Hoops

Sixers 2009 v Sixers 2010 - Which team is better?

Pretty good analysis guys. Big Ads, looking at your comparisons, its pretty clear that the big improvement over last year has come from the role players. Dowdell, Ng, Carter, Hill, Creek now have well defined roles and are putting in consistently good performances.

I disagree that Balls 09 was better than Balls 10. His numbers maybe down a bit, but I think his defence has improved out of sight. I also think his offence will improve a little with Shannon running the point.

Speaking of Shannon, although its a fair call to say Gilly had more runs on the board to this point than this years import PG duo, from what I've seen, our new PG will prove far more valuable to the team than Gilly ever would've.

The only other question mark is Burston v Johnson. As Hendo has pointed out, Burston might be a bit better than Johnson at this point in time, but it is a moot point if you can't rely on him to stay on the floor. Burston's continued injury problems this year, combined with what I have seen from DJ so far, make me happy we have gone with DJ.

So to summarise: They may not have as good a record at this point, but they are heading in the right direction. How much they improve in the win-loss column is gonna come down to how much difference the imports can make. I think if both imports shine, we could squeak in to the top 3-4.

Last years coaching by Ninnis was disappointing to say the least. Marty Clarke has gone a long way to improving the squad more so the 2nd Unit.
Depth has always been a sticking point and might continue this year however despite our position in 7th, we can win the hard games at home but lack the prowess to win away.
Darren Ng hit form the last few weeks, Brad Hill has done some good work off the court to get his game into 'some' form. As for imports, I guess its a guess as to how they go hence why so many imports have been axed from all clubs.

EC and SRT070, you are both right as far as game failures are concerned. I remember last year we led NZ and 3/4 time by 17, only to lose by 5. This year, things have turned around and if we lead by a considerable margin, we end up winning even if by the solitary 1 point.

The downside is not having key playmakers but give it time, I think guys like Eddie are the guys we seek most and something a bit different. You dont need a Schenscher to win games, you need team spirit and someone who will run the game and play the game.

If I can include refs, 09 was a bit better. The new rule changes are hard to fathom

I think it would be fair to say Ballinger's season statistics look a little lower, because of the lack of touches he gets in the offense.
Clarke's offense is run for lots of guard movement, and very little post play. No longer is Ballinger receiving the ball close to the basket, or those pick n pops to the short corner which he loves so much. More so out too far closer to the 3 point line. Way too much guard dribble dribble.

I think we are far too reliant on the 3 point shot right now, and not utilising our bigs enough. Daniel Johnson's sporadic court time is also worrying for me. He is young, but very promising. Jacob would be a much better suited player to come from the bench, and bring his energy and hustle.

EC, not to mention the epic brain fart of a 4th quarter we used to have. my god did that used to piss me up the wall. we used to have a major half time lead only to lose by 5-10 points.

Anon, I didn't mention disparity or the competition being close, I stated the competition being stronger than last season and accordingly highlighted areas in which the sixers need to perform to avoid finishing 8th (like they did last season).

My conclusion suggests every team is better than the squads they put on the court last season. The sixers are no different, yet they could end up at the bottom of the table again which would be disappointing given the improvement of Hill & more recently Ng and the positive contributions of the new recruits.

It's great to see Joe Ingles lighting it up in his NBL debut tonight against New Zealand.

29 points on 11/15 FG's and 4/5 from downtown, a fair introduction to the league i reckon!

Too bad it was in a Dragons uniform and not a colour closer to home perhaps? But Copeland has the reputation doesn't he? My bad!