Anonymous
Years ago
The NBL teams thus far in 2011/12...
Bored at home so I thought I would share my views on the league and each team with just over a third of the season in the books.
Feel free to challenge my views and ask questions... Just putting up some discussion points.
Here goes:
I have seen every team play on TV at least three times and I have seen Adelaide, Melbourne, Townsville, Sydney, Gold Coast and New Zealand play live.
Early on, before Damian Martin's injury I was almost prepared to lock in Perth as Grand Final locks however they have wavered without him and other teams have stepped up to the plate. Cairns, Gold Coast and Sydney have all improved vastly.
Townsville look weakened severely by losing Schenscher and skipper Hinder while Adelaide have some nice pieces but seem to lack too much in terms of depth and consistency.
Team by team analysis:
New Zealand - The reigning champions are still a force even without scoring machine Kirk Penney. New import Cedric Jackson looks clean and smooth providing Bruton, Wilkinson and Abercrombie with shots while the Kiwis are getting strong inside play from Vukona and Alex Pledger who is developing nicely.
Corletto seems to be slotting in nicely now and his shooting will be important later on. I expect this team to have a huge say in the season decider unless Jackson or Wilkinson go down.
Perth - We all know these guys play so hard, the fall back of that is injury and losing Martin hurts them dearly. He is their most important player and despite young Bartlett doing well he can never replace Martin's hustle and leadership.
Redhage was hot early but has cooled since and I expected more from Nevill inside while Matt Knight is super some games and silent the next.
Tovey, Williamson, Lisch, Robbins and once he is back, Martin, provide a lethal defensive combination while Wagstaff and Hire can come in and hustle and provide energy. Once they regain Martin they will be right there.
Melbourne - Let's state the obvious, losing Mills hurts but maybe not as much as first thought. I have a strong belief they can replace him with a legitimate big man. Maybe, just maybe even Bogut who seems to be very keen on spending some time in the NBL. Anyhow, Tragardh is playing well, he just needs to get fitter to provide a 35-minute inside presence while Dorsey is finally finding his groove.
Dillon is a nice defensive option while Walker and Greer can provide hustle, boards and some excitement.
I expect Ubaka to really flourish now and IF they sign a dominant big they I'll be very very hard to top.
Gold Coast - These guys are loaded, can score and might finally be getting their game together. Signing Deleon seems to be a masterstroke despite already having Gibson and Cadee. Whether they needed extra size will tell down the track but Hudson is a serviceable big man and fairly efficient.
They are loaded with versatile big man like Hoare, Worthington, Petrie and Garlepp.
I like their system but is it one that wins titles?
Cairns - These guys on paper look to lack talent and scoring but somehow coach Fearne has got them to .500 after 8.
Wilson is a solid import guard without being super while Drew Warren has copped some heat but has shown what he is capable of with three breakout shooting games. Being a shooter will always see him under pressure at times.
They need a healthy Loughton and Crosswhite to compete as Dowdell, Brebner, Williams and George don't provide a whole heap off the bench.
I struggle to see them hanging onto a winning record.
Townsville - Losing your starting power forward and centre is always tough but import Elvin Mims and late signing Holmes have down well to bridge the gap.
They are getting nothing from Michael Cedar and the second coming of Axel Dench in Ben Allen. Crawford is balling hard and young Blanchfield has been improving.
Norton leaves them lacking in depth while guard Eddie Gill is a reasonably consistent performer but might need to score more buckets.
Cannot see them in the finals.
Wollongong - The Hawks are struggling for mine. The new import Glover is not as good as hoped while Catron is and always has been too out of shape to be a real star. You can see his skills though.
Saville is really struggling while Coenraad has not come on anywhere near enough.
Davidson is a key while he needs help from Gruber and Forman badly.
They will clearly miss the finals.
Sydney - In Khazzouh and Grant I love their front court, obviously they lack depth but Bruce has been playing well while they have been getting cameos from Bose, Ratsczh and Madgen at times. Regaining Dann is important as he is versatile and compliments Khazzouh well.
Having Martin, Cooper, Iti and Gynes means they lack depth but they are improving slowly as a franchise. No finals though.
Adelaide - I love the addition of Simpson. He plays hard, has passion, rebounds and has a strong low post game.
With Ballinger struggling he and Johnson have still been a formiddable tandem while the much maligned Weigh has strung a few good games together and hit some big shots. I like Warren alongside veteran Crosswell but I would love to see him attack early and often instead of his recent fourth quarter runs.
Creek, Ng and Herbert have been quiet and significant improvement is needed there.
Will battle but could pass a couple.
PREDICTIONS
Champions - Wildcats
Runner-up - Breakers
3rd & 4th - Tigers and Blaze
MVP - Kevin Lisch / Gary Wilkinson
Defensive POY - Cedric Jackson
Sixth Man - Anthony Petrie
Coach of the Year - Rob Beveridge
All-Star 5
K. Lisch, C. Jackson, D. Simpson, J. Khazzouh, G. Wilkinson
That's my take, feel free to read, argue or completely ignore :-)