Hoops

Who to keep? Time to start planning.

I've also used the argument that the new league will need to see an increase in the points cap. With less teams, how are the best players going to be assured of playing here if they can't be fitted into the points cap? All teams would be struggling there. So much talk about the increased quality in the league with less teams but the quality will only be there if the points cap allows it to. To add to that, whenever you have an import naturalising, their points value should drop. The reason being is that teams are allowed 2 imports but retaining a naturalised player at the full 10 points value makes it difficult to fit 2 imports. You already have 30 points in just 3 players. This needs to be done to make sure that there will always be a place for good Australian players in this league and priority is given to them.

C'mon Skip, you can unzip here, no-one will tell...

Never, ever in my conversation have I said that Rychart should be signed as an import. He also will be naturalised before next season. He was only ever talked about as an Australian recruit.

Isaac, I can't understand the logic that with both him and Ballinger, one would have to settle with 15 minutes per game. Would you not alternate them and also have them on together for a period of time giving them both substantial minutes and a boost to the team in scoring options?

'Ballinger , who naturalised in May' - Boti today.
Guess should read naturalises in May.

Anyway he plays as an aussie from the start of the season.

"NBL teams are actually allowed only two imports." Wow, what a statement, how could I forget that NBL teams are allowed only 2 imports. Who are the 2 imports that we have for next season? XztatiK , who is the additional import we cannot fit in next season?

I pictured Glenn Saville and Pero Cameron when I heard the 'strong' comments.. ( but not seriously. Just thinking about the sixers banging into bodies)

The 3 Imports didn't work. - I heard mentioned.
(so doesn't sound like Rod will be here).
Stronger players required , they said.
(so I guess they will go for more muscle, harder players)

No skip you are not right. I had a preference over Phil to Scott but that's more of an indication of how I felt about Ninnis becoming the head coach. My arguments in the past have also been a comparison between the 2 and not necessarily that we should keep Phil. They have also been along the lines that Phil's roster was no where near as talented as Scott's so some allowances had to be made for lack of success. My real argument pre season was to look overseas for an experienced coach with a proven track record if there wasn't one available here.

Last week I commenced a post titled A Letter to the 36ers. I listed 12 things I wanted the team to take to New Zealand with them. I have now ticked off 1 only and that is their passports. That is all they brought with them, their attendance at the game. Now tell me if the coach needs to bear any responsibility for this?

billo, we came 6th and dropped out in the first elimination game FULL STOP Doesn't that say more than any of the arguments made. We lost more games than we won. If that's good enough for everyone else, its not good enough for me whatever the arguments may be. Major changes need to be made. There are differing opinions on where the changes should be made but it doesn't mean that we should be happy, sit back and praise the team for their achievement this year.

XztatiK - "So because of a few 30pt games a few years ago, to make room for Dusty, you would use that import spot and cut Jacob Holmes, a local, a leader and a player only marginally inferior to your beloved???"

Which import spot would he be taking? Also he averaged around 21 points per game in his last season here. That is more than just a few good games. My argument about crowd reaction related to consistently outstanding performances not one or two good games.

My arguments against Bruce still stand, it just wasn't part of this conversation to bring it up again. This season, there has been far too much reliance on a player that is not up to the professional standard needed in a PG role. He was brought in as a rookie to fill the starting PG role. A bit premature for me. I don't argue that he is a PG of the future, but he was not ready this season.

XztatiK, whether you want to admit it or not the team has gone backwards in the last 3 seasons. Guess, what? The last 3 seasons have been without Rychart. Don't know about your memory of the time he was with Adelaide, but mine is that it was not unusual that he would end the game on 30 and 15. 44 is another number that springs to mind. I also remember the extra loud cheers he would get when the players were introduced on court. Those cheers are usually reserved for those who make consistently outstanding contributions to the team. I do not accept that we may not fit him in because we have Ballinger and Holmes but I know who I would target to make room for him if necessary. I know you have a problem with him, I have been informed, but you have never given a reason for it. If you think he is a crap player, then say so but also say why. Atleast I support all my arguments for bringing him back. Also, a shrine is not necessary. That's quite a sick joke.

Wayne, keep talking, it makes sense to me. Yes Dusty does naturalise soon and will not require an import spot. Again XztatiK talks from his rear end. For a start we do not have Schenscher next season unless he agrees to come back. Secondly, we don't have enough consistent scorers in the team. Rychart brings that. He brings it without the injury problems we have had with others in the team. If a reliable, hard working, high scoring, high rebounding player is not required, then lets all go and watch under 12's juniors.

XY, where does the 2.9 topg come from? I would not believe for a minute that all his turnovers have been accounted for. Also when comparing stats between Bruce & CJ, you have to look at the minutes played as well. Does the stats come from averaging out a whole season or only what he actually played? By all means keep Bruce for future development but a quality starter PG was needed ahead of him.

XztatiK, sometimes I think your mouth is on a different part of your anatomy (try the rear side). Our "best" PG was only the "best" because we had no one better. That's also a matter of opinion. I valued Davidson as a better PG than Bruce although still not good enough. My suggestion earlier in the season was that an import PG should have been recruited if there wasn't a good one available in Australia. Its such a vital role and to fill it with a rookie was senseless.

"Keep Cooper if Schench goes" ?!?!?

I'd rather put a lifelike statue of Mark Davis in the keyway.

Whenever I think of Kirsten Ryan, why do I think of Mark Cosgrove?

So who would be our muscle next year?

Our boys are too nice. Look at some of the scrubbers on other teams - tats from ar@ehole to breakfast time.

I have said it before, and I'll say it again: We need a nutter on the team. Someone who you don't want to meet in a dark alley. Someone who used to pull the wings off of flies for fun.

Can you imagine the Cat pulling the pony tail if he knew next rebound an "errand elbow" could be coming his way?

Oh and keep your eyes off the big O, he's ours...

Def kick Grizzard
Holmes can play but I don't think he's captain material.
Bruce has game but he's still young, I wouldn't overplay him ie Joyce Jr

Bruce has been the turnover king all season. That's not what the 36ers need. If he is to be the PG of the future, at best this year, he should have only been a development player and not given such a huge role.

High Priority:
Luke
Balls
Jacob
Burdman
Hillbilly

Davo (one more year)

Maybes:
Grizz
Brooce

Door:
Wini
Kirsten Ryan
Coops
Mahersey (ret.)


Hoban is off OS next year for work.

Ballinger naturalises in about a month

Ballinger and Bruce are contracted.
Holmes - I think is ( there was talk he is next capt.)
Schenscher only signed for this season.
I'd keep Burdon , Davo if he's fit. Hill of course.
Not sure about Grizzard or Paora.
Maher retired. Cooper not required.

Hill played mean, I wanted him dead, Ballinger started lighting up, he was next on the list.
Having experienced players that'll step up and take the big shots on the court for NZ at key momments got them over the line when it started getting close, CJ is class, got so over him killing NZ's buzz in internationals and the Breakers but now he's ours (dr evil cackle).