Johnson
Years ago
NBL Team Analysis
Here is my team analysis after the pre-season challenge. Feel free to argue or comment:
Adelaide: Lacking maybe one more scorer to contend in my view. Ballinger and Groves will demand a lot of shots and the key is whether new import Gilchrist can supply himself and the other demands. Herbert is a solid pick-up as a bit player. Brad Hill needs to keep rising for the Sixers to contend.
Perth: A big, strong line-up with defensive grunt and the ability to score one on one. Redhage, Schenscher, Cattalini and now maybe Weigh all are capable of scoring one on one. Drew Williamson and Brad Robbins provide hardness and defense whilst Jess Wagstaff is a promising youngster.
Cairns: Hard to decide on they're team. Melzer, Jones and Rychart are great pick-ups and Mills and Rampton will need to prove they're worth. Maybe one too many bit-players for mine. Vale, Williams, Rampton, Grabau, Boodnikoff...
Townsville: Looks to me as if the teams chances lie with Corey Williams. The teams scoring looks a little depleted and they will battle all season long on the glass. Hoare and Crawford are reasonable signings but John Rillie's shooting in the clutch could be missed when it counts.
Gold Coast: Both imports are already in the gun. Harvey is a star and signing Gibson, Vukona and Petrie gives them instant credibility. Can Goulding, Vanderjagt and Demos prove they are worthy NBL players?
Wollongong: Surprisingly won the pre-season tournament. Might not count for much come March next year. Saville is a stud, Tragardh is solid and new import McKee looks great. Mat Campbell is another year older, Lazza Davidson is still a different unit and Rhys Martin, Tim Coenraad, Daniel Jackson and Tim Behrendorff will need to step up a lot.
Melbourne: Anstey, Worthington, MacKinnon make for an intimidating line-up. However all three are either old, injured or both. All three having a strong season is a must for a weakened Tigers outift. Kendall needs a big season as does Daniel Johnson.
New Zealand: If American forward Storey can fire they are my favourites. Penney is the leagues best. Ronaldson is as ever solid, Rickert is a double-double monster. Forman drills his triples and Abercrombie, Boucher, Pledger and Henare are nice off the bench. Oh did I mention CJ?
