Slingers off season thread

[coast2coast]

G'teed to attract least replies and interest. Will the Slingers be back? Who knows. If they are then I do hope they at least hit the free agent market and put a better team on the floor.

[Skindog the Hawk]

G'teed to attract least replies and interest. Will the Slingers be back? Who knows. If they are then I do hope they at least hit the free agent market and put a better team on the floor.

I'd like to think that they'll be back, as they have government support, some sponsors and crowds that seem to be increasing as they become better known in the city. 2008/09 could indeed be make-or-break for the Slingers, what with the BA Strategic Review inferring that they should be cut and the lack of interest from top-shelf Australian players so far meaning that the lineup that was on-court this year wasn't competitive.

Basically, the concept is that they've got to offer players certainty (with the team structure), opportunity (more minutes on offer than another option), and moneyyyyyyyyyyyyy! :lol: 8)

SD.

[Mike]

Basically, the concept is that they've got to offer players certainty (with the team structure), opportunity (more minutes on offer than another option), and moneyyyyyyyyyyyyy! :lol: 8)



and that still wont be enough lol :P

[Silencer83]

I know that part of there problem last year was that they had all but one player out of contract. Is there more than just Ben Knight signed up for next year?

[swissboy]

From wat I last heard.. yes, Benny Knight is gonna be contracted for next season, and the rest of the players are all FA's.. Would really be nice to get a import nucleas with Knight first. Then attract higher talented aussie's to come over to play..

With Imports, the Helms and Grizzard were great for us but we simply relied on them too much in games. Need a few veterans like Trahair around next season to get some firepower.. Damien Ryan maybe from Europe??..

IMO Def. keep the imports we had last season. 8)

[Voice(s)]

Here's some off-season reading for all you Slingers fans:

http://aplink.wordpress.com/2008/03/16/ ... n-itsreal/ (http://aplink.wordpress.com/2008/03/16/singapore-slingers-defiant-games-must-go-on-itsreal/)

[angry ant]

Slingers fansWhat's that????

[swissboy]

At least its good to hear some progress coming from the Slingers.. 8)

[Mr bEn]

Need a few veterans like Trahair around next season to get some firepower..

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

[Cram]

I'd say, given theres not the 'are they in or arent they?' going into this season, they'll manage to grab a couple of mid level players looking for a chance at extended minutes (or guys who have run out of time with the 'potential' tag. If they can get two more decent aussie/kiwi to go with Knight and the two imports, then Cameron, Janev, Allen and McDonald they should at least be competitive.

[havrilla the gorilla]

Need a few veterans like Trahair around next season to get some firepower..



Firepower for what.....the pie eating contest? :o

[LegoSHAQ]

Here's some off-season reading for all you Slingers fans:

http://aplink.wordpress.com/2008/03/16/ ... n-itsreal/ (http://aplink.wordpress.com/2008/03/16/singapore-slingers-defiant-games-must-go-on-itsreal/)

Really good read.. I hope the Silingers are successfull for the NBL's sake,,

[Melbourne Wildcat]

I got a feeling that Cameron is waiting for the Dragons to call.

[Dene15]

I've said this before the start of the season and that is the need for Singapore to sign a few Asian players. I thought singapore got some extra leway in terms of imports for this to happen, and the signing of a player from China was mentioned from the Slingers but never eventuated. The Han-Chinese people are probably the most prominent in Singapore, and there are some good players in the Chinese Bball Association, so I feel that it would be a much better signing for the Singaporean community than just another australian most likely getting an opportunity to test the water outside SEABL.

[swissboy]

Well at least Trahair would bring some "3-point shooting" confidence to the slingers.. :P .. Like he showed in the slingers first season... But the Slingers should try to bring Liu Wei or Sun Yue (lakers 2nd round pick this year)... Played in the ABA for beijing Aoshen which played a few games in singapore so he knows the climatic conditions... would suit the slingers run and gun style if need be....

[isaac]

Anyone know if they're still interested in Castro? Just remembered this article from late last year:

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingne ... _id=101217 (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/sports/view_article.php?article_id=101217)

[Poida]

Not too sure Isaac. Media reports out of Cuba are hazy about the apparent death of his jump shot.

[havrilla the gorilla]

The last I knew of, there was a cap on Asian players representing the Slingers and they were classed as NBL imports.

If this has changed let me know, and if it hasn't it needs to for Singapore to survive and prosper.

[isaac]

Pretty sure they're allowed one restricted Asian player in the team in addition to the two standard imports.

[Melbourne Wildcat]

So was Pathman the restricted import last season then?

[isaac]

No, I don't believe they used the spot.

[glockers]

Anyone got any info on the Slingers?

[isaac]

Darren Ng heading to Singapore I believe.

[Mookie]

They've got room for an 8 point player then :wink:

But seriously, if that's true, good for him. It will mean that he can get a better chance to show his wares. I wonder if there is a demand for doctors over there?

[isaac]

As I've said before, I think it would be great for the league. A loss for the 36ers, but gives him loads of minutes in Singapore and will only help the Slingers. Get an import PG and have Darren as SG. Grizzard, Knight and Janev - that's a start.

I think they were a little hamstrung last season relying on rookies starting.

[angry ant]

I think they were a little hamstrung last season relying on rookies starting.
Yeah, at the first game of the season, Wildcats vs Slingers, I was like, "Who the f*** are these people?"

[Mookie]

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/stor ... 71,00.html (http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23446269-5006371,00.html)

[sixers33]

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23446269-5006371,00.html

Made new thread for it, as it has been made official. This thread didn't come up as new so i didn't see your last post.

Anyway, good signing for the Slingers, great start to their offseason, and early signings!

[Silencer83]

So was Pathman the restricted import last season then?

No, the ruling is that any Singaporean players can play as locals for Singapore but not any other teams in the NBL. I understood that the extra restricted Asian player that isaac referred to was external to this.

[curious]

Just read in the SEABL thread Frank Arsego has been appointed Slingers Asst Coach and is heading there mid SEABL season.

[glockers]

Just read in the SEABL thread Frank Arsego has been appointed Slingers Asst Coach and is heading there mid SEABL season.

Interesting news, frank has a few contacts both sides of the Tasman. Could lead to some good signings.

[meg]

Just read in the SEABL thread Frank Arsego has been appointed Slingers Asst Coach and is heading there mid SEABL season.

Interesting news, frank has a few contacts both sides of the Tasman. Could lead to some good signings.

Did he and Gordie cross paths when Gordie was in NZ?

[swissboy]

Daymm!! We just lost Grizzard as our import to the Tigers.. grrr :twisted:

[boz_novocastrian]

Just read in the SEABL thread Frank Arsego has been appointed Slingers Asst Coach and is heading there mid SEABL season.

Interesting news, frank has a few contacts both sides of the Tasman. Could lead to some good signings.

Did he and Gordie cross paths when Gordie was in NZ?

yeah i think at that time gordie was the high performance manager for nz basketball and arsego was the coach at the breakers

[angry ant]

The Slingers are close to signing a star Aussie player, a "giant" and 2 Americans with higher calibre than Mike Helms and Rod Grizzard!

http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=74769

Sounds good for the Slingers, hopefully they can get a good team together this year.

[Cram]

From that article it would seem that the 'giant' centre may well be one of the imports, rather than in addition to. Still, if they get this 'star' aussie, 2 good imports, the Asian 'import' and add them to Ng, Knight and Janev/Cameron, they could have a very competitive team next season. Lets hope that the 'local' signng does get them behind the team.

Would be very interested to see who the star aussie is. Someone coming back from Europe? Ryan maybe? Helliwell?

Or as a bit of an outsider, Gordie talking Rucker out of retirement?

[Julian]

Would be very interested to see who the star aussie is.
Probably Ng.

[Poida]

Could be the Human Victory Cigar aka Helliwell. He is a big unit!

[wildscooby]

Could it be Mottram? Signing Schenscher may have squeezed him out points wise.

Just a thought due to Ng connection at Adelaide

[angry ant]

Could it be Mottram? Signing Schenscher may have squeezed him out points wise.
Since when is Mottram a star? 4 ppg and rpg isn't star material in my book!

[wildscooby]

Could it be Mottram? Signing Schenscher may have squeezed him out points wise.
Since when is Mottram a star? 4 ppg and rpg isn't star material in my book!

didn't read "star' bit :oops:

[havrilla the gorilla]

Sam Mackinnon?

[kings89]

Michael Kingma?

[sixers33]

Michael Kingma?

“Australian star player”

Don't think they mean star of a wookie league :wink:

[Sachmo]

Steve Leven?

[coast2coast]

Just read in the SEABL thread Frank Arsego has been appointed Slingers Asst Coach and is heading there mid SEABL season.

Interesting news, frank has a few contacts both sides of the Tasman. Could lead to some good signings.

Did he and Gordie cross paths when Gordie was in NZ?

Have known each other for years when Gordie was coach at AIS.

[angry ant]

The Slingers have signed 7"2 Aussie Sam Harris from Old Dominion Monarchs.

http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=74820

[Poida]

So there's ya giant. You can't teach height.

[curious]

NOt at all convinced Harris has the game that matches his height.

[Poida]

Very true. Over 4 years of college, the most mins he played in one game, was 16.

[boz_novocastrian]

starting lineup

pg: import
sg: import
sf: Blagov
pf: knight
c: harris

[curious]

Lets hope their imports are good with that lineuP.

[meg]

starting lineup

pg: import
sg: import
sf: Blagov
pf: knight
c: harris

Ng not starting? Ben Knight is still there too, isn't he?

[Stumps]

Isn't that who he meant by "knight"?

[meg]

Isn't that who he meant by "knight"?

Yes, probably. :oops: I stand by the omission of Ng, though. :lol:

[Mr bEn]

NOt at all convinced Harris has the game that matches his height.

Likewise. He is an absolute stiff, and is only capable of playing 10 minutes in this league.

I think the Slingers would have been better served signing someone more mobile.

[fan since the old snakepit]

If you think that Harris is a starter then you have not seen much of the guy. Addmitedly I have not seen him since his AIS days but his minutes and stats at OD dont make you feel that there has been a lot of improvement. Start Ng in the 2 and use one of the import spots in the front court. As for Harris (think Justin Brown but slower and gumbyer)

[Skindog the Hawk]

As for Harris (think Justin Brown but slower and gumbyer)

Is that humanly possible???!? When I saw Justin Brown play for the Bullets this season I was fearful for the safety of all ten players on court...how someone can look so un-coordinated and miss so many layups at that level of play is beyond me. :?

[hellcat]

A bit off topic, but isn't the picture used for this story on the NBL website actually of Alex Loughton (who also played at Old Dominion) and not Sam Harris?

[isaac]

Just wanted to join the chorus of "start Ng, and no way would Harris be starting".

[Silencer83]

A bit off topic, but isn't the picture used for this story on the NBL website actually of Alex Loughton (who also played at Old Dominion) and not Sam Harris?

Funny that was my impression too!

[Da Houndawg #55]

Fair play... If I were the Slingers I'd be claiming that Sam harris were Alex Loughton as well...

[angry ant]

A bit off topic, but isn't the picture used for this story on the NBL website actually of Alex Loughton (who also played at Old Dominion) and not Sam Harris?
http://www.nbl.com.au/site/_content/image/00119162-image.jpg The new one looks more like Matty Knight.

[SS]

Likely lineup:

pg - Mcdonald/Castro
sg - Ng/Fitzgerald
sf - import/Daniel
pf - Knight/Janev
c - import/Harris

[Julian]

Plus:

Development players Koon and Wong have been dropped, but the one and only PATHMAN is returning! As he has completed two seasons he will be part of the main ten/eleven I assume.

Cue Cesar celebration.

[angry ant]

AND, they have re-signed Janev, McDonald and Fitzgerald...

[DoubleA]

Likely lineup:

pg - Mcdonald/Castro
sg - Ng/Fitzgerald
sf - import/Daniel
pf - Knight/Janev
c - import/Harris

Surely Castro will start

[boz_novocastrian]

Likely lineup:

pg - Mcdonald/Castro
sg - Ng/Fitzgerald
sf - import/Daniel
pf - Knight/Janev
c - import/Harris

Surely Castro will start

is cameron def gone. i also agree castro to start over mcdonald.

[angry ant]

Surely Castro will start
"Hence this signing is another ground breaking move for the Slingers as it makes us one of the most relevant professional teams in Southeast Asia. Darren Ng's signing from Adelaide earlier last week - with his Malaysian roots and relatives based in Singapore - will give the Slingers an All-Asian backcourt which is a significant move for our organisation."- Bob Turner.

From the sounds of this, I think he'll start...

[yuma]

Castro will be on 60k according to filipino news reports. I thought there was a specific minimum for imports, or is that just for Australian based teams due to imiigration reasons?

[swissboy]

Castro will be on 60k according to filipino news reports. I thought there was a specific minimum for imports, or is that just for Australian based teams due to imiigration reasons?

:shock: 60K for a youngster like Castro!!... Well I guess the SLingers sure pay all players well :D

With terms of the minimum with IMports.. that probably applies to American imports and the 100K USD minimum.. or else we would only get lousy Div III drop outplayers over here as "imports" :lol: ... but as for "asian" imports.. as long as they are happy, I guess its negotialble... I mean how much would Castro get in the PBA anyways?? Isnt it around 60K USD anyways for the season??

[bigdog]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelsonmail/4514708a6419.html

[fan since the old snakepit]

Isn't Castro from the PBL not the PBA. Cez might update this but as far as I know the PBL is the second tier league. Still gets TV coverage over there but the crowds are a lot smaller and the players are paid less. Players are also quite small. As far as relative ability of the leagues goes I watched Talk & Text a PBA team play against the AIS before a Kings game the season before last and it was pretty close from memory. The Filos had no imports on that tour and the AIS had Nate, Mills, Demos, Jacko, etc.

[kings89]

The Slingers have reworked their roster, hanging on to American scorer Mike Helms, while adding heady guard Darren Ng from Australia, Jason Castro, the two-time Malaysian league MVP, and Sam Harris, a 2.23m (7' 4") centre from Tasmania.

Turner had previously stated Helms was gone?

[swissboy]

Its been stated that Helms will not be back with the Slingers next season and he could be roumered to go to Perth or another NBL team...

[isaac]

Such as the Dragons.

[angry ant]

Slingers sign Chris Daniel.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelsonmail/4514708a6419.html

[Skindog the Hawk]

As Cesar doesn't have posting access to Ozhoops at work (today at least)...he sent me this missive to post...

Castro - Hmmm. I am not sure if he's quite up to NBL standard, much alone a starting spot. It's not so much their ability but more to do with their size and style of play. Being able to shoot over a 6'4 guard would not be something that he would be used to as one example. On the other hand, obviously penetration would be a strong point for him but generally the top NBL teams have very, very good help defense and team defense in place. It should be very interesting to say the least and I can't wait to see how it unfolds. On D, you would imagine that a Castro/Ng backcourt would routinely give up 40 points to their backcourt counterparts which is a big worry if the Slingers hope to not only get bums on seats but wins on the boards as well.

The PBL - probably the best analogy is that it's kinda like an ABA or NBDL setup to their main league PBA. PBA standard, in my opinion has progressed quite well over the last couple of years. Imports have been a bit better (they've relaxed the rules re: height restrictions) and there has been an influx of American born/raised ballers with a Filipino mail order mum who have been playing in the leagues as locals. They dunk on you long time!

PBL ballers are generally guys who bypassed their college system (wankily called NCAA as well), or guys who come from overseas and/or regional areas who need to be "battle tested" in the PBL waters before earning PBA dollars. It's an exciting style of play but overrall, I would have to say the standard is quite poor. It lacks the marquee American imports that the PBA has, the middle-lower tier talent is barely above our local comp level. Prior to the 08 NBL season, the Razors played a Filipino team which was made up of retired PBA players (not bona fide stars, the "making up numbers" kind), a couple of young hopefuls that played 1-2 seasons in the PBL (again the "making up numbers" kind). The Razors, without breaking a sweat and running their bench/development guys won with something like a 120-30 scoreline. It's always hard to compare "like for like" when talking bball leagues but the fact that this guy is from the PBL and not the PBA worries me a little bit. Yeah he's got 2 PBL MVPs, but so does Joe Devance, a 6'7 Filipino-American who rode the pine at UTEP when Luke Martin was there. Devance is now a pretty solid PBA player but he's a big and not a dime a dozen midget guard. So I wait in anticipation.

$60K Australian is a massive pay packet for Castro. It's in excess of $2M Pesos and I think the original offer made to him was half that! As quoted in online interviews, it is easily more than what he'd get in the PBA as a rookie. No doubt about it, the Slingers mean b-niz when it comes to PR, baby. I'd hate to think what I would have been worth as a 12th man running alongside PATHMAN with my 6 ppg, 6 apg, 45% FG A grade local comp average.

I am hoping that this opens up the doors to a possible inclusion of a Filipino team in the NBL, though with their season running all year round, I'm not sure how it would work logistically. What about a possible "South East Asia All Star" type team made up of 10 Asian players that plays games in Japan, Philippines, etc. Recruitment wise you could target the guys who are perhaps winding down in their careers and are looking for a last big pay packet coupled with some young guys like Castro.

Lastly, PATHMAN in the "real" squad. Boo-yeah.
Cesar

[slingersfan]

Personally i am not a big fan of Chris Daniel but hopefully Gordie will be able to work him over there in Slingerpore...

Any idea of who their imports are going to be?

[angry ant]

Slingers sign SlingHD as official broadcasting partner.

http://www.singaporeslingers.com/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=74902

Loyzaga gives Castro pointers

http://www.singaporeslingers.com/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=74915

[Stanley]

He dribbles well, he can jump and shoot even from afar but he can still be more effective by watching the moves of West Paul
...
said he admires the New Orleans star because of his great reflexes and court wizardry

[Poida]

Did skindawg write up that interview?

[Da Houndawg #55]

I modelled my entire game after East Jordan.

[Poida]

James LeBron, me personally.

[Da Houndawg #55]

No love for B. Free World?

[BlowJoggs]

Parker's got the most enviable change of direction - what could be better than South of Eva.

[Da Houndawg #55]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/08/fullj.cbd8dfe1358728f8084b0efee45dc901/cbd8dfe1358728f8084b0efee45dc901-getty-80391802lm046_san_antonio_s.jpg

[angry ant]

Jason Castro wins 3rd straight PBL MVP. Interesting how there voting is done, "Castro, who powered the national team to the gold medal in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games, finished with a leading player’s all-around value (PAV) of 1,000.23 points (856.02 statistical points and 144.21 in players and media votes)."

http://sports.inquirer.net/inquirersports/inquirersports/view/20080527-139038/NBL-bound-Castro-bags-3rd-major-plum

[angry ant]

According to nbl.com's Transaction Tracker, Mike Helms, Chris Cameron, Michael Wong, Hayden Allen, Damian Matacz, David Donaldson and Koh Meng Koon will not be returning for the Slingers next season.

[angry ant]

Harbour dynasty in peril

With the departure of Most Valuable Player Jason Castro and seven of its players, multi-titled Harbour Centre would be hard-pressed next season to extend its dynasty in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL).

http://www.mb.com.ph/SPRT20080530126058.html

So we're ruining teams in other leagues too! :lol:

[Julian]

Slingers sign Darius Rice (http://www.singaporeslingers.com/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=75081).

[SS]

Looks solid :)

pg - castro/mcdonald
sg - ng/fitzgerald
sf - rice/daniel
pf - knight/janev
c - import/harris

[Philby]

Darius Rice will be a matchup nightmare for all teams in the NBL. With his speed, Shooting & Legit 6'10 size look for him to lead the league in scoring. In saying that there is a fair chance he will be picked up by an NBA team this summer which would be a shame cos i think he would take the NBL by storm.

[Poida]

This guy was the shit in College. Matchup nightmare for sure.

That is a lovely little starting 5 the Slingers have got there.

[Da Houndawg #55]

Beats the hell out of Rod Grizzard, that's for damn sure...

[isaac]

PG will be their weak point, you'd think. Janev is good enough to back-up PF and C in case Harris needs time to get up to speed. Rice should be entertaining at least! Would love to see them get Rod Benson in that other import spot!

[Sin E Cool]

Damn, it was just edited. But I believe the movers and shakers article by Marc Howard had the new Slingers import listed as Darius Miles. That'd be interesting - same height, same love affair with threes but a hell of a lot more talent...and stupidity.

[yuma]

I would say they just had the name wrong, because its pretty close to Darius Rice.

[swissboy]

:shock: .. THe SLingers sure can recruit IMports pretty well.. getting former NBA players and former players whom have played in NBA summer leagues in only 2 seasons.. 8) .. Must be some attractive pay package and the lifestyle of singapore to offer

[glockers]

:shock: .. THe SLingers sure can recruit IMports pretty well.. getting former NBA players and former players whom have played in NBA summer leagues in only 2 seasons.. 8) .. Must be some attractive pay package and the lifestyle of singapore to offer

Well with the lack of names in other roster spots you would assume there is more money to divy between the two imports.

[angry ant]

Harris happy to be home-

http://northerntasmania.yourguide.com.au/news/sport/sports/home-is-where-the-heart-is-for-globetrotting-sam/1244994.html

[Mighty Dunks]

Slingers sign Darius Rice (http://www.singaporeslingers.com/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=75081).

Who cares about him being ex-NBA, the real news is that he used to play for a team called the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants! Sure beats the hell out of Slingers.

[AngusH]

Darius Rice will be a matchup nightmare for all teams in the NBL. With his speed, Shooting & Legit 6'10 size look for him to lead the league in scoring. In saying that there is a fair chance he will be picked up by an NBA team this summer which would be a shame cos i think he would take the NBL by storm.

I saw Rice play in the summer leagues the last two seasons, and was surprised he didn't make a roster either year. He must've been close.

[angry ant]

Childeren's Cancer Foundation's Hair Extravaganza Children's Party

The Slinger's Ben Knight and Pathman Matialakan were on hand to lend their support as young children snipped off their hair to donate to non-profit organizations in the aid to raise awareness and grow support for the Children's Cancer Foundation.

http://www.singaporeslingers.com/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=75108


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sportmag presents 5mins with the Dr.

http://www.singaporeslingers.com/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=75062

[32MJ32]

Darius Rice will be a matchup nightmare for all teams in the NBL. With his speed, Shooting & Legit 6'10 size look for him to lead the league in scoring. In saying that there is a fair chance he will be picked up by an NBA team this summer which would be a shame cos i think he would take the NBL by storm.

I saw Rice play in the summer leagues the last two seasons, and was surprised he didn't make a roster either year. He must've been close.

As well as agreeing with the above sentiment, I welcome anyone that will possibly bring me a step closer to being in the same building as Jerry Rice.

Hoorah for The Darius Rice Era.

[SS]

roster complete!

pg - castro/mcdonald
sg - ng/fitzgerald
sf - rice/daniel
pf - knight/janev
c - sandrin/harris

sandrin at 6'9" will be undersized at centre. looks like they are setup to play run and gun basketball, should be fun to see :)

[glockers]

Who the hell is Sandrin? Info please?

[fan since the old snakepit]

Think they will really struggle. Very poor back court where they will miss Helms' scoring big time. Watched Rice in a PBA game the other night. The game was actually played in May.Had about twentyfive or so at the half and did little in the third and fourth quarters. Just jacked up some threes. Did not go inside much even though he had a much smaller guy on him. Looked pretty lazy. Ended up with 37 points on 12-30 shooting and went 3-12 from three. Only 7 boards as well. The other teams import James Dixon also had 37 but he had his on 18-20 shooting plus 12 boards.
Looked at the stats for a few other games. Takes lots of threes but dont make many. Could be wrong but I dont think he will be the superstar that some think.
Does not seem to have played the last few weeks. Might be injured (or cut).

[Haggard Smith]

Good signing by the Slingers

[swissboy]

THis guy got a brief stint with the Lakers in the Summer League and played a couple of preseason games with Sacremento in the NBA, so I would think he is quite legit, just wondering why the Slingers did not go after a PG/SG though.. would be nice to see another Helms in this league.. But overall a good athletic bigman signing with Sandrin

[kings89]

THis guy got a brief stint with the Lakers in the Summer League and played a couple of preseason games with Sacremento in the NBA, so I would think he is quite legit, just wondering why the Slingers did not go after a PG/SG though.. would be nice to see another Helms in this league.. But overall a good athletic bigman signing with Sandrin

lets not forget the order of criteria @ the slingers...

1) does he look asian?
2) can he play?
3) does he look asian and have an asian sounding name?
4) what position does he play?

:lol:

[hendrix]

one would hope they tried really hard to sign Adam Gibson or Luke Kendall or some of the players from the Bullets and Kings..
they need massive upgrades in the backcourt
they''re going to struggle again

[angry ant]

http://www.singaporeslingers.com/site/_content/image/00119731-fullsize.jpg
Season Tickets now on Sale
Season Tickets now on Sale – The first home game of the 2008/09 season is scheduled for September 17th and if you want to reserve your seat now for the home opener and the rest of the 15 game schedule, season tickets are now available. Courtside seats have been in great demand and only a few of these prestigious seats still remain. There is also a ‘Student’ season ticket this year and thanks to sponsor Bewerkz and Le-Raisin wines will be one that is hard to pass up for young followers looking for a great night out

[SS]

Yep, noticed this on the website yesterday. The bad part is that they say that season tickets are available, but there is no information about the schedule, no information on where to buy the tickets!?

[angry ant]

Castro joins pro league draft
MANILA, Philippines—Jason Castro will not abandon Philippine basketball after all.

Castro will join the Philippine Basketball Association rookie draft even after the Australian National Basketball League had tapped the nifty 5-foot-10 guard as its first Filipino import.

“It’s an opportunity for me to continue playing in the Philippines after my contract in the NBL,” said Castro in Filipino.

http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20080708-147081/Castro-joins-pro-league-draft

So he's thinking about going home already...

[Julian]

NBL and PBA (Fiesta half) are played during different parts of the year.

[fan since the old snakepit]

No problem to play both. Ro Ellis, Chandler, Galen Young and now Rice amoung others have done this.

[angry ant]

Slingers Pre-Season Underway

The Slingers have now started pre-season training. The entire team has now arrived minus the two American Imports Eric Sandrin and Darius Rice. The two imports will join the team once their Summer-League commitments have been fulfilled.

The team has now completed two days of intense training. The players have been screened and put through the motions by Head Coach Gordon Mcleod. Unfortunately the Slingers will be without Head Coach McLeod as he departs to continue an Olympic campaign with the Australian National Mens Team.

Gordon Mcleod is one of Australia’s finest coaches and he has proven this by being part of Australia’s elite taking an Assistant Coaches role with the National Team as they make the trip to Beijing later this month in an effort to attain Australia’s first Olympic Medal in Mens Basketball.

Leading the Slingers’ preparation in the McLeod’s absence will be Head Singapore National Coach Neo Beng Siang. Neo has been an Assistant Coach with the Slingers since their inaugural season and continues to be an intricate part of the Slingers organization. Another addition to the coaching staff this season, adding even more coaching experience to the bench is former Head Coach of the Australian Institute of Sport, Frank Arsego. Frank was Head Coach/Assistant Coach for the prestigious Australian Institute of Sport for seven years. Bringing his knowledge of developing players to the highest level will sure add another dimension to what is shaping up to be the Slingers star-studded squad.

Head Coach McLeod will meet the team at their annual pre-season trip to Brunei once the Beijing Olympics have been completed. August 22nd will see the Slingers compete in the 8th Brunei Cup hoping to better their third place from last year.

With interest increasing from around the region, Slingers’ fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead for Singapore.


http://www.singaporeslingers.com/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=75459

http://www.singaporeslingers.com/site/_content/image/00119781-fullsize.jpg

http://www.singaporeslingers.com/site/_content/image/00119782-fullsize.jpg

http://www.singaporeslingers.com/site/_content/image/00119783-fullsize.jpg

[curious]

Gone?

[Poida]

What's gone? The team? A player? A coach?

Why don't you just say?

[curious]

Slingers.
Happy now?

[Poida]

Was that so hard to say?

So gone for this season? A lil more info would be good.

[curious]

I am posing the question.
The current rumour is the Slingers are gone.
Just not for next season either.

[CGG]

Surely they are too far into their prep to not be there this season? What on earth could have gone wrong after they have the fliers, the tickets, the team all out there? This is why I would like to see a finalised draw - stop all this speculation.

[SS]

Whats the source of this rumour? Pre-season training is already underway

[trey]

Gone?

Nice attention seeking. You should have tried to drip feed your info over a few more messages.

[havrilla the gorilla]

This one could make or break ya Curious...... :wink:

[Mr bEn]

Sam Harris is 7"4? :shock:

[curious]

This one could make or break ya Curious...... :wink:
I posted the rumour.
Current rumour is that beacuse the NBL are changing the comp trhe season after, there is no guarantee the Slingers will be in it.
The Governemant has allegedly decided to pull their funding if that is to be the case.

[Poida]

Sam Harris is 7"4? :shock:

Have you been sleeping under a rock? :lol:

[curious]

Look uP 7' 4" white stiff in the dictionary.
Sam's picture is there.

[DDFan]

Breaking news:

Curious' source, is the Web-stir Dictionary.

[curious]

In non breaking news it seems that John Spencer was one of the worst decisions the 6'ers made.
Once they had commited to it, as a volunteer they were compelled to keep it on to seasons end and then terminate the contract.
Depite the fact that on the surface John appears likeable and friendly the true schizo John is neither. Just a bitter and twisted person. Those 'team mates' he thought he had were laughing behind his back.
Such a tragic. Such a loser.
Unlucky John.

[Stumps]

This one could make or break ya Curious...... :wink:
I posted the rumour.
Current rumour is that beacuse the NBL are changing the comp trhe season after, there is no guarantee the Slingers will be in it.
The Governemant has allegedly decided to pull their funding if that is to be the case.
And why wouldn't they? Similarly, I'd be pretty pissed if I were the Breakers with all they money they've spent building a team this offseason, with the very real likelihood that they'll be excluded from the "new" NBL.

[DDFan]

In non breaking news it seems that John Spencer was one of the worst decisions the 6'ers made.
Once they had commited to it, as a volunteer they were compelled to keep it on to seasons end and then terminate the contract.
Depite the fact that on the surface John appears likeable and friendly the true schizo John is neither. Just a bitter and twisted person. Those 'team mates' he thought he had were laughing behind his back.
Such a tragic. Such a loser.
Unlucky John.

Not sure how that all came from a light-hearted quip, but I guess I deserved it.
Can't fault your research, nice work. :P

[isaac]

Wouldn't surprise me too much. Was only a matter of time before one of the teams (rumoured to possibly be dropped) kicked up a fuss. West Sydney may have escaped for the moment with the rebrand. Does that leave Wollongong? Or could they be kept at the expense of the Breakers?

[gangsta boo]

How then can clubs and players come to agreements when everything changes next season ?

crazy

[Stumps]

Yeah, I've already commented on how all these "three-year deals" being signed at the moment are inevitably going to be even less binding than a usual NBL contract.

[isaac]

And no doubt most players realise that, but if you're already signing a two-year, might as well go for three and lock up the third-year increase while it's being offered.

[Cussy]

In non breaking news it seems that John Spencer was one of the worst decisions the 6'ers made.
Once they had commited to it, as a volunteer they were compelled to keep it on to seasons end and then terminate the contract.
Depite the fact that on the surface John appears likeable and friendly the true schizo John is neither. Just a bitter and twisted person. Those 'team mates' he thought he had were laughing behind his back.
Such a tragic. Such a loser.
Unlucky John.

Gone?

Seeing as though you love quoting rules when it suits you, I guess you don't need to be told that you have just broken them. See you in three days...not that you'll be missed.

[BlowJoggs]

Are you possibly hinting that his time may be uP?

I guess time will tell. :wink:

[Cussy]

You have NFI. Why don't you
ask him yourself? Tr
oll.

[isaac]

Sounding more and more like they're gone. The Singapore experiment comes to an end and more quality players are out of work?

Any team looking for a 6'10" SF may want to give Darius Rice a call.

I've started a topic on the end of the Slingers here:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=14204 (http://www.ozhoopsboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=14204)

[DICKO]

I'll back Curious every day of the week, and twice on Sundays.

My sauce confirms with me as well.....Slingers are GORN!

Good scoop. Curious...bask in the ensuing apologies.

[Cussy]

What apologies is he owed? For being asked to just come out and say what needs to be said?

[CGG]

Well this has been officially the suckiest off-season ever. 10 teams from 13 last year? That's beyond ridiculous.

[DICKO]

This one could make or break ya Curious...... :wink:

I think you should consider him "made" then.

Why is it that time and time again, curious posts clearly great information that is rarely wrong, yet people still find the need to bag him. Doubt him if you really have to, but keep it to yourselves.

TC (and others)....

There are 3 levels of information that I get.....

- Open slather....let everyone know what I'm telling you

- Let it out but don't tell eneough for them to know it's me that told you

- I'm telling you this in complete confidence.

I'm sure it is exactly the same for curious.......Sometimes you can only post part of what you know, in fear of getting your source into trouble. I believe he does his best every time.

[Cussy]

In this case, if he can't come out and say "I heard the Slingers are gone for the upcoming season" then what is the point of even dropping hints?

If there is a chance of getting the source in trouble then keeping your mouth shout would seem like the best thing to do.

[Stanley]

In this case, if he can't come out and say "I heard the Slingers are gone for the upcoming season" then what is the point of even dropping hints?

If there is a chance of getting the source in trouble then keeping your mouth shout would seem like the best thing to do.

Exactly

[Stumps]

To play devil's advocate, when you are a little bit cryptic, you at least allow for plausible deniability. I can understand not wanting to be totally explicit -- it could be the difference between something appearing in the press or not.

To be honest, I don't understand the curious hate -- I would certainly rather read vague hints than no information at all. If it's his self-promotion that bothers you, then there must be a whole heap of other users on here who similarly get up your noses.

[curious]

All the critics. Never happy.
It was semi public knowledge on saturday.
Maybe someone should tell those in Singapore not to leak the story.
But of course the NBL has stuffed it up. Why wouldnt they leak it.

[DICKO]

To be honest, I don't understand the curious hate -- I would certainly rather read vague hints than no information at all. If it's his self-promotion that bothers you, then there must be a whole heap of other users on here who similarly get up your noses.

Exactly.

As for self-promotion, at least he's got something to self promote.....there's plenty here that act like complete tossers with no information at all.

[Cram]

It's the self rightousness that goes along with it as well though. The 'who are you to question me, I'm always right' guff.

Almost all of the "information" and hints and stuff is just enough to let you know that, yeah he does know something, and with a few clever words here and there, he can (and does, gleefully) refer back to it when he's proven correct. But the information at the time, doesnt, in fact, help anyone actually know anything more. All they know, is that there's something to know, and Curious knows it. Tell me how that helps anyone apart from Curious' ego? (which clearly is fragile given the rants he goes off on when anyone questions him...even in a joking manner like a couple pages ago).

"but of course" now we'll just hear about how he doesnt really have to do it, he's just trying to give what he knows...but of course...

[Stumps]

It's the self rightousness that goes along with it as well though. The 'who are you to question me, I'm always right' guff.
So why would anybody bother biting on that if it bothered them?

Almost all of the "information" and hints and stuff is just enough to let you know that, yeah he does know something, and with a few clever words here and there, he can (and does, gleefully) refer back to it when he's proven correct. But the information at the time, doesnt, in fact, help anyone actually know anything more.
It's helped me know bucketloads more over the last decade or so.

All they know, is that there's something to know, and Curious knows it. Tell me how that helps anyone apart from Curious' ego?
It helps people who are on friendly terms with him and might want to PM him for more information that he can't post publicly.

If you don't like it, that's great, just ignore it, but don't pretend that it doesn't help anybody, because I can assure you that it does.

[Stanley]

Like the time when we heard it here first, this is as exclusive as you can get... Kings are safe :shock:

[DICKO]

Stanley....that's just a case of things change. I posted that Cortez would not be at the Dragons......I can't stop the Dragons from back-fipping on their plans no matter how good my information was. It was certainly a fact at the time I posted it. In fairness, I think I was also the first to break that he was in fact staying.

Cram....my point is that Curious has proven himself enough NOT to have people question him, so how he acts when people question him fair enough, IMHO. I've posted a lot of stuff where the odd newbie (or sadly some regulars) still pops up and says "how would YOU know?" and all that rubbish. It does get irritating when, I think, I've proven myself to the regulars here often enough.

For mine.....I think "Gone?" was fairly accurate and not all that cryptic.

[Cram]

I do tend to ignore it, which works well for me. However watching him go off on one of his many regular rants on anyone who dares question him (most recently DD), I can certainly see why he's got haters.

And that's great that he's let you know more info, but that really just adds to his whole ego boost doesnt it? "Get in good with me and I'll break you off some bigger crumbs (while making sure everyone else is aware that I know, without telling them anything particularly usefull)."

[DDFan]

Almost all of the "information" and hints and stuff is just enough to let you know that, yeah he does know something, and with a few clever words here and there, he can (and does, gleefully) refer back to it when he's proven correct. But the information at the time, doesnt, in fact, help anyone actually know anything more.
It's helped me know bucketloads more over the last decade or so.
Mate, you need an en-suite. :P

[Poida]

"Slingers are Gone?" (Not very hard to post those 2 extra words :wink: ) would've been nice, instead of just "Gone?". Another team dropping out of the league is huge news. That's why I asked for clarification.

[Cram]

Cram....my point is that Curious has proven himself enough NOT to have people question him, so how he acts when people question him fair enough, IMHO. I've posted a lot of stuff where the odd newbie (or sadly some regulars) still pops up and says "how would YOU know?" and all that rubbish. It does get irritating when, I think, I've proven myself to the regulars here often enough.

For mine.....I think "Gone?" was fairly accurate and not all that cryptic.

Yep, "Gone?" was obvious. But rarely are they like that.

With regards to how he acts when people question him, surely letting the information speak for itself is the best way to go? Going on a rant, big noting all the occasions you've "gotten it right" as if it means he infallible (sp?) just seems like ego serving tripe. "But of course" the information isnt always right, but the vagueness of his information often allows him to claim something that didnt do anyone any good.

[fahootie]

it would be different if Curious posted his stuff purely to inform, but he does it to make out that he is special....and he puts others down who post info that they may have heard. Its like no-one can know as much as Curious.

There would be no problem if he just stated what he knew like Dicko or Isaac do, if fact, I'd appreciate the information.But he doesn't.

Lets just say, he has a unique style.

[DDFan]

Lighten up guys, curious doesn't have the resources of the Weather Bureau, & they're just as accurate. That's as to be a plus for the guy. :wink:

BTW DICKO, who's your source?



Don't worry mate, my lips are Navy Sealed. Everyone loves the 36ers & everything about them. :P

[Stumps]

Like the time when we heard it here first, this is as exclusive as you can get... Kings are safe :shock:
They were at the time.

[Poida]

Like the time when we heard it here first, this is as exclusive as you can get... Kings are safe :shock:
They were at the time.

My sauce says they weren't, so nerr :P :lol:

[Stumps]

And that's great that he's let you know more info, but that really just adds to his whole ego boost doesnt it? "Get in good with me and I'll break you off some bigger crumbs"
Surely you've been alive long enough to know that's how life works, not just on NBL forums?

[DDFan]

Guys, in this fair go world, I believe curious will clear things uP in the Off-Topic section of this site.
Get your money's worth. :wink:

[Stumps]

"Slingers are Gone?" (Not very hard to post those 2 extra words :wink: ) would've been nice, instead of just "Gone?". Another team dropping out of the league is huge news. That's why I asked for clarification.
If he'd written "Slingers are gone", that might be enough to prompt something in the media saying "Rumours indicate that the Slingers blah blah blah"; nobody is going to go that far on the basis of one potentially obscure word though. I know the difference is trivial to us, but there's a slight difference in arse-cover-ability.

[Poida]

"Slingers are Gone?" (Not very hard to post those 2 extra words :wink: ) would've been nice, instead of just "Gone?". Another team dropping out of the league is huge news. That's why I asked for clarification.
If he'd written "Slingers are gone", that might be enough to prompt something in the media saying "Rumours indicate that the Slingers blah blah blah"; nobody is going to go that far on the basis of one potentially obscure word though. I know the difference is trivial to us, but there's a slight difference in arse-cover-ability.

I think most people would've worked out that he meant that the Slingers are possibly gone. Probably didn't make a difference in the end, since Issac has started a new thread about the Slingers going :lol:

[Cussy]

If he wants to write “an import is being trialled” for whatever he team he is referring to, that doesn’t worry me at all. But this example of “Gone?” is classic big-noting, along the lines of posting something like “check your PM’s” as if everyone else not privy to that conversation is going to be super duper mad.

Then there is his inability to draw the line between his opinion, and a juicy rumour, and often the two get crossed. Recent coaching changes at Perth were a good example. His comments were halfway between an opinion, which he is entitled to, and a suggestion of some dodgy dealings and I find that to be a dangerous thing.

And then there is the standard retort, like the one Poida got. If anyone does dare to question him, you get a “why don’t you ask him yourself, or ask him about another irrelevant story” as if inside info makes the world go uP.

[Cram]

And that's great that he's let you know more info, but that really just adds to his whole ego boost doesnt it? "Get in good with me and I'll break you off some bigger crumbs"
Surely you've been alive long enough to know that's how life works, not just on NBL forums?
Well I, for one, refuse to play those games or deal with self important twats like that.

[Stumps]

And that's great that he's let you know more info, but that really just adds to his whole ego boost doesnt it? "Get in good with me and I'll break you off some bigger crumbs"
Surely you've been alive long enough to know that's how life works, not just on NBL forums?
Well I, for one, refuse to play those games or deal with self important twats like that.
... because it makes you feel better about yourself. He does what makes him feel better about himself. The world keeps going around.

As long as curious is not actually hurting anybody, I don't see the problem. If he makes people think he's a twat, that's really only hurting him.

[DDFan]

Slingers' thread guys.
Curious is busy at the moment, so please, don't slam the guy.

[Cussy]

You're right, it's a bit silly considering he's on a 3 day vacation.

[DDFan]

As long as curious is not actually hurting anybody, I don't see the problem.
Fair enough, I'm cool with that.
If he makes people think he's a twat, that's really only hurting him.
So why are you defending him? Logically, it shouldn't be a problem. :P

[DDFan]

You're right, it's a bit silly considering he's on a 3 day vacation.
Just check, & he's not on holiday. I have requested that he not be.
Stay tuned.

[kc4mvp]

if Sydney are Quote "SAFE" and then non suddenly exisitant,
Groves will not play for the DRags and signed.

Is it possible that BA review will confirm Slingers are in the picture fro the next 3-5 years
and the $ return to support the Slingers?


Gone!!!! is such a final and overused word .

It aint over till the FAT NBL Lady sings,

[Cram]

And that's great that he's let you know more info, but that really just adds to his whole ego boost doesnt it? "Get in good with me and I'll break you off some bigger crumbs"
Surely you've been alive long enough to know that's how life works, not just on NBL forums?
Well I, for one, refuse to play those games or deal with self important twats like that.
... because it makes you feel better about yourself. He does what makes him feel better about himself. The world keeps going around.

As long as curious is not actually hurting anybody, I don't see the problem. If he makes people think he's a twat, that's really only hurting him.

But you're saying you don't understand the Curious hate. He presents himself as an arrogant self-serving toss. Are these not the sort of people who deserve hate?

[gangsta boo]

Guess its good news for the NBL that posters here are more interested in discussing wether posting info makes you a dickhead rather than the fact that another NBL team is on its way out

[curious]

I post in a topic called Slingers Thread and am howled down for no
t being specific enough for Poida. :)
The Kings fail to exist anymore and I now have no conflict of interest what so ever.
I have posted what I hear as rumours. When I posted the Kings are back it was based on what was happening at the time.
The usual knob heads know that but of course fail to concede it of course.
The NBL is in fre fall and the Slingers debacle is testamnet to that.
The Kings had someone try to buy them quite recently.The guy was willing to put $2mill on the NBL's desk. The NBL said no, once again.
Word is that it might be a 9 team comp as well. But what would I know.
Hate such a strong word. Its a forum FFS.
Hey cram if you dont like me I dont give a rats. Oh by the way. Fuck off.

[Cram]

But of course.

Let me guess. The $2m was completely clear, with no chance of being a little short/late and those behind it had a clear and strong business structure that any other professional league in the world (not controlled by Seamus) would have accepted?

[Cussy]

Passing opinions off as inside info - check.

[isaac]

The Kings had someone try to buy them quite recently.The guy was willing to put $2mill on the NBL's desk. The NBL said no, once again.
Understandable, given that they have a Sydney team currently in the league, and that the looming review may well suggest a single team in that city. Could end up with another Singapore scenario on their hands were they to bring in another side now.

[Cussy]

But of course it's also understandable considering the previous Kings owner was all cash and no substance. I think it's wise to learn from recent mistakes. But what would I know

[curious]

But of course it's also understandable considering the previous Kings owner was all cash and no substance. I think it's wise to learn from recent mistakes. But what would I know
Nothing. We alrerady know that.

[Cussy]

oh noes I dont have the inside info on everything. how else will i get an erection now?

So there is no doubt in your mind that the NBL should have re-admitted the Kings, and the only reason they didn’t is because Seamus didn’t want them in because he is a big meanie?

[curious]

No point in disccussing anything with you.
I post a comment about the Kings and trying to get back in the NBL (and there is far more to it that you would ever know) and of course you can't resist to assert your expert opinion.
Seamus has nothing to do with it. But I guess once again you didn't know that.
Clearly after the weekends behaviour by Seamus he is a big meanie annd it seems a bully to boot.
But I guess you didnt know that either.

[Daevo]

I thought this was a Slingers thread or is it now a general discussion on defunct teams?

What are the chances of Slingers players like Knighty being picked up by another team?

[gangsta boo]

Hardly anyone would have roster spots left. Ng would need to look for a job as well

[Stumps]

What did Seamus do on the weekend?

[Voice(s)]

Ng's got one, wouldn't exactly be a concern.

[Cussy]

No point in disccussing anything with you.
There is actually a point in discussing it and that is because I asked you a question. It's the same question you've been asked several times in the past few weeks. Put your money where your mouth is.

I post a comment about the Kings and trying to get back in the NBL (and there is far more to it that you would ever know) and of course you can't resist to assert your expert opinion.
Seamus has nothing to do with it. But I guess once again you didn't know that.
Clearly after the weekends behaviour by Seamus he is a big meanie annd it seems a bully to boot.
But I guess you didnt know that either.


And then there is the standard retort, like the one Poida got. If anyone does dare to question him, you get a “why don’t you ask him yourself, or ask him about another irrelevant story” as if inside info makes the world go uP.

viewtopic.php?p=559164#p559164 (http://ozhoopsboards.com/viewtopic.php?p=559164#p559164)

So now Seamus has nothing to do with it? Make up your mind. I guess that's the problem with being a bullshit artist. The more lies you tell, the more you have to remember.

[Poida]

What did Seamus do on the weekend?


http://www.ozhoopsboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13126&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=200#p563956

[Cussy]

What did Seamus do on the weekend?

From all reports, he got seriously stuck in to a ref after a BIg V game. Somehow that proves that curious is right on all things Seamus.

[Stumps]

What did Seamus do on the weekend?
http://www.ozhoopsboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13126&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=200#p563956
Isn't fucking up one league enough for him?

[Poida]

I wasn't at the game, but someone who was mentioned to me, and I quote "Some fat fuck at the end, ran (I guess he meant waddled), onto the court after the female ref, and tried to manhandle her escort!"

:lol: