Jonno
Years ago
Talking Hoops Recap!!
Talking Hoops Recap 17/10/06
Hosted by Paul Bell and Brett Maher.
Bell asked Maher how his health was going, said during the first game he missed he was freezing cold, then ended up with a fever and ended up checking himself into hospital, said it was the best thing he could of done, and they were able to treat him properly, it turned out just being a heavy dose of the flue. Spoke about how Anstey and Lauren Jackson have also struggled with the flue recently, he said he is still not quite 100% physically, he is able to do fitness work in the gym, and he decided to have a go at training, and then his calf got tighter, so he pulled out, got physio treatment, he has torn a tendon in his calf, that doesn't do anything, and the treatment is just rest, he had a quaterzone injection, and hopes it settles it down quicker and can train as soon as possible, said 95% chance he can write off the weekends games, hopes he can play. If he did play he probably would only play 1 of this weekends games, probably the home game so he doesn't have to travel on it aswell, hopes to be recovered for the Wednesday game.
Maher congratulated Paul Rogers on the birth of his daughter.
Spoke about what is going on with the 36ers, said everyone has there opinion, Maher said the spirits are relatively good, and had some good signs such as the first half against Brisbane, but he said it's a shame that they got out worked against Brisbane, he said they need to play a good 4 quarters next week. Said Smyth came in and got stuck into the guys and laid things on the line, and put everyone on notice that they have to start performing for 4 quarters, said they were all fired up at training on Monday, they said they need 1 win this weekend, Townsville being the more get able, he said they need a win to keep the confidence it up, and ride the win into the next couple of days.
They spoke about the events with the 1986 championship team, Bell said it was a good week, Ken Cole speaking to the Academy team, and inspired them, and then they had the 86 championship luncheon, with many players and Cole speaking, getting emotional, and said it was good to see what it meant to those guys. They played a pre game, and then sat around the change rooms and told stories of the past, said Ken Cole is looking fabulous, after being in trouble with his diabetes at one stage. Said that it was a legendary team in NBL history and it was great to see them together again.
Bell spoke about his trip to Melbourne, where he saw the Dragons first home game, which they lost, he was interested to see how they put on the game, played at Vodafone and had over 5000 people there, had jugglers, and unicycles in the corridor, player intros with lights off and flames, singers, and said congratulations to Cowan for putting on a good show, and it was good to see something different. Maher spoke about how they sent singlets to Garry Lyons kids, to try and get some high profile people along to the game.
Dana called in: Said she was at the game, and said she thought it was excellent to see the 86 guys play, asked if Bell and Maher have noticed the change in the way Phil coaches and how he gets up and talks to the refs more now, Maher said the issues build up a bit more over the years, the players have given him some angst, and the style of play is a lot more physical. Maher asked her about the article in the paper about the music volumes, she said she agreed with the article, and also said there was very few songs you could clap defense or sixers to. Maher said he doesn't notice at all, said people have said to him that its too loud and there too much. Dana said she also go to the Lightning games, and said the mc should start the chant of sixers or lightning, said she doesn't understand or like people leaving early, or bagging out the club, and booing the team, she said that's not really supporting there team, and said its pathetic. Maher said he heard a story of a guy leaving and missing the over time of the Sydney game, and 10 points can be turned around early in basketball. Dana asked Brett about being booed, he aid it goes to show that some people don't support whole heartedly and you should never boo the home team, and you should cheer the home team on and support them when they need it.
Brad Newley Interview: Said the crocs have had a good start to the season, joked about getting rid of Scott Ninnis, said he is looking forward to coming home and playing infront of his friends and family, is looking forward to the challenge of beating the 36ers, said he blocks out the home coming stuff before the game starts, he said the changes to the offence and defence, said last year they were 4-1 and this year they are 3-2 so they have to keep playing hard and improving, with all the changes it was like coming into a new team, said Kelvin Robertson has stepped it up well after a good ABL season in the off season, said he gives a good spark off the bench, and is a good shooter once he gets his feet set and him and Jelani are having real good trainings, said Gardner has some real good moves and also is a scorer, said they have a lot of scorers and have to worry about defence, and said Jelani has been impressive so far, using his size advantage well, said he has blocked out the NBA stuff for now, is trying to do his best to get the crocs back to the top, asked about Gleeson, said he has been a bright spark, its enjoyable going to training, he is very enthusiastic, will constantly remind you, and is critical without being too negative, said he has a good balance between the r ara and calm.
Maher and Bell spoke about the Crocs having a very potent team, with guys like Abney, Gardner, Newley, and Robertson, and how in any different game different guys are stepping up. Bell said it would be key to cut off the crocs penetration, Maher said both teams are great scoring teams and the 36ers haven't been playing well on defence and are not providing enough physical presence, blocking the shot, or being physical when being driven on, which you need to do.
Jeff Dennis, NBL Commercial Manager Interview: said it involves looking at all the commercial elements of the league, he played for the Wildcats in 84 and 85, asked about the good things eventuating, he said it was a good start to the season, had reached good agreements with broadcasting companies, now in 3 countries have a deal in Singapore and now back on FTA with Channel 9, said it was a tremendous achievement, something they have longed for, for a long time, said they are still working closely with Gold coast possibly entering the team, always looking into Asia for more broad cats opportunities, to take our game to more people. Bell asked Dennis about the scheduling with the Dragons and Tigers clash, he said it was a difficult situation, and with the team numbers, venue availability, it was the best they could do, said Chuck Harmison is doing the NBL scheduling, last years was out sourced to a Canadian company last year, said it was more for the science behind it, but this process was done before him joining, said they are happy with the crowd, and the corporate support has been good, and in Adelaide memberships have been on par, and with better on court results ticket sales should increase, said the Dragons have done a great job promoting and they are hoping a good crowd for the derby, Maher asked about the channel 9 deal, he said they are looking at all the possibilities with them, trying to find the best out come, with all the different networks and said the signs were good at the moment. Said Singapore is a challenge as they are trying to integrate in with a new market, said they are doing a good job, with some good corporate support, and having Government backing.
Maher and Bell spoke about Channel 9: they said they are looking into a lot of different things, Maher said he has signed with Channel 9, and said they are looking for opportunities with basketball.
Brett Maher said he was sick about people bringing up the age factor continuly, doesn't think it needs to be bought up, he said in Europe and the US, its never bought up, he said as soon as you reach 30 people are always saying your too old, even though they are still playing well, spoke about Copeland, said he is not too old, and has been the best trainer, mentioned D-Mac aswell, aid Cattalini is 33 and having a MVP like season, said that he thinks its ridiculous people right you off as soon as you get too old.
Bell said he thinks the issue with the 36ers is not age its chemistry, he said they need a point guard to back up Brett, as they have a lot of 2 guards, Maher himself is also a 2 guard, Maher said they are grooming guys like Ng and Sutton for that role, he said guys like Ng is more suited to the 2, and Hill is more suited into the 2/3, Bell said when Maher isn't playing if they had more of a point guard filling in it would help guys like Copeland be more efficient playing in there natural positions.
They said it stems from the football, mentioning the crows only giving 1 year deals to players over 30, said it's a different way it works than football, said it's a state of mind that needs to change, and mentioned Jordan as an example, winning his last 3 championships and MVPs in his 30's
Went through last weeks NBL results. (Check the NBL website)
David Stiff Interview: Said the tigers have started a little slow and it seems slow as they have been training since June and only played 4 games, said they are not at there peak yet, and thinks they are a good team, and have a good base to build from. Maher asked about his contract, said he has 1 more season left after this one, and Stiff asked Maher about him, and Maher is out of contract this year, with a option for next, Stiff was asked about tigers injuries, he said he is not sure if Thomas is back yet, Anstey is recovered from his flue, and Greer has recovered from his surgery, asked about Tucker stepping up, he spoke about Tucker with Perth having more triple doubles than anyone, and he is now starting to find it again within the tigers structure, and said its great to see when he starts dominating. Said it will be good for the game having the Dragons in the league and thinks it would be fantastic if they could ignite the rivalry, said they are a good team, mentioning the Adelaide guys on the roster, said they do a good job pumping it up, said it was a bit crazy having both teams playing on the same night to capture the market, said cross town rivalries should be good. Asked about the crowd, said 1st game was a good turn out, 2nd game had a lot of empty patches, possibly due to the Dragons and the Arts Festival, said it is too early to tell. Asked about his opinion of the over 30 players, said he was un aware of the negative perception, him also being over 30, he said it could be a tall poppy thing, he said they don't notice it on there team as they have D-Mac on there team, and he is a pup compared to him, and mentioned how D-mac and his son played in the same game. Asked what he wants to do after basketball, said he doesn't want to be a coach but doesn't want to leave, as he loves being a professional athlete, said he could still work with athletes, and has started studying sports psych, so he may get into that. Asked about movies hes been in after being a wookie, said Dench had mentioned a role as a tall swamp creature in a movie. Asked Maher if he was playing, he said he was unsure, waiting to see how it comes up. Stiff said in 15 years times, they will say Quarterzones are barbaric, said sports scientists flip flop on everything. Stiff asked about the 36ers schedule, said he has heard a lot of people complain, and said everyone gets flogged at some point, but he prefers it as you are not training everyday. Maher said he thinks most players prefer to play, but it's the travel component that gets on some players nerves.
Maher and Bell did there tips, Singapore v Dragons, both tipped the Dragons, Crocs v Wildcats, both tipped the Crocs, Breakers v Bullets, tipped Bullets, 36ers v Crocs, Bell tipped 36ers with Maher, Crocs without Maher, Razors v Slingers, Bell tipped Slingers, Maher tipped Razors, Hawks v Brisbane, tipped Brisbane, Taipans v Wildcats, tipped Cairns, Melbourne v 36ers, bell tipped Melbourne, Kings v Razors, tipped the Kings, Dragons v Tigers, tipped Tigers.
They spoke about Talking Hoops needing new sponsors to keep on the air, if interested call Paul Bell on 0412 552 302. If anyone is interested and able to help please give them a call.
Paul Rees called in: Said performances speak for themselves as you get older performances drop off, except for D-Mac, Maher spoke about Cattalini, he joked the 36ers could recruit better young players if the older players took less money. Said he enjoyed playing against the 86s boys on Friday night, said he is out of shape after the ABA season finishing, said he probably will play again, said Andy Simons was outstanding on Friday night. Said he is starting a new job with National Foods, and is still running his Trophy business.
Another Great Show look forward to next week!!
