Hoops

HSH Day 2: Monarchs v Fleet

X - I agree that we probably need to see a little more of Jackson, just thought I'd throw it out there because I've really liked what he has brought defensively.

Yep - I guess you were at the game? I didn't pick up any of the arguing with team mates stuff from the TV. Thought his body language was good though - he took it to his opponents all night! Nice change to see that after the Sixers lack of toughness this year.

Anyone else got any thoughts on Jackson?

I thought Oscar was great on defense and used his body well at both ends of the court and can't understand why he did'nt play the last quarter, when the Monarchs got close.

Goulding is a great young player (is he in the Boomer's squad?) , has an allround game,30 points and spent a long time on the bench because of some doubtful fouls and Willie's shooting and much improved defence were highlights.

Oh yeah, just wanted to mention that Oscar played really well tonight. I haven't seen him hustle that hard too often. Showed he can hold his own for rebounds against some athletic opposition and even had a highlight reel block on Millard. If the Sixers sign Ballinger, I think backups of Oscar and Trueman or similar could be pretty solid.

So X, should we start a campaign for 'Jax the Axe' to the Sixers? He make me think of Darnell Mee in Tony Allen's body. Like his aggression and hustle. Makes good things happen for the team on a regular basis.

Ricey, I don't think anyone directly answered your question. The guy with the long hair was Goulding. He plays for the Blaze and really took a big step forward this year. Unfortunately he is still contracted to the Blaze and I don't imagine they'll be letting him go anytime soon. Whoever said future Boomer I think is on the money. The kid is smart and a flat out scorer. Would love it if the Sixers had a SG as good as him.

I'm sure most people who have played the game at all levels have played with someone who is all about the stats. He's the first person grabbing the scoresheet to check how many he got after the social game, even though you went down by 30. He lacks the insight to see that gambling on defense and being the first down the court does not make you a "hustle" guy. Watch out if he is having an off game, because he will just keep going to the hole to "get his" despite the turnovers. These guys often look great in training, and are awesome street ballers, but can't get it done in organized basketball against organized defense. The lose all tract of any defensive system and destroy the team.

Dodge is a "pro" version of that guy. His professional record speaks for itself. Talented guy - team can't win.

Ricey, I can't believe they would kick out 2% of the crowd by removing you from the stadium. From a distance I'm sure your shirt also looked like an extra person, so that makes 4%. A lack of insight in my opinion.

Ulius Dodge had a lot of points but when you camp in the paint on offense, play no defense and are there just to rack up stats your team isn't going to win. If only his passion in timeouts was replicated on D - they should have subbed in Al.

Moses, only difference was, this 'Kobe' couldn't shoot!

Thats too bad Ricey. I would have thought they could have just warned you and asked you to put the t-shirt away. Bit hard to complain about offensive language when both Hodge and Goulding clearly used the f word in timeouts!

Camel, couldn't agree more. Great to see two assured coaches consistently communicating a simple, clear message to their players. Well coached by both Ken and Al tonight.

Anyone hear the commentators mention early on that Cole played at LSU way back in the early 70s? Apparently he played with guys like Pistol Pete and they mentioned a few other legends I can't remember that he played with and against back in the day.

Great game from two very good teams tonight. Both teams wanted this badly. Gotta give Hodge some credit, he dragged the Monarchs back into it with some relentless scoring.

Is Farley still classed as an import? If he's not he should still be playing NBL. The guy still has serious game. I think he may have gone wire to wire in this one, guarding Hodge for large stretches and still having the energy to be the Fleet's main player in crunch time.

I liked Jackson again. He's a real competitive guy and showed he could score in the paint, as well as make the three tonight. My only question mark is whether he is as fit as he should be. As Xztatick said yesterday, he was complaining a lot about his calves or something in the first game and then he ended up leaving tonights game at a crucial juncture after he copped a knee to his leg. Possible point guard option for the Sixers though I think.

Also liked O'Gallagher for the Monarchs. Different type of point guard to Jackson. Not as strong or good defensively, but has nice speed, gets to the basket, can shoot and find open players.

Goulding had a massive game for the Fleet, getting the lead that they never relinquished. Youthful exuberance got the better of him, Hodge suckering 3 fouls out of him in about 30 secs in the 3rd, which kept him out for a large stretch of the 2nd half. But other than that he was awesome. Best Aussie player on the floor I thought.

Trueman looked solid again. I wouldn't complain if the Sixers brought him in as a backup big.

Schenscher too damn tall for the Monarchs. Fleet failed to use him enough down the stretch which could have cost them game at one point, but overall he had a big impact and played well.

Mahersy showed his classy nature once again by choosing not to hammer Hodge on a fast break.

Overall, I can definitely see these two teams squaring off again in the Final.

An import in the NZ NBL league, Jamar Brown is heading back to the states just two weeks after arriving in New Zealand. Apparently some confusion with his agent meant that he thought he was playing in Australia instead of NZ and getting paid more.

The 2m tall forward signed up for what he thought was a deal to play for a team in Australia for six weeks.

Brown was shocked to wind up in New Zealand instead and then equally shocked to discover the national league (NBL) season goes for four months.

This would prevent him playing in the NBA summer league for the Washington Wizards in July, thereby diminishing his chances of a full NBA contract next season.

Another misunderstanding was the amount of money he was to be paid. The Jets' wage was much less than expected.

Ken Cole was always a very good barometer. He towers above them all. You are not going to see any more like him.

Julius Hodge "don't gamble on defense, foul them and fuck them up"

Schench still getting no love from the referees.

Maher had the perfect chance deck Hodge but didn't.