In Ball Today

Greetings fellow Ballaholics. We are now in our essence with action in the NBL, NBA, WNBL and the ASEAN leagues in full throttle.

In the NBL, Wollongong and Perth top the table with the other eight teams neck and neck heading towards the mid point of the season. There are still a number of top notch players out due to injuries so the power base could shift as they return. Most recently, the Gold Coast Breakers pulled off a huge upset of the New Zealand Breakers last night in NZ.

Meanwhile in the WNBL, Bulleen and Townsville remain undefeated at the top of the ladder. On the bottom rungs sit the AIS and Perth both of whom are hungry for a win. Defending champs Canberra continue to have an up and down ride at this stage of the season but never count them out.

Remember the Singapore Slingers?? Well guess who sits atop the ASEAN Basketball League ladder?? So far the Slingers are undefeated after four matches in the newly formed competition. Have a look through the rosters of the teams on the league website and you will see a few former SEABL players along with a few others who have played here in Australia.

And finally, in the last week, we have gotten our NBA fixes!! Early on, the Denver Nuggets have to be the team of note with Carmelo Anthony lighting up the score sheets. The Orlando Magic are also looking ominous. Defending champion LA Lakers have a few injured players but are winning close games through the scoring of Kobe Bryant. San Antonio rookie DeJuan Blair has proved to be a future double/double machine with his ferocious efforts off the glass.

Oh, don't forget, for us true fans, the NCAA kicks off its season in the next week or two...go Heels!!

Two Shopping Days 'til Draft Day!!!

from BasketBloggin 23 June 2009

For NBA General Managers and die hard fans around the globe, the time is nigh, draft day is upon us!! On Thursday, Friday morning for us in Australia the suspense will build to a crescendo. So far all is quiet but expect moves to be made leading up to the draft in the form of trades. There are several rumours around with Shaq, Yao Ming, Chris Bosh and , Josh Smith being the hottest. As for what your team gets under their tree, here is my look at the notables.

Blake Griffin (PF): raw power and attitude, a pure NBA power forward, don't see the Clippers going past him, needs to develop mid range game.

Hasheem Thabeet (Goes On) (C): I have already given him the addition to his name because now that Matumbo has retired, "Thabeet goes on", get it!! Seriously though he may develop a vit more of an offensive game than Matumbo had. Along with the next few names could end up anywhere from pick 2-7. Oklahoma City widely predicted to take him at number three.

James Harden (SG): he shoots well, he handles well and he's athletic. Could be bound for New York if not taken sooner.

Ricky Rubio (PG): may continue the Spanish invasion of Memphis.

Jordan Hill (PF): another power forward of note, he may be a King for more than a day in Sacremento.

Tyreke Evans (PF): a tall athletic point guard who will cause nightmares for defenders and coaches in a few years time, could be off to mystify them in Washington.

DeJuan Blair (PF): a smallish power forward but a big dog in any fight under the basket, could be roughing them up on the Jersey Shore.

I will mention more in my next edition tomorrow as the time nears, until then, happy speculating!!