Basketball On The Internet.

THE new NBL expects to reveal its finalised draw “within a few days” as it continues its behind-the-scenes revamping of its rejuvenated product.

Several clubs already are interacting with their fan bases, seeking input on a range of issues, including game-night presentation.

Too much music? Not enough?

Mascots with personalities?

Clubs are looking for feedback but, perhaps even more importantly, they are listening.

BELIEVE it or not, no-one has ever asked David Andersen if, at the end of his stellar career overseas, he might consider an NBL season or two back with the Wollongong Hawks?

That changed today.

After all, if Brad Newley and Joe Ingles get asked annually if/when they will be Adelaide 36ers, or Luc Longley was expected to finish his career with Perth Wildcats (injury notwithstanding), why has no-one asked Andersen, who spent 1999 with the Hawks in the NBL, whether Wollongong may one day be his final playing destination?

“Wow, no-one has ever asked,” he said today when interviewed for a NewsLtd piece tomorrow on his career, his future and life as a Boomer staple.

“It’s still a decision a few years away but to win one or two Australian (NBL) championships? That’d be pretty good.”

In case you were wondering, Ando has won three Euroleague titles and been to the Final Four “nine or 10 times”.

 

DON’T let today’s headline mislead you that Lance Hurdle has the second import slot wrapped up at Wollongong Hawks.

That really isn’t the case, though he is in with a chance after paying his way back from the USA to give it a shot.

We ran the story today and here’s the link if you are interested: http://bit.ly/12WDMDA

Apart from the online coverage though, what impressed me was the fact Hurdle would want to come back, which says so much about the Hawks organisation.

“We value Lance and we looked after him last season (when he suffered a season-ending knee injury,” Hawks GM Stuart Wilkinson said.

“It’s not the Hawks’ way to say: ‘You’re hurt, we’re shipping you out’ and the fact he is back is testimony to that.”

Hurdle still is working his way back to full fitness, something of which Wollongong is mindful, having brought in others to trial.

“Lance is going to give it all he’s got and hopefully, he’ll be in the mix when the decision is made,” Wilkinson said.

Playmaking guard Rhys Martin, who also suffered a season-ending knee injury in the same NBL game as Hurdle on that fateful January 11, is coming along well in his recovery.

“Rhys is on track,” coach Gordie McLeod said.

“He is where the doctors want him to be.

“We don’t want to rush it so he’s doing warmups and some drills but not any contact work at this point in time.”

READ a tweet from “new recruit” Shaun Bruce, Cairns’ Taipans backup point guard yesterday which said: “Thanks everyone for the kind messages today, excited to be apart of the @CairnsTaipans and can't wait for the season to begin.”

Is Shaun the only one who didn’t know?

HAD the pleasure of speaking with enigmatic Ken Richardson today, in the wake of yesterday’s blog about the NBL’s Hall of Fame.

To say the great man is unwell would be an understatement but he was no less feisty or candid than at any time in his rich life.

I can only fervently hope any conversation about reclaiming the NBL’s Hall of Fame immediately includes inducting him into it.

He is one of a kind.

THE NBL preseason tips off tonight with Sydney Kings hosting University of New Mexico.

The preseason schedule at present looks something like this:

Tonight, Sydney Kings v University of New Mexico at Bankstown

August 8, Sydney Kings v Butler University at Newington College

August 11, Cairns Taipans v Butler University at Cairns

August 12, Wollongong Hawks v St Mary's College at Shoalhaven

August 15, Melbourne Tigers v St Mary's College at Kilsyth

August 16-23, Adelaide 36ers six-game China tour at Shenzhen and Nanning

August 20, Cairns Taipans v St Mary's College at Southport

August 30, Sydney Kings v Melbourne Tigers at Gosford

August 31, Sydney Kings v Melbourne Tigers at Hills Hornets

September 6, Cairns Taipans v Wollongong Hawks at Cairns

September 7, Cairns Taipans v Wollongong Hawks at Cairns

September 10, New Zealand Breakers v Melbourne Tigers at Christchurch

September 12, New Zealand Breakers v Melbourne Tigers at Wellington

September 20-22, NBL Pre-season Tournament, at *Sydney

September 27, Sydney Kings v Wollongong Hawks at Sutherland

September 29, New Zealand Breakers v international opponent, TBA

September 29, Wollongong Hawks v Sydney Kings at Wollongong

October 1, New Zealand Breakers v international opponent, TBA

October 2, Adelaide 36ers v Melbourne Tigers at Millicent

October 3, New Zealand Breakers v international opponent, Auckland

October 3, Adelaide 36ers v Melbourne Tigers at Mount Gambier

Perth, Townsville still finalising schedules

(*To be confirmed)

The Australian Boomers also will play against Butler University on August 10 as part of their preparation for the Oceania Series.

THE SA SBL hits playoffs on Saturday, the draw out now.

Women's Qualifying Final: Sturt v North Adelaide at Pasadena at 6:30pm

Women's Elimination Final: Forestville v Eastern at Wayville at 6:30pm

Men's Qualifying Final: Woodville v Forestville at St. Clair at 8:15pm

Men's Elimination Final: Central Districts v North Adelaide at Starplex at 8:15pm