AUS - Starry week in the NBL

ADELAIDE (NBL) - One of NBL Commissioner Rick Burton's main priorities when he took over the position was to reintroduce the annual All-Star game.

Last Saturday night in Adelaide his decision was certainly justified as the leagues elite put on a show to remember. The athleticism of FIBA World Championship stars Sam Mackinnon and Brad Newley left the crowd awe-struck, while former ULEB Cup MVP Chris Anstey put on a shooting clinic on his way to a game high 30 points.

But the Australian All-Stars were upstaged by the World team, 136-133, with former Hagen (Germany) star Rashard Tucker collecting MVP honours with 21 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists. Tucker, who had gained a reputation as a disruptive influence at many of his previous clubs, has found a happy home with the Melbourne Tigers, and his content state of mind was demonstrated by the many incredible plays he produced for the 5124 strong crowd.

New Zealand Breakers import Carlos Powell, a late call up to the World All-Stars, also put on a show. The former South Carolina native produced a number of spectacular plays during the game, and won the dunk contest at half time with some of the best dunks seen in Australia for some time.

The games leading up to the All-Star game were also a showcase for the leagues elite as the NBL saw the best individual performances witnessed for many years.

While much has been written about Martin Cattalini's breakout season, the Cairns star took it to a new level against the league leading Brisbane Bullets (12-5), tallying an amazing 51 points.

Despite receiving the attention of Mackinnon, arguably Australia's best defender, Cattalini shot 17/29 from the field as he scored 19 in the final period and overtime, ensuring Cairns (8-6) prevailed 122-119. It was the highest score in the Australasian competition since Shane Heal scored the same amount in 2001 when playing for Sydney.

Mackinnon would have his revenge, however, as the two teams faced off two nights later in Brisbane. While holding Cattalini to just 33% shooting, Mackinnon tallied 33 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals as Brisbane shut Cairns down early and cruised to a 100-85 win.

Cairns Taipans coach was aware he had seen two incredible performances in 3 nights.

"Mackinnon was pretty special," said Black, who was Australia's assistant coach at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games.
"What Cattalini was for us up in Cairns (when he scored 51 points), Mackinnon was for Brisbane down here tonight.''

The nationally televised Melbourne-Wollongong game also treated fans to a shootout to remember. Chris Anstey finally rekindled the form that saw him scoop nearly every NBL award last season, nailing a career high 40 points on 12/23 shooting.

The Tigers (9-4) would prevail 101-92 but not before giving up a 16 point third quarter lead. And the man responsible for dragging Wollongong (7-6) back into the contest was athletic import Cortez Groves.

Groves entered the NBL in 2002 but lacked the maturity to play the point guard position. The Hawks sent him overseas to hone his game, and since returning in 2005 Groves has become one of the competitions very best.

Against the Tigers, Groves racked up 21 second half points on his way to a total of 30, as Wollongong coach Brendan Joyce unleashed him off the on-ball screen. No matter how many defenders the Tigers sent to help, the sinewy Groves knifed his way to the basket and finished with flair.

It was the Hawks second straight loss, having fallen to Townsville (7-8) 117-96 the previous week. Once again Groves was the shining light with 36 points and 5 assists on 14/24 shooting. Townsville import Larry Abney matched Groves 36 points and also collected 11 rebounds.

The Sydney Kings (10-5) have turned their season around following the release of import EJ Rowland. Having dropped out of the top five for the first time in a number of years, Australian and Sydney coach Brian Goorjian demanded his players produce a tougher style of basketball, and the Kings have responded.

In three low scoring victories over the South Dragons, 92-88 in overtime, New Zealand Breakers, 109-88, and the Perth Wildcats, 80-67, the Kings have kept their opponents to 36% field goal shooting. Offensively, the star for Sydney has been import Rodney Elliot, who staved off the axe by producing 52 points at 57% in those three games.

In the overtime victory against the Dragons (6-8), FIBA World Championship guard Luke Kendall spoiled Shane Heal's 'homecoming' with an outstanding all-around display. The 25 year old Kendall produced 26 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds and 6 steals to outplay his Boomers predecessor.

It wasn't all bad news for the Dragons who notched consecutive wins against the last-placed West Sydney Razorbacks (2-11). The Razorbacks replaced coach Mark Watkins, who had been involved at the club since its inception in 1998, with NBL legend Cal Bruton prior to this home-road double.

But it was more of the same for West Sydney as they were close, but not close enough in both games. The second contest in Sydney saw the Razorbacks miss on the buzzer to send the game into overtime, continuing the run of close losses that has plagued the club this season.

Australian scoring sensation James Harvey led the Razorbacks with 51 points for the week, while Senegal FIBA World Championship representative Cheikh Ya Ya Dia collected 32 points and 15 rebounds across the two games.

Harvey was also the star in former coach Watkins final game, nailing 22, but foul trouble in the third quarter stalled West Sydney's offence as the Adelaide 36ers (5-10) stormed back from a 19 point deficit to win 110-102.

Adelaide's best was former Golbey Epinal (France) import Willie Farley, who scored 33 points on 12/20 shooting as he continued to put his poor start to the season behind him.

Round 11 of the NBL season will see two playoff intensity match-ups as South host Perth (10-5), and Sydney welcome Cairns to the harbour city, in what will be two hard fought, physical affairs. At the other end of the scale, Brisbane face New Zealand (5-7), and Sam Mackinnon and Carlos Powell will face off in what should be a high scoring match-up featuring eight players with FIBA World Championship experience.

Paul Kennedy
FIBA Official Correspondent in Australia.