Hoops

Melbourne United confirm signing of Cedric Jackson

So LK's quest to buy himself a championship continues...
Just hope he doesn't get bored when he finally succeeds.

I'm a big rap on Jackson, he has been the best PG in the league for several seasons. But gotta be honest, he's getting on a bit. Not sure he's still worth what Melbourne would have paid?

Should sign Holt as well.

That's a good point also, I agree that it shouldn't be about Goulding because he should still be good enough to make a difference and of course can win games off his own back, however that can also be a team weakness.

Look at the game yesterday between Spurs & Thunder, just as an example.

Westbrook gets heaps of accolades for scoring most points, and he did play very well, but how important was the big Kiwi Adams in the scheme of things to get that win.

He defended and limited the Spurs big men down low, got himself 12 points and without him I don't think it would have mattered how many Westbrook scored. You limit the Spurs players like Diaw and Duncan like that and they need points from the outside, but Patty, Ginobli and Parker didn't quite get it done...

So, for United, if they can establish their inside game better it should make their outside game more effective, the result could be a grand final appearance!

Time will tell, of course.

I think Jackson gives them exactly what they lacked last year - an actual PG who can get them running a set in the halfcourt. Blanchfield Should probably benefit the most - he was the odd-man out last year, but with a bit more structure on offense he figures to get more involved.

Once again the NBL pre-season is full of changes and so much predictive talk, love it actually and it does provide plenty to look forward to for next season.

United lost it this past season, falling on their sword by relying on the 3 point game too much IMHO.

Replacing Kickert with Jackson (not a direct replacement, I know), does give them a very different look.

Their bigs are now mostly post players and happy to be in the paint, something we know Kickert isn't as comfortable with, so it remains to be seen how Jackson and Goulding can share the scoring duties and how the chemistry evolves.

It could be a master stroke!

Correct me if wrong, but I think Jackson has played in the season four years, won four assist titles, played in four grand finals and won four club MVPs on GF-bound teams? If that's right they are truly legendary achievements, especially when you throw in two GF MVPs!

Huge signing for Melbourne, now they've got to make sure they play a style that brings out his best, which I don't think their style from last season would.

Yeah Tomilson's a terrible player. Never scores. Nothing on the stats sheet ever.

Any team desperately short of local talent would want to go for Holt, you'd think?

But with Townsville out, I'm not sure any team wouldn't be covered by the three import provision? Maybe Cairns in replacing Bruce? Get Holt and then find the cheapest, useful import you could?

I really think this three import thing is going to prove unnecessary without an expansion team.

Can we get rid of Patton and Tomilson please...

ME - there was a rumour to that effect on here.

Based on the NBL free agents' list and this announcement, United have filled 7 spots on their roster. That leaves 4 uncontracted spots on the roster of 11.

Boti Nagy's post about Jackson's signing is adamant Barlow's been re-signed (as per paul's team above) and Wesley's signed, with United simply holding off on making the announcements.

So that would leave two spots to be filled. Goulding and a big (like Andersen, if he was agreeable) would probably be preferred ahead of Holt?

It's also worth also noting that the year NZ didn't make the finals they had just come off a Three-Peat and had a new Coach but I'm not going to take anything away from Jackson. He's a hell of a player and competitor and will make Melbourne a better team for sure.

Cats 4 life, no doubt that NZ had the talent but it's an interesting pattern that the only time NZ didn't manage to either win or make the GF was the season Jackson wasn't there.

Right place at the right time, had the player's around him to make him be that successful. Top player no doubt, say Webster didn't come back this season, couldn't see Nz in the finals.

Also add my argument, no fit damo in two of the five gf he played in.

Lisch and Jackson would be worth spending big on, IMO. Has any single player in recent years seen such success in their NBL seasons as Jackson?

LOL, Mystro...spot on!

Translation: they offered me the most money lol

I was under the impression they were still keeping Holt as well?

So Melbourne look to be angling for something like this:

Andersen?/Patton
Majok/Wesley?
Blanchfield/Barlow/Odigie
Goulding?/ Hadziomerovic
Jackson/Tomlinson

That's a hell of a team and pretty well balanced too, although apparently there could be a change on the backcourt bench, don't know if anyone else has heard that?

Salary cap out the door.

http://www.melbourneutd.com.au/featured-news/cedric-jackson-signs-melbourne/

The inaugural 2010 U17 World Championships for Women commenced last night Australian time in Toulouse France.

Australia has landed in Group B as follows:

Argentina
Australia
Belgium
China
Mali
Spain

Group A contains: Canada, France, Japan, Russia, Turkey & USA.

BA Preview: http://linky.com.au/ytbu3

Official Website: http://linky.com.au/2db68

Australia's preliminary round schedule is as follows (AEST in brackets):

Friday 16 July: Australia v Spain 20:30 (4am Sat)
Saturday 17 July: Australia v China 17:30 (12:30am Sun)
Sunday 18 July: Australia v Argentina 15:00 (11pm)
Tuesday 20 July Australia v Mali 17:30 (12:30am Wed)
Wednesday 21 July Australia v Belgium 15:00 (11pm)

FIBAtv.com will stream every match live from the quarter-final onwards, from 23 July.