Hoops

Stephen Holt - Asian?

The "rule" or whatever it was previously allowed Oceania players to play as locals.

What was announced as part of the new rules by the NBL was to expand that to "Asia" "subject to approval."

The "rule" or whatever it was previously allowed Oceania players to play as locals.

What was announced as part of the new rules by the NBL was to expand that to "Asia" "subject to approval."
Some have suggested it was simply some natural flow-on from a change by FIBA, I don't know, but either way I'm sure the NBL would still have the right to draft restrictive rules.
Likewise I don't know if the "subject to approval" is something new, if its a real impediment, or simply a rubber stamp process.

I'm not suggesting anything malicious from LK or the league. Only that, if the changes were introduced by the NBL, they might have specific goals in mind.

The only stumbling block I can see on the "Asian Rule" is that I believe it is now subject to NBL approval?

Good point Dazz, if the owner of the league used Holt as an import on his team then would he say that Holt has to be an import for another NBL team?

Would love to see the Cats get him, but can't see him abandoning Spain for an injury contract.

If he's doing well in Spain, I imagine it would be hard to pull him away, but down the track you'd think he'd be attractive to some teams.

The only stumbling block I can see on the "Asian Rule" is that I believe it is now subject to NBL approval? Possibly the goal is to get players who are actually from Asia systems, rather than just Americans with an Asian mum, so they might be picky about who they aprove???

As much as I'd love him to play for the Wildcats, you'd imagine that he'd be highly sought after by Breakers and Bullets and Trice seems like a gem but he may be hard to trust with his injuries too so would they try getting him here too?

All I know is he is a brilliant basketball player and I'd love to see him return and I'm fascinated to see him playing more the shooting guard role too

He went to Spain at the end of last season and did quite well, was snapped up for this season but hasn't been shooting the ball as well so far. He may become available around Christmas time when European teams often make some changes if he doesn't find his stroke, who knows?

Offensively he had some really good games for Melbourne last year, needs to improve his consistency and defence but if he's a fourth import under the Asian player rule (assuming that has actually been approved by BA and FIBA) he'd be a very handy pick-up.

Wildcats aside, If Holt enjoyed it here and would like to return wtf hasn't a team snapped him up? MU were mad to let him go IMHO. He was one of the standout PG's last season.
And yeah, surely the "Asian rule" would add a bit more value.

I would have thought Holt as a local player would have been one of the most in demand players to sign this season and a team could have offered him more money over a shorter time period then Spain.

Contracted in Spain though, I think.

Mentioned on Twitter that he enjoyed playing in Australia and would be happy to return.

Marvin has never changed the rules to suit. He has utilised the existing rules to their full extent though.

I'm sure Marvin is all over this getting the constitution changed if needed.

Yes he can play under the NBL asian player rule.

"Sydney coach Ian Robilliard admits he's worried about the offensive output of his imports and considering changes to his starting lineup after the reborn Kings suffered a fourth straight NBL defeat"

http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8140362

Looking at their avg points per game were not getting anything better from Winder either.