be in the starting 5 they've put together. Won't demand the ball, won't be upset if he's not involved, but will do all the little things they need and can hopefully hit a few 3's if he gets left alone in the corner.

That'll let them use Mayen off the bench too, where they probably need a bit more if an offensive punch. Marshall is looking more aggressive with the ball in his hands too, so he's another guy they'll need to take a big step forward if they're ti make the playoffs.

Impressive 32 point win. Hard to tell a lot as JJs didn't seem that interested but a very good win. Martin certainly looks well over weight and injured, he is months away.

Surely they will cut Martin if he is a long way from playing

Looked pretty good although it was only a preseason game

Sixers might claim yet another Bruton-Loggins Cup, augurs well for another successful season.

36ers playing like a team with a point to prove. Need Nation once the season starts though (or replacement)

Martin*

Sixer first home game sold out, I'm a non supporter of any team but I believe Sixers supporters deserve a very competitive season. Early days but that at least shows improvement.

Kings by 4 @ 1/4, would not think either side be happy with the D.

So it's on Kayo freebies after all hey

King v phoenix certainly looking like a preseason game, kings by 11 but really relying on the 3 ball. Cooks looks out control at times.

Dunkman, Roth showing the other teams absolutely nothing in those 2 games to the point of just not playing MacDonald and even took Sword off when he was starting to show too much at one point tonight. Said Monday on SEN that the JJs will be trying to win for Australia at the Intercontinental Cup. We will see proper rotations Friday night but those first two games against United in the season proper are super important. I expect he won't be showing Vickerman anything he hasn’t seen before in Singapore.

Kings rolling, not convinced on cairns imports except for Groves.

Kuol looking fantastic at both ends, he stopped the grabbing and playing straight up D. How do kings stay under the cap? Could be a long season for taipans, Groves looking good, the other two imports not so great.

Gillespie will be okay once he sorts himself out and learns not to foul. Not sure if he will ever reach 'good' level but will be okay.

Matt Mooney on the other hand was genuinely atrocious against Perth. Stacks look okay but threw up 3 air-balls, and single-handedly ruined Breakers chance of a close ending with an unsportsmanlike foul on Cotton, immediately followed by a foul on a three.

Early candidate along with Wisekamp and Jarrell Martin (4th best player in the league lol) for first import to be released IMO.

Stats**

Breakers imports always look bad in preseason. I remember when people were sure Brantley and Pardon would be the first imports cut. Is it because the Breakers imports join the team later than they join other teams?

Groves looks like he'll turn out to be a real sleeper, but I think Edwards could be excellent once he finds his feet and adapts to the NBL. Pedro still looks a bit awkward and I was hoping to see a bit more from Stith as well. But it's still very early days, I'm not giving up yet!

Darius Days will suit up for the Hawks this arvo after getting his clearance ticked off.

Dylan Windler a game time decision with an ankle

Harrison and Adel looking fantastic, no way bullets get the spoon.

No cg 43 or Rocco

Delly out as well.

30 to 25 bullets. Harrison has been fantastic. Good preseason game.

Is Harrison the most under- discussed and underrated of the 98/99 Aussie big cohort eg Humphries, Magnay, Hunter, Froling (2000)

Although he's playing for NZ (fathers country) he was born and raised here

Although he's playing for NZ (fathers country) he was born and raised here

I was thinking the other day how underrated Harrison is LV. Uses his height very well but doesn't depend on it like some other 7 footers

I was thinking the other day how underrated Harrison is LV. Uses his height very well but doesn't depend on it like some other 7 footers

He represented Australia at the uni games, doesn't that make stick for Australia.

Brisbane scored 60 at the half, 49 to Melbourne. United will be solid this season but so will bullets, Scheuler seems to picked a good squad , they will be trouble for teams

Like a lot of the Kiwis, he's developing slower than others in cohort but his consistent improvement is compounding. He will be dominant in a season or two.

36 fouls for United. Sheesh. What's the 40 minute record?

Looking like this game being played in Perth the way the refs are calling it, all we want is consistency.

Early days however the team structure for United looks out of balance. Missing CG43 and Delly had a big impact but my biggest concern is the lack of interior presence provided by the Lee/Loe and White/Bowen combos at the 4 and 5 positions. None provide much of an offensive threat. The Lee selection particularly looks poor, surely Shawn Long/Alan Williams type would have been a better fit?

Olbrich is a twenty year old beast, how good is he going to be. Adelaide should be crying every time they see him.

I'd take Lee, Loe and White for the Breakers if you don't want them JMS!

But seriously I like the variation they have and think once white gets into the genes more I think the range of scoring options will be tough to defend

JMS I've been saying this for months- United not a top tier title contender this year. Simply not enough offense. You can't lose the best scoring big in the NBL, replace him with a defensive big, and expect to retain championship level offense.

Very happy to be proven wrong. In fact, I hope I'm wrong.

What I do like is the 3 point shooting. The overall level of 3 point shooting is high, and spread across all positions. There will be nights they drop 16 or 18 threes and bury teams.

But there will also be nights they go 8 from 30.

And none of this makes up for the lack of alpha dog, go-to guy scoring, what they lost when JLA walked out the door.

I think you might be overstating the offensive impact of JLA. He was #22 in the NBL in scoring last season.

JLA was very average last season.

Perth and Illawarra are going to be knocking on the door.

What was he in points-per- minute amongst big guys?

Pretty sure the answer is first? United players often have lesser stats because Vickerman plays reduced minutes compared to opposition stars. Same reason Landale didn't win MVP (he played 27 minutes a night), despite being the best player that year.

JLA actually did have an off year. It wasn't as good as NBL22. Had time off for "family reasons" mid season and, apart from one huge night in Brisbane, from memory, never really took over another game. Something appeared wrong to me.

With the 22JLA United wins that title without doubt. But he was still very impactful last year

Nbl refs are the worst callers of the charge, block calls.

Nbl refs are the worst callers of the charge, block calls.

Blanchfield should be 12th man, he's past it at both ends.

Sorry Alan Williams was 1st PPM amongst Centres

JLA put up 0.61 ppm though (14.5p In 23.7m). That's elite.

Perth vs Illawarra is a very fun game.

Pepper/Henshall/Michael Harris is an elite bench trio.

Side note - Olgun Uluc when asked about Dylan Windler on the ESPN Aussie Hoops Hour podcast: "I think Dylan Windler, unironically, could be the best player in the entire league. He's that good, and no one is talking about it."

JLA was no alpha-dog, go to scorer last season. He wasn't even close to the leading scorer on his team.

Just stop, LV.

Very enjoyable game. Cats are deep, very strong in all positions, playing very well. Hawks will be good, not as deep but quality. It's going to be a hell of a season.

You're a complete laugh a minute Zodiac

My point is completely valid. JLA was the top big-man scorer at United. He could get himself a bucket. Lee cannot- he plays off others. So does White predominantly.

It's a big loss and we've already seen plenty of evidence in the pre-season.

United went 20-8 last year and, should've won the title. Unfortunately won't happen this year, and the reduction in offensive capability is the main reason I predict that.

Henshall looks ready for a break-out season.

If so, bodes very well for Perth because PG looks their weakest position.

Oh and Zodiac go check where Landale finished in the NBL in scoring in 2021

Hint- not in the top 10

Was Landale therefore not a go-to scorer?

Last time I bother responding to your nonsense tonight.

Landale was #12 in the NBL in scoring and leading scorer on his team.

JLA was #22 in the NBL in scoring last season and wasn't even the leading scorer on his team.

Therefore JLA was not an alpha-dog, go-to scorer at United last season as you incorrectly stated.

Watching Almansa it's apparent the Sarr-Almansa switch has resulted in Perth losing plenty of Defense (much like JLA-Lee results in United's offense being less potent).

Lol Zodiac, are you this obtuse in real life?

I hope not, because your colleagues must've had a gut full a long time ago

Stop obsessing over the term "alpha dog" (an appropriate term for a guy who finished 2nd or 3rd in MVP in 2022) and understand what I'm saying

JLA was a finisher for United. A guy who can flat out get the ball in the hoop, by posting up, or driving to the basket. Or finishing a possession with a power move. Losing that- and replacing him with a guy who only scores on pick and rolls, put-backs, catch and finish plays- is a massive loss for the team offense

The reason he finished 22nd or whatever is because He missed the early season, Hukporti was starring and proved his value to United success. They couldn't really play together, so for maximum team benefit, they shared minutes

If JLA had been on some other teams he would've played 30 minutes a night and finished top 10 in NBL in scoring

Don't know why I'm bothering explaining this to such an obtuse person but hey, I was feeling generous

And another issue is JLA is foul prone (like many 7 footers in the NBL) which also restricts his minutes

But when he's on the court he's an absolute force, which the statistics substantiate even if the eye test doesn't (for an obtuse and challenged person like you Z)

Pepper's looks like becoming a bench spark plug behind Cotton, something it feels like Perths needed for a while

Love Love love the way Illawarra fought out this game

Pepper and Henshall both looking the goods. Rillie going to need to do a much better job juggling mins in the backcourt this season.

Two massive games tonight. The two most unpredictable teams in the comp, NZ and SEM.

NZ facing Adelaide who should be buzzing with the Harrell news.

SEM facing supremely talented Sydney who've won their three pre-season hitouts by 40ish, 30ish and 22.

Meanwhile SEM have lost their 3 pre-season games.

I know it's only pre-season but it feels like pressure is already building on SEM, fast. A win tonight would ease that.

Can SEM play D, will interesting game.

Could we see Henshall starting over Webster? id definitely like to see it.

Humphries looking unstoppable, Davis looking good. Bolden, breakers not so much.

NZ got back into late in quarter when Sixers bench came on. Harrell should fix some this up.

DJV hogging it and turning it over not helping.

Humphries plus 11 when he goes to bench, nz lead by six, that's how important he is.

King, PJC, Mccaron, Mooney looking good for breakers. 51 to 42 breakers after being well down late in first quarter.
No Dech so far, Sixers bench totally average, also DJV. Humphries clearly the pick, Davis, Starling and Mayern fine. Cadee far to much time, no matter how good the commentary say he is.

The Breakers need to get way more out of Bolden and Gillespie. Bolden is jacking up everything and Gillespie looks lost. The rest of the team looks good.

In less than two minutes sixers back in front by two.

Gillespie not looking standard required at present, nor Bolden.

Humphries been great, both sides got some good pieces, Davis and PJC being both very good, depth is the problem for both sides. Good win to the Sixers. PJC injured finger in last 30 seconds, let's hope no breaks.

Interesting comments. I thought Gillespie was good. Standard fouls called against a new import big - pardon, big sauce, lee all got the same treatment.

Bolden on the other hand looks awful and getting outplayed by mennenga and the opposition. Doesn't seem willing to do any hard work within the perimeter. Just throw up threes when not even set. Can we just release him now and move on.

King looks great. I hope they just let him play his role and not overplay his hand.

PJC dislocation so should be fine

Sixers look pretty good although clearly over reliant on Isaac and Kendrick. Think expectations of their new import are too high. DJV needs to step up with more than just as a five minute spell of threes!

Davis looks very good I've been impressed not just with the numbers but he seems to have a mature head for a young guy. I also like the fact he can score in a multitude of ways, outside, going to the hole and gets to the FT line regularly.

Humphries looked great but should have a field day inside against those deplorable Breakers bigs. Gillespie, Bolden, Pineau unfortunate stuff. Mennenga looks alright though. Mojave Kings looks more mature and assertive than he was with us three years back.

Under no circumstances is PJC his listed height of 5'11". Davis at 5'11" is clearly a few inches taller and Cadee towers over him. He must really be about 5'8".

Sixers FT still crap, 11/19. Need to sort that out somehow.

Agree zodiac. Davis looked very composed. And when he did resort to the step back he normally nailed it!

Humphries dominated the first half, then DJ and Davis started firing

Bolden and Gillespie need to be much better if NZ's going to challenge the top teams

Davis doesn't look like he's doing anything out there that he couldn't do on a regular basis. Hopefully that remains the case when the real stuff starts. Not sure why Dech didn't play hopefully rested or a minor injury and not already in Wells' doghouse.

On the Breakers side they really need to do something quick about Gillespie. He looks both clueless and useless, not a good combination. Not sure what Darling is meant to offer at NBL level, again. Bolden is such a disappointing player the basketball gods never forget.

Mooney looks like he might be alright. McCarron looks much better suited to his role with NZB, he could always play just didn't warrant the big money he was on with us. I liked the energy of Anticevich. I would be playing Mennenga ahead of Bolden for mine.

It was refreshing watching a game without a foul every 30 seconds after watching Mel v Bris

Although, Breakers are settling for jumpers, they don't have anyone putting much pressure on the rim.

36-31 kings, oh my. Oliver and Toohey looking great. Wieskamp plays tall, looking ok. SEM offence looks fine can they play D. Not sold on Hurt, Hunter will foul out covering for him.

Adams and Noi not playing.

Walton jnr been fantastic, Hunter very good. Hurt is a worry on D. 68-63 kings. SEM certainly deeper than last season.

Cooks not looking great at present, still struggling shooting. Toohey, Kuol , Galloway been great, Oliver a highlight reel. Not certain Goorj would be happy with kings D.

Adelaide have looked impressive under Wells so far, and refreshing to actually see Adelaide playing in an organised system.

Davis is super impressive, and agree he looks mature and ready for a big season.

I think Adelaide have won the Mayen/Galloway trade already. Mayen looks like he could be anything, and glad to get a local back.

SEM looking great, Wieskamp fantastic. SEM playing great team play. Walton just controlling everything. Early days but very happy for Kelly.

Sheesh SEM can seriously score.

They can certainly score but what was impressive after a slowish start they kept kings down to 101. They quite deep as well, certainly 8/9. Walton jnr certainly in control.

Kings could be favourites but certainly didn't look that efficient tonight. Cooks certainly off from what he was.

Early days but SEM fans might have something to smile about this season.

Sydney vs SEM was a heckuva game

Played at a frenetic pace, big shots everywhere, Sydney ran out of gas a bit sooner

Some of the D was lacking but overall it was a great display of scoring, both these teams will be fun to watch this year

I think the Blitz will turn out to be an accurate prelude to SEM's season

It'll be high scoring games most nights. They'll win some, lose others, often big margins either way.

They actually defended well today, kept kings to 101 after kings got 30 in first quarter. They shared the ball well, even Sobey. Future looks good.

They didn't defend overly well, there was plenty of sloppy play

Kings were missing Adams and Noi too don't forget.

Meanwhile Humphries looked great tonight.

But according to Zodiac he can't be a go-to scorer, because he didn't lead his team last season. Too bad 36ers.

Not lot defence being played through out the blitz. The commentary on this United v hawks game is just so much flagellation.

United might be scared to play defense after 36 fouls last game and a couple softies early in this one.

52 to 50 United. Hawks had this in hand till Blanchfield hits the court, commentary is horrible but Olbrich is certainly one of my favourite players now.

Day looking the goods too.

Loe is a liability on D. Good close game so far.

Was looking forward to Geelong United debut BUT !!!!

Geelong United United's first taste of WNBL action will be a team featuring the next generation of up-and-comers. 

Team List; Poppy Stevens, Poppy Myers, Miley Dawkins, Kiara Foster, Sienna McCumber, Taneille Knight, Grace Spehar, Dakota Crichton, Ally Knights

Such a lost opportunity

wrong thread above

Good game and win by united, Hickey -13 over dribbled it. Olbrich, Lee and Day very good for hawks. White and Illi really good but united just so solid across the floor.

Cairns imports have started excellent. No Cotton

Almansa going to be better than Sarr for cats. 22-13 Cairns. Groves looks a great pickup.

Tai Webster needs to be sitting on the pine, right down the end and only get minutes when Cats lead by 30.

Over-dribbling ball got that can't make a shot or create for others.

Fire alarm, the place is emptying out. Must be cats fan as they were trailing by nine

Withers in for Bryce I assume?

Cairns bench might be able to rotate through by ones, any more and they are on a hiding, it's what happens when you’re on limited money.

Nbl 1 players are cairns bench or worse. Cats to easy after a nice start by cairns. Any injuries to there starters and it's the spoon for taipans.

22 turnovers for Cairns

I think that might be the norm until Armstrong's back unfortunately

I know it's early days but SEM look like the biggest threat to the kings of you ask me.

I've been raving about them previously and picked them to finish 3rd but if wieskamp continues to perform at that level they'll beat everyone except maybe the kings

Jack White's had quite a good Blitz- averaging 18 and 10 at a high FG%

Very good sign for United, cos they'll need lots from him this season

Always thought White was a good player, but his performances so far have exceeded my expectations, he could be an mvp candidate.

Well, you look at United's roster and it's a clear downgrade on last year

They've also gotten older- CG (36 soon), Delly (34), Loe (33), Clark (33), Ili (32 soon), all well into their 30s

Krebs and Bowen are guys who could improve- 2nd year in the United system, and in the right age window

But they'll be relying on White/Bowen to defend some important opponents- Xavier Cooks, Darius Days, Matt Hurt, Jarell Martin, Majok Deng- 4 men that are too powerful for CG/Krebs but too mobile for Lee/Loe

And on the offensive end they'll need White doing a bit of everything and scoring 15 points a game, at least.

Good to hear Jack White is back in form.
His leg injury earlier in the year seemingly afffected his shooting percentages and output
I should never have underestimated his ability to work and recover.

Both Sixers and SEM starting a few bench players. SEM moving the ball better than ever since they been in comp.

24-14 to SEM, no strarters yet for Sixers. SEM will be going up in my ratings, even defensively they are getting better quickly.

I don't think Adelaide have turned up today

I think it shows how shallow Sixers roster is, Mayern had a shocker. SEM showing that Kelly has started to put his stamp on the side. They are deep as well.

Score is 27-51. Early days but the ball movement is so much better from SEM, all there previous sides had so many ball dominant players starting with the captain, Hurt and Wieskamp play a lot better team and after his initial horrid defensive production Hurt looks like he could be ok if not great.

Olgun saying Martin came in over weight, my man up there was right. Wieskamp is going to a be a gun. Hunter is a great asset as well.

I've seen enough, I’m out, don’t think this has helped Sixers, if there bench had problems before it’s just got worse, there will be no confidence left. SEM doing it much better.

The rostered Sixers players looked rooted. Looking very similar to last year. Always half a second behind and half a step too slow.

What does a ticket cost up there? You'd almost want your money back for that..

$20 for an adult for the 2 games we are sitting a row behind the Sixers bench and the starters didn't look happy not playing wasn’t good for them either not to play at all

Breakers to get mauled by the kings unless BG rests his starters

The only interesting outcomes really are whether bolden, Gillespie and to a lesser extent mooney are worthy of their spots

OMG I don't understand what the 36ers coaches were thinking. Why can't the bench players be played with a couple of the starting 5??

We would see what they can do with the starter's who works well with who....

The starter's could get some touch because none of them have set my world on fire the past couple of days.

I agree that what confidence any of the benchies had it'll be almost non existent now & wondering where do I actually fit with this team.

Very disappointing it was a 50+ point loss

OR

Just gives them the obvious excuse that we didn't play our best group tonight.

Should we note the SEM also didn't play 2 of their starter's

Kings may be chasing SEM the way this preseason is going.

Toohey and Olbrich are future boomer stars. Not to distant future either.

I wonder if it's a Wells/NBA style move. They're happy with what they've seen, and will just play the bench guys. Mind you, NBA rosters are obviously deeper in talent than an already weak and inexperienced bench plus the DPs and Kubank.

Well, Mooney has answered my question!

I like Gillespie but they're going to him too often on offence. Just let him target the o-boards

And bolden needs to be sent to the end of the bench or swapped for leupepe (I wish)!

Bairstow is the only player out there that bolden is outplaying

Bairstow's effort level is far higher than Bolden's though.

I'm with you Kolzee. Needs to get his lazy arse back to crypto.

Yeah absolutely. Bairstow at least putting the effort in and his day will come

Bolden has no excuses

Gillespie certainly improving. The mid to back end of the comp is going to be so close. Nice little dust up going down, Bruce flopped but Gillespie is in trouble.

Gillespie may very well be in some hot water for that one

Bruce stepped towards him, always been an instigator but Gillespie is in big trouble.

Seems the scout may not have prepared Gillespie for Bruce's most devasting weapon.....his mouth!

Bruce looked stunned.

Great final game for Blitz'. Close throughout with Bris leading all the way but Cairns closing in all the time.

Bullets win the Cup by winning this game 85 / 82, Harrison gets Ray Borner Medal.

Can't wait to see Harrison this year, can he raise his status into the elite tier of local bigs

Don't bother celebrating too hard Bullets

Won by 3 with Batemon and Cook playing 30 minutes against Cairns bench kids, DPs and injury reserves.

They played against the Cairns bench because there starters were getting beat easily. Bullets went into second gear and Cairns came at them and it got a bit close but bullets had it in control.

Why not, LV? Celeb while we can. Bullets have done well in Pre-season and mostly missing 4 of our top 6 players. Still missing Bannon and Sam Mac, 2 big-minute contributors who know the system and most of their team-mates.

Not saying that they are winning it all but will be much better than they are expected to. Yeah, I reckon they will be in the finals. For how long...? We'll see.

Clearly other teams out the cue in the rack over the last few days, thinking about next week

https://www.espn.com.au/nbl/story/_/id/41278928/observations-gold-coast-nbl-blitz-sydney-kings-alex-toohey-breakout-36ers-harrell-signing-top-prospects-tyrell-harrison-melbourne-united

Despite the crazy url, an excellent story by Olgun on his takeaways from the blitz

Nice piece by Olgun, hard to disagree with any of that

I'd add a 12th point- SEM and their fans might be in for a crazy ride. Their Blitz was a roller-coaster- starting with the low of a 20 point defeat and finishing with a 50 point win. But it's apparent they have loads of fire-power, and In between was arguably the game of the Blitz- a high level shoot out where they accounted for the Kings