Hoops

WNBL 17/18 Season Predictions

Think perhaps Williams might have something to say about that.....it will be a contest between the two who hogs the ball the most I'm thinking.
Both just want to shoot the ball the second they get it, so could be an issue, then bring Kunek into that scenario, it's not exactly a recipe for success

Excellent preview Luuc, very eloquent,

I'm loving how unpredictable this season is with how many strong lineups there will be. I'm really hoping the league gets some good momentum out of this.

I think it's proof that there's more than enough talent for another two teams, but obviously need the demand to get to that point first to be sustainable.

Ok, I'll have a crack. Last season I felt like I had a reasonable handle on things, and other than Townsville disappointing me a bit, it went pretty much as expected.
This season I'm really struggling, because there are literally no weak teams. There is quality everywhere you look, so depth will be a significant factor, but so will cohesion and coaching.

1. Townsville
2. Melbourne
3. Dandenong
4. Sydney
5. Adelaide
6. Perth
7. Canberra
8. Bendigo


Melbourne & Townsville seem like a "clear" top 2 to me, because they're loaded, they have depth, and they also have some real star power. Coach Brassard + stable nucleus is how I separated them in the end.

I'm tipping Rangers to be the best of the rest. They're well coached, they'll be motivated, it looks like they're consciously trying to counter size with mobility & shooting, and they've got a good mix to try and pull it off.

4-8 really feels like a raffle.

Ebzery is a great addition for Sydney, but they'll really miss the quality of Mitchell. Tupaea being injured is a big blow too so I marked them down accordingly. Looking forward to what Wilson can do.

Love what Adelaide have done, and I'm assuming (perhaps mistakenly?) that Planeta will make her way into the team too at some point. Even if not, they're a quality team with depth. Lack of a superstar is the only reason I marked them below Sydney.

Perth I initially had in last place! Farnworth (nee Edmondson) is a big blow for a team with no backcourt depth. But I've gone the optimistic route and assumed that Sami & Courtney can carry the backcourt in this condensed season, and the collection of Kunek, Standish, Thompson & Dowe can defend & rebound. Hate to say it but I wouldn't be shocked if we ended up 8th though. On the other hand, I really think Williams can tear this league up and we already know what Sami is capable of.

Canberra have some nice names, but Jarry's health is a concern, and Bass is bit of an unknown too (though I will never question her hustle factor). Magbegor will slot in nicely, and in Hurst they have an excellent leader. I've got them 7th but there's really no reason they couldn't finish 3rd.

Any other season, a roster including Kelsey Griffin, Betnijah Laney & Rachel Banham would have been ridiculous to have in last place, but ... that's how good this comp is now. That trio is going to destroy opponents some nights. I question the depth of their supporting cast though.

The person on the phone seemed to know the league and players very well, the other person ehhhh not so much

Podcast dropped this morning previewing every team:

The Pick and Pop: 2017-18 WNBL season preview

Adelaide are indeed stacked but with guards, that might end up being their down fall, all those guards are going to be wanting big minutes, so managing them may be the issue

Yes, Courtney Williams MVP/All-Star prospect but the question is how driven she is coming down from WNBA.

Bendigo should be hoping for better from Richards this season, which could make them a finals chance.

I guess you'd have Canberra starting in a zone with that starting 5. That's huge. I'm not sure they would be able to contain other wings if they start that way.

^ starting 5's about right I'd say

Starting 5s imo

Townsville
Cocks, Wiese, Newley, George, Batkovic

Sydney
Ebzery, Wilson, Snell, Taylor, Hamson

Melbourne
Smart, Cole, Ohea, Purcell, Cambage

Dandenong
Palau, Blicavs, Blicavs, Mijovic, Pederson

Bendigo
Banham, Karatiana, Laney, Griffin, Richards

Adelaide
Clydesdale, Seekamp, Novosel, Bishop, Hamblin

Canberra
Hurst, Jarry, Hooper, Bass, Scherf

Perth
Williams, Whitcomb, Kunek, Standish, Dowe

"Dandenong because I think their roster is pretty well rounded too, although it could be argued they'll over rely on their starters. I reckon Sara Blicavs will break out and absolutely dominate this year. It'll be interesting to see who will be their go-to PG out of Palau and Lavey. "

Palau. No question. Unless BA politics get involved. Even at her age she is heaps better than Lavey's best game in her whole career. I can't wait to watch her live.

I'm really keeping my eye on Courtney Williams too. She should light the league up.

How about who will make All-Star 5? I'll go with:
Cumming-Whitcomb-Griffin-Batkovic-Cambage

Think it's actually anyone chance this season , so many factors to consider, it's a much shorter season , more games in quick succession, some of these veteran players may well struggle come the pointy end of the season. It will also only take an injury to one or two key players to have an impact. Some of the teams have p,aced very young inexperienced players in their ten to save money, but it may end up being a costly move.

Personally can't see either Perth or Melbourne in the final two, even the final four may be a push , think Townsville with Batkovic and George will be a tough combo to beat .
And don't discount adelaide either.
Thevrest will depend on who can last the pace.

Gosh this is so tough I think all teams have a chance of making the finals.

I'll go with:

Townsville - they just look so formidable. Until she shows otherwise you have to back in the multiple-MVP Batkovic to continue starring.
Melbourne - not a Cambage hater. Will back her in and rest of the recruits
Sydney - no Mitchell but defending champs still have most of their core
Adelaide - best offseason recruiting by far I think. If it all gels, watch out
Dandenong - another who recruited well and won't be surprised to see making finals
Perth - loads of potential star power, can't see it clicking consistentally over season. Depth a concern.
Bendigo - Banham and Griffin could go nuts but don't think rest of squad compares to others
Canberra - someone has to finish last, which is so unfair but by PoE I'd have to choose the Caps.

Allen and George must be on the way out.
Mitchell coming to the end of yer WNBA career.
Talbot no guarantee.

Whitcomb I think has 1 more year.
Cambage and Blicavs look the most likely to go to the WNBA.
Tolo also wants back in.

Blicavs has the right sort of game to play wnba for sure

I think if Blicavs has a great season, the WNBA is a real possibility.

will be an fantastic season - so many close games - i am glad you people can confidently pick a winner - cause i cant. Yes I expect Blicavs also to keep stepping up and become an international level player.

MVP-Whitcomb

Defensive player of the year-Griffin

Rookie player of the year-Magbegor

All star 5-
Whitcomb, Blicavs, Griffin, Batkovic, Cambage

Townsville-1st
Sydney-2nd
Melbourne-3rd
Dandenong-4th
Canberra-5th
Perth-6th
Bendigo-7th
Adelaide-8th