Anonymous
Years ago
For those who have followed preseason which new imports are you most looking forward to seeing this upcoming season?
Roberson of the Phoenix looks the goods to me.
Hopson and Henry from NZ and our next star crop look good too.
D2.0
Years ago
I'll preface this by saying that I haven't looked at the pre-season in any great detail, so I'm waiting for the proper games for the following:
Obviously I am looking forward to seeing Hunt live, and seeing how they use him.
Sek Henry I am excited to see. I threw him in as my tip for MVP, he could be very good in this league.
Interesting to see what Brooks can bring at his age. In theory he could be a class above, but have to see if age or lack of games has slowed him down.
I am intrigued to see Tate. Find out if he's "athletic 4" people claim, and/or if Weaver is just going to run small-ball.
The New Stars will be fascinating to watch. I am disappointed that the Cats aren't participating, and I hope the program is a success.
Not new, but looking forward to seeing how Long, Trimble, and Ware adapt to their new teams
I'm so pumped to see all the imports play, it could be the best group of imports to play in the NBL at the same time and by the looks there all hungry to win. I’m keen to see how the Australian and New Zealand players step up including Kendall Stephens. If he keeps improving he could one day play for the boomers.
Stephens would need to get Australian citizenship to play for the Boomers, so would need to lock in and stay a while.
That doesn't get you automatic citizenship anymore if you're parents aren't Australian, that law was changed quite a while back.
Oh I didn't realise that.
Same as Kyrie Irving then.
Anon
Years ago
From the original NBL press release back in May....
"Kendall, who has spent most of his life in the United States, was born in Australia during his father's NBL stint making him an Australian citizen."
Anon
Years ago
Depends on Stephens' mother. If she is an Aussie citizen and he was born in Australia, he is automatically an Aussie citizen at birth.
The difference with Kyrie Irving is that both his parents were American.
Senator11
Years ago
It is an exciting crop for sure. I'd watch an all-star game of imports who have played 1 or more years vs brand new imports. That would be delicious.
Roberson and Hopson look very good.
Machado has been a bit underwhelming, but expect him to get better.
Brooks will be a scoring machine.
Tate's numbers look good from preseason even though he's undersized.
Hunt looks very mobile and exciting.
Ball and Hampton look like they'll match it with the older bodies.
Haven't seen or looked at the others yet.
robt
Years ago
I particularky like the ones from overseas!
Honestly, this group of imports is exciiting. Ball and Hampton have lived up to their hype, Didi and Roberson blew me away, all the guards have added to the league. And, it looks like they brought some defence with them. The Fs/Cs are legit and I see all having great roles in their respective teams.
The Aussies, I think, will enjoy playing with them. I noticed advice being shared and the way everyone was helping their teammates.
Paul
Years ago
Roberson was so impressive in the Blitz, certainly deserved the MVP.
Sports Websites
Years ago
Loving the look at some of these imports this, more variety spread across the boards.
On Sunday Didi was outstanding. He copped a knock to the left cheek as well pretty hard and played on. He play's D too.
Isaac
Years ago
Will Obekpa last?
Wouldn't be shocked if the Breakers pull the trigger on an early import change. Chris Obekpa played 4mins last night & according to fans, looked injured. He was also receiving attention during the Blitz. Will see if the team wait this out, or make a quick swap before the season.
— andrewbprice (@andrewbprice) September 24, 2019
Taylor, Moore, Griffin - Adelaide (all safe)
Singler, Braun, Patterson - Brisbane (all safe)
Machado, Newbill, Oliver - Cairns (all safe)
Brooks, Boone - Illawarra (all safe, one import spot open) NS - Ball
Trimble, Prather, Long - Melbourne (all safe)
Henry, Hopson, Obekpa - NZ (Obekpa on the chopping block) NS - Hampton
Cotton, White, Hunt - Perth (all safe)
Roberson, Wesley, Benson - S.E Melbourne (Benson on the chopping block) NS - Armstrong
Ware, Tate - Sydney (all safe, one import spot open) NS - Louzada
This article has a quote from Obekpa that his knee is bruised and affecting his minutes but he should be fine by the time the season starts: https://www.nzbreakers.basketball/news/article/nothing-to-be-read-into-results-says-shamir
Perth beat Melbourne, Long and Trimble in the minus. Won't get the arse but lot work to do on defence.
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