Hoops

Illawarra Hawks 2020-21 (too early?)

An Anon wrote:
"Here is a list of maybe returning big

Brock motum bullets
Mangok mathiang sem
Duop reath wildcats
Isaac Futo breakers
Jack salt breakers
Keanu Pinder wildcats

How much better/stronger would the NBL be with all of these guys in it?

With all the aggressive and progressive changes LK has made to the league, I find it a little surprising that no strong moves (seem) to have been made to attract these players back home. I mean, as a priority.

Would a Brock Motum, for example, be as valuable in the NBL as a stud import (or 2, as in Brissie's case?)? I think, yes!

This (and last) year, we have recruited some stud imports but a few duds too. We take chances with these guys that often pay off and sometimes don't.

If real efforts were made to get these (Aust) guys home, before imports, how much easier would choosing imports be?

Glaring, recent example. Ryan Broekoff. Obviously good enough to (finally) make the NBA. I know that the NBA has a bit more money than our NBL. But read on. IF he had been offered an import-sized contract while still in Europe, he may have come home, and still been here. OR, better still, would have been recruited to the NBA from the NBL, not Europe. Win/win for us and for Ryan (as he would have earned import money in Aus which I imagine is at least equal to what he would earned in Europe?).

One more. Angus Brandt. Think of the import centres Brandt could easily have replaced here. Perth's-own Hunt, Benson, Boone, others?

And then! All these players would be far more available for Boomers action, too.

Maybe, we still have a long held belief that imports HAVE to be
better-than/worth-more than ANY Aussies. Definitely not so now.

Anderson got houses everywhere, Kay just investing his big dollar contract.

Pledger hasn’t shown anything for two seasons and is slower than Boone and just as injured. Kay is a chance if they get the money.

Lol at people still including Andersen.

Tell us more little brother.

Spenceley, Stratford and now word of yet another new owner. I'm impressed LK is able to find these fresh characters.

The NBL should go back to two imports per team.
Many of the third imports are duds anyway.

Why, in an era of Andrew Bogut and Dario Hunt, is the phrase "import money" still a thing?

Kay got import money to go to Perth, if east coast side come to the table he’s back over here if the rumours are true.

"They might be getting Kay back if the rumours are right that he wants to get back to the east coast. That would throw a CAT amongst the pigeons. "

Too Much Port in the Christmas Trifle?
You have more chance of getting Shaun Livingston than Nick Kay

& yep, the NBL ain't fans of the current owner after a few disagreements including not paying bills on time & refusing to shell out dollars for replacement imports.

NBL has other owners in their sights if needs be.

Knowing we're only going to spend up to the cap minimum, I think it's more likely we'll go for two high quality imports. Hopefully a little younger & less likely to break : )

They might be getting Kay back if the rumours are right that he wants to get back to the east coast. That would throw a CAT amongst the pigeons.

Anonymous, you have mentioned new owner before but never had any more info. what do you know?

"First up, I'm cool with the only two import philosophy to ensure Aussie talent gets their opportunity"

You need to stop sipping the Koolaid

"We want to be known as the team that develops young players" is just goober speak for "we have no money and don't know what we're doing"

Naar and Grida have gone backwards. Their only young star is Dech, and he was developed by Perf.

The first thing they need is more money
Then somebody that knows how to run a team
Then a decent coach
They really should pursue another Next Star.
Depending on the calibre and role of the NS, they still need an import gun in the backcourt. I'd play Dech in rotation off the bench.
Their 2nd Import must be a Forward. Probably best to target a PF.

Be interesting to see what they do, because they really need a cleanout

Griffin can’t defend a light pole, the other three are contacted to kings though Tate probably finishes this season.

Naar'll stay as no other team bar Brisbane entertain the thought of an Aussie being their starting pg*

*Perth is the exception of course with Cotton at the 2.

Naar signed a 3 year deal in 2018.

Pretty certain Flinny is locked in for next year.

Is Naar going to be there though? Thought he was said to be looking to move elsewhere.

New coach dedicated to developing these guys and knows how to game day coach

Starring import bigs can be hard to come by in the NBL, often with a size issue or some serious deficiency. Michael Dunigan and Seth Scott are both decent import bigs this season, but who would you rather have in your team and why?