A season of hope
WHO WILL WIN THE TITLE?
AD: All eyes will be on the Sydney Kings and they have done a great job recruiting NBA legend Andrew Bogut (inset) but a great early prediction is Melbourne going back to back. Coach Dean Vickerman has done a great job in the off season.
DV: New Zealand Breakers AG: Everyone looks really strong. Melbourne will be strong again if they can make the pieces fit together, I’m going to have to back my reloaded Bullets though.
EA: Adelaide 36ers to win
WHO’S THE SURPRISE PACKET?
AD: Any team coached by Rob Beveridge is a chance. They look great in the off season and play an up-tempo high-octane offence and an in-your-face style defence. The Hawks to be the giant killers.
DV: Adelaide, even though they are last year’s grand finalist.
AG: I think this year’s sleeper teams are Illawarra and New Zealand. Bevo always gets the most out of his roster and the addition of import trio Cedric Jackson, Jordair Jett (Townsville QBL) and Brian Conklin could cause waves if they get going. Like the Bullets, NZ have re-tooled and brought back one of their favourite sons Corey Webster.
EA: Illawarra Hawks.
PLAYERS TO WATCH?
AD: Jack McVeigh. I coached this kid as a junior and having played for Joey Wright myself, Joey is a player’s coach and loves to let his athletes explore their abilities and grow into themselves.
DV: My man Jack McVeigh – Rookie of the Year.
AG: Big Callum Dalton is doing good things in the Bullets camp and while he may not get huge opportunities on court in his rookie campaign, look for his game to improve out of sight. Jack McVeigh is another one to watch in Adelaide under the guidance of Joey Wright.
EA: Players to watch Mitch McCarron (Melbourne), Cam Bairstow (Brisbane), Jack McVeigh (Adelaide).
IF YOU RAN THE NBL, WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE?
AD: I have to compliment Larry Kestelman and his team for bringing the NBL back to what it should be – a top tier international league. I wouldn’t change a thing at the moment and I feel the NBL is certainly on the right path.
DV: Remove the three-import rule and get the Aussies who are in Europe/bench NBA back to the NBL and exclude their contract from the salary cap.
AG: I guess I’d like to see the comp get to 12 teams as soon as possible.
EA: NBL would increase to 10 teams including one from Tasmania and another from Victoria.
WHERE DOES GOLD COAST RANK IN TERMS OF THE NEXT EXPANSION FRANCHISE?
AD: With South East Melbourne coming into the league in 2019-20, and Tassie looking strong for their bid, you would think that a Queensland team would have to be next in line. I certainly hope we see an NBL team back on the Gold Coast soon.
DV: Everything Billy and Jacqui Cross touch turns to gold, so if they and the team from Southern Cross Media have anything to do with it, it’s a sure thing.
AG: I think Gold Coast might be a way off just yet. South East Melbourne are confirmed, and there’s also plenty of noise coming from the Huskies camp in Tasmania. EA: Gold Coast would be next if financially viable and community owned.