NBA Preview

Finally Back from Injured Reserve!!!!

Yes, after quite a long absence, I am back to my basketball blog. The NBA season starts tomorrow (Tuesday USA) so I will jump right in. My last post ages ago, was on the verge of the NBA Finals. A lot has happened since then including Mr. James going to South Beach and The Big Shamrock appearing in Boston.

A lot of ink/cyberspace has been used in analysing LeBron’s move to Miami. Bottom line, the young man took the option that he felt best suited to his needs. Still with the recent injuries on the Heat Roster, no title is guaranteed. Some of the comments about James’ loyalty were interesting. I remember a few years ago a certain young draftee did not want to play in New Jersey if drafted there and wanted to play for the LA Lakers. At least LeBron went to the team that drafted him and gave it a shot there.

Ok, now to look at this upcoming season:

Eastern Conference


Atlantic Division
Boston is still the class act here and will win the division as they tune up for the playoffs. New York could be an interesting team and may make the playoffs, same for New Jersey. Philadelphia will be looking to reverse the bad fortune of last year with some new faces and new coach. Toronto will need work although rookie Ed Davis could impress.
Division Winner: Boston Celtics

Central Division
Chicago has reloaded and Milwaukee is looking to consolidate last year’s playoff effort. Cleveland will be under the radar and have time to improve/rebuild. Indiana will be hoping point guard Darren Collison will solidify their backcourt. All in all, the division will not be the power it once was.
Division Winner: Milwaukee Bucks


Southeast Division
Definitely the power group of the Eastern Conference with Orlando, Miami, and Atlanta at the top and Charlotte looking to return to the playoffs. Add in Rookie of the Year candidate John Wall in Washington and this group looks exciting.
Miami will have to stay healthy and get solid if not spectacular from the frontline to live up to expectations. Dwight Howard and Orlando should be stronger again. Atlanta will be solid and dangerous.
Division Winner: Miami Heat

Playoff Teams:
Boston, Chicago, Miami, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte and New York
Conference Champions:
Miami Heat

Western Conference


Southwest Division
San Antonio and Dallas will be looking for one last big run as they age. Houston hopes to stay healthy and gel as a unit and Memphis looks to make the playoffs after a near miss last season. The Hornets are hoping last seasons debacle is way behind them.
Division Winner: San Antonio Spurs

Northwest Division
Oklahoma City is suddenly the class of the division this season. Portland will be solid. Denver will be an interesting prospect and Utah is always in the playoffs.
Division Winner: Portland Trailblazers

Pacific Division
The Lakers will use the division as a playoff tune up. Phoenix is hopeful as usual and will entertain. Sacramento could be the best of the rest while Golden State is always a chance of scoring 120+ in a game. David Lee will help the Warriors inside. The Clippers are the Clippers, you never know.
Division Winner: LA Lakers


Playoff Teams:
San Antonio, Portland, LA Lakers, Dallas, Utah, Oklahoma City, Denver and Phoenix
Conference Champions:
LA Lakers


NBA Champions:
Miami Heat, though there are several obstacles along the way, if this team stays reasonably healthy, they can actually win it all but the burden lies more with Dwayne Wade than Bosh or James.

Locally here in Australia, the National Basketball League season is underway. Catch NBL and NBA action on OneHD here.

Passing through... Ouch!!!!

Yes, after a long delay again, I’m back for my finals prediction. This will be short and sweet…see photos.

Ok, neither the Spurs nor Cavs made it through so I’m 0 fer again, I’m picking the Celtics to win the title in 6 or 7 this season.

Soon, I’ll be back with more as the shoulder heals.

Til then happy blogging.

NBA Playoff Predictions are now done....

It’s Playoff Time!!!!

The 2010 NBA Playoffs are underway in earnest with several contenders looking to knock off defending champions the LA Lakers.

In the Eastern Conference:

Cleveland - 61-21 (1) vs. Chicago 41-41 (8)

The Cavaliers got off to a solid start with a 96-83 thumping of Chicago on Saturday. The game led star Cav LeBron James to issue the statement “we have the look of a champion”.

After last season’s Conference Finals defeat at the hands of the Orlando Magic, the Cleveland outfit comes back tougher through the key addition of Shaquille O’Neal, wit more court savvy in the form of Anthony Parker and more versatile in the front court through Antawn Jamison.

In game one with Shaq returning from an injury layoff and playing as if he were ten years younger, Cleveland bolted to a 56-41 advantage at the half and was never headed.

LeBron as usual filled a lot of spaces on the scoresheet with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocked shots for Cleveland with support from Mo Williams (19 points, 10 assists), Jamison (15 points, 10 rebounds), O’Neal (12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks), and Anderson Varejao (8 points, 15 rebounds).

Series prediction:

While the Bulls play the Cavs tough usually, I don’t see Chicago winning more than two games. Cavs in six or less.

Orlando 59-23 (2) vs. Charlotte 44-38 (7)

With game one of this series set for Sunday, look for the edge to go to Orlando although Charlotte, making their first playoff appearance is looking to impress new owner and playoff legend Michael Jordan. Charlotte improved throughout the season and is just short in depth department. That said, the Magic will still need key contributions from Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson in this series.

Series Prediction:

At some stage during the series, the Bobcats will rattle the cage of the Magic and test their resolve but in the end, Orlando’s post season experience will put them past the post. Magic in five.

Atlanta 53-29 (3) vs. Milwaukee 46-36 (6)

In game one, Atlanta played a flawless first half, bolting out to a 62-40 halftime advantage before surviving a ragged second half on their way to a 102-92 win. The Hawks had six players score in double figures and the inside play of Al Horford, Josh Smith and Marvin Williams proved too much for the Bucks team that was missing Michael Redd and inside presence Andrew Bogut.

Look for the same formula throughout this first round tilt. Although rookie Brandon Jennings dropped in 34 points in the opening game, the Bucks supporting cast is not up to par.

Series Prediction:

Atlanta in a sweep.

Boston 50-32 (4) vs. Miami 47-35 (5)

The Celtics took game one in a scrappy affair 85-76. There is a bit of animosity between the defence minded squads with Celtic emotional leader Kevin Garnett facing a possible two game suspension for elbowing the Heat’s Quentin Richardson in the jaw with less than a minute left in the game.

Miami suffered a monumental loss of composure, leading 61-47 with 7:02 left in the third quarter, the heat were outscored 24-7 and trailed 71-68 three minutes into the fourth quarter.

This series will be decided by the play of Dwayne Wade’s supporting cast and the freshness of Celtic veterans Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Garnett.

Series Prediction:

I think Wade may again reach near super human levels of play at times in this series and Boston may not always be able to weather the storm.

Miami in six or seven.

Western Conference:

Los Angeles 57-25 (1) vs. Oklahoma City 50-32 (8)

Though the Thunder limped into the playoffs, they could present and interesting first round proposition for the defending champions. Russell Westbrook needs to find his groove again and Thabo Sefolosha will need all of his “Swiss Army” tricks to deal with Kobe Bryant. That said, if Kobe forgets the team concept and takes the battle personally, there could be trouble in Tinsletown.

Series Prediction:

I think the Lakers will survive this round in six games though they will get a scare.

Dallas 55-27 (2) vs. San Antonio 50-32 (7)

The Spurs will be looking to avenge last season’s first round defeat at the hands of the Mavericks. This season, the Spurs rested Tim Duncan throughout and built up towards a playoff run. They also have a healthy Manu Ginobili. While Dallas made moves to bolster their team and won quite a few close contests through the regular season, their record could have easily been a lot worse.

Series Prediction:

I think ultimately the Spurs will pull this one out in seven.

Phoenix 54-28 (3) vs. Portland 50-32 (6)

Portland were definitely the over achievers through the season and survived injuries to key players to patch together a 50 win season. Now with the loss of Brandon Roy, the Blazers’ chances of survival are slim.

Series Prediction:

Suns will win this one in four or five.

Denver 53-29 (4) vs. Utah 53-29 (5)

Denver rode a 42 point effort from Carmelo Anthony to 126-113 win in game one of the series. J.R. Smith came off the bench to drop in 20 points in support of Anthony. After leading by just two points after three quarters, the Nuggets poured in 38 fourth quarter points to pull away.

The Nuggets have been a yo-yo of a squad in the absence of Coach George Karl who is being treated for cancer.

Most experts are picking the Jazz to take out the series but the Nuggets first up win could propel them to better play.

Series Prediction:

I will go against conventional wisdom here and pick Denver in six.

Further into the future, I see the Cavs getting their rematch with the Magic in the Eastern Conference and the Lakers meeting the Spurs in the Western Conference.

My final prediction has Cleveland beating the Spurs in six games. I have been wrong before…see my NCAA picks!!LOL!!

NBL Signings

GOLD COAST BLAZE SIGN TWO-TIME CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYER

VETERAN HOARE TO HEAD SOUTH FOR SEASON 2010-2011

THE Gold Coast Blaze 2010-2011 NBL championship hopes rose significantly today with the signing of Melbourne Tiger dual championship winner and Townsville Crocodile Stephen Hoare.

The veteran thirty-year-old forward, who at one time looked destined to finish his career in Townsville, chose the Blaze over a number of lucrative NBL club offers in the off-season.

He won championships with the Melbourne Tigers in 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 and last season averaged 7.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists to be voted the Crocodiles' player's player.

Hoare’s signing will be warmly welcomed by Blaze fans, coming as it does just days after Mika Vukona’s announcement that he will return to his native New Zealand to play with the NZ Breakers this season. ''I've always been pretty envious of the Blaze players when I've played on the Coast, it will be a great place to live, so to move here now is pretty exciting and an opportunity I'm really looking forward to,'' he said.

''It's good to be signed up early and be part of the building blocks for next season, the club has already signed a good nucleus of players and that will only improve.''


''Joey Wright is one of the best coaches going around, so it all points to a successful year.'' Blaze head coach Joey Wright says Hoare offers a wealth of experience to his lineup. Stephen has played in four grand finals and brings a very high level of basketball IQ to the Blaze,” Wright said. “He’s a very smart player, very intelligent. He has a great temperament and poise and never gets rattled on-court,” he said.

Wright said he is pleased Hoare chose the Blaze over early retirement consideration and the other NBL offers. “Rat (assistant coach Ron Radliffe) and I used to watch him from afar and we really liked his controlled style.

“We never thought we’d get the chance to coach him, so we’re pretty excited about that. “What fans can expect from Stephen is a really, really hard worker on the offensive and defensive boards and no one can ask for more than that in a player,” he said.

Stephen Hoare is one of the most successful and decorated basketballers currently playing in the NBL. Amongst a host of other achievements he:

• Winner of 2005/06 & 2006/07 NBL Best Sixth Man award
• Won championships with the Melbourne Tigers in 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 and played in the 2006-2007 and 2008-2009 Grand Finals;
• Was a member of the 2004-2005 NBL All-Star team and part of the Australian Under 23 squad in 1996;
• Was selected on the ABA Conference First Team in 2001 and 2002;
•  Had the best 2008 NBL field goal percentage, shooting 60.5% (135/223);
• Was the winner of the Melbourne Tigers’ Mr Efficient award in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008.

The confirmed Blaze 2010-2011 signings as of Wednesday 14^th April 2010 are:

Chris Goulding

Adam Gibson

Anthony Petrie

James Harvey

WNBA Draft

From Basketball Australia

TWO AUSSIES DRAFTED INTO WNBA

Australians Alison Lacey and Brigitte Ardossi have been drafted into America’s elite basketball league the Women’s National Basketball Association.

Lacey from Canberra was selected at pick 10 to the Seattle Storm with Ardossi from Melbourne going at pick number 21 to Atlanta Dream.

22 year-old Lacey stands at 183cm and has been playing for Iowa State as a guard for the last four seasons working her way onto the AP All-America honouree list this year and one of 14 invited to the Draft.

Lacey who will join Australia’s most accomplished basketballer Lauren Jackson at Seattle, is second to Jackson (pick one, 2001) as Australia’s highest WNBA pick. Lacey represented the ACT at the Under 18 and Under 20 Australian National Junior Championships, attended the Basketball ACT Intensive Training Centre and was a participant in the Basketball Australia’s National Intensive Training Program as well as the ACT Academy of Sport.

Footage of Lacey’s selection at the WNBA Draft. 

187cm, Ardossi was taken from Georgia Tech. The 22 year-old made the All-ACC First Team this year and was named State of Georgia Women’s Basketball Player of the Year (2010).  

Prior to going to college to play Ardossi was a part of the Melbourne Tigers' Championship Division team, averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.

She participated in the Under 20 Australian National Junior Championships, where she helped her team to a silver medal. She led the Victorian U18 team to the gold medal at the Pacific School Games in 2005, where she was named a tournament all-star. Ardossi was named the 2005 Big V Australian Basketball League Most Valuable Player and Leading Scorer while also earning Rising Star and All-Star 5 Forward accolades.

Ogilvy Going Pro

From the NBL

AUSTRALIAN AJ OGILVY DECLARES FOR NBA DRAFT

Australian basketballer A.J. Ogilvy has announced that he has decided to forgo his senior US college season at Vanderbilt University in order to enter the 2010 NBA Draft.

"I talked with my family and coaches here, and I think (going pro) is what's best for me,” Ogilvy said at a press conference to announce his decision. “I really enjoyed all my time at Vanderbilt. I really want to thank the coaches and fans for everything they've done for me. I'm just excited to try to get my game to the next level."

Ogilvy has also taken the step of hiring an agent, the Wasserman Group, meaning he has now forgone his collegiate eligibility and cannot return to college.

"This is what I wanted to do. Once I put my name in, I wanted to put all my effort and time into it," Ogilvy added, when asked why he hired an agent.


The 6’11” center from Sydney is a three-time All-SEC performer and averaged 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in three years at Vanderbilt. He is the Commodores' all-time leader in free throws made (471) and blocks per game (1.51), and earlier this year became only the second player in Commodore history to record 1,000 points and 100 blocks in his career.

Ogilvy attended the Australian Institute of Sport and represented Australia at the FIBA Under-19 World Championship in July 2007. At that event, he averaged 22.3 points and 9.8 rebounds while shooting 69 percent from the field and 78.8 percent from the foul line in nine games. He finished third in scoring and posted six double-doubles, including a 32-point and 11-rebound effort against Spain. He helped the Australians sweep the field in Group F and finish fifth with an 8-1 mark, losing to Brazil in the quarterfinals.

"We certainly appreciate everything A.J. has done, both on and off the floor, at Vanderbilt," said Vanderbilt head coach Kevin Stallings. "He has had a very accomplished career, and will hopefully experience the same kind of success as a professional. A.J. has been instrumental in our two NCAA Tournament berths in the last three years and has demonstrated a very good work ethic from the very first day he walked on campus."
"Hopefully his agent's projection of being a late first-round draft pick is accurate and he will have a long and prosperous NBA career," continued Stallings.

The NBA Draft is set for June 24 in New York City.

Two other Australians were also drafted to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) earlier today. Alison Lacey of Canberra was chosen with the number 10 pick by the Seattle Storm, the team that Opals superstar Lauren Jackson plays for. Victorian Brigitte Ardossia also went at number 21 to the Atlanta Dream.

NBL Returns to Northern Territory

From the nbl

NBL STARS BOUNCE BACK TO THE TERRITORY

Northern Territory sports fans are set for a feast of top-level basketball after Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today announced the return of National Basketball League action for the NBL Top End Challenge 2010.
“Basketball is a hugely popular sport in the Territory and I am excited to announce today that the official 2010 NBL pre-season competition will be held in Alice Springs and Darwin in September,” said Mr Hampton.
“Last year’s tournament was a great success, raising the profile of basketball in the Territory, creating business opportunities, and thrilling crowds with spectacular hoops action.
“Today I can confirm that the NBL’s finest will be returning to the Territory in September to thrill crowds at Marrara Indoor Stadium and the Alice Springs Basketball Stadium for the Top End Challenge.”
Mr Hampton said it is particularly good news for the Centralian basketball community.
“It’s fantastic to be able to bring this event to fans in Alice Springs, who have not seen an NBL game for more than a decade; I am sure they will make the opening game a blockbuster.”
The tournament is expected to feature all nine teams from the expanded NBL competition, including the newly returned Sydney Kings franchise.
“The NBL is rebuilding strongly and we look forward to seeing the return of the mighty Sydney Kings for their first games in the new-look competition,” said Mr Hampton.
NBL legend and Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock said fans could expect a terrific showcase of the country’s best ballers.
“The Top End Challenge is a unique event on the NBL calendar in that it brings all of our players and coaches together in the one place right before the season tip-off.
“Last year’s event in Darwin was a resounding success and we are delighted to work with the Minister to bring the Top End Challenge back to the Northern Territory in 2010. It will be a fantastic opportunity for Territorians to see world class basketball in their own backyard,” said Mr Sengstock.
As well as playing 12 games, teams will take part in an extensive community engagement program conducting coaching clinics in schools and communities across the Territory, and conducting hospital visits.
“The NT Government is committed to providing elite events for all Territory sports fans and this $200,000 agreement with the NBL cements us as a mainstay of the Australian basketball landscape,” said Mr Hampton.