Scott
Years ago
Crystal ball gazing for NBL Round 1 2017-18
Sat down to have a first look at squads and how things are coming together for the season (even though it's 4 months away).
With that whole WNBL TV deal in motion, I reckon we might get a draw earlier this year.
Thought I would throw my thoughts out on an eight-game possible first round fixture list.
Thu Oct 5 - 7:30 PM: Adelaide 36ers vs Illawarra Hawks at Titanium Security Arena
Fri Oct 6 - 7:30 PM: Brisbane Bullets vs Sydney Kings at Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Fri Oct 6 - 10:00 PM: Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans at Perth Arena
Sat Oct 7 - 5:00 PM: New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks at Vector Arena
Sat Oct 7 - 7:30 PM: Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers at Hisense Arena
Sun Oct 8 - 3:00 PM: Sydney Kings vs Perth Wildcats at Qudos Bank Arena
Sun Oct 8 - 5:30 PM: Cairns Taipans vs Brisbane Bullets at Cairns Convention Centre
Mon Oct 9 - 7:30 PM: Melbourne United vs New Zealand Breakers at Hisense Arena
The half hour breaks between double-headers are more out of hope than anything else that we might get to see some studio type more analysis from Fox.
Otherwise, I reckon this gives a pretty good start to the season. Seven games is probably more likely, but eight is a must. Get every team out there twice. Kick it off with that Adelaide vs Illawarra rivalry that was a bit heated in the semi's then you have Brisbane and Sydney which is always a good one. Perth and Cairns had some good matches last year, then Kirk Penney against Illawarra, with Melbourne and Adelaide being self-explanatory. Sydney and Perth needs to be early in the season for mine, as does the QLD derby with daylight savings allowing that to be a 4:30pm tip in Cairns which is pretty much perfect timing. Melbourne and New Zealand to round it out seems okay as well.
Thoughts?
