Hoops

Aussie bigs need to add 3pt shot to their game

Sorry Aussie, I have to disagree a bit there. Its a desirable skillset but not an absolute must. For a 5 in the modern NBA, strength, speed, wingspan, athleticism, offensive rebounding, offensive efficiency and passing skills would still be valued more than 3pt.

For an NBA 4, its looking likely that you must have some range offensively but still depends on your offensive schemes.

Quit it with the barrage of personal insults. Let's talk about basketball.

It has been an increasingly popular thing for bigs to be able to step outside and shoot 3s, for some time. It was part of Axel Dench's game, for example, for the Hawks back in 2001. On the other hand, lots of coaches love having their bigs in the paint, collecting boards, and working in the post.

Range is definitely a bonus for ALL 'ballers, however, and I find it interesting that not many guys are prepared to shoot the ball from about 15 - 20 feet; this increasingly being the case since the introduction of the 3pt line. Witness how effective shooting consistently from that range has been for guys like Randle and Trice, and more particularly, Knight, in last season's final series.

Sorry Anon- but if you read Aussies' post you will see what I am talking about... This post is about Aussie stating 'it is an absolute must' for the bigs to hit 3's.... I'm not trolling when I say 'no it isnt a must' and then go on to say that two of the most successfull bigs to come out of the country arent perimiter threats...

AJ hit 2 3's in a row against Brisbane last week.

Hoops is a much more fun place when you imagine every anonymous poster is the same dude, with schizophrenia.

Aussie is a respected poster.....bahahahahahahaha

Thanks champ. Well done

Aussie.... Bla, Bla, Bla- your post had no point and was just stating the obvious

"Have you ever hear of Andrew Bogut? Or Aron Baynes? These skilled traditional big types are a great combination to have on the floor with a stretch type that you are talking about."

True but Bogut is by far the most athletic big we have ever produced. Length, rim protecter, awesome passer.

Baynes is an absolute unit. No other Australian big is built like him (the big banger) plus he is pretty athletic.

These two are pretty rare.

A lot of 7 footers can hit a 3 these days. Without the 3 ball, people are much less likely to sign you to an NBA contract.

It is something that has had more emphasis over recent years, yes.

Some bigs are of course better than others, natural shooters that is, but what you are asking is happening at COE and college level.

"The way the game is going globally, I believe it's an absolute must, that Australian bigs add a 3 point shot to their game".

This is a fun thing to entertain but I dont see it as an absolute must.

Have you ever hear of Andrew Bogut? Or Aron Baynes? These skilled traditional big types are a great combination to have on the floor with a stretch type that you are talking about.

South – Norwood – Marion
Women: South are home for the last time this season and against the team who have been setting the pace. Norwood have had the yellow jersey on for most of the season and with the luxury of the split on Sturt, they would need to drop two of their three games to relinquish the crown. South will put up a fight and could do a Cadel to steal it, but will find it hard to peel the yellow jersey off Norwood’s back tonight.
Men: Norwood continue to cling to top spot and will be looking to have this game tidied up by half time. “Resistance is futile” as the Flames intend to make way for their own hyperspace bypass at South’s expense. Just to add to South’s pain, will there be a reading of Vogon poetry? It's the last chance for DJ to take some notes from the more experienced crafty Cooper.


Woodville – Mavs – St Clair
Women: An exciting game for all the wrong reasons. Woodville are +26 on the split so the Mavs have a very slim chance of escaping out of jail. I soughta hope the Mavs come out and crush the Warriors like a beer can just to make their season interesting.
Men: Woodville have been the pleasant surprise in the men’s comp. Al’s Playerz have put up some solid performances this season and in front of their home crowd for the last time will be as hungry as Hippos. Mavs have been up and down, with more down than up. It’s a long way down the Mount to get knocked around, so at least let Woodville buy you dinner to make it worthwhile.

Eagles – Lions – Wayville
Women: The Lions have tightened their grip in 5th place but need to overcome Force Borrego if they want to go anywhere in the finals as these teams may play first week of finals. Rookie coach Ben Todd might surprise everyone with a possible Malcolm Blight type move to neutralise the Eagles tonight. It’s supposed to rain on Saturday night so better pack a brolly and flippers. Eagles 73 to 63, but it may not be as easily as they think and might be looking for the 6th player with the whistle to help them limp across the line.
Men: The Eagles have comfortably accounted for teams this season and have a slim chance of jagging the minor premiership if results go their way. The Lions have won 4 of their last 5. The Eagles are all offence and with the Lions scoring their highest score this season against the Eagles, this may end up be a scorefest for fans. The Rash is averaging over 20 ppg but faces the “Kollash-nikov” averaging 17.2 ppg. I think one exciting matchup will be if young guns Deng and Carlin get time on each other. (look for Smarty Marty in the stands). Once again, bring a brolly. The 3’s should rain hard this game and if they don’t you’ll probably need one anyhow. Does Eagle taste like a gamey chicken? The Lions might not find out, but this game should be as tight as the security at an Oslo courthouse with every bucket crucial.


West – Sturt – Port
Women: Normally this would be the hands down MOTR, but at the pointy end of the season every game affecting the 5 qualifies as the MOTR. West were the needle in the Tigeresses balloon last week and Sturt pulled the rug on South. This is a preview game with both teams likely to play each other in the finals. Both coaches are as cunning as the 2006 version of Neil Craig but with Sturt +20 on the split, they might have the edge over West which might be enough to sink West’s ship.
Men: West sit above Sturt at the moment so don’t think for a moment Sturt are going to arrive at the Port with a dozen red roses and a box of Haighs chocolates, but they will try to do things to West that a gentlement shouldn’t do on the first date. West will face a lot of questions tonight and Sturt will bring their own phone book along for the interogation.


Sunday
Norwood – Lions – Mars
Women: This has the potential to be an absolute key banger. Norwood expect to win like an Italian Stallion on a hot date. Lions have had their best season since Gary Ayres was scribbling on a whiteboard at West Lakes and if the Lions snare a win against Forestville then better batten down the hatches at Mars. If Norwood have the Colliwobbles the night before then Lions watch out. Norwood would have the W pencilled into their book, but will Toddy come along and rub it out?
Men: Unless Norwood have gorged themselves senseless on Panther the night before and can’t move, I expect they might find room for a second serving of big cat, cooked with an open flame of course.

Tigers – Rockets – Morphett Vale
Women: MOTR. Both teams desparate for a win to keep a very slim chance of a final 5 spot alive and hope results got their way. Both teams missed chances last week, but North coughed and spluttered more than the Tigeresses. While the other games may have odds of 80:20, this one is pretty close to 50:50. North will lament the loss last week and if Hill can be conquered, expect the Tigeresses to have a consolation win. With both teams facing tough tests in R18, this might be considered the Clayton’s final.
Men: Tigers with no where to go face North who can’t drop any lower than 5th. Last time they played it was North by 35. They don’t have Carter anymore, but won’t miss his services today. At least the sausage sizzle fundraiser will provide a bit of fire.