Predict The New Season, End of Season Standings

[Fozzey]

Cairns Taipans ;)
Perth Wildcats
Melbourne Tigers
New Zealand Breakers
Wollongong Hawks
Goldcoast Blaze
Townsville Crocodiles
Sydney Kings
Adelade 36ers



(Based on teams so far)
Bit bias :p

[Cameron84]

Cairns Taipans ;)
Perth Wildcats
Melbourne Tigers
New Zealand Breakers
Wollongong Hawks
Goldcoast Blaze
Townsville Crocodiles
Sydney Kings
Adelade 36ers



(Based on teams so far)
Bit bias :p


Perth Wildcats
Gold Coast Blaze
New Zealand Breakers
Melbourne Tigers
Cairns Taipans
Sydney Kings
Wollongong Hawks
Townsville Crocodiles
Adelaide 36ers

[Southern Joe]

1. Sydney Kings
2. Perth
3. NZ
4. Hawks
5. Tigers
6. Crocs
7. Pans
8. 6ers
9. GC

[Clips]

IBT Telling off Joe.

[angry ant]

1. Gold Coast Blaze
2. Perth Wildcats
3. New Zealand Breakers
4. Townsville Crocodiles
-------------------------
5. Melbourne Tigers
6. Cairns Taipans
7. Wollongong Hawks
8. Adelaide 36ers
9. Sydney Kings

[WilloWildWaves]

1 Perth
2 Blaze
3 Mel
4 Syd
5 Cairns
6 New Zealand
7 Crocs
8 Gong
9 Adelaide

[Voice(s)]

At this early stage:

Perf
Gold Coast
New Zealand
Townsville

Melbourne
Cairns
Wollongong
Adelaide
Sydney

[Cussy]

1. Sydney Kings
2. Perth
3. NZ
4. Hawks
5. Tigers
6. Crocs
7. Pans
8. 6ers
9. GC
why bother?

[DDFan]

1. Sydney KingsYou haven't change one bit.





Good luck to yah. ;)

[Southern Joe]

why bother?


... Why not?

Where's your list? :p

[2sc945]

1. Melbourne Tigers
2. Gold Coast Blaze
3. Perth Wildcats
4. Cairns Taipans
-------------------------
5. Sydney Kings
6. Adelaide 36ers
7. New Zealand Breakers
8. Wollongong Hawks
9. Townsville Crocodiles

[curious]

1. Sydney Kings
2. Perth
3. NZ
4. Hawks
5. Tigers
6. Crocs
7. Pans
8. 6ers
9. GC
Oh dear.

[bev]

Cameron84,
Not "get things right"..... just find a few million dollars that might go missing in a year.
I have that problem myself.

[DDFan]

My 36ers don't seem to be getting much love, generally being tagged 8th or 9th except for 2sc945, which frankly doesn't do much for my confidence.
I'd like to think that a team which is built mainly on returning players who showed flashes of brilliance last season, could do better with the new coach & still 2 imports to be brought in.
Surely a lot would've been learnt from last season & we should improve a couple of notches. Mind you, I don't know who we'll displace, but I'm thinking positively.
My expertise in player positions & team balance is sadly lacking so I won't participate in ranking teams, but I reckon Perth, Gold Coast & Townsville are definites for the finals. After that, it's down to injuries, cohesion, & shitloads of luck as to where the rest fall into place.

[Fozzey]

My 36ers don't seem to be getting much love, generally being tagged 8th or 9th except for 2sc945, which frankly doesn't do much for my confidence.
I'd like to think that a team which is built mainly on returning players who showed flashes of brilliance last season, could do better with the new coach & still 2 imports to be brought in.
Surely a lot would've been learnt from last season & we should improve a couple of notches. Mind you, I don't know who we'll displace, but I'm thinking positively.
My expertise in player positions & team balance is sadly lacking so I won't participate in ranking teams, but I reckon Perth, Gold Coast & Townsville are definites for the finals. After that, it's down to injuries, cohesion, & shitloads of luck as to where the rest fall into place.

You just gave yourself the answer right there my friend...

[DDFan]

You just gave yourself the answer right there my friend...Cool, I'll run with that.

36ers to finish 4th. I'm happy with that. :D ;)

[bball28]

1. Gold Coast
2. New Zealand
3. Perth
4. Wollongong
5. Melbourne
6. Townsville
7. Cairns
8. Sydney
9. Adelaide

Cairns coach Aaron Fearne to be sacked during the season with Gold Coast winning the Championship against New Zealand but forced to hand back Title after they are found to be cheating the Salary Cap (The only way Joey Wright knows how to win a title :-) ) But seriously i think GC will win it.

[SB.1]

1. Gold Coast
2. New Zealand
3. Perth
4. Melbourne

5. Wollongong
6. Adelaide
7. Townsville
8. Cairns
9. Sydney

I think we'll see a pretty big gap between the top 4 and bottom 5 this year, as opposed to last year.

[Agent 15]

1 - Melbourne
2 - Gold Coast
3 - Perth
4 - New Zealand
-----------------
5 - Cairns
6 - Townsville
7 - Wollongong
8 - Adelaide
9 - Sydney

[Ricnat]

The general concensus for the top 4 seems to be (in no particular order)

Cats
Blaze
Breakers
Tigers

I agree with this based on last seasons form + new recruits for the coming season. The big X factor will be how well the Tigers tall timber can gel into a cohesive unit able to play all areas of the floor. The Tallgers will go either really well and no one will be able to cope with the sheer size of the team or they'll suck major @ss. Lets hope its the latter :)

I think the Taipans will see the most improvement over their previous season. With the Crocs taking a slide.

[Silencer83]

As the teams are not yet finalised it is a bit early to say how good most of them will be however based on recruiting so far I would expect that Gold Coast, Perth, New Zealand (providng they get decent imports), Cairns and Wollongong to be fighting out the top four and the rest to be fighting each other to avoid the wooden spoon.

Cairns should be the big improver and Townsville the slider.

[Cussy]

... Why not?

Where's your list? :p

I'm wondering why you would have the Kings at the top, and the Blaze at the bottom. I mean....c'mon!

1. Gold Coast
2. Perth
3. Townsville
4. NZ

5. Adelaide
6. Melbourne
7. Wollongong
8. Sydney
9. Cairns

[KEVY47]

Nobody has picked the Hawks last?

C'mon people. Lift your game!

[Daevo]

Trying to get better odds from your bookie? :p

[DDFan]

... Why not?

Where's your list? :p

I'm wondering why you would have the Kings at the top, and the Blaze at the bottom. I mean....c'mon!

1. Gold Coast
2. Perth
3. Townsville
4. NZ

5. Adelaide
6. Melbourne
7. Wollongong
8. Sydney
9. CairnsWoo hoo, Adelaide have now risen to 5th spot. Lov'n it. :D

Now Joe, you did ask Cuss for his rankings, & he has Perf below the Blaze. Should Perf pull out of the league & end on a high?
Or should Bendat blow his life savings on wooden spooners?

[DDFan]

Nobody has picked the Hawks last?

C'mon people. Lift your game!How p1ss weak are our OzHos?

The complete Hawks roster's a year older than last season, local unemployment is rampant, the shopping maul needs an uPdate, Sav's now a Kebab(y) father, & Soup should be in bowls (not basketball).
You heard it first here, the Hawks'll be forever known as the Illawarra Wooden Spoonbills.


Just kidd'n mate, I think the Hawks are gonna do just fine. ;)

[Southern Joe]

I'm wondering why you would have the Kings at the top, and the Blaze at the bottom. I mean....c'mon!

1. Gold Coast
2. Perth
3. Townsville
4. NZ

5. Adelaide
6. Melbourne
7. Wollongong
8. Sydney
9. Cairns


... Cool. See how things turn out at season's end. :cool:

[de_beers]

Best guess so far would be

1 Gold Coast
2 Perth
3 Melbourne
4 New Zealand

5 Adelaide
6 Cairns
7 Wollongong
8 Sydney
9 Townsville

[Cussy]

... Cool. See how things turn out at season's end. :cool:

Why do you think the Kings will finish on top?

[fan since the old snakepit]

SJ posts what he hopes will happen. The thread would be of little purpose if all did the same.

[Cussy]

I bet he tips his team every week in tipping comps too.

[Agent 15]

I bet he tips his team every week in tipping comps too.

I do that, but thats because im a Perth Wildcats fan so its ok to do so :D

[DDFan]

Hey guys, I'd cut Joe some slack if I were you, after all, he predicted that the pretender Kings were gonna threepeat & they did. ;)
The only thing that surprised me about his table ranking was having Gold Coast on the bottom. Is there some hate happen'n there Joe?

[Southern Joe]

....

OK .... I'd say that the GC prediction was from old news. I don't get a chance to trawl every thread. I believe the Kings will surprise & finish on top with regards to 2 precedents....

1. The current Kings situation is a bit similar to the pre season of 2002-03, when we won the title. We nearly lost our team then, when we went into VA.

2. The Hawks won the title with a less than stellar on paper line up. They nearly did it again last season after almost folding themselves.


... I also trust that the Kings will be a success both on & off court.

btw ... Two questions back at you all ....


1. Are we predicting reg season standings?

2. Apart from what has been highlighted ... what about the rest of what I tipped ?

[DDFan]

Two questions back at you all ....


1. Are we predicting reg season standings?I'm guess'n that all have put rankings from 1 to 9, it's the minor season, but do you have another rabbit in your arse?

2. Apart from what has been highlighted ... what about the rest of what I tipped ?Cuss answered your previous pointed question & it seems universal that your ranking extremities seem to be the problem. Don't stress about what's in favour in between, no-one's arguing that.

[Cussy]

....
I believe the Kings will surprise & finish on top with regards to 2 precedents....

1. The current Kings situation is a bit similar to the pre season of 2002-03, when we won the title. We nearly lost our team then, when we went into VA.

Right, so it's got nothing to do with players on the list, it's about whether or not they went in to VA. Or are you saying that Heal, Neilsen, Chris Williams and Franklin were all shit, especially under Goorjian, but became stars because of the off court adversity? Does this mean next years Bullets team are automatic favourites? Why aren't Cairns the favourites this year too?

2. The Hawks won the title with a less than stellar on paper line up. They nearly did it again last season after almost folding themselves.

The problem is that this years Kings team is less than-less than stellar, with a rookie coach. Apples with apples, please.


... I also trust that the Kings will be a success both on & off court.

Thanks, Sydney Pete.

1. Are we predicting reg season standings?

No, at the end of round 6. Did you do yours for the entire season? :roll:

Put it this way, Joe, I won't make a bet with you because that wouldn't be fair on you, but I will give you $200 if the Kings finish on top. Put that in your signature if you like.

[Lethal Vertical]

It's too early for a complete list, but Gold Coast look very dangerous and I rate them favourites at this point. Perth will be around the mark again- with a similar roster to last season and the redhead master on the sidelines, you can almost guarantee they'll return to the top 4 and be a legit challenger again.

If Melbourne can get a good point guard then I'll bump them up to 1st. If they ignore the warnings given by Devendorf's former NZNBL club and sign a shooting guard or combo guard, thus condemning him to running the point then the Tigers will have to remain my 2nd or 3rd favourite. I'm optimistic that Devendorf will be a good player, since he's ripping it up in New Zealand, but the offense needs a pure point guard to be most effective, and Devendorf's statistics and former club both attest to the fact that he needs to be receiving the ball and having the plays run for him, rather than running the plays for someone else or trying to do it all himself. The Tigers shuffle offense does accomodate combo guards, as it utilises the type of play where he could make one quick pass then run around a couple of screens and that sort of thing, but he'd still be better off with someone else calling the shots. The Tigers will need an awesome ball handler to help them get it up the court and control the rock. So a lot depends on their last signing. In giving this rating, I'm assuming Nevill will be one of the better Centre's in the league and that Devendorf will be good for 20 points a game at a decent clip. Given Dorf's NZ form and Nevill's rep they both seem pretty likely, but of course I admit I'm being highly speculative.

The same applies for New Zealand who have a few signings to go.

The low budget Hawks will struggle. I'm assuming they're going to go with the one import thing again. Currently, they've lost Tragargdh and signed Forman, which is a massive negative, so the only way I could see them even challenging for a finals spot would be if they signed an absolute superstar import. Like, better than McKee. That's probably not going to happen and as I said, even if it does they still probably won't make finals.

For the other team it's a bit early to tell as they mostly have major signings to come. Guessing on imports is never an easy game either, so at this point I'll stick to these remarks above- GC, Perth and Tigers to all make the finals. Hawks to miss out, and the Kings for that matter. The others will be somewhere in the middle, depending on their completed rosters.

[paul]

Devendorf scores at 2-3ppg more than Corey Webster in the NZNBL, so locking him in for 20ppg is a tad premature. Could be good, but could also struggle with the attention he will get given the Tigers lack of perimeter talent.

My predictions at this very, very early stage:

New Zealand
Perth
Townsville
Gold Coast

Wollongong
Melbourne
Cairns
Adelaide
Sydney

Southern Joe, dont worry about the abuse, this time last year we were all predicting Wollongong to finish 7th or 8th. I have Sydney last but I think they will get into double figures in wins.

[curious]

Southern Joe, dont worry about the abuse, this time last year we were all predicting Wollongong to finish 7th or 8th. I have Sydney last but I think they will get into double figures in wins.

2?

[Agent 15]

Since when is 2 double figures?

[curious]

1+1

[Agent 15]

1+1 = a window

[DDFan]

1+1 = a windowYou exPect curious to take a leap of logic???

Did I break the cryPtic innuendo that 2 single digits maketh the bird, so go jumP? :p

[gangsta boo]

This is nothing like 02-03. Back then we had some semblance of a squad. Its been two years and we are starting from scratch. There won't be one Sydney Kings player from our last year in the league

I don't think the Kings compare with the Hawks either as not only is the roster a bit thin on paper but we also have an unproven coach

Its great that people can be positive but not to the point of deluding themselves

[Clips]

Question for Joe, if the returning team was called Sydney Spirit, would they still finish 1st?

[Stumps]

Back then we had some semblance of a squad.
It wasn't really much of a squad, GB ... it only had the league MVP, the following season's MVP, and arguably the top perimeter threat in the league, all fronted by the best coach in league history. That's clearly identical to this season's Kings.

[gangsta boo]

It wasn't really much of a squad, GB ... it only had the league MVP, the following season's MVP, and arguably the top perimeter threat in the league, all fronted by the best coach in league history. That's clearly identical to this season's Kings.

and please don't forget the eventual 2003 champions had TWO wookies

[Stumps]

I always thought it was a little sad that everybody in Australia over 6'10" got to play a Wookiee EXCEPT Brett Wheeler, the biggest Star Wars nut in the country.

[gangsta boo]

Just to get back to my some semblance of a squad post - I meant the guys that were sticking with the team in the off season who were in limbo but stuck by the Kings. Including the coach at the time who was still actively looking at imports etc

[gangsta boo]

I always thought it was a little sad that everybody in Australia over 6'10" got to play a Wookiee EXCEPT Brett Wheeler, the biggest Star Wars nut in the country.

That was a tragedy right there

[DDFan]

Just to get back to my some semblance of a squad post - I meant the guys that were sticking with the team in the off season who were in limbo but stuck by the Kings.Julius Hodge can stomP, would he be useful?
Including the coach at the time who was still actively looking at imports etcHe had to go, screwed uP the last 3 seasons, wasn't good enough to keeP the Boomer coaching job & now he's on a peasant income in China. ;)

[Fozzey]

This thread a success? ;)

[gangsta boo]

He had to go, screwed uP the last 3 seasons, wasn't good enough to keeP the Boomer coaching job & now he's on a peasant income in China.

Goorj came later , I was referring to Brett Brown

[Southern Joe]

This is nothing like 02-03. Back then we had some semblance of a squad. Its been two years and we are starting from scratch. There won't be one Sydney Kings player from our last year in the league

I don't think the Kings compare with the Hawks either as not only is the roster a bit thin on paper but we also have an unproven coach

Its great that people can be positive but not to the point of deluding themselves


..... The situation is similar in that back before the 02-03 season we nearly lost the Kings then.

The squad part is a separate issue. I know this current squad is nowhere near as good as the 02-03 squad.. but the analogy is that if every game was merely judged by what looked good or bad on paper ... every game would be predictable & there would be no need to play at all.

I am but one person.. these are my thoughts ..... no fear, no guts , no glory. I'd be happily proven wrong at seasons' end..... ( but not happy if the Kings don't do well). ;)

[DDFan]

..... The situation is similar in that back before the 02-03 season we nearly lost the Kings then.That va thing that you keep bringing uP, rumour has it that it was all about reneging on the high rental contract of the playing venue at the time.
The squad part is a separate issue. I know this current squad is nowhere near as good as the 02-03 squad.. but the analogy is that if every game was merely judged by what looked good or bad on paper ... every game would be predictable & there would be no need to play at all.Goorj made home games predictable, but they played them anyway, which was really good for Poxtel & questionabl good for the NBL. It's a shame that the Kings' home crowd numbers also plummeted, & the NBL taking a nose-dive too.
Yet against the odds, you try to substantiate placing the Kings as the 2010/2011 title winners, with a lesser roster, on paPer?
Have you no shame?

I'd be happily proven wrong at seasons' end..... ( but not happy if the Kings don't do well). ;)There's no pleasing you, ...... I copPed the brunt of a wooden spoon last season, so if the Kings don't win it all, ....... would a silver spoon do it for you ..... ?

You'll have to excuse me, I'm no good at those full stoP thingys, or asterisks .......

[Stumps]

..... The situation is similar in that back before the 02-03 season we nearly lost the Kings then.
Well, it's not similar, because this time the Kings were well and truly gone and this is a totally new club. Whatever the possibilities were last time, at the end of the day nothing was lost on court.

[Spiegel]

Blaze
Tigers
Perth
Cairns

NZ
Hawks
6ers
Crocs
Kings

[Silencer83]

Can someone explain to me why with the skewed lineup that they have signed so far the Tigers are so popular as a top two prediction?

[DDFan]

Can someone explain to me why with the skewed lineup that they have signed so far the Tigers are so popular as a top two prediction?2Ez, Tigers r Cheetahs!!1!

Dun

I hoPe this helPs

j/k guys ;) :p :) :D

[Benchy]

Can someone explain to me why with the skewed lineup that they have signed so far the Tigers are so popular as a top two prediction?

Everyone is hedging their bets in case Al Westover has got it right in going super-big e.g. What if noone can out rebound them or out-score them inside? - they might have a chance.

[DDFan]

Just thought I'd bump this thread to see how other fans are sitting with their team rosters at this point in the pre-season. Some rosters still aren't finalised & GC have had a spanner thrown into works with Jason Kadee's injury, but there seems to me at least, that there's a bit of a buzz about the coming season.
I'm sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation because there so many unknowns. Some teams have held onto the bulk of their past season rosters, others have had major shake-ups. I'm no number cruncher, team strategist, or ball tech, but I'm full of confidence that the NBL's moving forward.

[ziah]

I keep going to post my prediction in this thread, but every time I do, I get stuck because I think it is just going to be so damn close! But to hell with it:

Crocs (not denying my bias)
Wildcats (even though only a couple of preseason games, they are obviously picking up from where they left off)
Blaze (As long as they recover from the hiccups, will be pretty solid)
Tigers (I'll back Westover in on his gamble...just)
Taipans (Surprised a little last year, and if Fearne can get defece going, will shock this year)
Breakers (Lemanis' final straw)
36ers (Competitive, but need that season or so to settle in now, next year may be the break-out)
Hawks (Think the loss of Tragardh and Mckee will hurt a bit)
Kings (See 36ers)

I think the thing is, not matter how you pick it, a win or 2 might split every couple of positions on the ladder, and no team will have an unrespectable record. "Keep moving forward".

[DDFan]

Oooops, maybe in my enthusiasm I bumped the wrong thread if it's assumed that I was looking for a barrage of, where posters think teams will finish.
However, I'm delighted that the 1st response is super positive about their own team's POV.
Are posters happy with their own team's direction, or are they critical?
Have other teams missed the boat, or is the season looking to be very competitive?

Later thought: I'm happy for any team ranking discussions of course, I was only concerned that I'd bumped the wrong thread.

[Melvin Lord Of The Boards]

My 36ers don't seem to be getting much love, generally being tagged 8th or 9th except for 2sc945, which frankly doesn't do much for my confidence.
I'd like to think that a team which is built mainly on returning players who showed flashes of brilliance last season, could do better with the new coach & still 2 imports to be brought in.
Surely a lot would've been learnt from last season & we should improve a couple of notches. Mind you, I don't know who we'll displace, but I'm thinking positively.
My expertise in player positions & team balance is sadly lacking so I won't participate in ranking teams, but I reckon Perth, Gold Coast & Townsville are definites for the finals. After that, it's down to injuries, cohesion, & shitloads of luck as to where the rest fall into place.


Dont worry the 6ers will do ok, they were not the weakest team last season either, they were top 4 for most of the season before bad luck and injuries derailed them.

[DDFan]

Dont worry the 6ers will do ok, they were not the weakest team last season either, they were top 4 for most of the season before bad luck and injuries derailed them.I agree for sure, the 36ers had a lot go against them last season with untimely injuries, but they let winnable games slip away when at full strength. I'm pretty comfortable that our new coaches & import pairing will have that sorted. As you say, we had the talent last year & I'm rapt with our returning players too. There's already a buzz that players have already responded well to Marty's style, & it's early pre-season.
All clubs pump meaningless pre-season hype, but in the case of the 36ers, I'm of the opinion that most of our players only need a tweak here or there, & that we're going to be very competitive.
I'm liking what I'm seeing here about the Kings too, how their fans are now accepting the roster that took them by surprise & are charged for the season to start. They seem to have gotten over the 1 sided scoreboard & are high on a new, undecided, multi-sided one. ;)
I can't spend all day on this post, but the NBL's headed in the right direction, I'm rapt.

[Pointybits]

I am a little dissapointed that some posters for some reason nominated the Hawks as a top 4 finisher. The Gong, with respect is a down and out underdog and that just how they like it. Trags leaving was a huge blow regardless of his ability to string together more than 2 strong games in a row. Foreman at the first pre season sat, as usual, outside the 3 point line for the whole game as did Berendorf. So dont spend your money on backing big scores in the Paint. The loss of Luke Martin hurt like hell. Demos has all the skills but still inconsistant and very much a boy. The New Import should fly in today and he will have the back court weight on his shoulders.
Please leave well alone and predict the Hawks for bottom 2 as we should be.

[bev]

Just thought I'd bump this thread to see how other fans are sitting with their team rosters at this point in the pre-season. Some rosters still aren't finalised & GC have had a spanner thrown into works with Jason Kadee's injury, but there seems to me at least, that there's a bit of a buzz about the coming season.
I'm sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation because there so many unknowns. Some teams have held onto the bulk of their past season rosters, others have had major shake-ups. I'm no number cruncher, team strategist, or ball tech, but I'm full of confidence that the NBL's moving forward.

Cadee's injury/accident AND the Rickert-not naturalised thing as well...double spanners.
They had an early final roster but have been really dragging their feet since these announcements.

[Melvin Lord Of The Boards]

I am a little dissapointed that some posters for some reason nominated the Hawks as a top 4 finisher. The Gong, with respect is a down and out underdog and that just how they like it. Trags leaving was a huge blow regardless of his ability to string together more than 2 strong games in a row. Foreman at the first pre season sat, as usual, outside the 3 point line for the whole game as did Berendorf. So dont spend your money on backing big scores in the Paint. The loss of Luke Martin hurt like hell. Demos has all the skills but still inconsistant and very much a boy. The New Import should fly in today and he will have the back court weight on his shoulders.
Please leave well alone and predict the Hawks for bottom 2 as we should be.


I will not make any predictions on the Hawks until I have seen the new import on court and have another look or two at Foreman. Thought we were as soft as shit against Hartford the other night. Think its going to be hard for us to cover Triggers point production.

Ervin seems to be a bit of a liability on the defensive end from the video I have seen, but it was a allstar game so hopefully that was why.

[NZB]

Perth
New Zealand
Adelaide
Melbourne
-------------
Cairns
Townsville
Gold Coast
Sydney
Wollongong

[GC Baller]

I can't understand how anyone rates the Tigers. They are going to be horrible. Look for them to cut their PG and bring in a 'bigger than the league' import halfway through, but they are still a candidate for the bottom 3.

For me, there are three teams that won't even compete this season- Melbourne, Sydney and Wollongong.

Then you have Adelaide, Cairns and Townsville in the next group. These teams can all beat anyone at home and on their night can beat anyone in the league. Townsville for me is a real dark horse to win it all. The only question for me is if they have a real offensive go to guy in the lineup.

For Adelaide, Winder is a great talent whom I have thought would be great in this league for a while now. He is a real winner and a great leader, but I just don't think they have the offensive depth around him.

Cairns is a bit of an unknown, they have a bunch of well rounded, mobile bigs with inside/outside games who are perfect for this league in Dusty, Arizona Reid and Loughton. Phill Jones can still bring it but I would have real question marks over the offensive depth from their backcourt without Kerry Williams, and Ubaka is very very suspect under pressure.

The top two going into the season would have to be the Blaze and New Zealand. Yes I am biased but on paper these two would have to be the strongest.

NZ will of course be heavily influenced by the Penney decision, as they are suddenly thin at the 2 without him as Brasswell isn't much of an off the dribble scoring threat and CJ may be suspect having to play major minutes at his age. Then of course you have Lemanis, who has always been my favourite coach to play against in the league.

GC will miss Vukona a lot and will miss Jason Cadee, who would have been (even at 19) the best backup PG in the league straight off the bat. From what I saw the other day in training Maye was running the point (and doing very well) so that won't be as big a deal as I once thought. But we do miss another lockdown perimeter defender. GC has serious athletes in every position though and with the addition of smart veterans like Stephen Hoare, will be a real tough team.

The champion for me is one of NZ, GC or Townsville

NZ/GC

Townsville

Adelaide/Cairns

Melbourne / Wollongong

Sydney

[angry ant]

And the defending champs?.... ;)

[jake31]

GCB,
Does that mean that you think the Blaze may only need a development type player as the PG back up? I was really hoping for Tait to join the roster.

[Alex_Traitor]

And the defending champs?.... ;)

He's put us completely out of his memory.

[jake31]

He's not alone, for sure.
A good way to start a new season?

[Lethal Vertical]

I don't see how anyone can be so certain about the Tigers prospects, either good or bad. They've got two brand new imports, Nevill who's never played NBL, Helliwell who hasn't played NBL in about 6 or 7 years, and a couple of players who'll be playing at new clubs and possibly even new positions in Tragardh and Burston, then you've got trusty Tigers stalwarts Greer and Corletto. The majority of the roster is either brand new to the league or brand new to the Tigers, so it's a ridiculously unpredictable outfit. Sure, plenty of teams have quite a few new players and only the Hawks and Wildcats have teams bearing a close resemblance to last season's lineup, but the Tigers overhaul has to be the biggest of them all.

Oh and BTW GCB, I'm a little cynical about how much we should trust your predictions, since you put your own mob as one of three championship contenders whilst completing forgetting about the reigning champs.

For mine, it's looking like a repeat of last year- wide open. In fact the standard should be even higher with the addition of so many returning or new international players in Knight, Khazzouh, Loughton, Nevill.

At this point the frontrunners look to be New Zealand, Perth and Townsville. New Zealand were brilliant during the later stages of the season, so with Braswell back- look out. Perth have a similar roster to last year and are coached by Bevo. Townsville have another great coach in Gleeson, and a roster which looks fairly talented, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Big Ranga flourish again.

It's hard to see Sydney making it into serious playoff discussions, they just don't look to have the talent. And unfortunatly the same can be said of Wollongong. McLeod will have them well drilled, so they'll be competitive every night and win a few games, but the loss of Tragardh leaves them with few scoring options and a greatly weakened frontcourt in a season where there's plenty of good big men going around.

That leaves four teams- Melbourne, GC, Cairns and Adelaide. Melbourne, as I've said is crazily unpredictable due to the complete roster clean out and the make up of the team, which could work well but may leave some weaknesses ready to be exposed. They'll be monsters on the boards but lack an athletic, penetrating, game breaking wing player. The offense may well resemble netball at times, with few guys capable of breaking past someone on a drive to the basket. And they will be susceptible against a press. On the upside, if Trigger can make a successful transition to playing some minutes at the three, and if Al can get the chemistry working on offense, while using our size and length on D, there could be enough talent to be a challenger. I could see the season being a real success story or a complete disaster. It might make or break Al Westover too. Well, for those whose opinion of him didn't take a total beating last year (in some people's eyes it did, not as much in mine, he's still a decent coach in my view).

Gold Coast need a new big man now that Rickert isn't coming. A talented backcourt but a big guy is a must otherwise they'll get swamped. Adelaide will get beaten up on the inside because Johnson's a weak defender, and the loss of Herbert means they've lost a significant contributor to what was going to be their biggest strength (outside shooting), and an aggressive defender. So they're unlikely to make the playoffs in my view. Cairn's roster has a little bit of everything, but I'm hesitant to put them alongside the first group because they don't have the benefit of having a brilliant first rate coach like Gleeson/Bevo.

[Agent 15]

The champion for me is one of NZ, GC or Townsville

NZ/GC

Townsville

Adelaide/Cairns

Melbourne / Wollongong

Sydney

Looks about right if you ask me... I heard a rumour Perth were not going to bother playing this season... looks like you heard the rumour too.

[Julian]

I am rather disappointed in these predictions as well, due to another appalling oversight. Not one mention of daylight?

[DDFan]

I am rather disappointed in these predictions as well, due to another appalling oversight. Not one mention of daylight?Maybe it's time you moved to Queensland, the rest of Australia's happy to daylight save. ;)

[Julian]

Maybe it's time you moved to Queensland, the rest of Australia's happy to daylight save. ;)
Your joke would have been mildly funny at best if I didn't already live in a non-daylight saving state.

[glockers]

For what it is worth I will post my predicted ladder.

1. Perth (won it last time and still look the goods)
2. Townsville (I like their Aussie talent, only slight adjusments but good ones, if the imports are as good as I think they are then they are a top 4 lock)
3. Blaze (I have severe concerns about their imports and their height, guards are fantastic though)
4. Breakers (they are getting old, but Penney and CJ are clutch players and I struggle to see them not being at least the 4th best team)
5. Cairns (I like their starting 5 and the addition of Loughton should really improve the team, but depth is questionable)
6. Tigers (Opposite of Blaze, up this high more by default then any confidence I have in them. If tall ball works they can win, but shakey backcourt is a problem)
7. Sydney (I love them and want to put them higher, but realistically with their line up I don't expect much)
8. Wollongong (Outdid themselves last year and lost talent this year, I just don't see them competing this year)
9. Adelaide (I don't like their line up at all, but I hate the 36ers so maybe i am wrong about this)

[Crocodile Rock]

Here's my take:
1: PERTH: I think they have upgraded. Will miss Cattalini and Schenscher at times but Tovey will add defensive versatility and Knight is a 30+ minute per game banger. Home court is big too.
2: TOWNSVILLE: I was skeptical early on but I like the squad assembled despite some early injuries. Blalock should be a strong playmaker and Crosswell and Allen are great signings. Cedar needs to step up. There is a slight concern on Freeman's health but we'll wait.
3: CAIRNS: I love what Aaron Fearne has done here with a tight budget and unsure future. Loughton is a super signing and Ubaka can turn games as well. Williams' injury is a dagger but as long as Reid, Crosswhite, Jones and Rychart can remain strong they will be ok.
4: GOLD COAST: I worry about a few issues but the current squad is good and filled with confidence, plus Joey is a great coach. Goulding, Gibson and Garlepp need to take a step up to carry this team finals bound but Harvey, Davison and Hoare are skilled veterans.
5: MELBOURNE: I worry about the top-heavy Tigers roster. They are big but maybe too big. Walker, Lewis and Greer are SF's while Tragardh, Burston, Neville and Helliwell are strictly inside players. Geez I hope import Campbell is a great playmaker.
6: WOLLONGONG: I expect a slight fall from grace here. I just think Campbell, Saville and Gruber might lose a step and there are one or two passengers on the roster. Unless Coenraad and new import Ervin can really bring it I expect a slide.
7: This is on the basis Penney leaves and I think he will. Maccabi are very keen on him as are a few other high-profile European teams. Bruton is a year older and I think they lack scoring and clutch players, especially without Penney and losing Forman, Rickert and Ronaldson.
8: ADELAIDE: I see the Sixers roster as being vastly improved I think they are still behind the pack. New imports DeVries and Winder seem great additions while Johnson and Carter will add to the squad. However, Dowdell, Hill being unproven and the loss of Herbert mean they are slightly behind.
9: SYDNEY: I really hope I am wrong here but I just don't see enough in the Kings to do any damage. Janev, Dann, Cooper, Scoines, Martin and even Ryan at his age are great ABA players but not NBL calibre winners. Khazzouh is a nice pick-up and Grizzard is talented however a wooden spoon is assured according to me.

Well that's my attempt, feel free to shoot me down... lol

[DDFan]

Your joke would have been mildly funny at best if I didn't already live in a non-daylight saving state.I knew WA wasn't into daylight saving, but I just can't quite remember when I knew. :oops: ;)

[Julian]

I knew WA wasn't into daylight saving, but I just can't quite remember when I knew. :oops: ;)
Twenty years ago, when you were eighty.

[scottgcau2]

With last season as a guide and the list of roster changes so far there's really not much point in trying to predict ladder positions 1-9.

Last year the top 5 teams were only separated by a couple of games. The remaining 3 were a further 4-5 games behind the rest of the pack. Injuries played a large part in that for Melbourne and Adelaide, and Cairns lucked out with a couple of mediocre (being nice to Melzer) imports and couldn't afford to replace them. So assuming no injuries this year, and looking at the changes to the Taipans roster, you'd have to say that it'll be even harder to pick it this year.

About the only thing I will predict is that the Wildcats will at least go close to going back to back. With their depth I'm confident that even a bad run of injuries won't stop them from getting to the playoffs. The breakers are my other main pick for the championship, but a lot hinges on the health of CJ and Penny. The rest of them should all be competitive without really standing out. I suppose you can never rule out some big mid-season changes from the Tigers as well which may have them come into contention later on.

[Mr T]

Closer then a couple of games, I reckon Perths season came down to one shot.

If Lisch misses that game winner in Tsv in like the third game of the season or something and the rest of the season goes as is, Perth wouldn't have finished 1st. No home court and an extremely tough run, TSV away, Gong away, to the title.

Last season was so good due to that reason and hopefully why this season should be even better.

[ziah]

Closer then a couple of games, I reckon Perths season came down to one shot.

If Lisch misses that game winner in Tsv in like the third game of the season or something and the rest of the season goes as is, Perth wouldn't have finished 1st. No home court and an extremely tough run, TSV away, Gong away, to the title.

Last season was so good due to that reason and hopefully why this season should be even better.

That could be said for so many games last season though. Gilchrist beating the crocs on the buzzer early in the season as well. Had we have stopped that shot/the perth shot, Crocs finish 1st. I think somehow this season will actually be even closer than last...somehow

[Mr T]

Which to me is the main reason why last season was so good to watch. I think this season will be even better because of that and the fact that the players will be going "Well remember what happened last year?!". They'll be a little more aware that it will be very tight.

The had a little basketball on the Back Page show on fox sports the other day incorporating into why some sports are failing (soccer and basketball, they also mentioned baseball) and the idea put forward by the panel was that unlike AFL, NRL and cricket those sports did not have the best players in the world playing.

Whilst I think that's part of it, if a game is close then I'd rather watch that then the best in the world beating some lowlife. I mean when Australia was totally dominate in cricket all anybody wanted was a little competition.

Ensure that games are close, players will have to play a higher levels for the entire season, raising there own play and the league standard and it makes for good viewing. I hope this season is more of the same with the last week of the regular season deciding whether a team could win a title or not.

[Spiegel]

I think it's going to be a very even season. Teams like Melbourne got alot bigger and as did Townsville. The reigning champs pretty much stayed pat and bought in Knight and Tovey who according to Bevo will be in the running for the MIP award this season. Adelaide i think got better with DJ signing there, but losing a underrated player like Herbet will hurt.

Cairns is another team that has made significant improvement to their roster and allways are tough to beat up their in Cairns anyway.I wanna put the Cats number 1, but i dont want to tick off the woofing gods so i'll go

Breakers
Cats
Blaze
Tigers


Crocs
Hawks
Snakes
6ers
Kings

[ziah]

Which to me is the main reason why last season was so good to watch. I think this season will be even better because of that and the fact that the players will be going "Well remember what happened last year?!". They'll be a little more aware that it will be very tight.

The had a little basketball on the Back Page show on fox sports the other day incorporating into why some sports are failing (soccer and basketball, they also mentioned baseball) and the idea put forward by the panel was that unlike AFL, NRL and cricket those sports did not have the best players in the world playing.

Whilst I think that's part of it, if a game is close then I'd rather watch that then the best in the world beating some lowlife. I mean when Australia was totally dominate in cricket all anybody wanted was a little competition.

Ensure that games are close, players will have to play a higher levels for the entire season, raising there own play and the league standard and it makes for good viewing. I hope this season is more of the same with the last week of the regular season deciding whether a team could win a title or not.

Psh, there was NOTHING better than watching Matty Hayden belt other teams around for 5 an over across a whole day of a test match, and being worried that if you went out anywhere when we were bowling the innings would be over by the time you returned! LOVED IT!

[meg]

Psh, there was NOTHING better than watching Matty Hayden belt other teams around for 5 an over across a whole day of a test match, and being worried that if you went out anywhere when we were bowling the innings would be over by the time you returned! LOVED IT!

A cricket fan then, ziah? You know, over on Ozhoops Plus (http://www.ozhoopsboards.com/showthread.php?t=3859), there's a whole thread just for cricket! ;)

[DDFan]

A cricket fan then, ziah? You know, over on Ozhoops Plus (http://www.ozhoopsboards.com/showthread.php?t=3859), there's a whole thread just for cricket! ;)Complete with Stumps. Just guess'n. :p

[Julian]

Closer then a couple of games, I reckon Perths season came down to one shot.

If Lisch misses that game winner in Tsv in like the third game of the season or something and the rest of the season goes as is, Perth wouldn't have finished 1st. No home court and an extremely tough run, TSV away, Gong away, to the title.

Last season was so good due to that reason and hopefully why this season should be even better.
Turning point for the Wildcats was the second last round of the season, with three away games in the space of four nights at Cairns, Gold Coast and Melbourne. Minimum one win required. Choked in the first, lost the second and then somehow beat a Tigers side in overtime who were peaking and making a late run to be in finals contention.

[ziah]

A cricket fan then, ziah? You know, over on Ozhoops Plus (http://www.ozhoopsboards.com/showthread.php?t=3859), there's a whole thread just for cricket! ;)

Could easily spend 5 days on the couch not moving watching an entire test match. And that is why I can't afford boards Plus

[CGG]

Could easily spend 5 days on the couch not moving watching an entire test match. And that is why I can't afford boards Plus

Good to hear you don't smoke, drink, eat takeaways, read magazines or go to the movies either. One year's + subscription is less than all of those.

[ziah]

Good to hear you don't smoke, drink, eat takeaways, read magazines or go to the movies either. One year's + subscription is less than all of those.

lol I don't smoke, barely read magazines, and thanks to my beautiful 2yr old rarely go to the cinema. But are you suggesting I rob myself of a beeror a slice of pizza? I am overcome with shock!

[CGG]

lol I don't smoke, barely read magazines, and thanks to my beautiful 2yr old rarely go to the cinema. But are you suggesting I rob myself of a beeror a slice of pizza? I am overcome with shock!

Not really, just pointing out that it's very economical really. ;-) I can't think of any other activity that I do that costs $10 for a year. But then again I come here most days.

[DDFan]

Could easily spend 5 days on the couch not moving watching an entire test match. And that is why I can't afford boards Plus*Spam notice

New couch for $299, 50 months interest free with zero deposit. ;)

[SB.1]

Closer then a couple of games, I reckon Perths season came down to one shot.

If Lisch misses that game winner in Tsv in like the third game of the season or something and the rest of the season goes as is, Perth wouldn't have finished 1st. No home court and an extremely tough run, TSV away, Gong away, to the title.

As Ziah said, the same could be said of lots of crucial moments last season. If Corey had brought his game along with his mouth to the Valentine's Day Massacre, the outcome could have been very different for you guys also. The Lisch shot happened so early in the season that the nexus between it and our ultimate success is very thin in my opinion.

To me the crucial point was Larry Davidson choking it up in the 2nd quarter of Game 3 - Hawks up 36-25, Larry misses a wide open 3 and then bricks two free throws on the next play. Could have been Hawks 41-25. The Wildcats would have found it much more difficult to come back from there. If only Larry was focussed more on his game than hitting people and starting fights.

[Wild 1]

1. Perth - Player to watch here is Matty Knight. X factor for mine is going to be the form of Redhage. I thought he faded slightly last season, but if he is solid on the boards and Weigh and Wagstaff continue their improvement, things look good. The only possible concern would be if Trueman can hold his own and give good back-up to the front line, and cover the loss of Young, but that is minor. Good coach has them ready to roll!

2. Gold Coast - I like the look of the team alot and the addition of Worthington takes them to that next level. Very good back court with Gibson, Harvey and Goulding. X factor will be the development of Goulding and if he takes his game up a further level then Id say top spot is well within reach and a definite contender.

3. Melbourne - Probably the team most people are watching with interest to see how they gel. If the imports are good, then they should be a lock for the finals. Key is that the bigs dont look like they will demand the ball and will be happy to play their roles and share the ball. Defending the better shooting, well drilled teams will be the X factor.

4. Townsville - Looking forward to seeing Gabe Freeman. From reports it seems he will feature on a few highlight reels. If they can define their leaders early, they should be in contention for a finals spot as they go fairly deep with good role payers. Blalock will have to be solid and distribute the ball well.

5. New Zealand - Player to watch: Abercrombie. Depending on their replacement for Penney and how good Sean Marks will be (if he is indeed the man for that job). X factor for me will be the form of CJ. Not totally sold on Braswell but Wilkinson seems to be a keeper. Should be in the mix, but not sure if they can go all the way.

6. Wollongong - Gary Ervin looks like he may replace Mckee and then some. If he can do that, the rest will come down to how well the vet's in Davidson, Sav and Campbell can maintain their form. If they can hold the status quo, look to Coenraad to continue his good rookie season and help fill the void left by Tragardh. Key to success is that the players WILL no doubt, PLAY for Gordie!

7. Cairns - Alex Loughton will carry alot of the load and will be one of the better players in the league. Im not sure of their 2nd import with Ubaka, but seem one player short of matching the top teams.

8. Sydney - Some decent pre-season form. Kazzhouh definitely the player to watch, along with how well Ryan goes. Alot of unknowns for me in the team and a rookie coach so will slot them in at 8.

9. Adelaide - Very sad to see the Sixers at the bottom of my list. I tried to find positives to move them up, but see it similar to last season where Winder is going to get good numbers and end up losing patience with his team mates. Ballinger will need an MVP year to help with the wins. Johnson was a good pick up, but already suffering an injury to Herbert (I think) is ominous. Think they needed a superstar 2nd import in place of Devries to give them any hope of finals. Also, the coach has 4 kids which may be a distraction ; )


I think the top 3 should make the play-offs. NZ and Townsville the other 2 who will challenge for a finals spot. Alot depends on how the unknown imports go and last minute changes to rosters. Really looking forward to this season.
I think the Champion will come from the top 3.

[NZB]

My current top-4

1. Perth
2. Gold Coast
3. Melbourne
4. Cairns

[wolves_fan_82au1]

1.Melbourne Tigers
2.Gold Coast Blaze
3.Perth Wildcats
4.Sydney Kings
5.Townsville Crocodiles
6.Adelaide 36ers
7.N.Z
8,Wollongng
9.Cairns

5-9 i guess anything could happen there though

[NZB]

Still can't go past Perth at this stage. The Jungle is an intimidating place to play, and though they will have some travel issues this year, they have picked up a great player in Knight to reunite with Bevo, and Weigh/Wagstaff will improve to offset the loss of a fading Cattalini.

Gold Coast look pretty good this year. Adding Worthington so late was a massive addition because he's a proven NBL winner. Cadee got hurt in a car accident not so long ago, but he looks an exciting prospect. I don't think the Coast will miss a beat if he comes back the player he was/can be. Add in Harvey and the fast-improving Goulding (the "pool-cleaner"), and you never know. Despite falling in the semis last season, they stood up to Perth last season...even claiming a win there, inciting Mr Weigh in the process.

The Breakers - if Penney comes back - should be definitely in the mix. Lemanis has reached the last saloon I feel. He's had his chances to build a championship team built around arguably the best player in the league in Penney and a proven performer in CJ. Once again - and this has long been a concern of the Lemanis era - is that we're undersized. Home comforts will feel good, and with Braswell, I feel we can get over the hump on the road, but it's going to pretty tough to get a ring.

Melbourne will be there or thereabouts. Last season was a mirage because of all their injuries. Anstey being out half the season was going to be a major hurdle and the other injuries sure didn't help. Westover won't have the riches to work with, as he has in the past, but has a very serviceable group who will be drilled and battle-hardened. The Cage will be rocking this season, and Melbourne should be well in the hunt.

Cairns will be a dangerous sleeper. Loughton has his flaws, but will add some consistency at the 4 - something they lacked last season with Melzer, who was a shadow of the player he was in the latter-part of his season with the Breakers. Ubaka fills more of a need than Skip Mills, who tried hard but was not the player the Taipans needed. Less Kerry Williams manning the point too.

It's hard to get a read of Townsville at the moment. Losing Homicide won't hurt Perth fans, but could hurt Townsville. He was IMO the instigator of all that was good about the Crocs. Flip side, all that was bad also came through him - especially the way he was nullified in the Wollongong series (through his own doing). Gleeson will have them well-oiled, but it remains to be seen the impact Schenscher can have - if he is made a focal point of the offense, then the Crocs should be an interesting team to watch - and a competitive one at that.

Adelaide should be a little better than last season. Last season was a total joke and they landed one of the final nails in the Breakers' coffin after losing the (practically) unloseable to Townsville at home. They've recruited better this season I feel. Losing Gilchrist (injury) is a little bit of a loss because I liked him, but De Vries, Pinder and Carter can pick up the slack and then some. Adding Daniel Johnson was somewhat of a coup, because he'll have a good season. I don't think this team will be as bad as some have advertised.

Wollongong had an awesome season last year to make the Grand Final. It really was a feel good story. I, like a lot of others, don't like their chances as much this year. Oddly enough, the same was said about them last season. I feel Tragardh is a big loss. Ervin should add some spark in the back-court, but they'll need McKee-like performances from him. They'll be a tough nut to crack at home, but will struggle to win many on the road.

Sydney will have an indifferent sort of a year. It's great to have them back in the league, but they'll need a bit of time before getting close to replicating the Goorjian era. Having them come straight back in means they're somewhat of an expansion team. Expansion teams haven't feared too well in the past, with just one making the finals (8th in a 12-team league at that).

[bad gambler]

1. Wildcats
2. Breakers
3. Crocs
4. Blaze
5. Tigers
6. Kings
7. Hawks
8. Taipans
9. 36ers

[Julian]

Adelaide Losing Gilchrist (injury) is a little bit of a loss because I liked him, but De Vries, Pinder and Carter can pick up the slack and then some.
Watch out, girls of Adelaide!

[Alex_Traitor]

1. Wildcats
2. Breakers
3. Crocs
4. Blaze
5. Tigers
6. Kings
7. Hawks
8. Taipans
9. 36ers

Was liking it until you had Taipans 8th. How could you place them lower than the Kings?

[curious]

NBL coaches pick Perth to win it all and New Zealand to be runner up.
http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/2010/october/nbl-coaches-tip-perth-to-repeat/

[Voice(s)]

Watch out, girls of Adelaide!

Al Green & Tiny Pinder? Oh man.

[Voice(s)]

Team by team season preview up on the NBL's website:

http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/2010/october/team-by-team-season-previews/

I have to agree with with what McQuade said here about the Sixers:

Just making the playoffs would be a great achievement for this group, and if Clarke gets them there he’ll be in the running for Coach of the Year.

[DDFan]

I have to agree with with what McQuade said here about the Sixers:To me his 36er write up is just trotting out the same old drivel of every other outside opinion & the majority of our local fans, but I'm cool with that.

Some things that struck me:

Adelaide ....................................... Perth ......................................... Wollongong
Points For: 84.0ppg, fourth ............. Points For: 82.3ppg, sixth ........... Points For: 77.4ppg, seventh
Points Against: 86.6ppg, eighth .... Points Against: 77.7ppg, first ...... Points Against: 80.3ppg, fourth
Rebounds: 34.2rpg, third
Assists: 16.0apg, second
Blocked Shots: 3.1bpg, first

MMc .. "Since winning the championship in 2002, the Sixers haven’t made so much as a semi-final"

1 game Elimination Quarter Finals didn't help our cause, & being away games, 2 to the Tigers, only compounded the issue.

MMc .. "and have missed the playoffs in three of the past four seasons."

Having Brett Maher retire, a coach change & hamstrung budgets in those 4 seasons would do that to most clubs.

MMc .. "The team has also signed youngster Daniel Johnson, who had some nice moments for the Melbourne Tigers last season, but one wonders why they didn’t go out and get their frontline star Adam Ballinger more help".

I thought Daniel shouldered the burden quite well while Anstey was injured, so I put him down as a nice signing.

MMc .. "Last season he (Adam) was expected to do way too much and it wore him down in the end, and it looks like he’ll be asked to do plenty of heavy lifting once again."

Matt Burston missed a lot of games with injury, & that's what pushed Adam out of position.

MMc .. "This is one of the smaller starting frontline units in the league, with swingman Brad Hill (7.3ppg, 3.0rpg) and Jacob Holmes (6.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 42% 3PT FG)."

Both rebound way above their size & Darren Ng is a surprisingly good (unrecognised) rebounder.

MMc .. "Holmes is an outstanding offensive rebounder despite a lack of athleticism, and in this squad he’ll need more than ever to be that presence on the glass, especially for a team that figures to jack up a lot of shots this season."

Why is it that we're destined to be an outside shooting only team?

MMc .. "The smart play would seem to have been getting someone up front to team with Ballinger, but the Adelaide hierarchy decided to give the all-import starting guard experiment another shot."

Trying to fill Brett's shoes would've been a major priority & Australia doesn't have too many unsigned local products waiting around for a call.

MMc .. "Craig Winder is an interesting story. He’s been impressive in the preseason, and some are already comparing him to Sixer legend Al Green. If he’s anything like ‘Mean’ Al, Adelaide have themselves a good one."

So there's one of our import guards as potentially a good thing then eh. ;)

BENCH

MMc .. "Darren Ng can be deadly from long distance."

That's it??? :shock: Don't worry, you're not the first.

MMc .. "Rhys Carter is a quality backup point guard"

All reports have him as a major signing & I agree.

MMc .. "Jeff Dowdell is a journeyman forward"

Often scoffed at, but was one of the first signings to come from Marty.

MMc .. "Sixers have recently signed promising swingman Mitch Creek to replace Nathan Herbert"

Even I am hearing that there's a real buzz about the kid. His NBL debut is highly anticipated.

BURNING QUESTION

MMc .. "Is Marty Clarke the man to lead the Sixers back to glory? Coaching kids at the AIS is one thing – coaching seasoned professionals is something entirely different."

We went with that experiment with Mike Dunlap & there were problems with him & the older talent on the team. Marty doesn't have that age gap of players to adjust to & from what I've seen of him (internet), he comes across as a bloke that works with what he's got, rather than someone that pushes his own plan.

[Madcat]

01. Gold Coast Blaze
02. Perth Wildcats
03. New Zealand Breakers
04. Melbourne Tigers
-----------------------------------------------
05. Cairns Taipans
06. Wollongong Hawks
07. Townsville Crocodiles
08. Sydney Kings
09. Adelaide 36ers

[Lethal Vertical]

The NBL coaches seem to think the top 3 will be:

1. Perth
2. NZ
3. Melbourne

And interestingly, Cairns at 4th ahead of both GC at 5th and Townsville at 6th.

[SB.1]

deleted for conciseness

Last season was so tight that the Sixers last place finish really wasn't as bad as it sounds. 10-18 is not a 4-22 Hobart Devils early 90s season. You guys were still ultra competitive in most games and if it wasn't for the choke factor (which wasn't helped by the questionnable mental state of your imports) you guys would have made the Top 4.

I think DJ is a massive coup for you guys and I wouldn't be surprised if he was starting by the end of the season. That would allow Balls to move to the 4.

I agree with MM though in that it would be a massive achievement just to get this team to the Top 4. I don't expect the Dome to be an easy place for teams to travel though, but road wins will likely decide whether you make the finals.

[SB.1]

The NBL coaches seem to think the top 3 will be:

1. Perth
2. NZ
3. Melbourne

And interestingly, Cairns at 4th ahead of both GC at 5th and Townsville at 6th.

Yeah I was surprised by how low they had the Blaze. They came close to winning the whole thing last year and this year's team is possibly better than last year's (although I believe Ubaka and Maxey were underrated and will be missed).

[Agent 15]

Yeah I was surprised by how low they had the Blaze. They came close to winning the whole thing last year and this year's team is possibly better than last year's (although I believe Ubaka and Maxey were underrated and will be missed).

Picking up Worthington I thought would boost their prediction up to 2nd place finish. Deadly scoring combo of Gibson / Goulding / Harvey / Worthington if they choose to play all 4 at once and go small during stages of games (which they can afford to do against the likes of Perth or Adelaide).

[Voice(s)]

Boti's season preview:

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/basketball/long-road-to-sixers-success/story-e6frect3-1225938569156

[paul]

Perth
New Zealand
Townsville
Gold Coast

Wollongong
Melbourne
Cairns
Adelaide
Sydney

I am pretty sure it wont finish that way though! There is sure to be at least one overachiever and one underachiever. My tips for those spots are Adelaide and Townsville respectively.

[Lethal Vertical]

I agree Paul re Townsville.

If we take the coaches ratings as a kind of benchmark, Townsville at 6th is, in my view by far the most likely to hugely overachieve.

And, as much as I hate to say it Tigers at 3rd most likely to underachieve, simply because I can't see them doing much better- 1st spot is obviously the ceiling but that seems very unlikely, I would be rapt with 2nd or 3rd. But it's very much conceivable that some flaws could become evident with the experimental team structure, or that Campbell could get injured, and that we could finish 3 or more spots lower than that.

[Lethal Vertical]

Tigers are high risk high reward though, unpredictable at this point. We could conceivably finish 1st or 9th. There aren't many other teams who you could say that about.

[scottgcau2]

If Penny comes back to the Breakers then I think you have a clear top 2 favourites:

Wildcats
Breakers

If he doesn't then I'd have the Breakers back with Melbourne and Cairns, who should be slightly ahead of Gold coast, Adelaide and Townsville as the favorites for the last of the playoff spots.

Wollongong and Sydney probably won't be far off the pack, though they are my picks to fight out for the spoon.

[mattic]

There is sure to be at least one overachiever and one underachiever. My tips for those spots are Adelaide and Townsville respectively.
I agree Paul re Townsville.

Townsville at 6th is, in my view by far the most likely to hugely overachieve.
So, which is it?

[SB.1]

FWIW I don't really rate the Crocs lineup so IMO if they make the finals they have overachieved.

I think a lot will depend on how good the imports are - if they're guns the Crocs will be right up there, if they're average they'll struggle to make the finals.

As a Cats fan I have just come to expect disappointment from players like PC and Schenscher, and Hinder is not getting any younger.

[mattic]

You say sooth; and if that were the whole story, I'd agree.

Hopefully there will be a change in Schenscher (that's what training has been focussing on, whether it will be achieved is another story) and after a shaky, well, rubbish, start, PC was nothing short of superb once he found his mojo.

Yes, there are the observed downfalls you mention, but this is a different roster, a different club and who knows how the chemistry will work? Then you have a great bench. Crocs go deep. Deeper than the other teams? There or thereabouts, I think.

On paper, I don't think a finals appearance will be an overachievement.

[paul]

I was saying they are a team that I think will make finals but are a candidate to underachieve. I must admit that's kind of strange because from memory they have only been top 4 at the end of the regular season once (last year) in recent times.

But with a tall, deep roster filled with shooters they should be around the mark.

[Ricnat]

FWIW I don't really rate the Crocs lineup so IMO if they make the finals they have overachieved.

I think a lot will depend on how good the imports are - if they're guns the Crocs will be right up there, if they're average they'll struggle to make the finals.

As a Cats fan I have just come to expect disappointment from players like PC and Schenscher, and Hinder is not getting any younger.

I agree. Not sure why everyone is so big on the Crocs. They will compete - no question, but I can't see them hitting the top 4 come season end. If the real Schensher stands up - maybe!

[hawks_11]

1.Gold Coast
2.New Zealand
3.Wollongong
4.Perth
5.Townsville
6.Sydney
7.Cairns
8.Adelaide
9.Melbourne

[joycefan]

nz
perth
blaze
36ers
crocs
gong
kings
cairns
melb

[fan since the old snakepit]

NZ
Townsville
Perth
Hawks
Blaze
Snakes
36ers
Tigers
Kings

If Blaze and/or Perth bring in decent 2nd imports move them up to top and everyone else down

[Julian]

I am rather disappointed in these predictions as well, due to another appalling oversight. Not one mention of daylight?
Ace prediction right here, considering the chasm that is developing:

1. New Zealand Breakers
2. DAYLIGHT (increasing by the round)
3. Mediocre Team #1
4. Mediocre Team #2
5. Mediocre Team #3
6. Mediocre Team #4
7. Mediocre Team #5
8. Mediocre Team #6
9. Mediocre Team #7
10. Mediocre Team #8
11. Mediocre Team #9
12. Mediocre Team #10