TOTW Rd14: Finally back on a flyer
THEY started this NBL season with an improved lineup - on paper - compared to last season when the game's coaching GOAT, Brian Goorjian, dragged them back into playoffs, and they were very popular among pundits for a championship run. But as the season has worn on, Illawarra has looked worn out.
NBL Rd.14: Wildcats, Hawks under the pump
PERENNIAL powerhouse Perth has a chance to again flex its muscles in NBL Round 14 while Illawarra has a shot at revealing whether it truly has turned the corner against playoffs-bound South East Melbourne. And yes, despite challengers, Bryce Cotton is still the MVP favourite.
TOTW Rd13: Phenomenal win scores prize
IT took some phenomenal play and key free throws down the stretch for South East Melbourne Phoenix to outlast a fast-finishing Perth Wildcats crew and in the process snare the club's second Team of the Week accolade, as NBL Round 13 threw up a raft of erratic results.
NBL Rd13: The wheat is sorted from the chaff
OKAY, no more ill-informed or wishful thinking nonsense. NBL Round 13 WAS unlucky for some, most notably Adelaide, but fans of the 36ers, Bullets, Taipans and Breakers can settle down and accept their clubs will not be participating in the post-season. This round sorted the wheat from the chaff.
B&B: We're just giddy about Warrick
WE'VE had our share of great guests - current and blasts from the past - on our regular Brad&Boti podcast featuring Brad Rosen and myself. But this week we have a bit of both, strolling through the great career of Warrick Giddey and touching also on one or two of his star offspring.
NBL Rd13: Unlucky for some
A COUPLE of clubs still masquerading as Final Four contenders should have a very clear indication of where they are going - or not going - after NBL Round 13 concludes with eight challenging matches, perennial power Perth under the gun. Coach Scott Morrison has been in the firing line, probably unfairly, but the pressure is building.
TOTW Rd12: An apple a day for the newbies
THEY have done it yet again! For the fourth time in their debut NBL season, Tasmania's gutsy JackJumpers have claimed our award as the Team of the Week, this time for their road heroics in Wollongong over finals wannabe Illawarra. The JJs equalled the record for made threes in a 40-minute NBL game, Josh Adams 8-of-11.
NBL Rd12: Hawks join Fraud Squad, Kings out
SYDNEY may have tried everything possible to throw away its NBL win over Perth in the last 78 seconds, but it is a genuine Final Four candidate, the Illawarra Hawks now confirmed as members of the NBL Fraud Squad, joining Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns and New Zealand as Fool's Gold.
B&B: Brad and I take a Joey Time-Out
FORMER Adelaide 36ers, Brisbane Bullets and Gold Coast Blaze coach Joey Wright and I have a weekly "Time Out" podcast on Piranha Media but with Joey away, we invited Brad&Boti colleague Brad Rosen to join me for a visual treat. We also doubled it up as this week's Brad&Boti pod so this one is slightly different!
NBL Rd12: Look out for the Fraud Squad
GOOD news for Sydney fans. The Kings have finally exited the Fraud Squad offices, leaving Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns and New Zealand to contemplate how they will blow or blister in their next NBL game, while Illawarra considers whether it should check in.