Jonno
Years ago
Talking Hoops Recap
Talking Hoops Recap 15/8/06
Hosted by Paul Bell and Brett Maher
Maher and Bell spoke about 36ers training, Maher said its been going well, Horvath is due to arrive tomorrow, first training Thursday, said Wheeler is coming along, said once they get in they will have a big team this year.
They spoke about Bradtke's back, Maher has said he has had a similar injury which was very painful.
They spoke about the ABL finals, Sturt and Darren Ngs, 4pm points, and Bell mentioned he should be a favourite for the Woolacott, and Maher will be presenting the medal, which is this Sunday night. Mentioned Darren Ng, Scanlon, Dix as favourites for the Woolacott. Women's, they mentioned the Bowley sisters from Sturt, and Ranford and Hill, they will be speaking to the winners next week.
Spoke about the Boomers win over France, Maher said that in the lead up to the World Champs he played in they won a major tournament, beeting Yugoslavia, who went onto win, and said the win would be a morale booster after losing the New Zealand series, and said they could do all right but its very much up in the air.
Spoke about Christian Anderson being cut by the dragons, saying the official word was he is more suited to the 3 spot when they are after a shooting guard, said it will be interesting to see who they replace, said Price should have contacts to get a good player, and apparently they are looking at some guys in the SEABL, guys like Mike Kelly have come through the SEABL in the past.
They spoke about the competitiveness and Trash talking at training, and they said it's good to be fired up at training to help push your self.
Maher said he doesn't trash talk much in games, said Reesy was the 6er who probably copped it the most.
Jeff Van Gronigin, Brisbane Bullets GM, Interview: Who is in town to inspect the Dome on Eddie Groves behalf. Groves is trying to get a handle on everything at the stadium and sent Jeff down to have a look at his behalf. Jeff said that he has caught up with Copeland, whom he has a long relationship with, back from the Tigers days. He said that it is a fantastic basketball venue, as it is specifically set up for basketball, and said it would be great for every team to own there own venue like the 36ers do so it can be worked around basketball and not all the other events that take place. He said having a place for the growth of basketball is the most important thing. Said the best vehicle to strengthen the game of basketball in SA is through the 36ers, and said other events such as NBL all star games, or touring games, could be held at the dome, said that he believes the boomers and basketball in Australia growth it would be good to have high level touring teams, which could be held at the Dome. He said there is a contract in place for Distinctive Homes to keep the naming rights sponsorship. Said that the prospect of promoting ABC Learning Centres was also a part of this purchase, as he is extremely passionate about Basketball, and ABC Learning Centres, and tries to link them together, in Brisbane, West Sydney and Perth they have a deal through ABC Learning centres that young families can get cheap tickets to the games, as he tries to link the ABC Learning centres and basketball. Maher spoke about complaints from fans about the stadium, mentioned the score board, and said the showers need fixing from the players perspective. Jeff joked about the problem with the score board is that Adelaide usually win. Spoke about Bradtkes injury, and he said its amazing how he can hold up through the rigors of basketball, but hurts himself on domestic duties, joked they may have to stop him from performing any domestic duties in the future. Spoke about Dusty, Jeff said he is a great pick up, easy going guy and low maintenance.
Maher and Bell spoke about the fact Groves bought the stadium without inspecting it, said they thought it would be done before hand, they said it probably was a good deal, and they probably knew enough about it.
Larry Abney Interview, Townsville Import Interview: Said pre season is looking good, spoke about how he played in France in the off season, he said individually he did well averaged 18 and 9, but the team didn't quite finish where they wanted to. He said his first NBL season was disappointing due to the losses they had. Said he is still getting to know the new coach, Gleeson, said they both work hard. Said he was excited to have Newley back and is looking forward to play with him. He said every basketball player wants to be the best, so as long as he is playing he would be aiming to play in the NBA, but is happy playing in Townsville. They mentioned his nick name the bird man. Spoke about Ninnis, he said he made it interesting up in Townsville last year and will miss him. Spoke about there import Jelani Gardiner, said that he would compare him to Darnell Mee out of the NBL players.
Maher and Bell Spoke about Abney, said he was a real find, very tough and athletic inside, and is similar to Dusty as he doesn't need plays run for him to contribute. Bell told a storey about how Abney was hit in the head by a golf ball at the Crocs golf day.
Brad Hill Interview: New nickname from KB, 'the Quiet Storm', KB has been giving everyone new nicknames; he got the quiet storm as he is quiet and goes about his business. Spoke about the ABL, Hills team losing on the weekend, with Hill scoring 41points, he said it was disappointing, and he tried to keep the score board respectable. He said he tipped Sturt to win the ABL league. Spoke about the Woolacott, Maher said Hill would probably be a chance, Hill said other guys from other teams have been more stand outs than him. Said Magden and Holmes probably would of taken votes from him. He said being coached by his dad, has been both fun and tough, as he sometimes has more pressure on him, being coached by his dad. Spoke about 36ers, Maher said Hill was his standout at the Port Lincoln, Hill said he wants to improve his all round game, and thinks the 36ers have a good chance to go all the way this year, being deeper and bigger this year, Hill just wants to fill his role for the team. Spoke about the Lincoln Rookie night, he teamed up with Darren Ng and they imitated the Ronaldino soccer add.
Maher and Bell spoke about Hill, they said he came on in a blaze of glory 2 seasons ago, and Maher said he has been training and playing very well, and said with his size and athleticism, if he continues to learn and play hard, he has great potential.
Bell and Maher spoke about WNBA playoffs coming up this weekend, Summerton and Phillips are both starting for Conneticut, and they said, Screen, Phillips and Summerton have made the opals squad.
Chris called in: Asked Maher about Hills potential, being a 6'5 atheltic player and asked what they think he needs to make the NBA, Maher said Athletically he could match it with most of the players, he said its more so things like experience, and the shooting, mentioned how Mark Price still doesn't miss a shot whilst shooting in Melbourne, and reading the game, he said if he improves those things he could make the NBA. Spoke about the 2000 USA team and 2004 USA team, and shooting comparison, Maher said in 2004 they led them for a lot of the game as they shot so well, and the US didn't have many pure shooters on the team, they picked more athletic slashing players instead.
Scott Ninnis called in: Spoke about Christian Anderson being cut, said it was a difficult situation, said Price hadn't seen many of the Australian guys so he didn't fit in with the team, said Anderson had lots of Athleticism, was 6'6 good basketball body. Asked about replacement, said many agents have contacted them, of guys, mentioned Anfernee Hardaway, but said they don't want a player who is just going to be in Holiday mode. Said they are trialling Denver Tenebroke from Bendigo Braves SEABL team, who is likely to be SEABL MVP, said he is a outstanding shooter, just seeing if he fits, they have a short list of around 6 players they are looking at. Bell asked about Hardaway, Ninnis said it was just one of those emails with some outragous names, they are not really looking at Hardaway, they are looking for someone who wants to be here for the right reasons, and a good defensive presence and compliment to Heal and the others. Spoke about Joe Ingles, Ninnis has said he has been unbelievable, and has been one of the best, with the poise he is showing as a 18 year old, Price has said its going to be hard to keep Ingles off the court, Ingles has been doing everything right, he is 6'8 and was dominating at point guard at training and is very versatile. He said everyone is back except Burston, Heal and Shanahan have returned, and Price is trying guys in different positions, they think they have good versatile players. Said Price has a great presense on the court, similar to Smyth, as he empowers players to maximize there strengths, said when he talks people listen and he isn't a ranter and raver. Said Price still hits 90% of his shots when shooting around at training. Spoke about Price coming in with a clean slate towards all the players, and Ninnis said that is a strength as Price has no pre conceived ideas, and everyone is getting good opportunity to shine.
Mark Bradtke Interview: Joked that he shouldn't do any more domestic work. Bradtke said he doesn't have any pain but doesn't have any strength in his leg at the moment. Said he is still looking at options regarding surgery. Said it was a shock when it happened, as he wasn't doing anything when it happened and was hit with the worse pain he has ever experienced. Bradtke said the most difficult thing to come to turns with is he has no pain with this injury. Spoke about the Bullets, the young guys Hill, Gibson and Williamson, played well against the Big 10 all star team. Spoke about the boomers, said the win over france wound be a good confidence booster, and is interested in the progress. Spoke about the 2nd import spot, they are waiting on Stephen Blacks recovery progress, before they decide whether to replace him with an import, said team has been interrupted by international commitments, of Mackinnon, Bruton and Boucher. Bradtke said he is taking his career 1 day at a time, is looking forward to this season, and will evaluate it all at the end of the season. Said his boomers highlight was the Sydney Olympics, and also the good times on the rode and the friendships he has made.
Maher and Bell spoke about Back injuries and said its important to consider life after basketball when considering things like surgery and recovery.
Bell and Maher went through ABL results (see Hoops Site)
Andy Simons, Forestville Coach Interview: Spoke about the game vs Sturt, said Sturt played well and they couldn't stop Darren Ng. Said they tried everything on Ng, and couldn't do anything more, and said it wasn't just Ng, and all the Sturt boys played well together, Maher joked they should of knocked Ng out. They have to regroup and face Norwood, he said they will go in as per usual, quietly confident, and expects to have there work cut out for them. Said Norwood is a good balanced side with size, shooters and penetration, and don't rely on any one player. Maher said they have been successful side over the year and asked about how many grand finals they have won, Simons said they have made 5 or 6 grand finals and have won 1 of them, and said they are very tough to win, and its not always the favourite to win. Said he has had good performances across the group, mentioned Jason Dix, and the addition of Scott Arnold, Development of Matty Sutton at Point Guard, said they have a good group of players filling roles, Brenton Campbell has been good off the bench, and Sullivan has also been well.
Bell spoke about Norwood, and said the key to stopping them is in the first quarter, as they have blasted some teams in the first quarter recently. Maher said both Norwood and Forestville are well balanced and should be a good even game.
