Episoder
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NZ Breakers and South East Melbourne Phoenix demand respect, Parker Jackson-Cartwright is the NBL's best, coaches must be put back in their box, Jaylen Adams' impact at Sydney Kings, TABtouch #NBL25 Preview and Mitch Norton's 350th milestone.
We begin this week's show with Cody Ellis reflecting on one of his great opponents from his NBL career, Jesse Wagstaff, who has now overtaken Ricky Grace to be the games record holder at the club his dad is such a legend at, the Perth Wildcats.
The votes are then in from Damian Martin in the Best Defensive Player and from Simon Mitchell in the Sports Card World Player of the Year, and both couldn't go past performances from NZ Breakers and South East Melbourne Phoenix players.
We then get stuck into talking about just how impressive it is what the New Zealand Breakers are doing right now and how it all starts with the man who is the best player in the NBL, Parker Jackson-Cartwright.
We also discuss why Sam Mennenga is the Kiwi local to build around and why it's super impressive what the Breakers are doing despite having all the excuses in the world they could fall back on.
The South East Melbourne Phoenix have spectacularly turned their season around firstly under Sam Mackinnon and now Josh King, and it's all coming from the defensive end and if they keep it up, there's no reason they can't be a contender.
The Tasmania JackJumpers are still struggling to score and with so much pressure for Milton Doyle and Jordon Crawford to carry the scoring load, Cody Ellis feels it's time they get them some help before it's too late.
The Sydney Kings had a better weekend and it's no coincidence it went hand in hand with the return of Jaylen Adams even if he's still well short of 100 per cent while Melbourne United had a shocker at home to the Breakers, and it was a wildly contrasting round for the Perth Wildcats.
It was more like the Sunshine Slog in Cairns but the Taipans showed heart despite being so shorthanded while the Brisbane Bullets won a game they needed to ahead of captain Mitch Norton now celebrating his 350th NBL game with a former teammate paying tribute to him.
We then preview Round 8 thanks to TABtouch highlighted by the Adelaide 36ers-Illawarra Hawks Sunday match up before we discuss why it's time the referees put the NBL coaches back in their box, and why celebrating a dunk when your team is down 30 is a bad idea.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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Tatum was right but deserved fine, Goulding didn't flop this time, no Adams, no Sydney Kings and doubt over Oliver future, brave Perth Wildcats & NZ Breakers, exciting Adelaide 36ers, big shoes for Josh King, smart move by Brisbane Bullets, TABtouch Preview.
We look back on Round 7 of the NBL season with Cody Ellis struggling to get too enthused about the action we're seeing on the court with team's offences seemingly falling off a cliff and he's not sure exactly why, but he hopes it soon changes.
We then get our votes from Damian Martin in the #TheDamo Best Defensive Player award and from Simon Mitchell for the Sports Card World Player of the Year award with Will Magnay and Montrezl Harrell earning top billing respectively.
We then look at two teams who had courageous and gutsy wins against the Sydney Kings in #NBL25 Round 7, the Perth Wildcats and NZ Breakers.
Keanu Pinder inspired the Wildcats to a gritty win despite horrible shooting and the absence of Bryce Cotton and Tai Webster before the Breakers shook off missing four players and travelling 51,000km already this season with Next Star Karim Lopez delivering a breakout performance.
First segments wraps up with talk about the exciting Adelaide 36ers led by Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis, and how good it is to see a coach like Mike Wells willing to spray his players, and for his players to respond in the right way.
It's then time to discuss the most dramatic and finishes between the Illawarra Hawks and Melbourne United where Chris Goulding was again accused of flopping, Justin Tatum received a technical for a player that never actually ended up counting, and things got even more interesting post-match.
Cody Ellis gives his thoughts that while Tatum was right in everything he said and he had every reason to be upset in the officiating, he still deserved a fine for his post-match comments.
We then look at the Sydney Kings who just look a totally disjointed line-up in the absence of former MVP Jaylen Adams while Brian Goorjian's fatigue excuse doesn't wash, and Cody Ellis has raised doubts over Cam Oliver seeing out the season if things keep tracking how they are.
Talk turns to the South East Melbourne Phoenix and why Sam Mackinnon is unlikely to have not kept the role and why Josh King has big shoes to come in and fill, but why it's going to a fun ride to watch how it unfolds.
Emmett Naar has now joined the Brisbane Bullets replacing Sam McDaniel and Cody Ellis is a big fan of the move before we wrap up this week with a full preview of Round 7 in the NBL.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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Manglende episoder?
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Simon Mitchell on all things South East Melbourne Phoenix – releasing Mike Kelly, Sam Mackinnon’s job, how they got Josh King and then he discusses loving Bul Kuol’s meanness, Trey Kell’s toughness, faith in Tasmania JackJumpers thanks to defence, admiring travelling NZ Breakers.
Given Simon is current GM of basketball at the Phoenix and the club’s inaugural coach, it’s only natural South East Melbourne dominate a lot of this week’s show including the breakthrough Throwdown win against Melbourne United.
Simon also discusses how telling Mike Kelly he would no longer be coach is one of the toughest things he’s ever done, how Josh King ended up being appointed coach despite having a job in Turkey, and why he is such a good fit for this Phoenix group and his style will be exciting for the NBL.
Simon Mitchell gives his Sports Card World Player of the Year votes topped by new leader Kendric Davis from the Adelaide 36ers with Bul Kuol getting top votes in Damian Martin’s Best Defensive Player award as Simon talks about how much he loves he imposes himself, and his meanness.
We then talk about the Perth Wildcats now having to live without Bryce Cotton in the short term and why Simon expects players on the team to relish the challenge, including Tai Webster and Ben Henshall as guards, and Izan Almanza and Keanu Pinder up front.
While Simon doesn’t expect the New Zealand Breakers to be his Phoenix in Christchurch this Thursday, he can’t help but admire how they are holding up despite now passing 51,000km travelled the past six weeks and things they deserve more respect for that.
We then look at why the Illawarra Hawks are the NBL’s best team right now and why Trey Kell III is such a key to that and Simon talks about the recent revelation that he actually had an undiagnosed leg fracture in his season at the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Simon also talks about why others might be concerned about the Tasmania JackJumpers scoring, he is sure they will find more points and he continues to be amazed by how good their defence is anchored by the world class shot blocking of Will Magnay.
The Adelaide 36ers can now work on their massive line-up with Jarell Martin joining Isaac Humphries and Montrezl Harrell with Simon talking about how exciting and potent they are, he knows they must improve defensively.
We then wrap up this week’s show with a preview of Round 6 in the NBL, whether Shea Ili or Taran Armstrong are missed more by Melbourne United or Cairns Taipans, and Simon talks about his admiration of how Sam Mackinnon has shown leadership over the past week.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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Mike Kelly leaving the South East Melbourne Phoenix, could Chase Buford be the quick fix, Tyrell Harrison dominates for Brisbane Bullets, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk does the same for Illawarra Hawks, inbounding the ball woes and Jason Cadee's 400th NBL game.
We open up this week's episode by looking at the major difference in the Cairns Taipans without their young gun of a point guard Taran Armstrong, and how if he hopes to realise his NBA dream he needs to stay on the court more.
The big news of the week was the South East Melbourne Phoenix sacking coach Mike Kelly after going 0-5 to start NBL25. We look at why it was unfortunately the right move, Nathan Sobey's first game up against the Brisbane Bullets and why Chase Buford might be the ideal quick fix.
As for the Bullets who scored their first win of the NBL season, Tyrell Harrison was outstanding, James Batemon stepped up and the leaders, Mitch Norton, Casey Prather and Josh Bannan all stepped up.
The Perth Wildcats snapped their losing slide with Kristian Doolittle every bit as crucial in that as Bryce Cotton while Jesse Wagstaff continues to prove his worth as he closes in on Ricky Grace's games played record.
The Adelaide 36ers might have had a tough double and it showed backing up in Melbourne but they need to be able to back up better while it's good news that Montrezl Harrell appears to be staying.
Wani Swaka Lo Buluk's defensive job for the Illawarra Hawks on Tasmania JackJumpers star Milton Doyle was remarkable while the Hawks continue to show they are the best team in the NBL right now.
The JackJumpers don't have the same depth of talent they did to win the championship last year and someone like Craig Sword might be running out of time to show that he deserves to stay for the rest of NBL25.
Nothing frustrates Cody Ellis more than teams struggling to inbound the ball at the end of games so he gives his thoughts on why it's happening so much, and what needs to happen for teams to fix it up.
We then get Damian Martin's votes in our Best Defensive Player award and Simon Mitchell's Sports Card World Player of the Year votes before previewing Round 5 and look at the 400th NBL game of Cody Ellis' former teammate Jason Cadee.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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Big NBL questions on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle. Panic stations for Perth Wildcats? Should Todd Withers be a target? How far can Taran Armstrong take Cairns Taipans? How do Adelaide 36ers keep Montrezl Harrell? Who wins South East Melbourne Phoenix or Brisbane Bullets?
What stood out to Cody Ellis in Round 3 was the statement made with two wins for the Cairns Taipans but the big talking point was the two losses to Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers from the Perth Wildcats.
Cody watched on for what he described as Perth's worst home performance in his memory and then while their effort was better against Tasmania, it was still a loss and now the potential of going 1-4 with a loss in Cairns this Thursday could lead to panic stations.
We also discussed the clever move of the Wildcats to have Todd Withers as an injury replacement player but also if other NBL clubs should look at signing him to their full roster for NBL25.
We then get stuck into discussing big wins for the Taipans with Taran Armstrong back as point guard to run things in impressive fashion as he continues to show why he's one of the brightest young stars in Australian basketball.
We also discuss an intriguing weekend for Melbourne United who won big in Perth with Shea Ili brilliant before they again lost a fourth straight match back home at the hands of the Taipans.
It's then time to dissect the two remaining winless teams who just happen to play each other this weekend with the South East Melbourne continuing to lack direction while the Brisbane Bullets simply need more from their imports and other experienced players.
The Adelaide 36ers were under pressure entering Round 3 but had two terrific wins with Kendric Davis showing out and then big men pair Isaac Humphries and Montrezl Harrell superb.
The Sydney Kings still have to work to do without Jaylen Adams on the floor while we get Damian Martin's Best Defensive Player votes, Simon Mitchell's Player of the Year votes and #TheGalen Best Team Man nominee from Matty Knight.
We have a full NBL25 Round 4 preview including a 450th NBL game for Chris Goulding and look at if there's a point to the current NBLxNBA tour for the New Zealand Breakers.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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On Hoops Heaven Basketball Hustle from TABtouch, NBL players mic'd up, unfortunate banner ceremony, Illawarra Hawks standing out, Sydney Kings need bench production, dissecting the winless South East Melbourne Phoenix Brisbane Bullets, Adelaide 36ers.
We open up this week's episode with co-hosts Chris Pike and Cody Ellis paying tribute to Dikembe Mutombo before discussing players wearing microphones during NBL games, and who it might and might not be best suited to after Cam Oliver's blow up.
We then look at another heavyweight Tasmania JackJumpers-Melbourne United and why it's a good thing they don't play again for some time, why the banner ceremony never should have happened that way and how good Will Magnay was in the Tasmania win.
Cody Ellis says the Illawarra Hawks are the standout team two rounds in by a long way while their rivals, the Sydney Kings, look brilliant with Jaylen Adams on the floor and not so much when they go to Izayah Le'afa and Shaun Bruce which he expects to soon sort itself out.
It's then time to get stuck into talking about the three winless teams after two rounds with the South East Melbourne Phoenix, Adelaide 36ers and Brisbane Bullets desperate for a win.
While Cody knows the Phoenix can't afford to go 0-4, he sees enough to suggest they can sort it out while Adelaide just need to figure things out defensively and how to get Isaac Humphries involved while he's feeling for the Bullets who need more from James Batemon and Casey Prather.
Talk then turns to the Perth Wildcats and an out of character off night for Keanu Pinder but Elijah Pepper announcing himself to the NBL while the Cairns Taipans showed what a massive different a point guard can make in a huge home win for the Snakes.
We get votes in the Player of the Year from Simon Mitchell and Best Defensive Player from Damian Martin while look at the New Zealand Breakers and their NBLxNBA tour, full Round 3 NBL preview and get to the bottom of Craig Sword's nickname of Chicken.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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HoopsFest is done and Cody Ellis on Hoops Heaven #BasketballHustle from TABtouch talks exciting Montrezl Harrell debut, crazy plus-minus Sydney Kings-Adelaide 36ers numbers, Perth Wildcats impress, NZ Breakers unreal, Brisbane Bullets couldn’t be worse and #NBL25 Round 2 preview.
Cody Ellis and Chris Pike are back after HoopsFest took place in Perth to open the NBL season and we look at what a great concept it is and why for the most part it was a great success, and is something that has to continue but maybe with a break from the Blitz to Round 1.
We then get stuck into the games from Round 1 including a cracking Sydney Kings-Adelaide 36ers match up where Montrezl Harrell shined for the Sixers even with being told by an over officious referee to not interact with the crowd.
There were some remarkable plus-minus numbers in that Sydney-Adelaide game too while the Perth Wildcats with Bryce Cotton and Keanu Pinder leading the way made a more than encouraging start to NBL25.
We discuss the gruelling schedule for the Tasmania JackJumpers coming into the season and also how tough of a start it is for the Cairns Taipans without the injured Taran Armstrong and Kyle Adnam, and suspended Jackson Makoi.
The Illawarra Hawks made a strong start led by big men Lachie Olbrich, Sam Froling and Darius Days along with the defence of Wani Swaka Lo Buluk.
The surprise of Round 1 was how good the New Zealand Breakers looked and how poor the Brisbane Bullets were, or pathetic in the words of coach Justin Schueller at least in the opening 34 minutes.
We then have a full preview of Round 2 including a Thursday night Throwdown between Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix, the Perth Wildcats hosting the Sydney Kings, and then the Kings backing up on Sunday against the Hawks with a big Sydney crowd expected.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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Cody Ellis and Chris Pike return for Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle thanks to TABtouch to talk off-season of NBL1, Paris 2024 and #NBL25 moves before turning attention to a full preview with predictions days out from new NBL season at HoopsFest in Perth.
First episode ahead of 2024/25 NBL season gets underway as Cody reflects on his 2024 NBL1 West season with the Warwick Senators before we take a look at how the Boomers and Opals went at the Paris Olympic Games.
It's then time to look on all the NBL off-season happens and we give our thoughts on the shock coaching move from the Adelaide 36ers to do something that would only happen at the Sixers before we also looking at Freddie Gillespie getting suspended for Round 1 at the NZ Breakers.
We then look at the big player moves highlighted by the departures of Jack McVeigh, Mitch Creek and Gary Clark, but there are some big name returns with Deng Adel, Jack White, Derrick Walton Jr, Xavier Cooks and Cam Oliver, and Cody is especially excited with Montrezl Harrell coming to Adelaide.
With the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast completed and HoopsFest about to begin in Perth, we then take a team by team breakdown leading into NBL25 and give our thoughts on the moves made by everyone coming into the new season.
Cody then puts his neck on the line to give his predictions for the season ahead, we preview Round 1 with all five matches in Perth and pay tribute to the recently retired Cam Gliddon.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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#NBL24 is done and we break it all down on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and how Tasmania JackJumpers conquered Melbourne United to make NBL history while we look at moves towards #NBL25 already and NBL1 action is underway with Cody Ellis back out there.
We give complete rundown of #NBL24 Championship Series and talk Tasmania JackJumpers as best Australian sport expansion club, greatest NBL series ever, Jack McVeigh's best ever shot and why Scott Roth could be best ever one-time championship winning coach.
We look at missed Melbourne United opportunity and where they fell short, Cody Ellis gives insight into inbounding the ball late in games and then we talk Nathan Sobey, Bul Kuol on the move, and talk Warwick Senators in NBL1 West and Mat Wundenberg's 500th game for Geraldton Buccaneers.
For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle
We begin our discussion on the NBL Championship Series and why it would have been great for it to go to seven games, how huge the JackJumpers win is for Tasmania and how their even keel approached helped overcome a Melbourne United who increasingly lost their focus and cool.
Inbounding the ball late in games became a massive factor right throughout the playoffs and on the last possession of each of the final three games with Cody Ellis giving his unique insight having been in that situation and why trying to take the obvious option is often best.
We also looked at how the Tasmania JackJumpers could be the best new sporting franchise ever in Australia, why it could well be the best ever NBL Championship Series, Jack McVeigh's shot in Game 3 will go down as the best ever and Scott Roth could be the league's best ever one-time championship winning coach.
Sean Macdonald was another from the JackJumpers to play a massive role in their triumph made all the remarkable that he's a development player but showed how elite he already is at both ends of the floor.
Cody Ellis talks about how he wasn’t surprised that in the end it was the Tasmania JackJumpers who executed better when it mattered most as they kept trusting their process as we broke down the numbers of how precious little really did separate the two teams all series.
Jack McVeigh proved what an elite player he is and really there was no other option for Grand Final MVP with his performances right across five games and the variety of ways he proved he could score, and outplayed NBA draftee Luke Travers.
Jordon Crawford might have been down coming into the Championship Series but kept on getting better and his 27 points in the first half of Game 5 just illustrated his ability to hit big, tough shots when they matter most for his team.
We then reflect on how Melbourne United will look back on what has to be a great missed opportunity for them, but what it shows is that no matter how dominant you can be championships are tough to win. Matthew Dellavedova became their most ball dominant player and maybe that didn’t help them capitalise on the pieces they had.
Wrapping up the NBL24 season and Cody Ellis discusses why it was one of the best and most competitive NBL seasons he can remember and why the Next Star program is going to only help the league go from strength to strength on a global stage.
We look at some early player movements in the NBL prior to free agency with Nathan Sobey and Bul Kuol departing Brisbane Bullets and Cairns Taipans respectively and looking like joining South East Melbourne Phoenix and Sydney Kings.
We wrap up the show with a look at the start of the NBL1 West season with Cody Ellis back at the Warwick Senators with a spectacular start alongside Michael Harris and Todd Withers up against Sunday Dech's East Perth Eagles. We also pay tribute to Mat Wundenberg ahead of 500th game with Geraldton Buccaneers.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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Where else but Tasmania JackJumpers' remarkable #NBL24 Championship Series Game 3 win to start on Hoops Heaven Basketball Hustle with Simon Mitchell labelling Jack McVeigh shot the greatest, most important great shot and what could be the best moment in NBL history.
We also get the best breakdown you'll find of what we've seen between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers in the first three games of NBL Championship Series with Jack McVeigh, Will Magnay, Jordon Crawford, Jo Lual-Acuil, Shea Ili and Matthew Dellavedova all dissected.
From there, we have TABtouch Preview of Game 4 of NBL24 Championship Series while we named The Galen Best Team Man thanks to Sports Card World and draw a winner along with Simon Mitchell's thoughts on plenty more in NBL and WNBL.
For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle
Our Championship Series discussion begins with that amazing finish to Game 3 where the small ball line-up helped throw off Matthew Dellavedova's inbounds pass from Melbourne United setting off a dramatic chain of events.
Simon Mitchell breaks it down and gives credit to Tasmania taking away Melbourne's action, Milton Doyle for saving the ball and then for Jack McVeigh making that shot in what he is calling the greatest shot in NBL history, the most important great shot and what could be the greatest NBL moment.
There's already been some movement from the eliminated NBL teams and Simon Mitchell gives his thoughts on Brian Goorjian and Xavier Cooks being back at Sydney Kings, Alan Williams leaving South East Melbourne Phoenix and Sam Mennenga going home to the New Zealand Breakers.
We wrap up the first segment with a look back on the WNBL Grand Final series where Simon Mitchell paid tribute to the efforts of the Southside Flyers but also looked at why it will be so hard to stomach for the Perth Lynx.
It was then time to dissect the first three games of the Championship Series where Melbourne United was right on top after the first six quarters and three minutes, but then Simon Mitchell saw Jack McVeigh stand up to turn the tide in that Game 2.
From there, Simon gives great credit to a phenomenal coaching performance from Scott Roth for the JackJumpers to now be leading two games to one and he has seen a tendency for United to be losing focus and worrying about the wrong things.
JackJumpers coach Scott Roth had a big win by going with a small ball line-up with Majok Deng in the five spot in the fourth quarter of Game 3 and Simon Mitchell saw some confusion as a result from Melbourne United.
Simon has noticed that Melbourne has been aggressive in their intent to isolate Jack McVeigh on defence, but he's been impressed with how the Tasmania star has held up to that so far.
Simon Mitchell feels that United coach Dean Vickerman would reassessing the choices he made to follow with a small ball line-up in Game 3 and getting Jo Lual-Acuil's head right will be crucial to their hopes of forcing a Game 5.
Simon offers his thoughts on the Melbourne United backcourt so far and for as good as Shea Ili and Matthew Dellavedova have been, he wouldn’t mind seeing them move the ball more and ensure their teammates are staying as involved as possible.
We then talk about Jordon Crawford's contributions and why Simon Mitchell couldn't be more impressed with the attitude he's maintained even when not on the floor and staying ready to come out and contribute valuably.
Finishing up the dissection of the NBL Championship Series so far is discussing Tasmania centre Will Magnay who while he might be flopping and flailing, Simon Mitchell has actually been impressed with what he's provided and expects him to be a big factor in Game 4.
The last segment gets underway with the announcement of the winner of The Galen Best #NBL24 Team Man as voted on by our listeners and it goes to Hyrum Harris of the Perth Wildcats with the draw done to see who wins thanks to Sports Card World.
It's then time for the TABtouch Preview of Game 4 of the NBL Championship Series where Simon Mitchell does expect the Tasmania JackJumpers to complete their fairytale story and win the title in what is a Disney movie just waiting to happen.
Simon then finishes off by giving some love to Fabijan Krslovic from the Tasmania JackJumpers for the crucial role in limited minutes he's playing in this series and why he's the exact unsung hero who can win you a championship.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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Plenty to cover on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and we look back on how good Melbourne United were to open #NBL24 Championship Series, how Tasmania JackJumpers struggled and the dominance of Southside Flyers in WNBL Grand Final Game 3 against Perth Lynx.
Also big news on NBL1 front with Cody Ellis back with the Warwick Senators for NBL1 West season while he also gives his thoughts on Lauren Jackson further cementing GOAT status, how Perth Lynx can cope with another devastating ending and why WNBL needs help.
We also breakdown Xavier Cooks back at Sydney Kings, Kristian Doolittle re-signing at Perth Wildcats, Alan Williams gone from South East Melbourne Phoenix, Sam Mennenga to NZ Breakers and TABtouch Preview as NBL Championship Series continues.
For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle
Big news out of the Sydney Kings with former NBL MVP and championship winning captain Xavier Cooks back to team up with new coach Brian Goorjian. Cody Ellis looks at why it's such a huge signing for the Kings and why it's a huge boost for their prospects to get back in the NBL championship hunt.
Kristian Doolittle has re-signed at the Perth Wildcats and nobody is happier about that than Cody Ellis but it does leave them with some interesting decisions to make over their third and final import spot already for next season.
There's also big news on the NBL1 West front with Cody Ellis deciding he's not yet ready to retire and he will be continuing his career in 2024 at the Warwick Senators. He talked through that decision, why his six-month break was enough and why he's so excited by his new teammates including Zac Gattorna, Michael Harris and Todd Withers.
It's time to turn our attention to Game 1 of the NBL Championship Series where Tasmania JackJumpers were as bad as they've been all season but Melbourne United deserve a lot of the credit for that.
Matthew Dellavedova led the charge for Melbourne, Chris Goulding hit some unreal shots and Jo Lual-Acuil and Ariel Hukporti dominated their big men match up with Will Magnay and Marcus Lee.
We also take a look at the struggles over the last three games now of JackJumpers import guard Jordon Crawford and how he can snap out of it but why it's going to be tough against such a deep, talented and experienced United line-up.
We look back on the deciding Game 3 of the WNBL Grand Final series with the Southside Flyers proving too good and the remarkable comeback story of Lauren Jackson complete with a sixth championship. We also discuss Anneli Maley finding peace in Perth, the future of the Perth Lynx and why the WNBL needs private ownership whether it's Larry Kestelman or somebody else.
Plenty other news around NBL clubs too and we discuss the move of Sam Mennenga from the Cairns Taipans to the New Zealand Breakers and also the decision from South East Melbourne Phoenix to release Alan Williams and whether or not he might find another NBL home.
We then wrap up this week's show with a TABtouch Preview of the next couple of games of the NBL Championship Series between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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Championship time on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle as we look ahead to #NBL24 Championship Series between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers, and Game 3 of WNBL Grand Final between Southside Flyers and Perth Lynx.
Plenty more to breakdown this week with Cody Ellis reflecting on NBL Playoffs where Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers prevailed but for Illawarra Hawks and Perth Wildcats, there was a lot to be proud of and we reflect on their #NBL24 campaigns.
Plenty of drama too and we look back on unnecessary Marcus Lee Tasmania JackJumpers suspension and react to focus on Keanu Pinder and John Rillie's defence of Perth Wildcats and preview NBL and WNBL deciders thanks to TABtouch.
For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle
We begin this week's show with a reaction to the two NBL Playoffs Series where Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers won in three games to set up their Championship Series match up having just managed to overcome the Illawarra Hawks and Perth Wildcats.
A lot of the drama was in the Tasmania-Perth series beginning with Marcus Lee's eventual suspension for Game 2. We give our reaction to everything surrounding that as well as the focus on the handling of Keanu Pinder and John Rillie's reaction to the attention and defence of the Wildcats.
The Melbourne United-Illawarra Hawks series was a fascinating one with the first two games going to overtime before Melbourne took charge in Game 3 with Matthew Dellavedova and Luke Travers the standouts while Sam Froling, Gary Clark and Davo Hickey were brilliant for the Hawks.
We look back on the remarkable performance of the Illawarra Hawks this season since Justin Tatum took and why everyone involved should be proud, why they connected with the Wollongong community and why their future looks bright.
The other series between the Perth Wildcats and Tasmania JackJumpers saw Keanu Pinder lead the 'Cats to a big Game 1 win. They then started Game 2 well, but the JackJumpers took control the rest of the series led by Milton Doyle, Jack McVeigh and Will Magnay. Sean Macdonald came up huge as well not only with his offence punch but tremendous defence on four-time MVP Bryce Cotton.
To sum things up, we look back on how the Wildcats should reflect back on the season where they might be rightfully disappointed to come up short, at the same time they can take a lot of heart out of their turnaround and pride in what they did to get their season on track.
We then turn our focus to the WNBL Grand Final Series which is going to a Game 3 in Melbourne on Sunday between the Southside Flyers and Perth Lynx. We look at the remarkable similarities for the Lynx to two years ago, how Anneli Maley can bounce back and why it will continue to be a fascinating clash of styles.
We finish off by looking at Game 1 of the NBL Championship Series between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers, and Cody's prediction of a JackJumpers win and Will Magnay being Grand Final MVP.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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Massive Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with NBL Play-In Tournament done, #NBL24 Playoffs set and Brian Goorjian confirmed at Sydney Kings, Jaylin Galloway to Milwaukee Bucks and plenty to breakdown thanks to TABtouch.
This week Cody Ellis is back to discuss Brian Goorjian back at Sydney Kings and looking at that from every angle, why Mahmoud Abdelfattah's departure was inevitable and why the way Angus Glover was treated just wasn’t right.
After #NBL24 Play-In Tournament Cody Ellis couldn’t be more impressed by Davo Hickey/Wani Swaka Lo Buluk at Illawarra Hawks, Will Magnay at Tasmania JackJumpers, we pay tribute to New Zealand Breakers and Tom Abercrombie, and provide TABtouch Preview of NBL Playoffs.
For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle
While the Sydney Kings championship defence is over, all the news surrounds them and we breakdown the departure of Mahmoud Abdelfattah as coach and why that was a no-brainer given the way things never clicked between him and his playing group.
We then breakdown the appointment of the legendary Brian Goorjian to return to the Sydney Kings and look at why it appears the perfect fit for both parties, why it's the ideal job for him to end his NBL career and also how he will go juggling that with attempting to win a medal at Paris Olympics with the Australian Boomers.
Also from the Sydney Kings, Jaylin Galloway has joined the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA and we discuss his prospects and also why this pathway might be better for future prospects rather than the NBA Draft if you won't be a first round pick with Will Magnay the likely next candidate.
The NBL Play-In Tournament is done and we begin our discussion with the JackJumpers beating the Hawks to lock in their semi-final spot on the back of the dominance of Will Magnay, all-round brilliance of Milton Doyle and showing their championship credentials.
We then saw the Sydney Kings' season summed up with their implosion against the New Zealand Breakers. Parker Jackson-Cartwright came up huge for New Zealand, but as good as they were Sydney was equally as bad in a performance summing up their season.
The Hawks and Breakers then played out a stunning Play-In Game where they went blow for blow, but in the end it was Justin Robinson standing up, Davo Hickey bringing the energy and the defence of Wani Swaka Lo Buluk that was massive in Illawarra prevailing.
We reflect on the season of the New Zealand Breakers where they overcame an enormous amount to almost make the final four and while upset to be eliminate deserve to be enormously proud as we also pay tribute to retiring captain and all-time break Tom Abercrombie.
It's then time for our TABtouch Preview of the Playoffs as Cody Ellis gives his thoughts on Melbourne United v Illawarra Hawks, and Perth Wildcats v Tasmania JackJumpers. He expects both series to go to three games but ultimately is expecting a Melbourne v Tasmania Championship Series.
We wrap up this week's show with Cody Ellis talking about if this might finally be time for the Perth Lynx to end their WNBL championship drought that dates back to 1992.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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We're gearing up for #NBL24 Finals on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with Simon Mitchell on deck to see who will make Playoffs out of Tasmania JackJumpers, Illawarra Hawks, Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers, and why FIBA break is tough on Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats.
We look back on #NBL24 Awards and why Simon Mitchell wouldn't mind tweaking to a couple from NBL moving forward while we reflect on seasons of Cairns Taipans, Brisbane Bullets and South East Melbourne Phoenix.
We dive into TABtouch Preview of start of #NBL24 Finals while Simon Mitchell is delighted for Scott Ninnis and Justin Tatum to be locked in at Adelaide 36ers and Illawarra Hawks, and ponders what's next for Brian Goorjian after Olympics Boomers campaign in Paris.
For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle
We open up this week's show by wrapping up a dramatic finish to the NBL24 regular season with the New Zealand Breakers making it but missing out on a home final or top four spot, the Sydney Kings getting a soft kill to knock out the Brisbane Bullets, and the Illawarra Hawks winning again over the Perth Wildcats.
The two interim coaches are now no more with Scott Ninnis locked in at the Adelaide 36ers and the Illawarra Hawks signing up Justin Tatum before the NBL finals. It also rules out Brian Goorjian out of those two jobs and we discuss where his coaching future might be after the Paris Olympics with the Boomers.
With the Finals in the NBL having to wait to begin until after the FIBA break, we talk about the frustrations that cause while also unavoidable and why it creates an especially tough situations for the top two teams Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats to deal with.
The Cairns Taipans finished their season with a third win over ladder leading Melbourne United as Simon Mitchell reflects on their season that just never quite going as they perhaps were given more respect by the rest of the league and couldn't fly under the radar anymore.
Simon Mitchell looks back on the season of the Brisbane Bullets with mixed feelings but considering how far back they were coming from last year, he can only see it as a positive and that they are heading in the right direction just with a couple of issues to iron out.
It was a rough end to the season for South East Melbourne Phoenix and Simon Mitchell doesn't want them to just write it off due to injury. He wants them to look back on why they didn’t always compete as hard as they perhaps could have and to have honest discussions before moving forward.
The New Zealand Breakers might have had a lot to deal with this season whether it's injury or a rough schedule with back-to-back games after their international travel, but Simon Mitchell doesn’t think they need sympathy and certainly their coach Mody Maor doesn’t want any.
We look back on the NBL Awards that were handed out and give our reaction to how they shaped up to our predictions. While Simon Mitchell agreed with most of the awards handed out, it's the Next Generation and Most Improved awards who wouldn’t mind seeing being tinkered with a little moving forward.
We wrap up the show with our TABtouch Preview of the start of the NBL Finals with Simon Mitchell breaking down what he's expecting in the Seeding Qualifier between the Tasmania JackJumpers and Illawarra Hawks, and the Play-In Qualifier featuring the Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers, and then the resulting Play-In Game.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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Final #NBL24 Round preview on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with Cody Ellis back on deck and he's expecting Illawarra Hawks, Brisbane Bullets, Sydney Kings to make it but genuinely can't see anyone but Melbourne United, Perth Wildcats, Tasmania JackJumpers winning NBL championship.
Plenty to dissect in #NBL24 and Cody Ellis baffled by 'worst ever NBL coach ejection' of Mike Kelly for South East Melbourne Phoenix, the happenings at Cairns Taipans with Tahjere McCall discontent likely to lead to mass turnover, and thoughts on Illawarra Hawks, Brisbane Bullets prospects.
#TheGalen Best NBL Team Man by Simon Mitchell, impressed by explosive Perth Wildcats, why Sydney Kings can still be a threat despite obvious disconnect, where Brian Goorjian will end up in #NBL25 and full Round 20 #NBL24 TABtouch Preview.
For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle
This week's show opens up with discussion about Melbourne, Perth and Tasmania the only genuine championship threats while the other four teams battle over the three other Finals spot while there's the disconnect at the Sydney Kings and things unravelling at the Cairns Taipans.
We might well have seen the worst ever NBL coach ejection with Mike Kelly from the South East Melbourne Phoenix and Cody Ellis was baffled by it. For him, it just proves the inconsistencies within the refereeing this season and why it's infuriating to see a coach ejected for virtually nothing and others not even receive a tech.
It's absolutely no longer the same old Illawarra Hawks under coach Justin Tatum. Cody Ellis can't understand why he hasn't been signed up yet, but either way loves the way they move the ball under him, loves their buy-in defensively and how he's a coach the players get behind with Gary Clark the second best player in the NBL right now.
The Brisbane Bullets inched closer to a return to the Finals but it was through their NBL veterans Nathan Sobey, Sam McDaniel and Mitch Norton leading the charge and not so much struggling imports Shannon Scott and Chris Smith with Casey Prather still working his way back.
The Perth Wildcats showed their explosiveness in the last seven minutes in the win against the Cairns Taipans with Cody Ellis believing that sort of offensive arsenal could very well take them all the way to a championship, provided they buy in defensively at the same time.
The Finals hopes might be over for the Cairns Taipans but there's plenty of fascination surrounding them including what appears a fallout between coach Adam Forde and captain Tahjere McCall. We discuss that as well as Sam Mennenga's role disappearing and why there's going to likely be another mass turnover this off-season for the Snakes.
Talk then talks to the Sydney Kings and the clear disconnect there is between the coaching staff and playing group which is denying them the chance to realise their potential. Cody Ellis sees this Kings group as one that needs a motivational coach which isn't necessarily Mahmoud Abdelfattah's strength but he still sees them as the only team capable of challenging the top three.
Where Brian Goorjian ends up coaching in the NBL next season has become a major talking point and with Cody Ellis expecting Scott Ninnis to remain in charge at the Adelaide 36ers, he expects the legendary coach to return to the Sydney Kings to replace Mahmoud Abdelfattah for #NBL25.
We wrap up the show with a preview of the last round of #NBL24 with Cody Ellis expecting it to come down to the very last game to determine the final top six position, and he expects the Adelaide 36ers to eliminate the New Zealand Breakers and allow the Brisbane Bullets to make it.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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Two weeks to go in #NBL24 and Simon Mitchell breaks it down on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and makes the big calls on who will make the top six with Brisbane Bullets to miss out while he maintains hope for the New Zealand Breakers despite losing Anthony Lamb.
Two big wins has Simon Mitchell high on the Tasmania JackJumpers' prospects for the rest of 2024 as he names Will Magnay his #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man while is concerned for the Perth Wildcats and feels they need to focus on much more than so-called physicality on Bryce Cotton.
Round 19 #NBL24 TABtouch Preview sees Simon Mitchell predict Adelaide 36ers to all but end Brisbane Bullets' season largely because of the lack of support for Nathan Sobey while he hopes Sunday is a preview of a play-in Illawarra Hawks-Sydney Kings match up.
For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle
We add to our fight night discussion from last week adding a mismatch in height and weight between Will Magnay and Tahjere McCall, but Simon Mitchell isn’t too keen on Jesse Wagstaff against Finn Delany.
The New Zealand Breakers put together a brilliant performance to beat the Perth Wildcats with Simon Mitchell labelling it a coaching masterclass from Mody Maor while loving the work of Parker Jackson-Cartwright but acknowledging it's going to be tough now for them without Anthony Lamb.
Simon Mitchell saw some concerning signs from the Perth Wildcats and didn't like the whinging about the so-called physicality directed at Bryce Cotton. He also labelled their defensive transition an abomination and needs to see more from them over the last two weeks.
The Tasmania JackJumpers put together two impressive wins to all but end the seasons of the Taipans and 36ers with Simon Mitchell suitably impressed with a team he feels can challenge the top two. He likes Milton Doyle with the ball in his hands, the career-best season of Jack McVeigh and the others stepping up including Clint Steindl and Sean Macdonald.
We talk about the Illawarra Hawks and while Simon Mitchell isn’t totally sold just yet, he hopes Justin Tatum's team finishes in the top four and is impressed especially with Wani Swaka Lo Buluk's defence and the all-round production Gary Clark is giving them now.
Simon Mitchell casts his eye over the Brisbane Bullets and he's just not seeing a second go-to option behind Nathan Sobey with Casey Prather not yet quite up to it, and he's given up hope of Shannon Scott or Chris Smith doing that. However, he does see this as a building season for them to set them up for future success.
Simon Mitchell gives his thoughts on last Saturday night's Throwdown where he felt both teams would have been reasonably happy with Melbourne United comfortably winning and getting through unscathed. South East Melbourne Phoenix competed hard too despite how shorthanded they were.
We then follow up our Run Home discussion from last week and while we rule out the South East Melbourne Phoenix, Cairns Taipans and Adelaide 36ers, Simon Mitchell runs his rule over the rest of the teams in the finals race. He predicts Melbourne United to finish at 20-8, Perth Wildcats 18-10, Tasmania JackJumpers 16-12, and then all of the Illawarra Hawks, Sydney Kings, New Zealand Breakers and Brisbane Bullets at 13-15.
Simon Mitchell selects his winner of #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man for Round 18 as well and it's going to Tasmania JackJumpers centre Will Magnay for the toughness he showed and what he delivered for his team in the wins against Cairns and Adelaide.
We then go into the TABtouch Preview for Round 19 with six big matches highlighted by the New Zealand Breakers v Illawarra Hawks on Friday and then finishing off with what Simon Mitchell hopes is a play-in game preview between the Sydney Kings and the Hawks.
Simon Mitchell also finishes off by asking for some more transparency into how the NBL comes into their disciplinary findings after the incidents involving Tahjere McCall and Will Magnay from Round 18.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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Three rounds of #NBL24 to go and Simon Mitchell breaks down the run home of all 10 teams on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and makes his top six predictions and that's just the start of what's on this week.
We also look back on last week where Simon Mitchell was thrilled for South East Melbourne Phoenix spirit, can't figure out Sydney Kings, saw Illawarra Hawks set the blueprint v Perth Wildcats and mixed feelings on full strength Melbourne United.
With Scott Ninnis doing well Simon Mitchell is fascinated by Adelaide 36ers coaching situation, full TABtouch Round 18 #NBL24 Preview and we book a hypothetical NBL boxing card highlighted by the expected very short main event of Mitch Creek v Mason Peatling.
For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle
Simon Mitchell starts off this week's show disappointed in his predictions last week but he needn’t be considering the size of the Thursday night upsets where the South East Melbourne Phoenix beat the Sydney Kings, and Illawarra Hawks beat the Perth Wildcats, which he gives his thoughts on along with how tight the NBL season is and how some ugly records will be playing finals.
We then discuss the remarkable turnaround from the Adelaide 36ers under Scott Ninnis and discuss the prospects of him keeping the job moving forward while there are some high profile candidates also circling with DJ Vasiljevic having thrown his support behind by re-signing for three years.
It's then a fascinating discussion about the Sydney Kings who Simon Mitchell labelled as dreadful to lose to the undermanned South East Melbourne Phoenix but then delivered perhaps their best performance of the season to beat Melbourne United. He credited coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah for the changes made but isn't quite sold it will last just yet.
Simon Mitchell then looks at what he liked about a much improved South East Melbourne Phoenix despite missing five key players. He loved what Ben Ayre, Owen Foxwell and Luke Rosendale did, and was pleasantly surprised by Kody Stattmann with Mitch Creek showing the way.
Melbourne United were back to full strength with the returns of Jo Lual-Acuil and Shea Ili but Simon Mitchell wasn’t totally convinced they are at their best after loss in Sydney even with seeing how tough Lual-Acuil showed himself to be to guard.
It's then time for us to look at the run home of all 10 teams for NBL24 with Simon Mitchell ending up predicting a top six of Melbourne United, Perth Wildcats, Tasmania JackJumpers, Sydney Kings, Brisbane Bullets and New Zealand Breakers.
Simon Mitchell names his winner of #TheGalen Best Team Man for Round 17, gives his thoughts on Damian Martin's Best Defensive Player votes in #TheDamo and also we discuss his jersey being retired by the Perth Wildcats on Sunday at RAC Arena after his remarkable career.
We dissect the six games across Round 18 of #NBL24 thanks to TABtouch and then finish off with some hypothetical boxing fights where Simon Mitchell likens Matthew Dellavedova v Shaun Bruce to Sam Solomon v Anthony Mundine, Aron Baynes v Lat Mayen to Tommy Morrison v Roy Jones Jr, and Kouat Noi just being like Arturo Gatti. But he'd most like to see Mitch Creek v Mason Peatling.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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Plenty to cover on Hoops Heaven Basketball Hustle and Simon Mitchell has Perth Wildcats as #NBL24 title favourites right now as he dissects Melbourne United's struggles minus Shea Ili, and does a deep dive into what Scott Ninnis has done so well to turn Adelaide 36ers around.
Also this week sees Simon Mitchell look at Tasmania JackJumpers dominance over Melbourne United, what Perth Wildcats are doing so well, why he is impressed with Brisbane Bullets and why he doesn’t have Illawarra Hawks making NBL top six.
Difficult conversation about South East Melbourne Phoenix from their inaugural NBL coach while Simon Mitchell picks Kyrin Galloway as #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man, choose worst decision of #NBL24 Round 16 and full TABtouch Preview of Round 17.
For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle
Simon Mitchell experienced coaching against Melbourne United with and without Shea Ili, and now he's delved into it and the difference of him there and not is significant as he likens his defensive influence to Damian Martin or Dennis Rodman or even Deion Sanders and has concerns both for his health and Melbourne without him.
Simon Mitchell would have Perth Wildcats as his championship favourites right now on the back of their improved defence, offensive rebounding that makes Bryce Cotton even harder to stop, and he sees plenty more good times ahead for the Red Army.
Despite a big loss in Perth for the Brisbane Bullets, Simon Mitchell continues to like the job Justin Schueller is doing after their bounce back win in Cairns. He's especially impressed with what Tyrell Harrison is producing and still sees an important role backing him up for Aron Baynes, and saw encouraging signs from Casey Prather.
Given he was coach of South East Melbourne Phoenix for their first four seasons, Simon Mitchell has a unique perspective on their struggles right now. He's devastated with what he's seeing and wants to see some fight out of them and while he wants Mike Kelly to succeed, he's realistic to know it's unsustainable with what they are currently dishing while acknowledging no other coach could do more with what he's working with.
The Illawarra Hawks have now lost three straight and Simon Mitchell can't see them breaking back into the top six as he has concerns over the form of Justin Robinson at the point but does expect Kyle Adnam to get a bit of a look in now that he's settled in as an injury replacement player.
Simon Mitchell casts his eyes over what Scott Ninnis has done with the Adelaide 36ers with the faith put in Trey Kell and Isaac Humphries instrumental while he likes their improvement defensively and offensive work in the early secondary transition especially as they make the most unlikely late season run.
We then wrap up the show with a preview of Round 17 in the NBL with plenty on the line with every game having playoff implications before we close things out with Simon having to decide which was the worst call we saw from a wide field back in Round 16 and why he believes Kyle Bowen deserves an apology.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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Plenty to like from #NBL24 Round 15 to dissect on Hoops Heaven Basketball and a lot to look forward to in @NBL Round 16 but Cody Ellis was shocked with what he saw with Kristian Doolittle at Perth Wildcats while Shea Ili continues to struggle with concussion symptoms.
On the #NBL24 floor, Cody Ellis looks at how Sydney Kings were as bad and then as good as can be with Jaylen Adams illustrating that while he isn’t sure New Zealand Breakers or South East Melbourne Phoenix can stay alive in NBL, but he is high on Brisbane Bullets prospects.
As good as Bryce Cotton is for Perth Wildcats, Cody Ellis puts Tai Webster as the man instrumental in their @NBL title charge while heaping praise on Mitch Creek, rollercoaster rides for Tasmania JackJumpers and Cairns Taipans, and we preview #NBL24 Round 16 thanks to TABtouch.
For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle
We reflect on the double overtime classic between the Tasmania JackJumpers and Illawarra Hawks where Tasmania almost pulled it out thanks to Milton Doyle but then Tyler Harvey showed his big game nature once more before the Hawks struggled to bounce back two days later.
There was a lot to like from an exciting Round 15 in #NBL24 but one not so positive thing was the concussion suffered by Kristian Doolittle for Perth Wildcats and how long he was allowed to stay on the court. Cody Ellis questions the club's medical staff for not being on to it sooner and was shocked by the lack of action as Shea Ili for Melbourne United continues his struggles to highlight the importance.
What a weekend for the Sydney. They were as bad as they could be on Thursday in Adelaide but then as good as they can be on Sunday to hammer the New Zealand Breakers. Jaylen Adams fully illustrated that and returned to MVP form on Sunday as they put on a stunning shooting display.
The New Zealand Breakers were unlucky to lose to Melbourne United and Zylan Cheatham's brain snap didn't help, but what happened in Sydney two days later might have ended their top six hopes as Cody Ellis reflects on the challenges they continue to face this NBL season.
The Perth Wildcats have the brilliance of Bryce Cotton but Cody Ellis points to the importance of Tai Webster in getting them to the position they are in, and how valuable he is to not only Bryce's form but how the 'Cats are performing overall.
While the Tasmania JackJumpers have lost six of the last eight games, they remain in third position and Cody Ellis expects them to stay there with the improvements they've made defensively with the rim protection of Will Magnay despite their offensive spluttering a little.
The Brisbane Bullets are now on a four-game winning streak with a well balanced team who continue to prove they can win while missing key players, and Cody Ellis expects them to make the top four from here and keep their momentum going.
Focus then turns to the Cairns Taipans and while they are unpredictable and can be their own worst enemy, their best is still exciting and overall their young group might be better than Cody Ellis expected. AK Gak was especially exciting against the Adelaide 36ers with 21 points and 14 rebounds while Bul Kuol's foul troubles continued, Tahjere McCall was brilliant and also finally got a flopping tech.
Cody Ellis also made an observation that Mitch Creek's 36-point performance for the South East Melbourne Phoenix against the Perth Wildcats might have gone a little underappreciated as well.
We then wrap up this week's show with a preview of Round 16 in #NBL24 and there's plenty at stake in every match beginning Wednesday night with the South East Melbourne Phoenix playing Adelaide 36ers with a massive Friday night double and an especially tantalising Sunday double-header to wrap things up.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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#NBL24 is heating up and we dissect it all on Hoops Heaven Basketball Hustle with Cody Ellis trying to crystal ball the NBL top six, why Bryce Cotton is unbackable as MVP, why South East Melbourne Phoenix might be done and it's make or break time for Sydney Kings.
We also get Cody Ellis thoughts on what's making Perth Wildcats click beyond Bryce Cotton, if we'll see Alex Sarr again in NBL and a look at Brisbane Bullets with Casey Prather, Rocco Zikarsky's rim protection and Nathan Sobey likely in career best form in #NBL24.
We continue with Tom Vodanovich joining Tasmania JackJumpers, why Scott Ninnis is doing encouraging things with Adelaide 36ers and we preview Round 15 in #NBL24 thanks to TABtouch with every game having top six implications.
For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle
We start off this week's show looking back on the contributions of co-host Simon Mitchell last week and discuss why he would be a perfect fit for any future NBL coaching jobs that might pop up.
Cody Ellis then casts his eye over the NBL and why expects Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats to remain top two, he thinks Tasmania JackJumpers should finish third and if he had to guess, he'd have the Illawarra Hawks, Sydney Kings and either the Brisbane Bullets or New Zealand Breakers rounding out the top six.
The South East Melbourne Phoenix were missing all three imports, Alan Williams, Gary Browne and Abdel Nader, and couldn’t compete as a result as any team wouldn’t be able to. But it's an on-going issue with the Phoenix and Cody Ellis questions why it's happening and why it might be too late for them to save this season, but Mike Kelly can't be the one blamed.
Cody Ellis takes a look at his former Sydney Kings team after losses to Melbourne United and Brisbane Bullets. He discusses how they are playing like a group of individuals, why coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah doesn't seem to be clicking and why their rotations remain somewhat baffling.
The MVP discussion for NBL24 is no longer a discussion with the remarkable form of Perth Wildcats superstar Bryce Cotton. Cody Ellis knows all about how hard he is to stop and continues to marvel at the stunning level he's playing at, why it's so hard to avoid fouling him and why $1.40 on TABtouch might not be low enough.
It's more than just Cotton who is lifting the Wildcats into championship calculations, though, and we look at how an oddly constructed roster is coming together tremendously with the roles of Keanu Pinder, Kristian Doolittle, Tai Webster, Hyrum Harris and captain Jesse Wagstaff but we might have seen the last of likely No. 1 NBA Draft pick Alex Sarr.
Next up we look at the Brisbane Bullets and what the introduction of Casey Prather provides them on top of the rim protection from 17-year-old Next Star Rocco Zikarsky and the career best form of Olympian Nathan Sobey who Cody Ellis describes as being in a zone right now.
We also discuss a surprising late season roster move at the Tasmania JackJumpers as they cut loose guard Junior Madut and bring in championship winning enforcer Tom Vodanovich for the rest of #NBL24.
Before moving on from what we saw in Round 14, we talk about the Adelaide 36ers and their spirit lifting win over Melbourne United where the big three of DJ Vasiljevic, Isaac Humphries and Trey Kell III starred but role players stepped up led by Jason Cadee to celebrate the 25-year championship anniversary.
We then wrap up this week's show with a preview of Round 15 in the NBL where every game has ramifications for the fight for playoff positions starting with Brisbane Bullets v Tasmania JackJumpers on Wednesday and finishing with a Grand Final rematch between Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers.
All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).
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