AUS - Australian season ready for launch (updated)

SYDNEY (National Basketball League) - The Australian National Basketball League (NBL) season starts this week. With 27 players, or 23% of the NBL having represented Australia, New Zealand, Canada or Nigeria at Olympic or World Championship level, this season is shaping as the most competitive and talented ever.

The first four teams to hit the court are the Adelaide 36ers, Sydney Kings, Townsville Crocodiles and the Singapore Slingers. The Slingers become the first Asian based team to enter an Australian based sporting competition. Here is a look at the key players who will mould the season for these teams.


SINGAPORE SLINGERS

Internationals: Ben Melmeth (Australia - 1998 World Championships)

Imports: Marquin Chandler (previous club; Ask Riga – Latvia, 15.4ppg, 7rpg, 43% 3pfg)
Mike Helms (Atletico Argentino Junin - Argentina, Oakland College – USA, 26.9ppg)

Key Player: Marquin Chandler - 5 players from the now defunct NBL team Hunter Pirates have signed with the Slingers. While the Pirates claimed the final playoff position last season, the lack of a quality small forward prevented them from going any further. If Chandler, a former MVP of the Philippines Basketball League, can produce similar form in the NBL, Singapore could push toward the semi finals. A poor year from the San Jose State University graduate, however, will see the Slingers struggle to even make the playoffs.

Outlook: The Slingers are an exciting development for the NBL and basketball in Singapore. The signing of a television deal for broadcast of all home games will generate even more interest in this new team. With the solid Melmeth and the spectacular Helms on board, this landmark franchise should even challenge for the playoffs.

Even more exciting for basketball fans is a rule change by FIBA that allows Singapore born players to represent the Slingers as non-imports. It is a move that may fast track the development of the Singaporean national team, with squad members Koh Meng Koon and Pathman Matialakan signed by coach Gordie McLeod for the upcoming NBL season.


ADELAIDE 36ERS

Internationals: Brett Maher (Australia - 1996, 2000 & 2004 Olympics, 1998 World Championships)

Imports: Nick Horvath (Wellington – New Zealand, 19.7ppg, 9.9rpg)
Willie Farley (Golbey Epinal – France, 18.8ppg)

Key Player: Brett Maher - One of the best yet most underrated players in the NBL. An outstanding shooter, passer and defender, Maher is able to do whatever it takes to secure a win for Adelaide. Last season, the 36ers lost just one game with a fully health Maher playing. If his 33 year old body can last the full season, the 36ers will certainly be a team to beat.

Outlook: Adelaide, usually a stronghold of Australian basketball, almost lost their professional team in the off-season. With a new owner found, the Sixers future looks more secure, and has enabled the retention of coach Phil Smyth and the core playing group. With the signing of league legend Lanard Copeland and talented big man Nick Horvath, a championship is not out of the question for the rejuvenated 36ers.


TOWNSVILLE CROCS

Internationals: Brad Newley (Australia - 2006 World Championship), John Rillie (Australia - 2004 Olympics)

Imports: Larry Abney (Etha Engomis – Cyprus, 21.6ppg)
Jelani Gardner (Golbey Epinal – France, 19.5ppg)

Key Player: John Rillie – Veteran Rillie is close to unstoppable when at his best. Unfortunately for the Crocs, last year was one the 34 year old would like to forget. With new coach Trevor Gleeson looking to play an up-tempo game, Rillie should again be back to his best. If he is the Crocs should again be back to the play-offs.

Outlook: Rillie, Newley and Larry Abney are a formidable trio, and if new import Gardner is a good fit, Townsville, with the best home court in the league, could be a horror match-up in the playoffs. But with several new players and a new coach, it could also be a long year for the Crocodiles if team chemistry is poor.

Basketball fans should keep an eye on raw 22 year old Greg Vanderjagt. The 213cm centre is touted as a future international representative and potential NBA player.


SYDNEY KINGS

Internationals: Jason Smith (Australia - 2000 & 2004 Olympics, 2006 World Championships), Mark Worthington, David Barlow, Russell Hinder & Luke Kendall (Australia - 2006 World Championships).

Imports: EJ Rowland (St Mary’s College - USA, 11.1ppg, 3.8apg)

Key Player: EJ Rowland – Touted as a solid defender and ball handler, Rowland must replace CJ Bruton, one of Australia’s most dynamic players. After 3 championships and 1 runners up trophy in the last 4 years, Sydney’s hierarchy demands success. With a young squad around him, EJ must find ways to create shots for his teammates, as a poor start by the Kings may see Rowland on his way home.

Outlook: The Kings look to have enough talent and athleticism to make the playoffs, but lack the experience to be a genuine championship threat. With room to sign one more import, Kings coach Brian Goorjian will need to sign a power forward capable of scoring deep into the fourth quarter, or his team will struggle to win close games.


PERTH WILDCATS

Internationals: Paul Rogers (Australia – 1998 World Championships; 2000, 2004 Olympics)
Tony Ronaldson (Australia – 1994, 1998 World Championships; 1996, 2004 Olympics).

Imports: Darren Brooks (previous club(s); Southern Illinois University - USA, 15.2ppg, 5.2rpg)
Shawn Redhage (Arizona State University – USA, 8.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 45.5% 3pfg)

Key Player: Paul Rogers – The Wildcats have a young and athletic backcourt capable of holding its own in the NBL. To be a championship contender, however, the Perth frontcourt must consistently outplay their opponents. The 213cm Rogers was MVP of the NBL in 2000, but has struggled to recapture that form since, at times coming off the bench in recent years.

Coach Scott Fisher has promoted Rogers to team captain in hope of inspiring the laid back big man. It seems to have worked, with Rogers’ pre-season performances outstanding. Perth need this trend to continue all year if they are to achieve their lofty goals.

Outlook: The talk in Perth is of Championship success, yet much of the Wildcats team is unknown to the league. A repeat of last season’s semi final berth will take standout years from Rogers, Ronaldson, Redhage, new import guard Brooks and the super athletic Peter Crawford in the backcourt.

Many observers will be keeping an eye on 214cm Justin Brown. Labeled a potential NBA player while at the University of Connecticut, Brown has struggled during stints in Italy, Germany and China. Returning to his home town may finally bring out the best in the 26 year old Brown.


MELBOURNE TIGERS (2005/06 NBL Champions)

Internationals: Dave Thomas (Canada – 2002 World championships)
Chris Anstey (Australia – 1998 World Championships; 2000 Olympics)

Imports: Rashard Tucker (Dafni – Greece, 16.0ppg, 6.0rpg)
Dave Thomas (Canada 2002 WC, 7.2ppg, 5.0rpg)

Key Player: Axel Dench – Returning from a European sojourn that saw him average 9 points (47% 3pfg) and 5 rebounds per game for Porto Ferpinta in Portugal, the 211cm perimeter specialist will replace Tigers tough man Neil Mottram, who is playing in Italy.

With Dench a constant threat from the perimeter, a contribution from him defensively and on the glass will see the Tigers even better than last years Championship team.

Outlook: Rookie coach Al Westover did what many thought impossible by guiding the Tigers to the title following the departure of club legends Andrew Gaze, Mark Bradtke and Lanard Copeland.

The playing group credits this success to Westover, who allowed them to play instinctively. You can bet nothing will change this year, with the Tigers playing structured yet unpredictable basketball. The road to the Championship will most likely go through league MVP Chris Anstey and the Tigers.


BRISBANE BULLETS

Internationals: Ebi Ere (Nigeria – 2006 World Championships)
CJ Bruton (Australia – 2004 Olympics; 2006 World Championships)
Dillon Boucher (New Zealand – 2002, 2006 World Championships; 2004 Olympics)
Sam Mackinnon (Australia – 1996, 2000 Olympics; 1998, 2006 World Championships)
Mark Bradtke (Australia – 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000 Olympics; 1990, 1994 World Championships).

Imports: Dusty Rychart (University of Minnesota – USA, 14ppg, 8rpg)
Ebi Ere (Oklahoma University – USA, 13.7ppg, 5.3prg)

Key Player: Mark Bradtke – With 5 Internationals this is no doubt an extremely talented squad. While the 209cm Bradtke has been a dominant big man in the NBL for well over a decade, his almost 38 year old body is showing serious signs of wear, and Brisbane have very little in reserve at the centre position.

In the off-season Bradtke injured his back doing simple household chores, and will miss the first month of the season. If he returns fully fit the Bullets should be a large determinant in who wins the NBL title. A hobbled Mark Bradtke, however, will see the Bullets come up short, early in the playoffs.

Outlook: Bruton and Mackinnon were Australia’s best players at the FIBA World Championships, Ere was a scoring threat for Nigeria, while Kiwi Boucher is one of the hardest working role players in world basketball.

With this quartet having faced the best players in the world in Japan, few NBL teams will beat Brisbane in the regular season. With teams in full form by playoff time it may be a different story, however, and coach Joey Wright will be praying for a fit Mark Bradtke come seasons end.


CAIRNS TAIPANS

Internationals: Martin Cattalini (Australia – 2000, 2004 Olympics)

Imports: Damon Thornton (Gymnasia CR – Argentina, 10ppg, 6.8rpg, 50% 3pfg)
Kevin Owens (Roanoke, NBADL - USA, 5.3ppg, 4.7rpg)

Key Player: Damon Thornton - With last years import guard Darnell Mee to be considered a naturalised Australian from October, Damon Thornton will step into the power forward position vacated by retired star Melvin Thomas. Thomas was arguably the greatest low post player in the league’s history, and created open shots for the Taipans dangerous shooters like Cattalini, Gary Boodnikoff, and Anthony Stewart.

While Thornton is a different style of player, he must use his athleticism to create a presence at the four spot, or the lack of speed of the Cairns swingmen will be exposed. At the defensive end Thornton, the 4th all-time leading shot blocker in North Carolina State history, will be the most intimidating interior defender in the Taipans seven year history.

Outlook: Master coach Alan Black guided this team to the semi finals last year, and looks to have the talent to do it again. Much will depend on the recovery from injury of the sharp shooting Boodnikoff, and how imports Thornton and Owens, and lighting quick point guard Luke Martin adjust to their new team.

SOUTH DRAGONS

Internationals: Frank Drmic (Australia – 1998 World Championships)
Shane Heal (Australia – 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 Olympics; 1994, 1998 World Championships)

Imports: Todd Fuller (Beirasar Rosalia - Spain, 16.5ppg, 8.8rpg)
Kavossy Franklin (Frankfurt Skyliners – Germany, 12.8ppg, 3.7rpg)

Key Player: Shane Heal – With the Dragons marking a return to two professional teams in Melbourne, owner Mark Cowan requires on-court success and a strong off-court presence to ensure the new franchise is a success.

The well-traveled Heal has already delivered on the latter, with the Dragons bringing basketball back into the spotlight. Whether his 36 year old body can produce his best basketball after two years away from the professional game is still to be seen. If it cannot, then the Dragons inaugural season will not have a fairytale finish.

Outlook: The South Dragons have breathed new life into Melbourne basketball, providing a level of off-court professionalism not previously seen in the NBL. Their home debut on October 14th is eagerly awaited, with a packed crowd expected.

The team itself is low on athleticism, but high on skill and basketball smarts. Boomers hopeful Jacob Holmes is set for his best year ever, and coupled with a highly credentialed import duo should ensure a playoff appearance in the Dragons first attempt.

A player to watch is 203cm guard Joe Ingles. Captain Heal described him as the most poised 18 year old he had ever seen, and his appearances so far suggest he has all the skills to make an impact on world basketball in coming years.



WOLLONGONG HAWKS

Internationals: Glen Saville (Australia – 2004 Olympics)
Tony Rampton (New Zealand – 2000, 2004 Olympics; 2006 World Championships)
Casey Frank (New Zealand – 2006 World Championships)

Imports: Cortez Groves (Atenas – Argentina, 17ppg, 5apg)
Adam Ballinger (Michigan State University – USA, 8ppg, 4.8rpg)

Key Player: Adam Ballinger – Cortez Groves and Glen Saville were outstanding for the Hawks last season, but a lack of consistent offensive support was exposed when Saville was injured late in the season, and a first round playoff exit resulted.

While Ballinger averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds per game, and toughened his work inside the paint, the Hawks need him to be more consistent at both ends if they are going to progress deep into the playoffs.

Outlook: Kiwi international Casey Frank is an excellent pickup, and adds some aggression to the frontcourt that has been missing since Melvin Thomas left the club. The Hawks will again be about the mark, but a lack of depth leaves them vulnerable to injury, and shy of the elite clubs in the NBL once more.


NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS

Internationals: Mika Vukona (New Zealand – 2006 World Championships)
Paul Henare (New Zealand – 2000, 2004 Olympics; 2002, 2006 World Championships)
Aaron Olson (New Zealand – 2004 Olympics; 2006 World Championships)

Imports: Brian Wethers (Hyères-Toulon - France, 12.6ppg, 3.6rpg)
Ricardo Powell (Sport Lisboa Benfica – Portugal, 18.5ppg, 7rpg, 28.9% 3pfg)

Key Player: Ricardo Powell – The Breakers finally found some form late last season, and one of the main architects was import Rich Melzer. But the 27 year old Melzer has signed with the San Antonio Spurs, leaving a big hole in the frontcourt for Powell to fill.

Though just 201cm, the University of South Carolina graduate has a 211cm wingspan, and has performed well in the pre-season. If Powell can maintain this form, the Breakers are expected to be the big improvers and make their first ever playoff appearance.

Outlook: The recruitment of former league MVP Brian Wethers is a major coup for the Breakers. Coupled with their three New Zealand internationals and Ben Pepper, one of the leagues outstanding centres, Wethers gives the Breakers their most talented squad ever.

If New Zealand can overcome their tough travel schedule, NBL playoff basketball should be seen on the ‘Shaky Isles’ for the first time. How far they can progress will depend largely on the performances of their three New Zealand internationals, who need to produce more consistently than in previous years.


WEST SYDNEY RAZORBACKS

Internationals: Nil

Imports: Justin Bailey (Porto Ferpinta – Portugal, 10.5ppg, 4apg, 32% 3pfg)

Key Player: James Harvey – One of the most talented players in Australian basketball, Harvey has been cursed by injury in recent years. The Perth native was the dominant scorer in the NBL early last season, and the Razorbacks were barely competitive when injury forced him to miss most of the season.

Harvey has again struggled for fitness this pre-season, a worrying sign for West Sydney, and a shame for basketball fans, who have rarely seen this offensive maestro at his best.

Outlook: Highly credentialed import Peter Cornell has been released due to a hip injury, continuing the Razorbacks run of poor luck. While West Sydney have a talented and athletic group of young players, to make the playoffs Bailey and Harvey must be fit and firing, and the replacement for Cornell needs to be a standout player in this competition.

A player to watch is 209cm youngster Julian Khazzouh. The 20 year old prodigy has set tongues wagging with his first appearances in the NBL pre-season, his form suggesting he has the potential to play international basketball in the future.


Paul Kennedy
FIBA Official Correspondent in Australia