NBL Fantasy Bargain gold or fools gold

 Bargain bin NBL fantasy tips

Fantasy Gold or Fools Gold?

I find with fantasy teams most people know the guns in the NBL, and if not their are plenty of sites with the tips. You've got your Bryce Cotton, Tyler Harvey, Chris Goulding, Rayjon Tucker. Players you know will drop big points night in and night out. 

But here are some tips for players on the cheap (>$1M) that I think may have a big upside to build on the bench. 

1. Isaac Humphries C Melbourne United $687K

If Isaac Humphries is not on your roster go get him now! Ice was putting up good numbers at the blitz and looked energised on both sides of the ball. He was blocking shots, picking up boards and making buckets. He looked good off the bench, and with Ariel Huckporti going down with that Archilles injury, which was a huge loss for the team and the league, Ice's fantasy stock shot through the roof. His role on the team will be a lot bigger, and if he can find that form he had alongside Josh Giddey where he was playing MVP calibre ball, he could be a steal at $687K

2. Harry Froling SF Brisbane $475K

Harry Froling played some starter minutes alongside Aron Baynes in the NBL Blitz and looks to be in some great form. Apparently they plan to run the two power towers of Baynes and Frolling together at different times this season, and even as a bench player I think he will be a big part of the scoring load for Brisbane this season. At $475K a steal!

3. Tanner Krebs SG/SF Brisbane $360K

Tanner Krebs looks to have come into the Season off some impressive form and confidence from his NBL1 season. In the last Brisbane NBL Blitz game he had an immediate impact as a starter and carried Brisbanes offence in the first quarter. He could be a surprise breakout player this season and im excited to have him as part of my fantasy squad. 

4. Cory Webster SG Perth $500K

From the games I saw of Perths preseason, a lot of their offence looks to run through Bryce Cotton as it should being the best player in the league, but if opposing defences manage to lock Cotton down, where is the scoring coming from? Luke Travers is not a scorer. He is a defensive menace and a play maker. Cory Webster has to have an impact off the bench. They need the scoring and I can see them running him with Bryce Cotton at times to have more shooting. Pretty solid at $500K

5. Bul Kuol Cairns SG $723K

Bul Kuol in the Blitz was everywhere. He pushed that Cairns team in ways no other player was able. He got to the basket and made big shots. His price tag is on the upper for this bargain basement list, but he has a huge upside and could be a key player for Cairns this season. 

6. Rayan Rupert SF New Zealand $850K

Rayan Rupert is a star in the making. When you watch him play, you can see the player he can become with some experience under him. His playmaking and skill at getting to the bucket is elite. He may need to increase the speed of his shot but at this stage of his career, making it consistent is more important. If NZ give him the keys to run, and the confidence to be creative with the ball he could put up some insane numbers. 

7. Reuben Terangi S.E. Melbourne SF $472K

Terangi needs a big season. This could be his last shot to stand up as the player he has the potential to be. The Phoenix will need his scoring punch off the bench and at $472K he could be solid piece, at least until we see how far he wants to push his game. 

8. Jared Weeks Tasmania PG $343K

Jared Weeks has always been a streaky shooter and with his low price tag, he can be an end of the bench player who ticks up the scoreboard on any given night. Ive seen him drop back to back 3's in multiple quarters, and I've got him on the end of my bench. Tasmania distribute the ball so well that any player could drop a big number on any given night. 

9. Jared Bairstow PF Tasmania $292

Jared Bairstow is a great cheap pick up. He pulls down plenty of boards and gets some buckets off offensive rebounds. At $292 a steal. 

10. Gojak Gak C Brisbane $500K

Gorjak Gak is an unknown that has the tools to be very good! He could be a come from nowhere break out player this season. He is so tall and so quick. He really rounds out Brisbanes roster with the other two centres on the team being so bulky, Gak allows Brisbane to stay tall when other teams go small. 

11. Tom Vodanovich PF New Zealand $343K

Vodanovich looks like he has great touch around the basket, and can step out to the three point line. With Tom Abercrombie out of the roster for the foreseeable period after that freak eye injury, Vodanovich could be a good player to fill that gap for NZ and a good pick up for $343K

12. Jack Mcveigh SF/PF Tasmania $882K

Jack McVeigh broke out last season. He is a constant threat on offence. He just knows how to get buckets and im surprised he is so cheap! He will continue to get buckets this season and should be a good pick, but I feel like after last seasons finals, people know who he is, so he is not as high on the list as he should be. 

NBL 2022-2023 Round one predictions

 Round one Match ups

The NBL season tips off this Saturday 1st of October and for the punters out there the early rounds are the best time to get in some good wins with the betting agencies, usually a few steps behind in the NBL. 

Game 1 

South East Melbourne Phoenix (home) vs Tasmania JackJumpers (Away) 1/10/22 at 6:00pm AEST

The betting agencies have S.E. Melbourne as the favorites here but this should be an easy early win for Tasmania. Phoenix will have to have some players back from injury if they are to get a win here but as far as I know; Mitch creek still injured/limited minutes, Ryan Broekhoff still out injured and Gary Brown out injured, Trey Kell out injured. Gary Brown was the one bright spot for Phoenix in the NBL blitz and even with him they were looking like the cellar dwellers of the season. Phoenix do have Mitch Creek and Zhou Qi returning which is a huge part of their offense, but after watching them in the Blitz Creek would have to carry them to get a win here.
Tasmania looked surprisingly solid in the Blitz. I was expecting a pretty big slump from them after their stellar run to the finals last season but they still look strong managing to maintain the core group and this should be a good win to start their season. Watch out for Milton Doyle to have a big game posting a good points total. Over all it will probably be a low scoring game but Tassie should walk away with the W and for the punters out there a good bet on the underdog here. 

 I predict Tasmania to win by 10. 

Game 2

Illawarra Hawks (Home) vs Sydney Kings (Away) Saturday Oct 1 8:00pm AEST

This should be a tight game. Sydney will be strong as usual and Illawarra were a standout team at the Blitz. The Kings are the favorites on the betting sites but again i think ill have to tip the underdog. 

The Hawks just look very well rounded in the Blitz and Sydney may have some teething issues to start the season with the all new import line ups. Xavier Cooks is coming off a huge NZNBL season but his shot was not looking great at the Blitz and looked a little passive. They need him aggressive and to set the tone for this new Sydney team.

The Hawks are lead by Tyler Harvey at the point and he will put up some good numbers all around If Sydney don't contain him he will dominate the points but if they do Hawks move the ball well and look like they can break most early defensive schemes.

I predict Hawks by 6

Game 3: 

Melbourne United (Home) vs New Zealand Breakers (Away) Sunday Oct 2 2:00pm AEST

 

Melbourne are the heavy favorites here as they should be, they destroyed Perth in the NBL Blitz and if they are firing on all cylinders New Zealand will struggle to keep up. If Chris Goulding takes it out of 1st gear which he ran in the Blitz they will have too many weapons for New Zealand to contain who looked to struggle a little at the Blitz without their point guard William McDowel White. 

I predict Melbourne to win at home by 16

 

 

 

Game 4

Perth Wildcats (Home) VS Brisbane Bullets (Away) Sunday Oct 2 4pm

Perth are the favorites here at home and they should get the home win but i think i have to tip this one to Brisbane. Perth really looked lack luster against Melbourne in the Blitz and showed the league how to slow them down. Contain Bryce Cotton and slow the Wildcats. Luke Travers looks to be a great option running the point but he is not a scoring point guard and more a traditional style point guard. From the Blitz it didn't look like Perth had enough to shooters to take focus away from Cotton.

Brisbane during the Blitz, moved the ball well and got open shots for so many players. If they manage to play with that style and maybe get Aron Baynes a few more post touches watch out the rest of the league. Tyler Johnson seemed to always be able to get a bucket or get to the free throw line when the offense stalled. Even with Nathan Sobey still on limited minutes from injury i think Brisbane are looking strong. This one will be tight, Should be a great game!

I predict Brisbane by 2

Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats Blitz 22 game review

 Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats Game review

 

Melbourne started their preseason with some very unimpressive play. Brisbane handled them easily, with solid ball movement and a consistent play style. This game against Perth was a big indicator about where they were going to stand on the leader board this season.

Perth have been playing well with Cotton back to his best, dropping 36 points in 31 minutes in the Wildcats 1^st Preseason Blitz game. Can they continue that unbeaten streak.

 

1^st Quarter:

Ariel Huckporti opened the game with an attempt at a monster jam which rimmed out. He had been missing a few shot so far in the preseason and that attempt looked like he wanted destroy the ring!

Xavier Rathan-Mayes (XRM) opened scoring for the game with a strong drive, one on one against Luke Travers who is normally a very strong defender. Off ball Travers is elite defensively, maybe on ball is a hole in his defensive game.

Travers makes up for it though with a steal in the next play and opens scoring for Perth with a drive to the rim. Travers has a similar defensive play style to Mattise Thybulle in that he uses his basketball IQ and physical gifts to be an elite off the ball defender, he manages to help on nearly every other defensive play.

Huckporti skies for a big block then runs the lane for a big jam on offence. He certainly made up for the miss on the opening play!

Travers made a great cut and received the feed for a jam for Perth and it looks like Travers is playing point guard again!

XRM played exceptional defence on Bryce cotton and made him a complete non factor the whole half, let alone the first quarter with Cotton barely getting a touch of the ball. 

Makuach Maluach made a strong drive one on one against Travers again, and Melbourne have a good lead 16-8 with 3 minutes left in the quarter.

Cory Webster is in and immediately made a classic Webster play with a crossover, step back and mid range J for Perth. But Isaac Humphries comes in for Hukporti and there is no loss in the center position as he brings down the offensive board and makes the bucket. A strong Humphries would be huge for this Melbourne team. He was playing MVP level basketball before his injury with the Adelaide 36ers alongside Josh Giddey.  

Melbourne show off their improved ball movement and drop a 3 bomb at the buzzer to take a 10 point lead after the first 10 minutes 21-11.

2^nd quarter

Perth make a better start in the second with a great cut by Luke Travers for the easy dunk. 

Chris Goulding drops a bomb 3 for Melbourne though and extends the lead.

Ariel Hukporti is everywhere as he blocks a Bryce Cotton drive which leads to a David Barlow dunk in transition. Isn't Barlow retired?! Must be nice for Melbourne to have a on court assistant coach.

 

Rayjon Tucker gets in on the action with a 3 bomb and the Melbourne lead keeps getting bigger as United are rolling. 29-13 with 7:30 left in the 2nd quarter.

Perth get a bucket off a great cut from TeShawn Thomas off an excellent Travers pass as he is still playing point guard and carrying Perth in many ways. Travers seems to have a hand in every play that goes anywhere on both sides of the ball. But Melbourne shut him down with a big block and the Melbourne block count just keeps going!

Issac Humphries is pushing when he gets on the floor and makes a nice drive and layup off a XRM assist. He must be a big fantasy pick up for cheap. Very high upside. (Both players)

Melbourne cant do anything wrong. Playing excellent defence and moving the ball. Then XRM and Isaac Humphries team up for a block and steal to push the ball and complete a full court transition play with two passes and the ball not touching the ground, finishing with a Tucker and one layup!

Rajon Tucker is an exciting player who's enthusiasm for the game is infectious. When he makes a good play you'll know about it with his celebrations and his plays are awesome!

XRM continued to dominate dropping step back mid range J's over Bryce Cotton like its a pick up game. 

Perth were struggling to get anything and everything was going Melbourne's way until Brady Manek drops a 3 at the buzzer. 

Melbourne with a dominating lead 48-30 at the half. 

3rd Quarter:

Rajon Tucker opens the quarter with a huge right hand dunk.

Tucker backs up the dunk with a steel off a the quick hands of Hukporti and leads the fast break to feed Hukporti for the Jam!

Todd Blanchfield got scoring started for Perth with a big 3. 

Bryce Cotton backde it up with a 3, for his first points of the game with six minutes left in the third quarter. Melbourne absolutely shutting him down!

Some hard defense from Melbourne and Cotton and Travers are down after some hard hits, but in the back court Ariel Hukporti is down and not getting up off, a non contact play! He is carried off the floor by his teammates and he couldn't put any weight down on his foot!

The story of the game isn't Melbourne's excellent play but the Hukporti injury! Its later confirmed its a torn archiles and he is out for the entire season! Its a huge loss for Melbourne United and the entire league. Hukporti was ready for a break out season before possibly going to the the NBA and off his play from this game he was looking like a dominating big man in the NBL. I really hope he recovers well and can continue his career without lasting injury. 

 

Cotton droped another 3 and it was looking like Perth might make a run, but Tucker got a steal on the next play and an easy transition lay up. 

XRM then just catches fire, smoking cotton and dropping a bomb three as cotton looks on. While on the other end absolutely shutting Cotton down. 

XRM then feeds Humphries for a couple of layups and makes more buckets before asking for a rest. He absolutely took over the game with Melbourne up 26. 

Tucker dropped a 3 at the buzzer and Melbourne go into the final break dominating 73-47. 

4th Quarter

Perth open the quarter with a Thomas 3 ball and back it up with a Cotton steal, and another Thomas 3 but its 73-51. 

Melbourne forced a turnover and find Brad Newley for an easy layup and it stops Perth's run in its tracks. 

The final quarter didn't need to be played as Melbourne continued their great play and run away with the win 90-63. 

Final score Melbourne 90 Perth 63. 

Its preseason but it was a statement win by Melbourne, who if they can play like that, will be very tough to beat. 

Losing Hukporti can not be understated though. His defence and offence in this game was exceptional. 

 

Game Leaders:

Melbourne United

Xavier Rathan-Mayes (XRM) - 22 points 2 assists

Rajon Tucker - 18 points  7 rebounds 3 assists

Isaac humphries - 12 points, 7 rebounds 3 assists

Perth Wildcats:

Tashawn Thomas - 10 Points 

Bryce Cotton - 8 Points, 7 rebounds

Cory Webster - 10 points

Luke travers - 7 points, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2 rebounds

Brisbane Bullets Vs Cairns Taipans Blitz 22 Game review

 Brisbane Bullets Vs Cairns Taipans Blitz 22 Game review

Brisbane have been showing in impressive style of basketball so far in the preseason, and it will interesting to see if they can maintain that style and improve as a team. They look to be a well balanced team but possibly not as deep as some of the other top teams in the league. 

This is my first look at Cairns this preseason. I hope they have put a strong team together, as it would be great to see Cairns near the top of the ladder again. Keanu Pinder was out for the game so it was unfortunate not to get to watch him battle against Aron Baynes, as he had a great run with the Australian national squad and I believe he will make a big jump this season.

1st Qtr

The cairns taipans get scoring started with a tip in from Tahjere McCall.

Brisbane quickly returned the favour with a huge screen by Aron Baynes opening Tyler Johnson for a wide open mid range jump shot. 

Devondrick walker got lost on defence and DJ Hogg drops his second 3 ball early, which earned an early time out for Brisbane, who were quickly down 10-4 with 7:37 left in the first. 

The time out didn't help though, as DJ Hogg came out and dropped another triple which was followed by back to back steals by Cairns, and another 3 ball from Hogg who was on fire! 4 from 4 from long range. That man can shoot! And Brisbane were down big 20-4. 

Devondrick walker settled the ship for Brisbane as he dropped a nice floater and its 22-8 mid way through the quarter. 

The Bullets grab a steal and Nathan Sobey earned himself multiple trips to the free throw line attacking the basket and pushing Brisbanes offence along slowly. Harry Froling imposed his presence on the inside but struggled to finish his shots.  

Cairns held a solid lead going into the first break 29-21. 

2nd Qtr

Brisbane make a better start to the quarter with a DJ Mitchell dunk off a nice dish from Tyler Johnson. 

Devondrick walker then bombs a 3 and Cairns lead quickly drops to only 3. 

Walker follows his three with a drive off a Baynes pick and he is in the flow. 

Baynes has big block on the other end and the bullets push the ball up the court leading to a Tyler Johnson floater on the inside and Brisbane have the lead 29-30 with 7:45 left in the quarter. 

But a DJ Hogg triple gets the lead back for Cairns and now its a ball game! 

Dj Michell shows his shooting touch for Brisbane and drops back to back 3's, but both teams are dropping bombs and it looks like the rings have loosed up a bit. 35-36 6:00min left in the quarter. 

Harry Froling won't be denied inside the paint as he missed multiple shots under the basket and racking up the rebounds before finally putting it through the nylon. 

Cairns were living and dieing by the 3 ball as they managed to stay with Brisbane. 

Nathan Sobey had a full court transition layup but you can see he doesn't have his lift back yet with layups that would normally be dunks from him. Cairns block him twice to close the half. 

Brisbane holding the lead 43-46. 

DJ Hogg was on fire in the half with 15 points off 5 triples!

3rd Qtr:

Brisbane got scoring started in the 3rd with a Tanner Krebbs straight away 3 point BankShot!

There was some sloppy play as the players looked to struggle with heat and humidity before Aron Baynes copped an elbow to the Jaw. 

Devondrick Walker continues his good form with another triple and Brisbane extended the lead 43-52 with 7:17 left in the quarter and a slow start for Cairns. 

Cairns finally got a bucket off an inbounds lay up that was run to perfection at the 7 minute mark. 

Aron Baynes missed multiple three point attempts and looks to be rushing his shot. He might need to slow that 3 ball down a bit to get his consistency back. Then he sat for a rest.

Cairns implement a matchup Zone defence and its stifles Brisbanes offence getting back to back turnovers. Teams will have to practice beating a zone if Cairns implement this defence a lot through the season.

Bul Kuol put together a good game and dropped a step back 3, bringing the Taipans right back 51-52 with 4:00 left in the quarter. 

Harry Froling drops a dime to Kody Statman to finally break the zone and get back on the board. 

Shannon Scott drops a tough layup at the buzzer for Cairns to close the quarter. Brisbane holding the lead 54-58. 

4th Qtr:

Cairns opens scoring for the fourth quarter and Aron Baynes follows it quickly with a nice Hook Shot on a post play. 

Devondrick Walker drops an absolute bomb 3 from the logo off a Baynes offensive board. 

Both teams trade buckets and its a lackadaisical quarter with both teams looking keen to finish this game off. 

Bul Kuol continued to play hard looking for the win getting some good buckets and finished a tough drive to put cairns in front 76-75 with 20 seconds left. 

Cairns managed to get a turn over off Brisbane, but they quickly cough it up under the basket with Kody Statman getting the steal and dropping it to Tyler Johnson for the lay in and the Brisbane win 76-77!

Brisbane Win 76-77

Cairns looked like they went looking for shooters in the off season and picked up some players who can get buckets. They lived and died on that three point shot but when they drop the Taipans look deadly. 

Brisbane had a rougher game this time round with Aron Baynes not playing to the level I'm sure he expects of himself, but having him out there taking up so much space inside, both on offence and defence and pulling down boards, opens so much for Brisbane with their ball movement offence. I would like to see a few more post touches for the big Banger but im sure they dont want to show to much before the season starts. 

Leaders:

Cairns:

Bul Koul 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assist and 2 blocks (stat sheet stuffer!)

DJ Hogg 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists

Bullets:

Devondrick walker: 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

Aron Baynes: 9 Rebounds

Tyler Johnson: 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists

Brisbane Bullets vs New Zealand Breakers Blitz 22

Bullets vs Breakers NBL Blitz 18/09/22

It was exciting to see Aron Baynes and Tyler Johnson here from the NBA, suiting up for the first time on the Bullets roster, and to see if Brisbane could keep their impressive play style going from the early preseason games. Prior to the Blitz Brisbane dominated Melbourne United with consistent ball movement and a flowing offence. Bringing in the stars could have been a struggle to continue with that style. Sobey was also back but was on a large minutes restriction along with Aron Baynes.

New Zealand were without their starting point guard William McDowell White, so they would definitely be at a disadvantage and hard to get a true read on them as a team. Rayan Rupert will always be worth the entry ticket though. I'm sure we will be watching him in the NBA next year, so enjoy it while you can.

1st Qtr:

Akoldah Gak got the scoring started with a tip in rebound and Brisbane were on the board early. 

Aron Baynes quickly pulled down his first rebound and he is looking strong to start the season. As athletic as ever judging from this early look. 

The Breakers opened their scoring account with a Barry Brown drive and got fouled by Gak completing the 3 point play. 

Early on you can see Baynes absolutely shutting down the paint on defence. The breakers don't want a look in. He is a big body and takes up so much of the area inside. He got an early bucket off an under the basket drop shot and finished the and 1. He looks happy to be playing professionally again!

Tyler Johnson and Baynes both missed a couple of open corner 3's but as we have seen a lot of people are struggling on these "Tight" rims. Maybe Baynes can loosen them up with some big dunks through the tournament. 

Already you could see Brisbane are trying to keep the flowing offence in this new look team as Devondrick Walker dishes to Baynes, then to Gak for an easy floater and it all looks too easy for Brisbane. 

I really like Devondrick walker on this Brisbane roster. It has been said that he may be a temporary feature for the team, and will face plenty of scrutiny playing beside players like Sobey, Johnson and Baynes, but I feel like he fits in well with the ball movement offence that the Bullets are implementing and that can be hard to find in an import willing to play in a system like that. It is refreshing to watch after the Patterson black hole in previous season where the ball may go through the basket eventually but it stopped moving as well. 

Tom Vadonovich got New Zealand going with a couple of bomb 3's getting the lead for the Breakers. 13-14 with 4:11 left in the quarter. 

New Zealands french phenom Rayan Rupert makes his presence and skill known in the first quarter with a steal off Sobey and Dunk for New Zealand extending the lead 13-19. 

Sobey then made a couple of strong drives but certainly still looks to be nursing that injury. New Zealand hit a couple of 3's and blow the lead out to 10, 16-26 with 40 seconds left in the 1st. 

Harry Froling got to the line to keep the bullets in it, but some smooth moves from Rupert leads to a Rob Lowe dunk to close out the quarter. 18-28. Rupert has a very smooth skillset for an 18yr old. 

2nd Qtr:

Jason Cadee got a nice layup from some good ball movement to open the quarter. While on the other end Rob Lowe has a huge tip jam to get the scoring going for the Breakers.

 

Baynes got a nice mini hook to get his scoring going in the quarter and then got another inside bucket after a missed 3 attempt. He as such a post presence. He is just so big!

 

On the defensive end, Baynes is everywhere! As the commentator said "he is a walking wall"

Sobey continued to attack the rim after a couple of missed 3 attempts and gets to the hole on multiple times also getting to the charity stripe. On limited minutes he is making an impact attacking the basket. Since it looks like no one can hit on these rims!

Tyler Johnson starts attacking the paint and finished a nice mini hook bringing the score 32-33 with 3:26 left in the half. 

DJ Mitchel got a huge dunk from a Harry Froling post up and dish on the inside, bringing the lead back for Brisbane.

 It looks like the teams that attack the rims in this tournament will be successful as the rims are so tight, no one can hit a 3! Tyler Johnson must have noticed as he continued to attack the rim with a strong move here to the basket for the and one play.

Izaya Li'afa had a nice pass to Rob Lowe to get the Breakers offence back on. 

But a Froling post play for Brisbane closed the quarter holding a good lead 43-37. 

3rd Qtr:

Baynes started early in the half with a lefty hook to open Brisbane's account, and drops the too little smack talk on the defence. He certainly was having fun out there. 

Jarrell Brantley got scoring started for the Breakers in the half with an offensive board and tip in. 

Devondrik Walker made a nice move off a Baynes back screen and got an easy layup from a Jason Cadee assist. He moves well without the ball as well. 

Cadee then had an insane dime on transition to DJ Mitchell for the layup and the score started blowing out 50-39 with 6:00 left in the quarter. 

Baynes then hit a 3 pointer extending the lead. 

Jason Caddee got a transition layup off a New Zealand free throw and it couldn't be more evident they have to work on their transition D. 

Rayan Rupert made a good 3 to keep New Zealand alive but it looks like he will have to work on increasing his speed on the shot to raise his draft stock. He certainly has all the other tools!

Vodanovich hit a 3 Bomb and the Breakers were ready to mount a come back down 57-51, but a strong Drive by Gak and its still an 8 point game. 

 

Tyler Johnson then had a very smooth drive to close out the quarter Brisbane holding the lead 62-53. 

 

4th Qtr:

Jarell Brantley had a strong post play to open the quarter for NZ but on the other side Tyler Johnson had a smooth cut and tough finish to get the and 1 lay up off a nice pass from Gak, who is putting together a good all round game for the Bullets. 

 

New Zealands transition defence continued to be hopeless and the bullets blow the lead out and run away with the win. With 5 min left in the 4th quarter it was 74-57 and the coaches clear out the benches.

Brisbane get the W 81-69

Brisbane:

Aron Baynes 14 points, 6 Rebounds (14 minutes)

Tyler Johnson 14 points

Breakers: 

Jarell Brantley 10 Points

Tom Vodanovich 15 points, 5 rebounds

Brisbane continued to move the ball well. Their first couple of preseason games had the ball moving and they continued it all game in this big win. Its a beautiful brand of basketball they are playing at the moment and hopefully they can continue to play like this throughout the season. 

Just fun to watch!

Sydney Kings vs Tasmania JackJumpers NBL Blitz 22 Game review

 Game review for Sydney Kings Vs Jack Jumpers 18/09/22

I was excited to see the preseason rematch from last seasons grand finalists and had picked Sydney to get the win. I was not sure about Tasmania's roster or Sydney's but picked Sydney expecting Xavier Cooks to have a big start to the season. Cory Homicide Williams has picked Xavier Cooks as this league season MVP and after dominating the NZNBL I to am expecting a lot from him. 

1st Qtr:

Milton Doyle got the game started for Tasmania with a nice floater inside the key. 

Sydney had a tough start with a turnover and a couple of missed free throws from Rashad Kelly. DJ Vasilivic got Sydney going with a tough awkward looking floater but got Sydney started. 

Sydneys import point guard Derrick Walton Jnr showed off his handles early and can certainly handle the rock, he should be an exciting player to watch, 

Jordan Hunter started the game with a couple of nice blocks but gets some tough calls and is called for the fouls. Rashad Tucker goes 1/3 from the stripe. 

Josh Magette hits a big 3 but sometimes takes some unadvised shots and certainly likes to show he has unlimited range, in his opinion at least. 

Both teams are missing a lot of shots and apparently these rims are quite tight and not forgiving at all. 5:00 left in the first and its Tasmania 5-6 Sydney.

Doyle has to be one of the smoothest players in the league and effortlessly gets to his mid range jumper favourite spot. It will be interesting to see if it will be as easy once the scouting report is out. 

Kouat Noi is looking excited for the season and is everywhere to start the game. He made a nice two and pulled down a couple of quick rebounds pushing the ball but may be overexcited giving up the offensive foul. He really needs a a healthy season getting injured in each of his last 4 season. He certainly had a bounce in his step in this game. 

Its brick city in the first quarter and very low scoring Tasmania 12 - 13 Sydney

2nd Qtr:

Xavier Cooks starts the quarter with a good block on the defensive end but Jared Baristow gets the scoring started for Tasmania with a nice mid range J. 

Dj Vasilivic gets the scoring started for Sydney with a bomb 3. 

Derrick walton Jnr was wheeling and dealing in the quarter hitting buckets and finding open teammates if only his Sydney teammates could catch the ball. 

Jared Weeks hits back to back 3s for Tasmania and finally some shots are falling. 

Shots dry up for the Jackjumpers but Sydney keep turning the ball over and Tassie get some buckets to keep it tight and the lead 25-23. 

Justin Simon was showing off his defensive skill getting steals and keeping taste's offence running. He won defensive player of the league last time he played in the NBL and followed that with Defensive player of the league in Germany. He should really help Sydney's title hopes teaming up with Xavier Cooks to shut down opposing teams. 

Cooks threw some nice cross court passes and was very unselfish but almost to a fault. If he pushes it and looks to score he can be a bigger presence on the offensive end and will likely open driving lanes for others. 

Still a tight game at the half Sydney up 34-35. 

3rd Qtr:

Tasmania open the half with a quick bucket and Josh Magette 3 quickly extends the lead 39-35. 

Justin Simon get a steal and dunk to open the scoring for Sydney and shows off exactly what he is known for, turning defence in offence.

Milton Doyle's smooth moves get him to his spot time and time again and is finding teammates open from his aggressive play.

Xavier Cooks shot is not looking great air balling multiple 3 point shots while on the other side Jack McVeigh is dropping bombs from behind the 3 point line holding Tasmania lead 45-40 at the 5:00 min mark in the third. 

Cooks missed a monster dunk to close the quarter Tasmania holding the lead 48-46.

4th qtr:

Development and injury replacement player McDonnell opens the quarter with 3 51-46 while on the other side Sydney are building a house with all the bricks their shooting. Jared weeks hits a 4 blowing the lead open 54-46 and Sydney call a time out. Sydney get nothing from the time out and continue to struggle to score only getting on the scoreboard from a couple of Xavier Cooks free throw. 

Tasmania start to blow the lead out with a huge 3 from Milton Doyle which he follows with and and 1 drive 62-47 4:46 left in the game and Sydney still were without a field goal in the quarter. Milton Doyle get a left layup and he has taken over the game while sydney can not hit the broad side of barn. 

Kouat Noi gets sydney their first field goal of the quarter with 4:22 left in the game! and down 14, 64-50.

The Jackjumpers get a 3 off some nice ball movement then get a steal, they were flowing and the game is over, they blow Sydney out of the water.

Final Score Tasmania 73 - 53 Sydney

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1zkMtQR_4A

 

NBL Blitz Day 2 Games

 NBL Blitz 2022 Day 2

 

Game 1: 5:30pm Sydney Kings Vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Ive gotta tip Sydney to get the win here. Its the grand final rematch but with Tasmania losing some players and Sydney as well I gotta go with the team with better individual players. The kings always have a strong roster and with Xavier Cooks still on the team his offensive and defensive prowess will power the kings to many wins through the season and i believe this will be the first. 

Tasmania are a team that will grow with time and teamwork needs time to strengthen. Keep an eye on them after the first half of the season but early on they will struggle. 

Sydney to win by 12

Game 2: Perth wildcats Vs Cairns Taipans

Again its the bigger team that should prevail early. Perth will be itching to start well and make a strong play at being their at the end of the season. Bryce Cotton will carry Perth to a win even if Cairns keep it close. If they play him the full game that is. Preseason depends a lot on what the coach is looking to develop in the team. 

Perth to win by 15

Should be a couple of good games and if your wanting to get early in your NBL season punts watching the preseason will get you some good early season wins in your account.

Adelaide 36ers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix NBL Blitz Game 1 Review 17/9/22

 Adelaide 36ers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix NBL Blitz Game 1 Review 17/9/22

 

Phoenix were missing 3 key peices in Mitch Creek, Ryan Broekhoff and one of the key imports. 

Adelaide full strength. 

1st Quarter: 

NBL preseason has been off to a very shaky start with the broadcast issues and this game was not different. No scoreboard or time was on the creek until half time which made it a tough game to follow. Made even more difficult was the lack of updated from the commentary team who knew their was no scoreboard for the viewers. Very frustrating. 

Kyle Adnam started the scoring for Phoenix with a quick layup and followed it by feeding Grant Anticevich for a 3 ball. 

On the other side Adelaide got the scoring started with some foul shots by Mitch Mccarron. 

Adelaide's imports got things started early with a steal from Robert Franks who pushed it up the court on the fast break to dish it to Craig Randall for the dunk. 

Adelaide look to have made some strong moves in the off season and now have a pretty stacked team.who also look quite good on defence with Mitch Mccacon and Antonius Cleveland shutting opposing back courts down.

Craig Randall also has a some smooth moves and completes a ridiculous up and under layup late in the first. which was closely followed from a drive on the previous play.

 

 

On the others side Melbourne look to struggle to put the ball in the whole at times. Missing 3 absolute bunnies at the basket. They sill manage to hold on and keep it close in the first quarter. Dane Pinot looks very tall out on the court and hopefully he can stay healthy and really see what he can bring to a team. 

Kai Sotto had a tough start to the preseason with a couple of tough plays and closed the quarter with a turnover in his first post play of the game. He turns it around later but it was a hard start. 

1st quarter closed closer then I thought Adelaide 21 - 20 Phoenix.

2nd Qtr: 

Mitch McCarron opens the quarter for Adelaide with a bomb 3 then followed it with a classy no look dish.

 

Gary Brown had a smooth move with the ball taking Daniel Johnson off the dribble and cooking him for a long 2. 

A lot of the Phoenix buckets were from individual play then good team basketball but missing three key pieces would be why they still don't look to flow well. 

 

The half closes Adelaide 39-33 Phoenix with still no scoreboard and is nearly unwatchable not really being able to follow the game without the score or time. I stopped watching but predicted Adelaide to blow out Phoenix in the third quarter which is was what occurred. going into the fourth with a nearly 20 point lead. 

Adelaide go onto win the game 76 - 84.

Phoenix at this stage still don't look like a team and are mostly playing pick up basketball. Missing key pieces and needing to increase intensity on defence. Kyle Adnam has been carrying the team well but he doesn't look like enough of an offensive threat or team building leader to be the primary point guard in my opinion. I'm not sure how their final roster is to look but he may really be a better bench point guard.

On the other side Mitch Mccarron looks like he is keystone piece for this Adelaide team. With all the offensive weapons on the team it will take a true point guard leader like Mccarron to find his teammates and get everyone involved for them to go the distance in the season ahead. 

Kai Sotto had some big play later in the game and if he gets the opportunity could be a big peice for Adelaide. His length and athleticism is elite and if he tighten up a few other areas of his game and defence his ceiling is very high!.
Franks, Cleveland and Randall look to be a very impressive import roster for Adelaide and complement each other well. 

Adelaide should be a lock for the post season from this early look.

Full Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK9sWNPnfrQ

Boscore:

https://nbl.com.au/games/2120048

 

ADELAIDE 36ERS 84 (Randall 16, McCarron 12, Cleveland 12)

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 76 (Adnam 19, Williams 13, Madut 11)

 

NBL preseason tournament the NBL Blitz kicks off Fri 16/9/22

 NBL Blitz preseason tournament kicks off!

 

The preseason tournaments gets going and I'm hoping the broadcast is better then the pre-preseason games last week! With kayo handling it should be, but that means no highlights in the game reviews unfortunately with it not being a youtube stream.

Still it will be great to get a good look at the near full strength teams before the start of the season. 

Game 1 starts tonight with Adelaide 36ers vs SE Melbourne Phoenix. 

Early call but I've got Adelaide taking the win for 8+ points. 

Phoenix really looked to lack fire power in the pre-preseason and with Mitch Creek still slowly returning from injury if back at all and Ryan Broekhoff already on a slow start tweaking an ankle in game one of the pre preaseaon, Ive got adelaide taking their first win in the opening game of the tournament.

Ill try to post a few game reviews from the ones I catch. Keep an eye out.

Preseason game Melbourne Phoenix vs Tasmania JackJumpers game review

 Preseason game Melbourne Phoenix vs Tasmania JackJumpers game review

As preseason games go it wasn't a bad watch and interesting to see where teams are going to stack up when the regular season opens, and what imports may be going home early. 

Both team were without some players but Jack Jumpers were without a large majority so it is tough to get a real look at how the teams will shape up come season opening. 

Jack Jumpers missing, Clint Steindle, Jack Mcveigh and Will Magnay who will make a large portion of their starting line up. 

Melbourne Phoenix were missing Mitch creek who was putting up MVP type numbers last year so its a big portion of their offence missing. 

1st Qtr:

To open the game thee Jack Jumpers got started with a Milton Doyle 3 from a Fabijan Krslovic assist. They developed a good combination through the game. 

Josh Magette Looked like he was running the Phoenix team well early with this great pass:

Josh Magette Highlight assist

The first quarter had some flowing offence but both teams definitely looked like they needed some work together to mesh better: 

Jack Jumpers going into the first break up 24-18

A worrying sign already as Ryan Broekhoff left the game with a slight limp and did not return another big hole to fill in the offence for Phoenix. 

2nd Qtr:

Phoenix open scoring with a bucket from Trey Kell III with a strong one on one post play but unfortunately missed the and 1 foul shot. 

Jack jumpers start slow and Phoenix manage to get a nice drop off pass to a cutting player for the layup and cut the lead to 2: 24-22. 

Its a rough start to the quarter as both teams look to be building houses with all the brick they were throwing early. 

Breaking the drought, Doyle and Krslovic continue their strong play with this great highlight dunk from the no look Doyle pass:

Phoenix move the ball well but look to missing an offensive powerhouse who will make a play and create some action through attacking the rim. Missing Creek will hit them hard through the season. 

Doyle looks to be a good creator for the Jack Jumpers who should be a solid import going into the season with these early looks. 

Here is a Highlight of tough layup Doyle makes attacking his defender . 

At the Half Jack Jumpers hold the lead up 8: 40-32

3rd Quarter: 

Doyle continues his hot form opening the scoring in the half with a smooth floater inside the paint.

Phoenix follow this with back to back turnovers and its a tough start for Melbourne. 

Reuben Te Rangi opens his scoring in the game with a couple of nice moves for easy layups and follows it up with some strong defence against Doyle on defence. 

Richard Kelly makes a strong more and get the highlight Dunk!

Kelly followed it with a deep 3 then another Dunk and the Jack Jumpers were rolling the Phoenix and close the quarter 71-54. 

The phoenix make a strong come back and make the game interesting in the fourth but its too little too late as the Jack jumpers open there preseason strong with the win 88 - 83. 

Rashard Kelly lead all scorers with 20 points and 5 rebounds  for Jack Jumpers

Trey Kell III lead the phoenix with 14 points and 4 assists. 

Josh Magette lead the game in assists with 6. 

The NBL preseason 2022 has arrived!

 The NBL preseason 2022 has arrived!

 

For those who watch it the NBL preseason has arrived. It will be interesting to see how the NBL teams show up, with so many teams undergoing huge roster changes in the off season. But will definitely help with early season punting or just to see how your team is shaping up.

Brisbane has some big new signings and Melbourne was gutted in the off season so without going into the roster changes which I hope to at a later date, here are the upcoming games. These games will be live streamed on the NBL's youtube channel. 

https://www.youtube.com/c/nbl

Upcoming game Schedule: 

Tasmania JackJumpers v South East Melbourne Phoenix
Tuesday, September 6 - 6.30pm AEST
Ulverstone Sports and Leisure Centre

Tasmania JackJumpers v South East Melbourne Phoenix
Thursday, September 8 - 6.30pm AEST
Elphin Sports Centre

Melbourne United v Brisbane Bullets
Thursday, September 8 - 7pm AEST
Selkirk Stadium, Wendouree

Perth Wildcats v Adelaide 36ers
Friday, September 9 - 6.30pm WST/8.30pm AEST
Eaton Recreation Centre

New Zealand Breakers v Illawarra Hawks
Saturday, September 10 - 6pm NZST/4pm AEST
The Stockyard, Pukekohe

Melbourne United v Brisbane Bullets
Saturday, September 10 - 7pm AEST
Casey Stadium

Perth Wildcats v Adelaide 36ers
Sunday, September 11 - 1pm WST/3pm AEST
HBF Arena Joondalup