Melbourne loaded with talent across board
As the ANBL begins tonight, Jeff Cheshire looks at how the Australian teams are shaping up.
Adelaide 36ers
Coach: Joey Wright.
Key players: Daniel Johnson, Jerome Randle.
The rundown: A solid lineup although not full of stars as the team was a few years ago. It needs another big year out of Johnson, while latesigning import Randle adds quality to the guards.
Prediction: Eighth.
Brisbane Bullets
Coach: Andrej Lemanis.
Key players: Cam Gliddon, Nathan Sobey.
The rundown: A strong group of locals led by Gliddon and Sobey, although the team lacks topend imports. Reuben Te Rangi, Mika Vukona and Tyrell Harrison form a Kiwi trio.
Prediction: Fourth.
Cairns Taipans
Coach: Mike Kelly.
Key players: Scott Machado.
The rundown: By far and away the weakest team on paper. Point guard Machado brings quality and experience and young forward Kouat Noi is a potential wildcard.
Prediction: Ninth.
Illawarra Hawks
Coach: Matt Flinn.
Key players: Aaron Brooks, Josh Boone.
The rundown: Willbe watched globally due to the signing of teenage sensation LaMelo Ball as part of the NBA Next Stars programme. Brooks is a point guard fresh off a 10year NBA career who went at 19.6 points and 5.3 assists per game at his peak. Josh Boone and Andrew Ogilvy provide strength inside.
Prediction: Fifth
Melbourne United
Coach: Dan Vickerman.
Key players: Chris Goulding, Casey Prather.
The rundown: A loaded team with talent across the board. Goulding leads a group of quality Australians, while the import trio is top class and includes former Breaker Shawn Long. Alex Pledger, Shea Ili and Tohi SmithMilner give the side a Kiwi trio, while Paul Henare is the assistant coach.
Prediction: Champion
Perth Wildcats
Coach: Trevor Gleeson.
Key players: Nick Kay, Bryce Cotton.
The rundown: Kay is coming off an impressive World Cup and is tough inside, while Cotton is among the league’s top guards. Gritty and tough, the defending champion has a playoff streak stretching back 33 years and should continue that this year.
Prediction: Third.
South East Melbourne Phoenix
Coach: Simon Mitchell.
Key players: Mitch Creek, Tai Wesley.
The rundown: Depth might hurt the Phoenix in its first year, although Creek and Wesley is as highlevel a duo as you will find. New Zealander Judd Flavell is the assistant coach.
Prediction: Seventh.
Sydney Kings
Coach: Andrew Gaze.
Key players: Andrew Bogut, Casper Ware.
The rundown: Another loaded team boasting talent and depth throughout. Bogut, Ware and Kevin Lisch are the biggest names, although NBA Next Star signing Brazilian Didi Louzada looks a possible gem.
Prediction: Runnerup.