June is here...

What happened to Barrow at the all star game? Only 5 seconds court time when starting?

Seemed to get injured in the 3rd quarter Buccs vs Giants game last night in Geraldton, and didn't return. Injury didn't seem too serious and he seemed to be walking fine after the game.

Maybe he thought he would give it a crack for the All-Star game but just didn't feel right after 5sec?

It appeared ceremonious and planned. The refs called for a stop in play following a shot - it wasn't even a dead ball

Makes sense then.

Gets injured the night before but still does the right thing by not pulling out of the game altogether.

Was there many spectators? In the photos I've seen the far side of the court seating was empty

The permanent stand was pretty full all the way to the back.

The women's game was a bit of a waste of time. Women in an all-star environment - usually known more for athleticism than basketball - is a bit odd to begin with, but it could've at least been competitive.

Makes sense then.

Gets injured the night before but still does the right thing by not pulling out of the game altogether.

It was more of a dig at some of the players who have pulled out (this year and the past) due to "soreness", "resting" or "management".

Considering what the Buccs and Giants players endured this weekend, my sympathy is lacking in some ways....

Let's remember he got injured around 9pm on Sunday night, and the All-Star game was 2pm the next day, and with travel, accommodation etc, all organised.

Maybe he thought he would see how he went in warm-ups.

He did see how it went in warm ups but was still abit sore so they made the decision to start him then sub him off immediately. If you were there when the courtside announcer was interviewing Lackovic before the game you would have heard him having a dig at Barrow. No one wants to further aggravate an injury during an exhibition game.

The struggles of the Redbacks with their full team together is interesting to watch.

Havent they only won like 1 in the last 5 or 6 games?

Redhage was away.

I wouldn't call a one-point overtime loss to the top team 'struggling', which leaves you with basically 'they had one bad game'. Which is utterly unremarkable.

They lost to the Suns, lead by a rookie coach with 0 experience.

Would you expect to have received a different response if you had specified?

Brutha from anutha motha Kobez, stik to postin bs about the wildcats mate and leaf tha sbl talk to us smart peepz... word!

You posted a blatant lie, the third such post regarding Redhage by an anon in the last month or so.

You want a polite response, post something worthy of one.

So that was false? ok

Didn't realise. Why would someone lie?

Where has SBL Slam disappeared to?

And no SBL Players of the Round last weekend??

Lift your game, SBL.

In a truly uninspiring game which never reached any great heights, Rockingham men went on a 25 - 8 run in the last five minutes to defeat the Magic by 3 tonight. Even with 2:03 left, they still trailed by 12 & had Jack & Kernich Drew out for the rest of the game. Both teams back up tomorrow with the Magic hosting Cockburn, whilst the Flames head up to Kalamunda to take on the Suns

lol Why do you comment on Redhage being away if you dont actually know if its true or not.

Won't be Land, he has definitely taken an Assistant job at Rogers State University in Oklahoma

You have to play 9 games to qualify for the playoffs. The Wolves have 10 to go, and that includes a double-header this weekend.

If they were to get another import in (and have him play finals), he would have to be here this week and fully cleared to play.

Well we're more than half way through the year..

Which MSBL & WSBL coaches are safe? who gets a pass mark? Who should be worried at years end?

MSBL SAFE
Willetton
Joondalup
Geraldton
South West Slammers

MSBL pass
Perry Lakes
Goldfields
Cockburn
Stirling

MSBL concern
Rockingham
Kalamunda
East Perth
Lakeside
Mandurah
Perth (sure with this line-up it's his last chance at success.. you only get so many attempts, right?)

He would be in fine nick then.....

First year coaches at Mandurah and Rockingham should mean both of them are safe, I mean you can't expect miracles after only one season! Lakeside are a very young squad so one would suspect Oatman is safe there for another year at least. Same can be said for Joe Alan at EP, all the players clearly believe in his system so it would be stupid to ruin that belief in the playing group by getting a new head coach. Kalamunda are the key in that list. How long can the Suns board let Clarke have sub-par performances for before its too late? They have gone backwards this year and desperately need a long term coach with a focus on developing their local kids urgently. Otherwise A Bowler and Co would be better off taking their license and giving it to Albany or back to the Mustangs!

The question on everybody's lips is..... what the hell is Marcus Goode doing in Karratha?

You would have to think it is something to do with snatch. And I don't mean the movie.

Marcus Goode trying to satisfy working visa conditions one would assume..

EP & Lakeside on the other hand, sure they're going okay, but are either one doing enough to get them to the next level?

40mins lower the standard.

Tell that to Mandurah haha

it seems that this season any team that gets in front by 1-12 can usually hold that lead till the end.

Have watched a few games this season where the team coming from behind has had all the momentum but finished a few points short.

There were more comebacks in the 48min NBL era. Ruined by 40min.

Last season there were some massive comebacks in games were teams made adjustments or the other team gassed. This season its much easier for a team to jump another early and just cruise home.

Xs and Os is on a temporary Hiatus, Altho suggestions as to who I should get on next would be appreciated! Lets go a bit old school and look at this weeks games shall we...

WOLFPACK @ HEADQUARTERS (FRI 8:30pm BENDAT BBALL CENTRE)
Wolves 2017 alot like the Hawthorn of 2017, they've lost that aura of invincibility about them. Is there any coincidence that a couple of their losses this season has been when Trigger is away?! Ettridge might say no but it can't be ignored! Despite a bit of pre-season talk, the Hawks have under-performed under their new coaching staff and any hopes of Finals action will need to see them win this or at least make it go down to the wire after losing a very winnable game against the Giants up in Kal last weekend. Wolves to all but pluck the last feathers out of the Hawks season, winning by 14

FLAMES @ THE CHURCH (FRI 8:30pm LAKESIDE REC CENTRE)
Very interesting game here as my boys head north to South Lake to take on a Lakeside team just below them on the ladder. Massive weekend for the Flames last week, getting the double header win and significantly increasing their chances of pinching one of the bottom spots in the 8 come August. Make or break weekend for the Lightning, who have to back up down in Mandurah on Saturday night after what should be a very close affair here. Whoever loses this one effectively makes it nigh on impossible to make the finals... Flames to make it three in a row, winning by 5

SENATORS @ COUGAR DEN (FRI 8:30pm) **Game Of The Week**
Strange Week 13 for the Hammy Hill boys, suffering a very rare double digit loss on their home floor, before getting a comfortable win the next night on the road over the Magic. Nener, Hoody & Davo will want that inconsistency to fall in their favor here, or risk falling lower on the ladder where its as close as a cockroaches first four letters if you get my drift for one of those remaining Top 8 spots! Speaking of inconsistency, that is probably the best way to describe the Senators season to date. Have a talent laden roster, yet for whatever reason Mike's charges just can't seem to put it all together on a regular basis. This corresponding fixture last year seen a Cody Ellis Masterclass in the 3rd and 4th quarter... if that happens again, expect the same result. Senators to make it two wins in as many years at The Den, winning by 2!

SLAMMERS @ GERO (SATURDAY 7:30pm EIGHTH ST STADIUM)
Alot to like about the Buccs this year. Whilst they're not blowing teams out like in seasons past, they are doing just enough to keep on getting those Ws and Ray Ray & Duke have the Midwest Motley Crew set for yet another tilt at 'Bob'. Speaking of impressive, how good has Coach Nix's return to his hometown been since taking the coaching reigns down there this year! Currently sitting in fifth place and two massive wins last weekend will have Tre '2017 MVP' Nichols and co confident as all heck of pulling off the upset on Saturday night. Should be a great game played in front of yet another packed house at Eighth St Stadium in what should definitely be a finals like atmosphere. Buccs to get up in a classic, defeating a gallant Slammers side by 3.

SUNS @ GOLDFIELDS (SATURDAY 7:30pm BROOKMAN ST STADIUM)
I went up and watched the Suns last Saturday night when they hosted Rocko. The coach in me gets what they're trying to do up there, but as the age old saying goes you need to have the cattle to run a system such as Coach Clarke is trying to implement up in the Hills and giving up consecutive open layups CAN NOT be a part of that system if it is to be successful. Goldfields host the Suns and although they only have one more win than their rivals, they do have three games in hand and also have a couple of absolute studs on their roster. If the youngsters and role players on the Giants side can do their bit in this one, they should have too much for Kalamunda to contain. Giants to win a scrappy one by 11

EAGLES @ JOONDALUP (SATURDAY 8:00pm JBS)
Wolves backing up after taking on the Hawks on the road on Friday night, host a fresh East Perth outfit who will be looking to improve on their current tenth spot on the League Ladder heading into this weeks games. Coach Tupaea's troops will be buoyed by their upset win over the Tigers last weekend, and being their only game of the weekend taking on a somewhat fatigued Wolves side, will be confident of making it two upsets in as many weeks. K Davis returns to his old stomping grounds, and if Drew nails his first couple, a shootout could ensue. Wolves to have too much depth for a cagey East Perth, winning by 8

LIGHTNING @ MANDURAH (SATURDAY 8:00pm MANDURAH AQUATIC)
Very tough double header for the God Squad, backing up from hosting the Flames on Friday night to head down to the Peel region to take on a Magic side who will be ruing that loss to the Flames last Friday night, after being up by double digits with just two minutes remaining in that local derby. Mandurah with finals aspirations all but gone, but they can also end those same aspirations for other teams and that starts here with this clash against the Lightning. Hard to see who from Lakeside can stop Mulley and so I will pick the Magic in an upset of sorts, ending the God Squads season by 7 points

REDBACKS @ STIRLING (SATURDAY 8:00pm WARWICK STADIUM)
Would have gotten my nod for Game of the Week status had this been both sides first game of the weekend, but alas Stirling on the back end of a double header and a very tough one at that after what I expect to be an extremely physical and fiery affair down in Hammy Hill the night before. Perth impressive without being the powerhouse their playing list would make you believe they could be, and S Redhage proving he is still an absolute beast albeit with some assistance on occasions from the whistle blowers! ;-) Perth being the fresher side to go in as favorites here and deservedly so as I expect them to get the W here by 12 points

TIGERS @ MANDURAH (SUNDAY 2pm MANDURAH AQUATIC)
Rare home double header here for Coach Trahair and his Magicians, but it comes against a Willetton side who won't have played before this one over the weekend unlike his players, and who will be I imagine a tad peeved off after going down to the Eagles on the road last weekend. For the Magic to have any hope here they need three things to happen - 1) Turner & Bowie to be blinded by the green surroundings at MARC... 50% chance of occurring; 2) Will McNeil to have a career night against the Tigers Guards as Mulley, Fletch & Remmers will have their hands full with Turner & Bowie... 30% chance of happening; 3) Willetton to think they've already won this before they step on the floor... 10% chance of happening but stranger things have occurred. Tigers to be too fresh, too polished and just too good - winning by 18 points.

SUNS @ GOLDFIELDS

.... @ Kambalda

;)

NBA Win Probability Box Scores

In game five, the Warriors go up 11 with almost half the second quarter still remaining, and their win probability is over 75%.

In game four, the Cavs hit a double-digit lead at 16-5 just three minutes into the game and their win probability cracks 67%.

Double-digit comebacks just aren't a thing that happens all that frequently even in a 48-minute game, so to deride a 40-minute game for lacking them is absurd.

By similar logic, 40-minute games have less chance of blowing out, and should therefore be better.

100% agree with koberulz.

the group that just keeps trying to cry on about 48mins is using trump's theory of 'alternative facts' to make it sound like it use to be better. Without actually backing it up with a legitimate reason.

40 minutes here to stay. SBL clubs are not losing any more money being shorter, and you could argue they are in fact a margin more.

And as for the SBL being boring now. It was always boring, its the state league, it sucks. Have to been to Kalamunda? Go once... never go again.

I say they should switch to 20 min halves ;)

I would suggest KobeRulz is using NBA stats because you're arguing the point about 48 minute games compared to 40.

Considering the NBA is the only league to use 48 minute games, he doesn't really have any other options.

On the other hand 8 mins more gives more time for blowouts as well.
It's a ridiculous argument.

Which do you think you'll get more of?

Kind of cute of you to assume I'd say 50/50 or comebacks. Nice try/trap... not.

B. Every day of the damn week, if whacko lako can't win with that lineup - especially when you add two gun guards in wagner and smith, as well as two outstanding youngsters in Bowen & Stone - then that is the biggest flop not just of the season but probably in the last decade.

I think everyone will be surprised with how the Redbacks play with no Redhage. The ball moves a lot more, they don't play through one player, and Roberts (one of the most competitive guys the L has seen) makes everyone around him lift. Marshall Nelson also playing out of his mind lately. I agree with the above however, that if they don't win the chip it will be incredibly embarrassing. You're not going to get a better line up than that in the SBL.

B. Every day of the damn week, if whacko lako can't win with that lineup - especially when you add two gun guards in wagner and smith, as well as two outstanding youngsters in Bowen & Stone

KOBERULZ, are you a perth supporter, You seem to know a lot about them.

Alex Ducas is off to the AIS/Basketball Centre for Excellence.

Cougars @ Headquarters - Fri 8:30pm
If 4th - 10th wasn't so close, you could make an argument that the Hawks really need to start winning some games if they want to see August Action with only five weeks remaining of the regular season. The fact that they have 9 games over that stretch means its not panic stations just yet, but it is not far off for Parso's squad. That being said they did knock off the Wolves last week and that in itself is no mean feat. Here they welcome the reigning champs who are also coming off a handy win over the Senators last weekend, and will want to keep those Top 4 aspirations alive with a road win in this one. TOUGH ONE TO CALL, BUT I WILL GO WITH THE COUGARS BY 7

Senators @ The 'Ham - Fri 8:30pm
Yours truly not behind the mic this weekend due to work commitments but this should be one of the games of the week. Both these sides match up extremely well and it would not surprise me to see this one head into at least one Overtime period. Rocko on somewhat of a roll at the moment, whilst Stirling are there abouts like always but should never be underestimated. SHOULD BE AN ABSOLUTE BALL TEARER DOWN IN THE TEENAGE PREGNANCY CAPITAL OF WA, I WILL LEAN TOWARDS MY FLAMES BOYS TO GET UP IN A CLASSIC... WINNING BY 3

Slammers @ The Eagles Nest - Fri 8:30pm
Fair to say for the Eagles it win or bust from here on in unless those above them can drop a couple of games to keep them in the Mix. A tough two point loss last week to the Wolves on the road didn't help their cause and they will need all the help they can get against one of the surprise packets of 2017 in the fifth placed Slammers. Nixy's boys pushed the Buccs up in the Midwest last Saturday night and despite not getting the W, the boys from Bunno will get alot of confidence from that game moving forward. THE QUESTION HERE IS WHO FROM THE EAGLES STOPS NICHOLS AND LAY.......... NOPE, EXACTLY I COULDN'T FIND AN ANSWER EITHER. SLAMMERS TO END THE EAGLES SEASON, WINNING BY 17

Wolves @ Gero - Saturday 7:30pm
Definitely a tale of two teams at completely different ends of the proverbial tangent at the moment. Joondalup struggling to beat nigh on anyone at the moment, head up to take on the Buccs who continue to show why they should be taken rather seriously as one of the genuine contenders this year. Joondalup will need two things to stand a chance in this one - have big games (20+) from two of their big three in Trian, Sebba & Rob... as well as keep the League's loudest and most feral crowd quiet or at a minimum out of the game, for as long as possible. THE WOLVES KNOW HOW TO WIN IN THE MIDWEST, SO THIS COULD BE THE TYPE OF BACKS AGAINST THE WALL GAME THEY NEED TO REALLY GET BACK TO WHERE MOST EXPECT THEM TO BE AROUND THE TOP OF THE LADDER. BUT THEY DON'T CALL EIGHTH ST STADIUM THE FORTRESS FOR NOTHING AND YOU CAN BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR THE EMU EXPORT EXPERTS ON THE BALCONY ABOVE THE VISITORS BENCH WILL BE HAPPY TO SHARE THEIR ADVICE WITH THE WOLVES PLAYERS AND COACHING STAFF. BUCCS TO GET UP IN A CLOSER ONE THAN SOME WOULD PREDICT, WINNING BY 9

Suns @ South West - Saturday 8pm
Kalamunda coming off a pretty big upset win over the Giants up in at Kambalda last Saturday night (Lukosius could be pulling the pin on any more games out there if that trend continues!) and would have to consider themselves a sneaky chance of two upsets in as many weeks up against a Slammers side who will be backing up after a trip to Morley the night before. I WILL GO AHEAD AND SAY THIS COULD BE THE HIGHEST SCORING GAME OF THE YEAR WITH DEFENSE TO BE JUST AN AFTERTHOUGHT. BOTH TEAMS TO REACH TRIPLE FIGURES, SLAMMERS TO WIN BY 19

Redbacks @ Mandurah - Saturday 8pm
59 points in a game won't win you many Women's games, let alone a Men's game. So that my Magic friends is what you boys at least have to beat this weekend... for personal pride if nothing else. Perth head down to the Peel region without their High Profile recruit in Redhage but ladder positions aside, I still think Lacko's boys will have way too much depth and polish for Trahair's troops here. THIS MIGHT BE EMBARRASSING... REDBACKS BY 30+

Lightning @ Goldfields - Saturday 8pm
Lakeside with their annual splash and dash trip to the Goldfields here (For those who don't know, the Lakeside boys travel back on the team bus straight after they play up there - crazy not to take in the nightlife that the 'Goorlie has to offer but meh, who am I to judge) Lakeside still with Finals aspirations, whilst for the Giants each game is with a view to 2018 now and to get some confidence back from their supporters who went out to see THAT result out in Kambalda last weekend. A WEEK IS A LONG TIME IN SPORT, AND COACH CAUSER AND THE GIANTS GET TO PROVE THAT HERE. TOUGH TO SEE THE LIGHTNING GOING DOWN THOUGH, WHICH IS WHY I WILL PICK THEM TO GET UP BY 12

Flames @ Willo - Saturday 8pm
A bruised and battered Flames side will head north to the Tigers Den to take on Blacky's boys who will be fresh and raring to go for this one. Depending on results up in the Midwest, Willo could go to the top of the Ladder with a win here, and maintain their two game gap between themselves and third. The clash between these two sides earlier in the season wasn't close and despite the addition of DKD to the Flames lineup since then, its hard to see that changing much here. WILLO TO MAINTAIN THEIR POSITION UP THE TOP LADDER, DEFEATING THE FLAMES IN THIS SOUTHERN DERBY BY 14

Eagles @ Cougar Den - Sunday 2pm
Both sides finishing Week 15 with the Sunday leg of a double header, having both played on Friday night. Huge weekend for both teams, even more so for the Cougars who if they win both could move into the Top 4 but if they lose both could get them as low as 7th. The stakes are more dire for the Eagles who if they lose both this weekend, it will be all but over for them. ANOTHER TOUGH ONE TO PICK AT THE END OF A WEEKEND, BUT I WILL GO WITH COCKBURN AT HOME TO GO 2-0 FOR THE WEEKEND, KNOCKING OFF THE EAGLES BY 11.

Joe-Allen to move away from coaching at season's end?

Voekel is the best import in the league. His impact on the game is streaks ahead of Tre, who's just a scorer. He opt's out on the defensive side of the floor.

Top 3 MVP:
1. Benjamin
2. Turner
3. Redhage

Top 3 Most Improved Players:
1. Nelson
2. Shervill
3. Litterick

Redbacks are piss weak without Redhage. Roberts and Vigor were manhandled by Carlwell tonight. He outbodied everyone. Adekponya is a top 5 guard in the SBL - he dominated tonight, triple-double to show for it. The game was over midway through the third. Hawks to be dangerous leading up to finals

A new thread for July has started here.....

https://www.hoops.com.au/forum/41465