Hoops

Sixers Starting Line Up

Bruce is not a NBL starter YET. Sure he is good and has shown flashes of brilliance (as a distributing PG) and ample potential but he has by no means cemented or done enough in the past to be given a starting spot over seasoned veterans in Maher and Davidson. Maybe as the season progresses but I wouldn't have him running the ship from the get go.

I'm excited by the signing of Bruce but give the guy some time to adapt to the NBL style and Sixers style.

I think we would do far better starting Davidson as the PG and Bruce backing him up still seeing plenty of minutes.
Maher needs to be looked after even if he is his at his fittest ever, we need him come season's end to be on the court.

You think Holmes (former dragons captain/starter) moved back from Dragons to come off the bench?

Davidson or Maher
Tyndale
Holmes
Ballinger
Schens

A fairly early sub with Cooper than quick rotations through the bigs is whats needed.

The only other option I can see is Tyndale coming off the bench, but who knows what level of player he is and what he will bring to the team.

Juror 12 - why will Maher "DEFINITELY", as you put it, start? do you have confirmation on this?

Any Sixers fan who's even been remotely paying attention over the past 3 seasons would have to admit that Maher has had some significant time off due to injury.

I have a sneaking suspicion that people are a little too afraid of the concept of Brett Maher coming off the bench (even after what, 14 seasons?). Last year Copeland was able to provide a spark off the bench and generally, he was effective with his minutes. I think Maher this season would suit this role to a tee - coming off the bench to be a pure shooter.

Its nice to finally have enough depth that there is some uncertainty over who should start. I actually think there are quite a few unknowns:
- What type of team does Ninnis want us to be? Run and gun or grind it out half-court? This will effect who starts.
- Is Schenscher going to dominate from the get go or will he take awhile to adjust to the NBL? Cooper could prove more reliable early on.
- Do we want the size and rebounding of Holmes starting at SF or more offensive firepower from the new import Tyndale?
- If Holmes and Tyndale both need to start, which guard sits?
- Is Bruce better than Davidson or Maher yet? If he is, what is the best combo? Bruce-Maher or Bruce-Davidson?

Lots of interesting possibilities so I would be surprised if Ninnis has made a final decision about a starting 5 yet. I actually think Ninnis would be best served by telling his players to earn their starting spot and minutes in the pre-season.

One comment on Maher: I would like him to play more as a sixth man this year, coming off the bench to play against either bench players or fatigued starters. Judging by last year, he can still really hurt opponents offensively in bursts, but his body just isn't up to defending quick guards anymore. If we use him correctly, I think we can maximise his impact and minimise his chances of injury.

Bruce/Tyndale/Holmes/Ballinger/Schenscher

Is it just me or is this the deepest bench we've had for awhile? Maher, Davidson, Kersten, Winitana, Cooper, Hill?

Like it Cat 15, Thats a pretty big squad too.

This team has some real flexability too;

fast break;

Schen (to board) then Holmes/Tyndale/Maher/Bruce

or even

Schen/Tyndale/maher/Bruce/Davidson

Talk about your run and gun options!

So keen for this season to start now!