Anonymous
Years ago

Hunting for 2007 players: where will the changes b

Seems there are a few players happy to be talking elsewhere than Adelaide for the 2007 ABL comp. So will they stay or will they go?
Plus the interstate comp offers good level competition (not just the top 4 teams) and some match payment for your efforts. Anyone heard any rumours - could one player be a current u20?

Topic #9486 | Report this topic


Not Mike  
Years ago

Ask your Club President re rumours that the season will return to an 18 round comp, and in the very near future the salary cap WILL BE CUT.

Both calls will result in a down grading of our comp.

Premier players will not only be paid less, but it will take even longer to gain player life membership at 18 rounds a season.

Some Club Presidents forced an 18 round season two years ago - NO CONSULTATION WITH PLAYERS AND COACHES -and there was a considerable groundswell of unrest / dissatisfaction by mid season from ALL TEAMS.

If these decisions are ratified, our comp will not attract elite players from interstate, and the competition will rapidly become second rate in comparison to other leagues in the ABA.

Same core Presidents want us out of ABA - again no consultation with teams - which will only move the demise of the Central Conference forward at a rapid rate.

(Mod: Author name changed. Do NOT use someone else's identity.)

Reply #107729 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

The move you talk about is causing unrest and is not giving players any confidence let alone legends of the volunteer & Club admin core, like yourself who work for the game not self-interest. Seems that the powers to be are working against the clubs that they should be representing in more cases than one. You can't blame the players for looking over the border and yes you are spot on - BSA and each and every club should be looking to lift the league not lower its standard - so much lip service to supporting and promoting SA talent - especially when the level of play down the track will not be giving kids the competition they need to compete at a higher level should they want to and as a spectator sport it will become a bore. Love this game - let's all let them know that this is the comp!

Reply #107730 | Report this post


Anon  
Years ago

What a load of rubbish Mick. Playing in the ABA is the biggest con, waste of money ever seen in SA basketball. We pay $40k a year to play each other and then get beaten in the first round of the playoffs nearly every year.

Attracting recruits? From Interstate? When have we ever attracted a big name from the Eastern states?

The salary cap is a joke. They could cut the cap to $1 and it wouldn't make a difference. If a club wants to go around the salary cap all they do is hold a bbq outside their stadium, pocket $500 cash and put the money into the pocket of a player! Not hard at all and no one will ever know. Getting rid of the salary cap will not make one bit of difference other than the fact some clubs will get themselves into more financial trouble than they are in now. By all means keep the salary cap but dont think that it will stop clubs from getting players because that will never happen.

The comp should be 18 games or 27 games not the mickey mouse 24-25 games now. Make it even for all clubs. Perhaps you should talk more with your president, I assume he has a vote...

Reply #107735 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

What the hell do you mean "no consultation with teams"???

Surely the Presidents discuss these sorts of issues with their respective committees, coaches, players etc.

If you are suggesting that this is not happening and that some presidents have personal agendas then I'm sure it is in the minority case - certainly not enough to win a majority vote.

Reply #107736 | Report this post


The Early Bird  
Years ago

I guess with the salary cap being lifted that will help you guys promote juniors into your senior teams at Forestville

Reply #107738 | Report this post


Woody  
Years ago

Anon 107735

As a player I dont believe it is rubbish to be apart of the ABA. It just adds to the challenge that if you can win the title then you get to go and see how you fair against the rest of OZ. Even though we may lose the first round we generally never finish last.
Also i think that if the salary cap is cut you risk losing your Jacob Holmes', Jason Dix type players. Imagine our league without these sort of guys, it really would be a step back for the league. In no way am i implying they are only in it for the money, but if you reduce the incentive you risk losing them.

On the 18 game v. 20+ game season. As a player 18 games is just not enough. 27 may be too much for volunteers etc and low 20's unfair on other clubs. A solution must be sought, but to only have 18 games is just not going to be enough.

Reply #107742 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

If 18 isn't enough for teams and the competition in general and 27 is too many for club volunteers why not trial the idea of mid week games?

Have 18 rounds played on a home and away basis in the local venues and supliment this with 9 rounds played at the Dome and Wayville mid-week like the old days. (Women playing Tuesdays, Men playing Wednesdays for example.)

Teams get a decent competition, club resources aren't pushed (and in fact are lessened from last season) and the concept of mid week games gets a chance without a major revamp of the competition.

Reply #107746 | Report this post


Anon  
Years ago

Woody, you won't lose players to the Eastern states because of money. They may go for opportunity but very rarely will they pack and leave jobs, families etc for $5k... My point is the salary cap is a waste of time. No one really worries about it. If a club wants a player and it cost them extra money they will find a way to pay him.

Playing ABA does not add to the challenge as a player! You play to win your own State title, thats what counts. WA are not in the ABA! So instead of spending $40k a year to be in it, set up a challenge with WA. At the end of each year the top two teams from each state play off. One year in SA, next in WA.

Reply #107747 | Report this post


Sturty6ers  
Years ago

The salary cap is a farce anyway. Has any team even been looked at for a salary cap violation? With some of the players around last season, (Men and Women) there must have been issues.

Reply #107751 | Report this post


The Early Bird  
Years ago

Sturty6ers

which teams are you referring to

Reply #107756 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

norwood springs to mind?? Cooper, Flying in Todd Matthews each week?

Reply #107759 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Sweeney,

Just keep giving away fridges to people in you teams. That way you can recruit the best players in Adelaide.

And don't worry that none of your juniors will ever get a game!

Reply #107763 | Report this post


lockstock  
Years ago

Mid week games is a good idea in principle, but not in practice. As a player you need to have time to mentally and physically prepare for the game. I don't think there is too manyt players out there that would go out on a Friday night before a game or do much else than take it easy on a saturday (unless they have to work). A full day of work followed by a game on a Wednesday night would not be a good idea IMO

Reply #107765 | Report this post


Woody  
Years ago

Anon 107747

I think your WA v SA idea has merit. Should be explored.

I agree salary cap is a bit of a joke but im referring to reducing it. I fail to see the benefits of such an action. I will however disagree with you regarding going to the Nationals. Ive been 3x and its a great experience. Its also good for the younger guys in our team to play and experience games against bigger, faster better competition.

ps. I think you should set up the SA v WA idea. Then we can withdraw from ABA.

Reply #107785 | Report this post


Isaac  
Years ago

I've been informed that the post allegedly by "Michael Sweeney" was not by Michael. Please do NOT use someone else's name on your posts!

Reply #107797 | Report this post


Tony Blair  
Years ago

Lockstock

Tell that to Al Green, Peter Sexton, Ray Wood, Peter Ali, David Spear, Scott Ninnis, Rachael Sporn, Marina Moffa, Jan Stirling, Phil Smyth, David Smyth, Ilse Nagy, Michelle Ware, Michelle Weir and many many others who honed their skills playing on week nights.


from 1950s till very recently late 1990s games were played on a tuesday and wednesday with a few home and away on a weekend.

can you tell me that you are less of a player than some of the above named who not only held down full time jobs, they played on weeknights then again on weekends with NBL or WNBL.

Good enough for them I gather you could do it too

Reply #107802 | Report this post


lockstock  
Years ago

Hell yes I'm less of a player. I never said it couldn't be done, just said it's "not a good idea IMO", and won't result in the best basketball being played on those nights.
IMO. Chill

Reply #107827 | Report this post


Cat in the Hat  
Years ago

Isaac - I knew it couldn't have been Sweens as soon as I read it. The spelling is too good!

Reply #107833 | Report this post


Panther  
Years ago

Why not ask the players what they would prefer? Put out a vote to all players on current lists with different options? Put this back to the club presidents and BSA to see whether the most favoured response is the most financially beneficial.
Another option would be to go back to a mid week competition withdraw from the ABL but put in a SA allstar team similar to the Buffaloes of old???

Reply #107834 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Will the players then do more to help their Clubs, than just turn up on Saturday Nights to play?

That is probably a generalisation, but the majority of Club Volunteers who help run the ABA Games, at most Clubs anyway, are also Committee Members and/or parents of current players.

22 Rounds was hopeless last year & in fact crowd numbers have been going down over the last 3-4 seasons, so extending the season by 2 more home games did nothing for crowds. In fact the number of Crows/Port games being played Saturday Nights seems to be having more of an impact on numbers and therefore fundraising.

I know that only one club confirms that their ABL Teams don't cost that Club money, but the rest all say it does.
So, if the players want the league to continue, they need to contribute by attracting sponsors, by being visible to their Club Juniors to attract more spectators, so Clubs will have more money to give to their players.
Otherwise, I think that within 2 years, the Central ABL will be fully amateur, with players paying to play & most people retiring from the sport at 20 or 21, unless they truly do love the competition.
This may even impact on the prospective number of Juniors coming in to the sport.
So don't just put the blame on the Clubs & the Presidents, it's up to them plus the Players to keep the Compettition viable & for the players do earn some payment.
If players were just paid what their part of the program brings in, I think you find the Salary payments would be less than half of what was actually allowed under Salary Cap in 2006.
(eg assuming each club did spend its $25,000 on players & say another $8,000 on Coaches, that is $33,000 for the season & with 11 home games, each home game has to generate $3,000 in profit just to cover those costs. That is a lot of sausage sizzles & cups of coffee!)

Reply #107839 | Report this post


yogee  
Years ago

I'll weigh in to the mid week game debate again.

I'm with Woody in the fact I cant see it working.

In my own example, even finishing work at 350 in the City, by the time I get home its 515-520. I would then have to get the car and drive to the Dome, probably running late (code of conduct for stats is must be in attendance 60 mins before the game).

Work my game, then get home at roughly 10-1030. Have dinner, have a shower, go to bed to be up in time to catch my 6.55 train the next morning.

Under the propsal above (Men one night, Women the next) what if my club is rostered to the latest game? Then I have to go back for the women's the next night?

I am only using my example to highlight, but I know I would not be the only one in this situation.

My only other situation would be to drive to work (fuel costs), then park (parking costs in the CBD $11 cheapest anywhere near where I work!), plsu the usual drive to and from the game.

Not to mention if I am on an early shift, finish at 350, what am I supposed to do for 2 hours?

As I mentioned, this is purely my own situation, but I am sure you will find other club volunteers in very similair situations.

Yes, we use to have mid week ABA (or similair style league) games. However, life has changed significantly in that time, with people finding a lot more demands on their time. Do we really want to ask our volunteers to be sacrificing even more time away from their families??

I can of course see benefits to a mid week comp, and if it meant each club only played 2 or 3 mid week games per season, well it might be workable (see, I CAN compromise!!)

It would be interesting to see if someone who is a fan/proponent of the mid week games did a mock up draw to see how it could possibly work.

Reply #107862 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

yogee the scenario you've just described is no different to the commitment players, parents of juniors (mid week trainings), local stadium staff (doorpeople, referees etc) and in the end the majority of local basketball people deal with every week already.

With games being all at one venue who's to say stats people from North couldn't stay and do a SECOND game after theirs to cover say a Woodville v Centrals match? Meaning one club needs to supply stats people for 4 teams. In the end saving you some valuable time.

The concept has it's pros and cons. But I do think it may deserve a chance, even if just as a trial such as 9 games in a season.

Reply #107875 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Anon...yes your idea has some merit....however you need to keep in mind ABA games are used for both stats and scoretable staff to be assessed for national panel selection, and in stats case, doing regular aba games is a pre requisite for us to be considered for national panel duties.

9 weeknight games per club would be excessive...especially if we are talking about extending the season by 2-3 games.

Also the idea of staying for a sercond game means those peoople would have to give up even more time. Whilst you can argue (and I would agree) you would balance it out in a return favour elsewhere in the season, the fact is it is still a major chunk you would be asking people to give up in 1 night.

I feel hypocritical in being a nay-sayer to this idea, as I cant come up with an alternative at this time....and I would probably just end up grudgingly accepting a program change to weeknights, but it does have the potential to drive some volunteers away from the game due to the extra demands on their time....and we all know the last thing we need in this - or any - sport is to drive away the alreadyh hard to find volunteers.

My other question would be who will subsidise BSA the lost income from not being able to run social and/or district games on the night ABA is being played - district might be able to be played elsewhere, but the social comps would suffer greatly, and surely they would be a big revenue raiser now for BSA??

Reply #107886 | Report this post


Magpie  
Years ago

#107735, I was wondering why Forrestville had all those BBQ's at last season!

Reply #107896 | Report this post


paulo  
Years ago

Magpie,you are a clown.
The BBQ's were run by parents of Juniors to pay for expensive trips interstate.They not only ran them at Seniors games , they were at shopping centres for 6 months , trying to keep their costs down !
If you know so much , why don't you ring us and find out some ways to promote the sport , rather than get on web sites and write a whole heap of cr*p from behind the screen .
Give the FEBC a call tomorrow and we will give you some hints on what we are trying to do to lift the profile of the sport at a local level .

Reply #107902 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Question Paulo

What are you trying to do about promoting Juniors into your senior program, ie Senior womens

Reply #107929 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Answer Anonymous: Have you watched any of Forestville's summer season games. This will answer your question.

Reply #107932 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Yes but will it answer the same question for the main season

Reply #107935 | Report this post


Graeme LeBroy  
Years ago

Every point has its' merit, but who finishes work at 5pm on the dot. Work has changed these days, and Peter Sexton will back me up in this regard. Back in the day, work finished on the dot and no spill over, where as these days there are more chances for work to spill over and not finish "on time" which would be catastrpohic for coaches/referees/scorers/managers, basically anyone involved. To be honest, weekend BBall (aka ABA) is the way to go as there is a lesser %age of ppl affected by playing on weekends than midweek.

Reply #108098 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

I have a question
What is the pupose of the ABA comp? Are we offering a pathway for SA Juniors or are we trying to make a high profile proffessional comp that attracts players from all over.

Reply #108153 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Should it be the best 10 players from each Club or the best 10 players a club can buy.

Reply #108156 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Anonomous,

You must be joking if you think that Forestville will let any of these guys or girls play in the ABA season.

Just a bit of lip service.

Reply #108161 | Report this post


Brian Griffin  
Years ago

#108161

Really?

By my count, Forestville had 3 juniors in last year's ABA team. Several key players will not be returning this year due to retirements etc so it seems likely they will once again bring juniors into the team. Do you approve?

Reply #108174 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Seems to me that the question should be just how many SA grown players have had the talent to move up to ABA ranks. I reckon anyone that genuinely wants to be in the ABA and has the talent, will at one club or another find a game.
Since FEBC seems to be a ready target here, just did a check of their www and player mugshots - seem to recognise many of the 12 faces as being longterm SA players. now off to check out the other club sites.

Reply #108180 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Brian,

It is one thing to have a picture on a website. QUite another to actually get on the court.

Forestville will go out and recruit another couple of players so that their juniors can get their picture on the website and cheer frop the bench.

Reply #108182 | Report this post


Brian Griffin  
Years ago

#108182

I was referring to the women's team. One of the three juniors was a key contributor. OK, the other two did not get big minutes but is that surprising for young players in their first or second senior season? Perhaps their roles will be expanded next season. Isn't that what developing juniors is about?

Reply #108197 | Report this post




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