Hoops

2014/15 NBL Predictions

black and white Hawk - damn auto correct

This seasons will be tight! Any mistake could cost a team a spot in the final 4.


I think New Zealand will be back in force. If there is one thing Kiwis like more than fish & chips, or rugby, it's beating Australia in sport. Breakers into the 4 this season.

Perth will be as string as ever, and no doubt their fans will tell us all about it. The only thing worse than a Wildcat fan, is a Wildcat fan who barracks for Collingwood - I thought human experimentation ceased in the '40's! Perth would be disappointed if they didn't get another minor premiership and flag.

Melbourne will need to get some early wins to "unite" their fans. Expect caution to be thrown into the wind early on with some high tempo games. Some early wins will generate interest in them, otherwise they run the risk of being "just another Melbourne team".

The "Gongers" look like the Clayton's Sixers. Forman, Hill, Adham, Ballinger, Ervin. All they need if for Marty Clarke to get an Assistant's gig there and to change their mascot to a black and shot Hawk.

I had Townsville and Cairns pegged as the easybeats this season, but they seem to be as unpredictable as our Sydeney friends. All three teams look like the could smash anyone else if things go right, but get smashed if they had a lapse in concentration.

Finally the Sixers. After such a great season last year and with other teams getting stronger - how will they go? Yes, they appear a little shorter this year, but that tells me Sixer fans might be in for a faster game with a lot more court pressure creating an offensive spectacle.

Overall, this season will be tight and the final table will get down to injuries, mishaps and even final plays. I think teams will lose a top 4 spot instead off win them. Too close to call IMO. Season starts in 3 weeks, can't wait.

Now that the Blitz is over, has anyone's opinion changed?

no I believe D.Martin like usual will do just enough to retain his DPOTY title.
The Rhys Carter Cedric Jackson combination will def keep oppositions guards very honest with their on ball defence.

Cory Webster just dropped 22 on Turkey and has been on a tear of late. If he can have a great WC's and can continue that form into the NBL season it isn't a massive stretch for him to be in contention for MIP.

If NZ can change around their fortunes and contest the championship with either Perth or Melbourne there is a good chance Dean Vickerman will get some of the credit for assembling & coaching the roster.

Jackson is a proven Superstar in the NBL, is it that biased of a call to think he won't be in the MVP talks at the end of the season?

After last seasons fall from grace I believe NZ has assembled a competitive & versatile roster with a good mix of experience & youth most of which are proven winners.

Perth & United have also got impressive rosters but you have to back your team.

@Mystro,

Are you suuuuuuure you don't want to list Jackson for DPOY?

Townsville ;)

New Zealand
Perth
Melbourne
Sydney
Townsville
Adelaide
Cairns
Wollongong

MVP: Jackson
COTY: Vickerman
MIP: Webster
DPOTY: D.Martin

Perths roster have been together longer, well most of them, plus the fact Gleeson is the better coach, and there talent is of the same level, so yea thats why i have Perth ahead of the Tigers.

Is there any reason for Melbourne not being #1 aside from concerns about Anstey's coaching?

I think you could lock in Perth for #1 and Townsville for #8

Perth
Melbourne
36ers
Cairns
Wollongong
New Zealand
Townsville
Sydney

MVP: Jackson
MIP: Norton
ROY: Brandt
DPOY: Martin
6th Man: Wagstaff
COY: Gleeson
First import sacked: None

All 1st team:
Jackson, McCrae, Childress,Daniels, Knight

All 2nd team:

Dennis, Beal, Abrecrombie, Conklin, Gladness

A friend and I are (possibly) looking at making the journey to Dallas for next year's All Star weekend.

I am looking to start organising something well in advance, I was wondering if anyone here has travelled to the States and has any tips about organising flights, accomodation, tickets to the game etc? what kind of prices to expect?

I'd probably be looking for at least a week, possibly 2 if there's anywhere nearish to Dallas that's worth visiting.