Hoops

Early Power Rankings

Bullets are going to go well this season I believe. One struggle last year was having players who can create their own shot, Beal couldn't do this and often Gibson had to bail out the team late in the shot clock. Strong guard rotation and good big men.

Only weakness is the SF position with no Craig and hopefully TeRangi doesn't get as many minutes this year.

Probably the best addition/upgrade to any club would have to be Vickerman. Finally United might live up to their name. In their history (not counting tigers) have they had at least a competent coach for this leave. If he can mesh the talent together they should be top two.
And despite the Kings player additions, will they have any impact if Gaze stays with the shuffle. Humphries will be totally wasted and signing with kings will be up there with decision to go to Kentucky.

Deng Acouth is one of the South Sudanese kids from Chagai's stable in Mt. Druitt, western Sydney. Spindly 7'1" shot blocker with some 3pt range similar to Majok Deng.

Starting 5 will prob be Leslie, Lisch, Newley, Ellis, Humphries. Bench will be Cadee/Daly, Thoseby, Blanchfield, Garleep/Pineau, Acouth/Singh, respectively.

Can't properly rank until everyone finalizes their roster. Don't be surprised if you see Ellis play the 5 for brief stretches in the NBL if paired with a rebounder/shot blocker. Tremendous lower body strength will let him check/box even Jawai defensively. I've seen quite a few big 7 footers in college tried to back him down and failed miserably.

ADL & PER
MEL (maybe - will the $ finally bare fruit?)
ILL
------------------------------------------
CNS
NZB - don't seem to have done much? What happen to their shit hot recruiting from years gone by? Seem to have gone cold.
SYD (LOL)
Daylight
BNE

Kings need a PG.

Melbourne will need two balls, who gets the shots, Goulding,Prather, Anderson, Ware, Wesley, none of these are scared of putting it up, not certain it'll work.

I think Melbourne's biggest upgrade could be in the HC position. If anyone can bring talent together and make it work it's Vickerman. Time will tell...

Melb seem like a short odds favourite so far, but depending on how some of the new imports perform it looks like it could be another close season. I'd agree that Breakers/Taipans/Hawks in some order look the weakest right now, but any of them could finish 2nd and I wouldn't be shocked either.

I think it's easy to overrate Melbourne at this stage.

On paper they look good, but how will it all work out. While Prather is a big get, their success will depend on their PG import.

I think Adelaide will improve and Ronald Roberts maybe the "must watch" import this season.

Kings need a PG.

Hawks will sneak into the playoffs again.

Before I rank Sydney, who is their starting Centre?

They lost JK and Maric, will Humphries be the starter here?

I think its too early to rank anyone. United have not finished their roster yet.

Kings have so far added Humphries, Perry, Leslie and Blanchfield with one more import to go. They've more than covered their need for bench scoring that's for sure.

Adelaide performed well as a team. They got contributions all around the board. Especially in throughout their win-streak. Also the experience of the Summer League for Sobey and Creek is only going to make those two better players.

I think it's extremely well balanced and better than last year, if it clicks it could easily contend. We know enough about each player to see what they can bring and we know what we (expect) the two imports to bring.

with Randle you lost out big-time on defense and the rotational abilty (he could not play any other position). That's now gone, you now have 3 players capable of running the point to a certain degree and you can play a combination of Sobey/Moore/Shorter to suit the situation. Sobey may take the best defender and draw the attention but Adelaide have covered that by adding Shorter and Moore, who won't shy away from making teams pay for not covering them.

you've also now got Roberts who is a massive upgrade over Jacobsen. Coming off the bench he'll cause havoc in the paint and allow the sixers to space the floor, can't help be excited when gets the opportunity for putbacks...

No way are Kings in the top 4 of that... Still not complete and missing key positions with a serious lack of depth in the front court...

Did Adelaide as a team perform well last season, or for the most part was it just stand out performances from Randle and/or Sobey?

I think had Adelaide not performed last year, people might look at this new roster and have serious doubts about how it could work out. Especially given the import uncertainty over bringing back known quantities (I'm not really counting Moore).

Nominations are now being sought for people interested in taking on a junior coaching role with the Forestville Eagles Basketball Club for seasons 2011/12.
The club plays in the Basketball SA district competition and has a proud history of success both on the court and off.
We have a good representation of coaches involved in the SASI and State programs and provide opportunities for current coaches to attain accreditation through level 1 or 2 coaching courses. We also provide information and opportunity to attend specialist-coaching clinics.

Those wishing more information can contact Dave Laurie or Glen Mathieson with contact details and nomination form available from the club website

Nominations are required by Sunday, July 3rd