Hoops

HSH: Nothing ever got built by complaining

I have read through all the posts in this thread and sort of agree with everyone to some extent.

Constructive criticism can only help improve this concept.

I would like to see this tourney evolve into a recruiting type tournament, sort of like the NBA Summerleague or the collegiate Portsmouth Invitational for the senior graduates. A combination of these two established events, maybe throw in the NBL free agents and NBL fringe players (ABA etc) and other overseas players wishing to pick up an NBL import contract. Anyway, it is something worth considering...

I have been sitting in front of the TV all week watching and I must say it beats daytime TV! I have enjoyed most of the games, and it is good to see new talent trying to make it's way through. I have loved seeing Chris Goulding take up the chance of being a focal point in offence, seeing Blanchfield explode in his team's first game, seeing Bennett Davison return to Australia's shores with a clear desire to play in the NBL - complete with improved jumpshot. And to see that JR can still hoop with the best of them.

Thay's my rant on the HSH. Great concept, needs a bit of work, and a whole lot more lead-up promotion next time around. I just hope they stick with the idea and the opportunity to build on something that has a lot of potential IMO.

My complaints about the concept are to do with the teams. I just could not care less about the "Fleet" or the "Reef". So I find myself not caring about the score, and eventually, not caring about the game, regardless of how close it is. I am like that with AFL too unless it's the Crows playing, but if i have to watch Richmond V Essendon, i nearly fall asleep.

Whereas watching NBL or NBA or NCAA, I usually, more often than not, prefer one team over the other, and therefore it peaks my interest.

I think Boti's idea of 'localizing' the teams, e.g state based, so the Fleet could be the 'SA Fleet', would certainly make it more interesting for me at least. A State of Origin concept, would be brilliant i think and would definitely get more bums on seats.

EC, sure you can't get to the game, but you can always set the record button and watch the game at night.

This was a made for tv tournament. ONE wanted daytime content that would finish before the Indian Premier League starts and that is exactly what it has got.

The price you pay is small crowds and that may encourage some people to switch off, but I think anyone who gave the games a chance would have got some entertainment value. If they didn't, well it doesn't matter anyway, because they obviously don't like basketball enough.

Kids in for free with paying parent tomorrow. Does that mean a whole bus can get in with the one uni kid doing the vacation care program?

Beantown, its all a matter of opinion based on your situation. I have to work everyday that this event is on. As a basketball fan, I welcomed some good basketball to watch post NBL but when it comes during my working time, then I find it frustrating.

Bobby and Isaac, of course it would have been better to have bigger crowds in the stands. You both make good points about the crowds that I agree with. My point was that there is not much most of us can do about any of that, so instead of harping on it, lets focus on the positives more.

TC2, whats a Honkie? And how many is too many?

As usual, Isaac is on the money...

If the NBL were in a stronger position, it would be a lesser problem. But as the NBL is trying to re-establish itself as a top shelf league in Australia, people tuning in to see no crowd could assume that although this isn't the NBL - that the NBL itself is no better.

Your average pie eating beer swilling football following punter might be like:

"Basketball? oh I saw that on One HD, there was no one there, it looked boring"

"That wasn't NBL, it was a week long tournament"

"Same thing"

Basically anything that reflects badly on basketball at the moment could be damaging to the NBL. Regardless of how good the tournament is or isn't (at it's core I think the idea is a good one), it can reflect on Australian basketball no matter how standalone it is.

Too many honkies.

Camel, I think you're right about this being held during free agency. There are a lot of guys out there playing their butts off for contracts. There's plenty of aggression out there too. I think in the first game, a Monarchs player made a big block at the basket on a Cyclones player (think it might have been Brown) and gave him heaps afterward.

Isaac, I agree that a few constructive comments (such as what you gave above) are useful. This thread is directed at the people who come on here and their only comments are negative. I felt there was far too much attention given to the small crowd. I noticed it, everyone noticed it, but the only people it costs anything are the people who are running the event.

I'm hoping people will focus on the most important thing this week - the basketball being played - and show a bit of enthusiasm that we have 30 hours of live basketball on FTA for the first time in a decade!

Doing it in the free agency period adds a bit, don't you think.

my ex and I built our whole relationship round her complaining, so I disagree Beantown

I know there is no reserve 2 grade in state champs this year - but 16 teams allowed per grade to nominate for state reserve champs - can the top div 3 teams nominate if say only 9 div 2 teams nominate - ie 7 div 3 teams could fill the remaining spots?

Watched several games on OneHD and for the most part liked what I watched.

Some new faces looking for NBL contracts and to show case their skills. I would like to see this developed into an annual event that allows free agents to show case their talents.

Publicity needs to improve but congrats to OneHD for showing it other wise it could really fly underneath the radar.