Hoops

Sixers v United, Jan 22

There was apparently 6950 according to boti

Clearly the Herald Sun were talking about the number of people in attendance who were illuminated, and not the total attendance. Duhh.

Call me biased but why can't United run more plays for Blanchfield, he's gone from Olympic bolter to forgetting he's even on the court.

I think Holt would have been a better fit in Townsville as he seems so reserved and like he likes being out if the limelight and Norton can be the primary ball handler and Dennis would run so many more plays for him.... Remember this is a player that scored 23 in the first half of a game vs the kings and finished with 23.

Other than Kickert that will be unlucky when knight gets the all NBL first team honours and the development of Majok, the team isn't anything to write home about... Nobody else is a better player now than they were before the season started.... It's not be being doom and gloom it's me saying Demopolous is useless

Anon, tonight's last quarter aside, they have been pretty good recently, you might want to check the table.

That said, I don't rate Demopolous as a coach.

Melbourne's biggest problem is they don't compete on the boards. Can't win championships if you let the other side put up 20 more shots than you. Realistically this game wasn't even close if the Sixers hit a better percentage in the first half, despite Melbourne's hot 3 point percentage.

How bad is Melbourne can't win even when the fix is on. Wakim bailed out at least three times by his "special" friend Chris Reid. Brad Giersch was his usual inconsistent self. Thank God for Toni Caldwell, made a couple of mistakes,but at least showed no bias called the game straight.

Jerome was off in the first half but was again ably assisted by Ebi. A better all round performance although the MVP elect still finished with 26 points.

A good win.

Holt is a worse defender than Randle, a turn style would offer more effort.

Quite the crumble by United. No answer for Randle.

Ebi has been bigger than his 205cm overweight frame.

Been an enjoyable game so far.

I hope Blanchfield can make some shots tonight

NBL press release:

NEW RULES FOR NBL IN 2010/11

The National Basketball League will introduce a number of adjustments to their rules for the 2010/11 NBL season, Basketball Australia has announced.

Four major changes are being introduced for the new NBL season, which will start in mid-October this year:

- The shape of the keyway will adopt the new standard FIBA rectangular shape;
- The distance from the three-point line to the basket will be increased from 6.25 metres to 6.75 metres;
- A “no-charge” zone marked by a semi-circle will be instituted directly under the basket , in which defensive players cannot take a charge;
- An adjustment to what used to be known as the Young Australian Player rule will see all teams required to have one Australian or New Zealand player under the age of 24 as one of their 10 contracted players (for the 2010/11 season they must have been born after 1 April 1987).

NBL General Manager Chuck Harmison said the adjustments to the keyway, the three-point line and the introduction of the no-charge zone will ensure the NBL stayed aligned with the rules of the international governing body of basketball, FIBA, which was making those changes following the 2010 FIBA World Championships.

“Basketball Australia previously made the decision following the unification of the sport in this country to bring the NBL under the standard FIBA international playing rules and this is the continuation of that initiative,” said Harmison. “There are obvious benefits to that, especially for the development of our international players, and we have been happy with the initial changes instituted last season.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how teams adjust to the new rules, particularly to the longer three-point line. That, and the no charge area under the basket, were pioneered by the NBA in the US and have assisted in opening up play somewhat so we think the fans will see the benefit.”

Harmison said the increase in the age limit of the NBL’s rule which requires teams to have a young Australian or New Zealand player on their roster from 23 to 24 had been greeted enthusiastically by clubs.

“The original idea behind teams being required to have a young player amongst their 10 contracted players was to ensure that we addressed the need for offering legitimate playing opportunities for our emerging young talent,” said Harmison.

“After a review of how the rule was operating we determined that an increase in the age limit would provide an opportunity to more young players who may have gone to the US for a college experience and are looking to start their NBL careers.”

The new rules will be in place when the NBL holds its official pre-season tournament.

I'll blow my nut if the Sixers let Kickert go to his right all night and give half arsed efforts to closing out on his 3 ball attempts

I dont know about conspiracy but it certainly feels a bit like marketing on the cheap. Its not like they cant grab players like when they get off the plane and say 'Can you record somethng for the video?'.

If you planned it ahead of time it could work.

I just saw the new NBL Video feature Goulding. Is it just weird or has a lot of this seasons promo videos had a lot of members of United in them. Is that because they are all made in Melbourne or is it because its Kestleman's team?

Id love to see a Randle highlight reel or an AJ highlight reel.

Go 36ers , do the cats a favour and give United a beating :P

Really looking forward to this one. Huge game.