Japan clinches exhibition as Opals press claims
YOU'VE got to love it when a rookie comes on for her first run as an Opal, lines up at the keyway, snatches an offensive rebound from a missed free throw, gathers herself with a dribble, scores and takes the foul before adding a bonus free throw. Welcome to international play Anneli Maley.
Opals nipped in the bud by Japan
JAPAN yesterday overhauled a 10-point deficit, held onto a three-point lead, then stood back to allow Maddi Rocci a two-point layup which preserved a 56-55 Game 2 win in their three-match exhibition series against Australia. Surely that wasn't the play acting-Opals coach Cheryl Chambers drew up.
Fresh Opals polish off Japan
A PAIR of Opals Boomers, a rookie and a veteran tonight laid waste to a bold Japan, winning the opening game of a three-match exhibition 72-66 at Sydney's Quaycentre. The Tokyo Olympics Silver Medallists seized control in the third, only to see Jade Melbourne and Sara Blicavs snatch it back.
B&B: The GOAT on Bronze, Hawks, Dragons and more
BRAD Rosen and I had the GOAT of Australian basketball (if not pro sports) coaching, Brian Goorjian, as our interviewee on our Brad&Boti podcast well before the Tokyo Olympics. There's been two seasons with Illawarra in the NBL since, a Bronze Medal and now the region's "Euroleague" - the East Asian Super League.
B&B: Kev on the Kings, Wildcats, Boomers and more
THE NBL Grand Final series heads into Game 3 tonight with the Kings leading the JackJumpers 2-0, an ideal time for Brad Rosen and I to snare Sydney assistant coach, championship-winner, dual league MVP and naturalised Boomers Olympian Kevin Lisch for our Brad&Boti podcast.
LJ is back! How Seattle sees it
OUR US correspondent Bob Craven has given us an extra article this week, taken from the Seattle Times where the local beat-writer for the WNBA's Seattle Storm, former home of Australia's greatest player Lauren Jackson, has written up the US viewpoint on the superstar's return to the basketball hardwood.
B&B: Blowing the whistle on Dream Team
BILL Mildenhall is one of Australian basketball's greatest referees and arguably the most respected in NBL history. He's done it all when it comes to officiating - including ref the Dream Team in Barcelona 1992 - so Brad Rosen and I were thrilled to get him revisiting Memory Lane for this Brad&Boti podcast.
B&B: Sliding doors to Opals captain
THE WNBL Grand Final Series goes to a deciding Game 3 tomorrow in Melbourne but Brad Rosen and I were lucky enough to have Perth Lynx superstar Sami Whitcomb as our guest for this week's Brad&Boti podcast. Sami has one of the most amazing stories you're ever going to hear.
Fingers crossed for a strong finish
IN a season when it was definitely possible - if not probable - to lose complete faith in women's basketball in Australia, at least the WNBL had its MVP Anneli Maley right and tomorrow's Grand Finalists also promising finishing a dreadful year on a strong note. It was more than what we could have hoped for.
Sorry but still can't take BA or WNBL seriously
FINALS tip off tomorrow in the WNBL and we're drawing closer to the FIBA Women's World Cup but taking Basketball Australia or the current women's league seriously anymore is still beyond my meagre capabilities. Maybe I need a spouse to do my thinking for me and give me clarity. It seems to be all the rage.