Hoops

Is it too early for top 4 predictions?

If the Hawks get another good PG they will be right around the plyoff battle. Missed out by only 1 game last season after a lengthy loosing streak that coincided with Sav missing those games. Played for quite a few games without Gruber, Davidson,Rhys Martin etc as well and Gruber never really contributed much all season as he never regained full fitness.
They now have upgraded quite a bit I would think at the backup bigs role with an import replaceing Behrendorf and a very fit Gruber. Coenraad still should have some upside and not a fan of Martin but he should still improve.
The only 2 downsides are that Sav and Campbell are another year older and while Matty is really starting to slip, Sav was in near career best for last season and the fact that they will struggle to find another McKee or Ervin.
If they happen to find one or snag Mills look out!

oops i forgot Melbourne, i would have them in the middle pack with the 36ers, Blaze, etc.

Ok orbit, anon has now signed in. Mate I'll post you a carton of "adelaides finest"
Coopers pale ale If the Taipans finish higher than the 6ers. I know it's early days but I love a good punt.

Wayyy to early to pick top 4 as soo many unknowns, ie new imports,injuries,etc.

However i will have a crack,

My ladder

1. Townsville - were pretty good last season, on paper have upgraded imports, i predict Gill to be one of the best imports/players, and Schenscher and Crawford to have another strong season, giving them a good/balanced/deep squad.

2. Perth - Definatly top 4 for me, rock solid team, good coaching, how good depends on Redhage's recovery/replacement, import spot spare to replace him if needed holds them in a good position.

3. New Zealand - Lose Penney, but new import guard sounds well credentialed, but cant see them repeating, but should make playoffs

The 4th spot is up for grabs, the rest of the teams are pretty even IMO,

4. Adelaide - upgraded in picking up Weigh, new imports should be upgrades (fingers crossed), Johnson and Creek to continute to improve

5. Gold Coast - Good Aussie core, if they get the imports right and have luck with injuries could easily finish in top 4, even win the whole thing.

6. Wollongong - If they get another stud import PG could make top 4, but i predict similar to last year, just missing playoffs

7. Cairns - lost 3 out of 5 starters, but if get another 2 good imports and Hill or someone can fill in for Dillon, could be in the top couple again, just predicting a drop as not many teams have recruited 2 stud fresh imports in recent years, their PG sounds decent though.

8. Sydney - have them last again, just need a little bit more Aussie talent to really compete for a title IMO, if Bruce can do a good job as starting PG getting the ball to Jules, and their imports are good, could sneak into top 4, but for me they are the least likely.

For me very even league, I think Townsville, Perth and New Zealand are the top tier, Sydney slightly behind the rest (not too far though, definatly improved on last year) and the rest somewhere in the middle. 4th spot should go down to the wire, and im hoping (possibly being wishful) that the 36ers sneak in, if our imports are good we should atlest be in the mix.

Kind of early to bet Orbit, since you don't have a second import yet! Also kind of hard to buy the winner a beer when you're in FNQ and I'm in Adelaide!

At this stage, I think Cairns have taken a step back, and that is entirely because Melbourne poached three of their six best players. If your two imports turn out to be as good as Ubaka and Dorsey though, there's no reason you won't have a good season.

I just think the odds are against you right now!

Who did you play for at the Apollo BTW?

Minus the Taipans (at this stage), you could say that any team could make the playoffs.

I like how even the league is shaping up to be. I think the talent has been really spread out between the teams this year.

Yes, it is too early... but what the hell ;-)

I think the Cats, Tigers and Breakers are clear standouts, but the rest are hard to pick at this stage.

The Crocs have brought back a nice core of Aussie talent, so I would think they still lead the race for fourth, but this will depend on their imports.

Blaze, a lot of talent, but still too small and can't defend anyone at the rim. I think this will limit how far they can go.

Hawks are very solid again, but need a gun PG to create and score for them.

Kings and Sixers have improved, but not sure it will be enough for them to break into the top 5.

Taipans still have a nice frontcourt, but the Tigers have gutted their perimeter positions. Unless they snag some good imports, they look like the early bet for the wooden spoon IMO.