Hoops

Boti says Ross and Wesley inellegible

Are all returning college/Oceania players automatically a 3? Does this open the door for a team (say Perth) to sign someone like Thon Maker under the marquee rule for 3mil a season at a 3 point player rating and as a local?

But there's still a salary cap, so I don't see how the third import rule would greatly enhance the quality as you could only afford a second rate import under the cap. Unless teams would go for a 'big three' setup.

Johnno, I am afraid you are very wrong. There are a range of interpretations of the rules that allow the game to be called in different ways. The advantage/disadvantage rule is an example which gives an umpire a discretion to call a foul or not.

A rule as to who can play for what team is entirely different. If we all agree it is a stuff up, then so be it, fix it and get on with it.

Getting the written rules right is not 'nit picking'. The rules are the legislation by which the teams have agreed to abide. Getting it wrong is an embarrassment. Boti is right and as a commentator it is his job to point it out where the league, the clubs and the NBLPA seem to have missed it.

Plastic Man - there are the rules, and then there are valid interpretations on the rules.

This is pretty black and white, and no present interpretation of the rules (not that I have read them) will make Oceania representatives eligible as locals.

The written rules are kind of important you know... You shouldn't have to wade through media releases to know what the rules are.

What Boti said was reasonable. He wasn't advocating either way, he only said:

1. if it is an oversight, fix it (which they should); and

2. don't get it wrong in the first place because it is an embarrassment (which it clearly is).

What exactly is the NBLPA's role?

Do they do anything?

In my opinion they aren't doing enough for the players.

Hmm do the rules allow you to sign 3 restricted players but only play two ? provided all the contracts are under the cap It may well be so, in which case the NBL only ratifies players and combined salary caps, and the number of restricted players playing in a game.

its all bollocks anyway - its just a typical BA cluster-F , - well judge I was told this was a freeway, and everyone said I could do 120KPH, so I did - Judge - "its all right cobber, the speed limits still actually 80KPH , and thats how its signposted - the minister just forgot to sign the papers back last year and nobody noticed- ahh F-it - she'll-be right - off you go- well just let ig go ehh ?! "

Wouldn't be great if everyone got back to discussing all the great things to come out of this season. Getting a little tired of this subject now. Stop with the rubbish and look at the positives . NBL doesn't need this negative garbage.

The rules & regs were only released to the media this past Friday, so he couldn't have known then.

@Jono - Agree with you there, surely it not being included in the latest release of the rules is simply an oversight and will be corrected. Both Wesley and Ross's contracts were approved so there must be some clear understanding with in NBL HQ that it is allowed. Kinda think that Boti's article is a little on the "negative journalism" side .... not really what the league needs right now.

A bit nit picky for me, clearly just an over sight due to them having so many more important things to do which they have rightly focused on.

I'm sure they will just simply update the rule.

For me i want a league with the most talent possible, so am all for this rule, id open it up to all of Aisa too, plus allow 3 imports for all teams.

Get as much talent in the league as possible, to make it as high quality and entertaining as possible.

Those who say it costs Aussies jobs, the upcoming expansion of teams will more than offset that.

The league needs to focus on getting bums on seats and making the league sustainable and the best way to do that is getting the best players possible that the league can afford into the league, even if they are from the broader oceania/asia region or a 3rd import, there is still plenty of jobs out there for Aussies, especially with expansion that is coming, so no need to nit pick on this stuff imo, just allow it and other teams also have the right to grab talent from Guam, etc, no need to penalise/bag Perth and NZ for thinking outside the box and finding a way to bring another talented player to our league.

@Train: Rules & regs were released to the media on Friday. Nobody knew the rule didn't exist when NZ did it, or even immediately after Perth did it.

I agree with this to a certain extent.
If Oceania players are to be un-restricted then it needs be written into the legislation somewhere.

Having said that, getting a little tired of people blowing this out of proportion. Everybody knew this was able to be done with the signing of Tai Wesley.
Should of been common knowledge to all clubs after he signed with NZ.

My question is ; why is this being made a big deal now....after Perth signed Ross. Clearly wasn't an issue when NZ used the "unwritten" rule.