Here's the link. The article by the Kings doesn't keep it too fluffy at all!

Head Coach of the Sydney Kings, Ian 'Moose' Robilliard, said that the team had persevered with McCullough, hoping that he would lift his game and make a stronger contribution to the team. He said that McCullough had been given considerable leeway and a number of opportunities to improve his game, none of which had been realised to date.

"The axe fell for Taj in the game against the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday night. It was always going to be a tough game and we really needed everyone on the team to play with passion, pride, and as a team," Robilliard said.

"In fairness to Taj, he himself acknowledged that he had not provided the necessary contribution to the team that everyone had expected," he added.

"The Sydney fans have lost faith in Taj, and with that hanging over his head and Patrick Sanders having such a standout game after just one week of training, I have to say the tough decision was a little easier to make," he added.

Disappointing given his record against top Euro teams, but a good move by the Kings.

Jesus, Moose certainly is honest. I wonder if he'd like to be chairman of selectors for the Australian Cricket Team?

The writing was on the wall in that timeout towards the end last night when Taj got roasted by Robilliard for arguing with the ref all the way up the court after a foul wasn't called and NZ went coast to coast for a layup off his turnover.
"I can't Coach EFFORT"!!!

I loved that comment by Moose regarding not being able to coach effort. He put the responsibility fair and square on the players on national television on and they responded accordingly.

I thought Taj played ok last night.

I loved that comment by Moose regarding not being able to coach effort. He put the responsibility fair and square on the players on national television and they responded accordingly.

I thought Taj played ok last night.

you could say that again Big Ads!

The tough decision that needed to be made; and honestly the best decision.

Too indecisive on making offensive plays and he blew some pretty big shots against the breakers; especially the few post layups and tip ins he could have made.

There's much more breating room to grow and expand for the local talent, but imports are expected to fire instantly.

anyone got a video link on the "i can't coach effort" comment

I think anon #298516 pretty much hit the nail on the head... Robilliard is way out of his depth in this league.

Henry will be head coach next season

I laugh at people who watch a couple of games on tv and claim the level of NBL imports is bad. McCullough averaged 15p, 5r and 4s in 3 games against Euroleague team last year, and 16p, 6r and 1s in 10 games against Eurocup teams. He averaged 18ppg in the NBA D.

He was in a situation that obviously didnt suit him, but he can obviously play the game. The price you pay for our local talent being good is that not just any import who was good in college our in a European league will succeed out here.

Good call that ^

I suppose Euroleague teams are crap too, anon?

Iverson's start in Turkey has been mixed. He's averaging 9.6 points and 3.6 assists after five games.

They did sign a player who looks like a better fit for the roster though - http://www.asternwarning.com/20101207867/articles/nbl/sydney-kings-sign-former-nbaer-trey-gilder.html

I've watched the Kings a few times and was pretty disappointed with Taj, floated out of the game way too much which is a killer for an import. Having said that, can't blame it all on him - the Kings offense looks ghastly at times and that's definitely on Moose's head, I mean the half court offense has been a joke when not throwing it into Khazzouh. Not having a solid PG (Luke Martin just working his way back) doesn't help either.

Hopefully with Gilder and Sanders they can get out into transition more.

BTW I actually thought Taj's effort level has been pretty solid in the games I've watched. He did get beat down the floor in the Breakers game when he complained to the refs, but that happens to everyone once in a while.

The fall in the coaching standards from Goorjian to Moose has been staggering, LOL. Every Goorjian Kings team were obviously well coached.