Hoops

Brad Newley decides today

Isaac, that's not the point. I have already stated that good Australian players are scarce. The point is that a review needs to be made about out clauses.

Blue Collar, after last season's result, wouldn't you be frustrated? I want to see the players show some loyalty. If they sign a contract with a club, they should see out that contract. The whole team is left in turmoil because one player decides that he doesn't want to stick around as the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. I know that "out clauses" have been around for years but it obviously causes stress to a club where a player exercises his rights under that clause. This situation should be reviewed.

Blue Collar, as far as i know they have to stand back. If a player eg. Cat has a euro out clause, and they use it, it voids the NBL contract because under FIBA rules you can't be contracted to two leagues. The only way you could change that would be a league rule as in the NBA where only one team can hold a players rights (like Anderson and the Hawks), so the Commish would have to make a new rule saying all players must assign their rights to a club and that can only change if they are waived or traded (unlikely because the players association wouldn't go for it).

maybe the 36ers have asked him to wait a bit, as if he signs, Newley signs and we sign a import SF that would leave us with a bench of Davidson, Sutton, Ng, Copeland and either Cooper or Dench, which is quite small, so i wouldnt be surprised that if Newley signs they get a back up PF, and make Copes an Assistant coach but if Newley goes to the Tigers Copeland will play on, well thats how i would try and do it anyway, unless they go for the smaller bench with the 2nd import, Cooper and Dench sharing the back up minutes to Ballinger at PF, which wouldnt be huge anyway (10-15mins per game), so that could work either way. Heres hoping Newley decides to be a 36er!!

Newley's decision would only determine if he signs with Adelaide or Melbourne. According to his father, they are working a way to get to the NBA drafts so any signature would be dependent on what happens in the NBA draft. It woud be a very insecure signing for either Adelaide or Melbourne. As much as each individual player has the right to explore their options, I don't believe that its fair that other clubs are held ransom to this. If the NBL wants to assert its position as a premier league, then they have to put their foot down and say to the players that its your risk if you don't make a firm decision. Either you sign with us now or risk your chances in the NBA which may leave you with nothing. Its not only about the players, its about the fans. They don't want to see their club weakened by a sudden departure of a key player to the NBA just because their contract allows it.

Kept his cards close to his chest.

Go to the website and listen to the Whately podcast. It has the interview from earlier today.