Australian NBL

[rikhardur]

[rikhardur]

Shane Heal is the new head coach of the Sydney Kings.

[rikhardur]

New Zealand Breakers champions again!

[CKR13]

Andrew Gaze: Shut down the NBL for a season

Controversial but the league's model and central control need a re-assessment on where to go. They have been operating a rudderless program for years.

[sixama23]

Ten key players to watch out for over the 2015/16 NBL season

THE 2015/16 NBL season tips off in less than a week, and the talent is looking as good as ever. Here are the key players to watch over what’s sure to be an exciting the season.

JOSH CHILDRESS, Sydney Kings

Sydney’s star wing has been used sparingly during the preseason as a precautionary measure, but he’s now at full health and ready to lead the Kings.

A healthy Josh Childress will be key to the Sydney Kings’ success this season.

Childress was the best player in the league last year, but his season was cut short due to an untimely injury. The former NBA veteran’s ability to affect play on both ends of the floor may prove to be the deciding factor for whether the Kings have success this season.

BRIAN CONKLIN, Townsville Crocodiles

Conklin is one of the league’s most reliable offensive options, using his impressive skill and footwork to find ways to score the ball.

As last year’s league MVP, Conklin continues to lead the Crocodiles, despite their troubles over the preseason. Townsville isn’t expected to finish the season as a top-4 team, but Conklin remains a player you should keep your eye on. .

STEPHEN HOLT, Melbourne United

Stephen Holt has been a revelation for Melbourne United fans. The 1.93m point guard out of Saint Mary’s has stepped in as the team’s lead guard without any issues, finding a balance between scoring the ball and getting his teammates involved.

Holt averaged a league-high 20.8 points per game during the preseason and is running the show for a team that’s tipped to win the league. As co-MVP of the 2015 NBL Blitz, he’s more than up for the challenge.

CEDRIC JACKSON, New Zealand Breakers

The partnership of Cedric Jackson and Corey Webster would have been the most exciting backcourt in the league, but with Webster vying for a spot on an NBA roster, Jackson is made to carry the burden on his own.

The Breakers are a talented team, but Cedric Jackson will be the difference-maker.

An exciting player who is accustomed to playing in the league, Jackson will once again be in the driver’s seat for the New Zealand Breakers, and will look to carve out a great partnership with surprise contributor Everard Bartlett.

CHRIS GOULDING, Melbourne United

Goulding’s return to the NBL was a much needed coup, with the Aussie Boomers guard possessing a dynamic scoring game.

The backcourt of Goulding and Holt may prove to be the most exciting in the league, with Goulding providing a consistent offensive option for Melbourne United. With his familiarity with the NBL, along with his experience abroad, look for Goulding to be a contender for the league’s MVP award.

AJ OGILVY, Illawarra Hawks

After spending a year playing in Spain, Ogilvy has returned to the NBL and is already showing why he’s one of Australia’s top big-men.

During preseason play, the 2.11m centre has averaged 17.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, playing a consistent role inside the paint on both ends of the floor for the Hawks. Playing for a revamped Hawks team that looks like a lock for a top-4 position, Ogilvy will likely propel himself as one of the favourites for the 2015/16 league MVP award.

HAKIM WARRICK, Melbourne United

Hakim Warrick was a late addition to the NBL but is arguably the most exciting one. Known throughout his NBA career for his athleticism, Warrick has joined a Melbourne United outfit with the expectation that he’ll grow into an increased role over time.

Although he’s still getting accustomed to his new team — having only been with United for a few weeks — the 2.09m power forward will still be one of the league’s most exciting players, on one of the league’s most exciting teams.

CASEY PRATHER, Perth Wildcats

The Perth Wildcats have yet to find consistency during the preseason, with some of their new additions still becoming accustomed with each other. New import Casey Prather has the ability to step up and lead the Wildcats, and it may be just what they need.

The Perth Wildcats are still developing their chemistry as a team, with Casey Prather a huge piece of the Perth puzzle.

With consistent force Damian Martin struggling with a calf injury, and Aussie Boomer Nathan Jawai still settling into his new team, Prather can step in and be a dynamic lead guard for Perth; showing off his impressive athleticism in the process.

KENYON MCNEAIL, Adelaide 36ers

McNeail may need to play a larger role than expected, with backcourt partner Adam Gibson struggling during preseason play. The 1.85m guard’s ability to shoot the ball, as well as his feistiness on the defensive end, make him a player who can make a real impact this season.

A big factor in McNeail’s success will be the health of fellow import Ebi Ere. Ere is a veteran in the NBL and has the ability to draw multiple defenders, potentially giving McNeail a lot of good looks from the perimeter.

CAMERON GLIDDON & MARKEL STARKS, Cairns Taipans

Cameron Gliddon and Markel Starks have been equally important for the Taipans, and will be the key to the team’s success this season.

Gliddon, the 2013 NBL Rookie of the Year, has seen his role increase with every year he’s been with the Taipans, taking over as one of the lead guards this season. He’s joined in the backcourt by Markel Starks, a 1.88m guard out of Georgetown University who was named co-MVP of last week’s NBL Blitz.

This dynamic backcourt combo, a partnership that can also see import Torrey Craig fill either role, will be key to the Taipans’ success this season, and will likely be one of the more consistent duos in the league.

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au/basketba...-1227554377982

[sixama23]

In the opening game of 2015-16 season, the Adelaide 36ers beat the NZ Breakers by 19 points, 90-71.

Matt Hodgson (ex Saint Mary's Gaels) made an impressive NBL debut, 18 points + 9 rebounds.

Pledger & Abercrombie didn't suit up for the Breakers.

[sixama23]

Kirk Penney showed he still has game, he scored 36 points against his old team last night.

Illawarra Hawks beat the Breakers by 21, 96-75.

[Mika Hakinen]

Melbourne looks amazing, Goulding - first contender on MVP.

My predict final: Melbourne - Pert

[Silent Killer]

Melbourne looks amazing, Goulding - first contender on MVP.

My predict final: Melbourne - Pert

Goulding is unbelievable. Hope someone from NBA sign this guy. He's too good in NBL..

[Mika Hakinen]

Very interesting league, 3rd for me after NBA and VTB! A lot of great players!

[Mika Hakinen]

Goulding play like shit 3 tours in a row, he is too soft for Euroleague and absolutely no chances in NBA...

Right now first candidates for MVP:
1 Jermaine Beal
2 Cory Webster
3 AJ Ogilvy and Goulding

[BoatsLaa]

Any idea where I can watch replays of full matches online?

[Mika Hakinen]

Any idea where I can watch replays of full matches online?

Last season was on livebasketball.tv, this season u may see only on official website NBL for money. U may see online on pirate streams easy, im not sure about replays.

[BoatsLaa]

Last season was on livebasketball.tv, this season u may see only on official website NBL for money. U may see online on pirate streams easy, im not sure about replays.

Cheers

[Mika Hakinen]

Jermaine Beal is fucking beast!