Actually, there is some (fairly) new news. The Head Coach position.

Going to start with a little praise for Justin Schueller. My knowledge isn't great of JS or anything, really, but this is how I feel ATM.

The only name that I have heard for the position is Rucker's. IMO, would be a good choice if we didn't have a coach. Well, we don't, but you know what I mean. Would Ruck be an up-grade, and one worth getting rid of JS to get?

I suggested Gleeson, tongue in cheek, when I first heard of JS's sacking. I really doubt it, as others have done, but I would be hoping for that sort of up-grade rather than a side-ways progression.

Thoughts?

Interesting to hear Joey Wright defend Schueller a bit even though he said Schueller used to talk a lot of shit about Joey's coaching ability when he was at United. Obviously the Bullets blamed Schueller for a lot of their injuries.

It's one thing firing him but I hope they do something silly like hiring Rucker, he's never even been an AC in the NBL before, which suggests he's never been serious about coaching.

don't do something silly

It didn't go well for Rucker in his last NBL1 gig.

What is Ruckers coaching credentials? You don't HAVE to have coached at a high level before e.g.Tatum but its risky for sure. Smart basketball brain no doubt though.

What is Ruckers coaching credentials? You don't HAVE to have coached at a high level before e.g.Tatum but its risky for sure. Smart basketball brain no doubt though.

Bullets have picked up their team option on Smith-Milner for next season.

My sauces have told me that the club has had multiple meetings with Chase Buford. Apparently it is coming down to contract length and price.

Watch this space I guess!

Would think they already were talking to Buford hence the Schueller sacking.
Depending on length of suspension, I see it being months not years, could Sydney be stupid enough to release Cooks and have a reunion with Buford? Brian will be involved so anything is a possibility. He liked Bruce so might try and find a way for him to head North so he's got a few familiar faces.
And could Siulepa be an option being closer to home?
If it's Buford can see Norton heading to bench for a scoring import PG, Davis?
Cooks is pipe dream, pun intended, but him, Harrison, Davis, Prather would make them possible favourites. And I think they'll spend up big, or rather, LK will spend up big to make them more attractive.

Interesting, Statman84, re Chase Buford for HC. No doubt a good (great?) coach and I think it needs to be that sort of up-grade.

Very happy that Sam Mac and Smith-Miner have both re-signed.

Waiting on Cook, Bannon and Adel

On player movements, these 3 quotes from Aussie hoops, as rumours only;
Keandre Cook: "Not expected to re-signed unless BRI secure elite local PG."
Matthew Dellavadova: "Wants more money/longer deal. Expected to re-sign but linked to BRI/SEM/TAS"
Brock Motum: PF Open to NBL offers. Expected to play with BRI or ADE if he does.

Taken together, they say that If Delly signed with Brisbane, so would Cook.

Put all that, all together, with already committed players (see *) and I come up with;
(* = not yet committed but in consideration)

HC: *Buford

PG: *Delly/Norton
SG: Batemon/MacDaniel
SF: Prather/*Cook/*Adel
PF: *Bannon and/or *Motum/Smith-Milner
C: Harrison/(Bairstow)/?

Admittedly, the "* = not yet committed but in consideration" group would be expensive but just any 1 or 2 of them in there and it's looking every bit as good as I hoped ('cept for Schueller).

You're all welcome to jump on my choices but if you do, please tell me why. Also want to hear/read whom you may want in the team (and why).

All speculation but that's all I got for now. Thanks

Not bad RobT.

Personally, I am not sold on Adel. He had upside, but was quite inconsistent when not injured. I would keep Bairstow for sure.

If Buford does sign (and I think it is inevitable), his success rate would demand the owners loosen the purse strings.

I wanted Schueller to have 1 more year to see what he could do with a full roster, but oh well. Disappointing that they didn't have someone already in mind. But Buford would be a great catch. Sign him for 3 years to begin with!

I think the import trio was fine with season, injuries hurt them a lot. Cook played great when Batemon was on the floor.

I would also be wary of Aussie Hoopla. Not a fan of that site and some of the rumours come from nowhere.

Thanks for the "warning" re source, Statman84. Am well aware of its rep which is why I name it up front!

Also, no disagreement that some of the roster could be improved upon, but going largely with what's there already AND trying to not being too greedy.

Been reading that William McDowell-White (WMW) wants to end his career with Brisbane Bullets. He is apparently doing very well in Germany and not yet ready to start talking about that end of his journey but that's where he wants to finish his playing days.

Pity that's not now. With the roster already committed to season 2025/26 and with the retention of import Keandre Cook dependant on the Bullets recruiting an "elite" (local) PG, WMW would be a perfect fit. If WMW isn't ready yet (as suspected) we could go for Delly (if he decides to go looking for a new home , as has been suggested).

Anyone have news on the HC position? Heard Brissie may be Chasing Buford (boom boom!).

I think they will want to speed up as player signings are only going to happen with a head coach.

Chase Buford surely is a great target and is interested from all the talk.

Get the feeling no other australian coach is in the mix (especially assistants) this will be a high end overseas guy most likely.

The above post by AssistantsPen, is very well discussed and explained by Olgun , Hooley and Hevernan on market place (27/02/2026). (just watched it)

Made me re-think how I feel over Schueller's sacking. There's no real criticisms of him other than he's probably hit his peak. Next-level needs more than JS can offer. Talked, "all-the-way" rather than just "have-a-better-go".

Glad that JS wasn't canned (just "sacked", only a different container, I guess). His success was acknowledged but also that this team, now needs more, to realise their full potential. I can "go" with that, and won't I be happy if they're right?

I really like the roster of committed players for 2025/26, and I included un-committed players whom I expected/hoped would want to be a part of it, to fill out the team. Still happy to have those same players re-sign but not as concerned if the likes of a Chase Buford (for eg) is the target, and signed.

Contracted;
Harrison, Norton, Prather, Batemon, McDaniel, Savage, Devers, Smith-Milner.

Option Pending;
Bannan (mutual).

Free Agents;
Cook, Adel, Bairstow, Dalton, White, Zikarsky

...
Bannan and Cook are real "wants" for me as I think more than anything, that whole group works so damn well, together with JS.

If you can take out and replace JS, guess you can do the same with Bannan and Cook.

BUT! WE STILL HAVE NOT SIGNED (someone like) BUFORD, yet!

The next coach had better get the results or the sacking of JS would seem pointless.

Bannan had a low year this year, was it the Summer League run that left him without an off season, he is a notorious trainer almost refusing to have rest days that could impacted him.

Cook I feel is replaceable, when he was good he was great but were certainly games where he went missing. Was that due to to no point guard maybe?

Has to be the coach first before players, but the longer this happens the more a Bannan if he hasn't already made his mind up is on the way out.

11 days since last post and no news from Bullets on this thread regarding their coach, to be. Aware that FA hasn't kicked in yet but Brisbane's coaching decision should not be bothered by that, should it?

Are we still keen on Buford, and is he still interested in Bullets? Is anyone else under consideration?

And... do Brisbane wait till the new HC is in place and let him 'help' with the recruiting or go ahead as soon as FA is opened up, with or without the new HC? Waiting would see the best prospects going elsewhere, so not waiting would be the prudent thing to do but that can present its own set of problems.

Has it been 11 days - felt like longer!

No news at all even from the NBL Sources, I would think a HC would want to be around the FA Period as this one seems an interesting one. Same could be said for Cairns but I guess they have Forde as an advisor

Just caught up with the news that Josh Bannan has declined his option (KT posted "last week"). Missed it, somehow?

That, for me, is the old "double-bladed-sword". Losing Bannan on the one hand and gaining the 4 spot back for Prather (where he probably plays his best ball), on the other.

What softens the (Bannon) blow is that the Bullets need a new PG more than they need 2 great PF's, so this may be the chance to get one(PG). Say "his" "money" went towards getting Delly. Without cheapening Delly, he may become more affordable. Smith-Milner can adequately back Prather. 1 more big required (could Harry be the one?).

Only roster issue now should be the SF spot, currently Keandre Cook's(import). Hasn't re-committed yet (so, is a FA). I hope he does re-sign (I have said before that I really like this trio of imports, together).

Oh, yes, and a new HC!

So, Bullets likely to look something like this?

HC: (?)
PG: (?)/Norton
SC: Batemon/MacDaniel
SF: Cook(?)/(?)
PF: Prather/Smith-Milner
C: Harrison/(?)

Basically, need a PG, 1(or 2) at SF and a back-up 5. MacDaniel can easily be the starting 3, but I'd like to have him (or Batemon) as the main scorer off the bench.

Just been watching latest Marketplace episode dedicated entirely to *Bryce Cotton's future.

He is leaving Perth for OS (probable), but Bullets also mentioned if he stays in Oz (improbable). Commentators were saying how BC is good friends with Prather and Norton.

Getting Bryce would mean losing (import)Cook but that would be well worth it.

Could it also mean getting Gleeson as HC?

Unfortunate news with the Brisbane LIVE arena cancelled for the Olympics

Noticed that the b/ball now in Gold Coast. New facility in Southport certainly ensures that GC do get another go at the NBL and pretty soon, I'd guess.

was a maybe for the Sunny Coast I think. Could have been great. Sunny C doesn't have any facility larger than the Uni Sports Arena (approx 2500 - 3000 seats) at present and could do with one. And a crack at the NBL, in the future.

Brisbane Live was never intended to be used for Olympic basketball or the Bullets after the games finish.

The Bullets want their own stadium, rather than pay someone to use one. They are more likely looking at the potential Albion renovation.

Word has it that George Gervin's group is looking to shell out the big bucks. That is a big plus and the Bullets will reap the benefits.

Just read the article on 'big names on the move' on nbl.com.

Peter Hooley writes that both Cotton and Dellavedova are "linked" to the Bullets. Obviously a huge bill for either one but with Bannon going(?) and Cook uncommitted there may be enough of a saving to pay for one of them. I personally hope that Cook stays on or, at least, is replaced (with a local or another import).

And this, from Statman84, "Word has it that George Gervin's group is looking to shell out the big bucks. That is a big plus and the Bullets will reap the benefits", says that the money's there to pay for the calibre of coach this team will deserve and need.

So many "ifs" and "maybes" but pieces are starting to come together, it seems.

How about that optimism I displayed in the above post? Was I right?

F NO,

*Lost Bannon and White in Free Agency
*Can't re-sign Cook (as he wants an elite, local PG on the team).
*Missed out on the PG they needed with both Cotton and Delly available.
*5 days into FA and no word of any needed roster changes/additions.
*Sacked a (v good HC,IMO) without a plan A, or B or C....so,
*Didn't get the HC they should have when they ditched Buford.
*Didn't get the next-best HC when they didn't choose Henari,
*Or the next best 3 t0 50+ candidates, and,
*Suddenly, they get an unknown, untried coach who has never been a HC, a job he says he wanted for over 25 yrs (wonder why he never succeeded).

All of the above in spite of the promise of "opening the purse strings" made by the Iceman, George Gervin, part owner of the bullets. Thanks, George.

[Notice that I refer to the Brisbane Bullets as "they", rather than the "we", I have been using in prev posts?
I like "we" much more, so here's hoping "they" regain that privilege.]

Lots of news suddenly. Summary; the Bullets are going forward by losing Bannon (some weeks ago), losing Batemon's commitment for the 26 season, not re-signing Cook, not getting a known and dynamic HC, not getting the PG they wanted (Delly), in fact, not yet getting anyone other than another unknown and untried SG, Taine Murray (who may be great but who has no senior, professional exp).

On the coaching side, a couple of pieces have been added. Hajj Turner as Director of Player Personnel and Recruitment, Professor Stephen Bird as High-Performance Director and Ben Haan has acquired a substantial ownership stake but the team is still to be selected. Too many chiefs and not nearly enough (can't say that anymore, can I?) other people! Good to see they got their priorities right!?

And we have waited so patiently for some news and this is the best they can give us.

Remember that at season's end, the Brisbane Bullets had a roster that possibly needed only the slightest bit of tweaking and some good health to be meaningful again. I accept that we needed a "better" HC and an upgraded PG but the team was fairly (very) settled. Here's how it looked then;

HC Schueller
PG Batemon/Norton/White
SG MacDaniel
SF Prather/Cook
PF Bannon/SmithMilner
C Harrison/Zykarsky

And here's how it looks ATM.

HC Lash
PG ?/Norton
SG McDaniel/Murray
SF Prather/?
PF ?/?
C Harrison/SmithMilner

The experts all say to have patience but I think they mean "for weeks", not for "years".

I finally get how some of you Adelaide supporters must feel. You have my sympathy.

Been a while since my last rant. Glad I got some of it out of my system.

Javon Freeman-Liberty signed as the final import

With a starting 5 of Adams, Freeman-Liberty, Ducas, Prather and Harrison (assuming no NBA deal), are the bullets a sneaky chance this year? Admittedly the bench isnt great currently

Just looked at Freeman-Liberty's summer league highlights. He looks like a very budget signing

Sounds like very budget research.

Poor three point percentage, but don't look to bad to me. Questions on the coaching and I’m not convinced prather is a four. Possible play inns at this stage.

word14, no Sam Mac in your starters so Freeman-Liberty good enough to send Mac to the bench? The bench now has Sam, Norton, Smith-Milner, Holt and Murray. I agree, rather thin. A Next Star may help, a lot.

Atm, a fairly solid rotation of 8. Play-ins? At best.

Sam Mac could start, we'll have to wait and see

Given he hasn't suited up in NBL for a full year I’d think he’d come off the bench for the beginning of the year at least though

He (Sammy Mac)did play the full NBL1 season and looked super fit there. Probably as ready as anyone, I'd say(hope). I certainly had him in my starters but that's not knowing Freeman-Liberty's game. Frankly, I'd be happy if he was good enough to start in place of Mac, if you get my drift.

As you said, we'll see.

Freeman-Liberty averaged 20+ in the G-league last year, and was one of the highest scorers in all of summer league this year. He is legit, will absolutely be starting at the 2, very very good signing in my opinion.

Just watched Marketplace and discussion on latest NBL signings. I am encouraged by what I heard... about Brisbane's new import two-guard, Freeman-Liberty. Both Hooley and Ulec big on his scoring ability. Also said that Holt was doing well and that Murray will be ok off the bench, too. Might have to give this (playing) group some love, after-all!

Heard nothing on HC Lash.

Adams/Norton
Freeman-Liberty/Murray
Ducas/MacDaniel
Prather/Smith-Milner
Harrison/Holt

Hooley and Ulec had very good things to say about other new signings especially Hawks new big, Javell McGee.

but Stu Lash.

Bullets look like a top 6 team to me. Probably wouldnt place them higher but Ive got them in the play ins. Its now hard to ignore the Hawks as well. United have to start doing something or theyre gonna fall behind.

Heard a whisper (read it here, really,) that McVeigh was interested in Brisbane but that wasn't to be.

Boy, what if....? Reckon that getting a starting 4-man like McVeigh (releasing Prather to the starting 3-spot, his preferred position, apparently) would have been stellar. Is Jack White about the only top-quality, local, uncommitted, 4 man left? Does Brissy chase someone like him or do they leave things pretty much as-is?

I must admit that I am eating my own words as the roster has worked out pretty well and much better than I had hoped or predicted. The reports on the new imports are encouraging, the additions of Ducas, Murray and Holt, and MacDaniel's return all give me hope, again.

Me again.

Jack Purchase a 6'8" forward signed for 1 year. Just came out of Indian NBL with MVP and scoring awards.

Anyone know if he is starter level? At the 4?

If Jack Purchase starts at any club they've either got a lot of injuries or they are the worst team in NBL history. Winning the MVP in India isn't as impressive as it sounds, doubt it'd be in the top 1000 leagues in the world.
He couldn't get minutes in his "prime", let alone now.

Jack Purchase isn't NBL standard. Tried and failed at Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth. Fourth time lucky? Only getting a gig because of his last name. I suppose he couldn't be much worse than continually signing Bairstow & Dalton.

At least he'll come in with a bit more confidence than previously

Thanks for feedback on Purchase. NBL has him as 3rd option at the 4 (Prather/Holt/Purchase). Have I suggested Brock Motum, for the 4 spot? I usually do!

Bullets' roster is now complete.

(as per nbl site)
Potential depth chart:
PG: Adams (IP) / Norton
SG: Freeman-Liberty (IP)/ Murray / Devers (DP)
SF: Ducas / McDaniel
PF: Prather (IP) / Holt / Purchase*
C: Harrison / Smith-Milner / Bradtke (DP)

In spite of the disaster I feared, the Bullets have put together a good looking roster. Not sure that there is enough there to go all the way but, in what looks like it's going to be a tight competition,Brisbane certainly should be very near the top tier.

Your thoughts?