Hoops

Its time to retire #4 and #15

I think the question remains is what does the club's constitution say regarding retired numbers? It may not be as simple as re-retiring or re-honoring past players who have had a great influence on the club.

I do agree with honoring those who played a significant role in the 36ers being 4 time NBL premiers. Players like Bill Jones, Al Green, Darryl Pearce, Peter Ali, Mike Mackay, Scott Ninnis, Martin Cattalini, Darnell Mee, Kevin Brooks, Paul Rees etc etc. And coaches Ken Cole and Phil Smyth should of course be honored too IMO.

An honor board showing championship players and their NBL stats while playing in Adelaide would be a good thing. I know the team photo's are there showing every year from 1986-2008 but where are the 1982-85 and 2009-11 team photos?

On whether West Adelaide's 1982 Championship banner should hang at Brett Maher Court? Interesting question. Not so sure about an answer there. But hey, the Lightning's WNBL championship banners hang above the OT Bar don't they? And the Lightning don't even play at The Dome anymore. Why not West Adelaide's 1982 banner? They were the first Adelaide based team to win an NBL championship weren't they.....

My gut feeling is that Pearce and Green should have some more obvious recognition of their achievements displayed in the Dome. Not 100% sure about retiring their numbers, but the old idea of 'retired' and 'honoured' categories that Isaac mentioned is a good one.

Not sure what the rules say about claiming the West Adelaide premiership, but I think we need look no farther than basketball royalty in the Los Angeles Lakers to find a nice precedent!

If we got knocked back by the NBL, we could ask them if the Kings get to reclaim their old titles! ;-)

Would love to see Mal's pool room!

Yeah, I thought it was Pearce, Ali and Mackay's numbers that were originally retired.

I always remember at least 5 jerseys hanging from the rafters.

Is there something that honours Phil as coach for the championships? If not, there should be.

IIRC, Pearce and Green's singlets used to hang at the Powerhouse (along with... Ray Wood I think? And maybe Peter Ali?), but then they were "un-retired" a few years ago. Is that correct?

You make a valid point Nutwork and I respect your view however sometimes an exception can be made, especially for two uniquely gifted players who made an extremely valuable contribution to the club.

Both Green and Pearce were exceptional servants who were playing when the league was in its infancy. Their involvement with the club might not match that of Davis or Maher in terms of years however I believe it reasonable to suggest their contribution inspired the generation that followed them. Their recognition as Hall of Fame members acknowledges that.

Significant changes in key personnel at an organisation, and at key points in a players' career, must also be a factor. Would Brett Maher have developed into the player he became had Mike Dunlap not implemented the "youth strategy". I suspect that neither Pearce or Green had the same support from the organisation in the latter parts of their careers that Davis and Maher experienced (would it be unfair to suggest that Phil Smyth's tenure as coach between 1998 and 2008 played a key role in both Maher and Davis' tenure as players?

My suggestion is not intended to take anything away from the legendary status that both Maher and Davis deserve, they are legends and it is fitting for them both to be recognised as such, however I believe merit should also be granted for two players who had a strong influence on both their careers, be it as teammates or former players at the club.

Finally I would be most surprised if Brett was not inspired by the play of Al Green and Darryl Pearce as a starry eyed teenager and question whether Davis would have had the decorated career he enjoyed had he not had Green and Pearce riding 'Shotgun' with him during the "Golden Era".

Houston wins 94 - 72

Yao 34pts, 14 reb, 2 assist in almost 38 minutes

Shaq 15pts 10 reb, 1 assist, 1 block in almost 33 minutes

Is it safe to say that Yao may now be the No1 Ctr in the NBA?

Thoughts