Nathan Jawai... Young Shaq?

By Ryan Mobilia

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to attend an NBL game in Far North Queensland. The Cairns Taipans versus the Gold Coast Blaze (more photos to follow later). I'd met him before, but this was the first time I have seen Man Mountain, 20 year old Aussie, Nathan Jawai. All 213cm, 128kgs of him!

Man, seeing him play (finally) in person, he really reminds me of a young Shaq. I'd heard the comparisons before, but the way he moves, the way he dominates, the way he goes for the huge dunk, the way he attacks every shot on defense, from a layup to a long jumper. He wants to destroy them all.


He had 8 offensive rebounds, and his touch wasn't as good as in his second game where he went off for a team high 27 points, but even when he missed, he just moved the Blaze around like kids and grabbed his own board.

The blocks he had, he SENT OUT! He flat out spiked them into the Cairns crowd. And the dunk he finished in the first quarter, palming the ball like Kouta in the post, pivot, jump. His elbow was above the rim off two feet, cocked/flicked his wrist like he was Brett Lee and dunked that thing like a Cricket Ball... If only you could find NBL highlights anywhere!

If you haven't yet seen this young Aussie yet, check out the Video below of a "young Shaq" - and trust me, the similarities are huge.

Get Excited!

The Muursepp Ultimatum

By Ryan Mobilia

This Summer... Coming to a court near you!

New Melbourne Tigers import Martin Muursepp, is set to hit 'The Cage' like a Hollywood Star... Bringing his game and Blockbuster Resume with him...

Every NBL team made significant changes, merry go round of talent and guns. The tigers still struggled to find a replacement for Rashad Tucker... Intially I was excited beyond belief as Paul Shirley had grown over the past couple of years to be one of my favourite sports writers, and I’d followed his adventures around the globe with great interest, it truly ended up, to good to be true that his “so called career” could drop him right in our lap. The next player touted as our import replacement for Shad was former NBA player Sean Lampley who ultimately chose the weaker league of Japan to ply his trade. Surely he dominates league, heck they Japanese only use 8 foot high rims growing up! Next in the rumour line was another friend of Chris Anstey, Martin Muursepp, another former NBA talent.

But as we saw with Todd Fuller last year, who’s career was short lived ill, in the ill fated Great South Dragons NBA experiment. The NBA does not always prepare you for the challenges of the NBL!

Only time will tell.

Hailing from Estonia, this ex NBA player is the second import for the 2007/08 Melbourne Tigers.

But all I could think about when I heard 'Estonia' was the only other reference I have for that Country and that is from the Movie "ENCINO MAN". Being the place where the boys claim "Link" (Brendan Fraser) is from as a cover up!



Clearly I'll need to bone up, as this demonstrates my ignorance of European *I hope* countries.

Aussie Girls Star in WNBA Domination!

Full article in process (be up on monday) until a sneak preview...

Captions by Ryan Mobilia.

Yay, Tigers Take on Yao and Yi and China!

A short update on the Melbourne Tigers Preseason.

See article below and watch footage of Tigers taking on the Might Yao Ming and China

Tigers down to Chinese giant
Thursday, September 6, 2007 - 08:40 AM
Melbourne Tigers

After three strong wins on the current pre-season tour of China, the Melbourne Tigers went down to the Chinese national team in Shenzhen on Monday night, 69-56.

The Tigers’ strong defense was impressive against the Chinese, holding them to just 69 points for the game as they trailed by just six points at half time.

Tommy Greer top scored for the Tigers with 12 points and Daryl Corletto also continued on his consistent form with 10 points.

Martin Muursepp and Chris Anstey are proving a dominant force in the early stages of their playing partnership together scoring a third of the Tigers total points for the game with 10 and 9 points respectively.

“We played reasonably well, it was a positive game against a very professional team and if we had of shot the ball better we would have had a good chance of winning,” Tigers Director Seamus McPeake said.

Despite facing an uphill battle against powerhouse NBA player Yao Ming, the Tigers held their own on the boards leading 40-38.

Ming scored 12 points and had eight rebounds for the game, also strong for the Chinese was recently signed Milwaukee Bucks NBA player Yi Jianlian who had 19 points and 10 rebounds.

“Yao Ming is a monster of a man at 7’6”, but we managed to keep them to just 69 points which is good, but we didn’t shoot as well as we have been.”

“If we make those important baskets in the next game we will be very likely to take home a win,” McPeake said.

Dirk Down Under... Who knew?

By Ryan Mobilia

Today we found out that Dennis Rodman will not be joining the South Dragons for a pre season game.
Everyone I spoke to about this was genuinely excited to see the 46 year old, including me. It would've been a great trip down memory lane. My sister was even going to break out her old Bulls, Rodman 91 Jersey!

Now, it may be a slight on our National League that most people think Rodman could keep up. He couldn't. But most fans from the 90's wouldn't know how great our league has become.

It's not 1996 anymore, but this announcement got people thinking about the good old days of NBA and NBL and could have snagged a couple hundred new members to the Melbourne NBL teams if it hadn't of fallen through. Something epecially needed as the Melbourne Victory attempt back to back A-League Flags.

But more importantly, it became known yesterday, that while we were sweating on seeing a 46 year old drugged up, alcoholic try and match it with the NBL in a novelty game, we missed the biggest thing in Basketball to hit our shores in years...

The reigning NBA MVP was in the country travelling around like the proverbial 'German Backpacker' and there was no word... Dirk Nowitzki!

As Pink would say, "Who knew?"

Dirk? You couldn't have made one, two appearances? Surely someone in Basketball knew and could have organised something, not an NBA Jam, but something, hell, even Singapore gets TJ Ford and the NJ Nets Dancers at the moment...

We have THE CURRENT MVP of the best league in the world, and can't get an appearance? The NBA has zero connection to Oz these days, but here was the perfect opportunity to satisfy the masses... and nothing. Of course... I say masses, but if the interest was that high in basketball these days, surely more people would have noticed the 7 foot blonde German for who he is, and alerted the media!

His accomplishments thus far include:

2007 NBA Most Valuable Player
Six-time All-Star
Seven-time All-NBA
2002 World Championships MVP
2005 Eurobasket MVP
2006 All-Star Three-Point Shootout Champion (as a 7 footer!)

I would have done almost anything to get to a clinic or game he was at (even for just an hour!)... The MVP of the NBA! One of the most consistent exceptional talents of the past few years. Someone who knows Chris Anstey, from there days together at the Mavs. A non american who rose to the top of the NBA - surely this is a player who's journey to superstardom is comparable to Aussies trying to make it? Surely a speech could have been beneficial to the nations hoop lovers and encourage those striving for the heights of basketball greatness, that, if you are smart enough and dedicated enough, you can make it (Dirk was drafted in the 9 and then traded for Tractor Traylor, widely regarded now as the most lopsided trade in NBA history...)



Dirk himself must realise what being noticed by someone like himself could do for a youngster with Hoop Dreams:
He was first noticed by the NBA world when a team of American pro stars, including Scottie Pippen, Jason Kidd, Gary Payton and Charles Barkley, came to Germany and played an exhibition game against a German national youth team in September 1997. During the game, Nowitzki dunked over Charles Barkley. Barkley saw a future superstar in the gangly German teenager and later admitted to offering to pay him "any amount of money he wanted if he would come to his alma mater, Auburn."

Nowitzki did not truly gain international attention, however, until the March 1998 Nike Hoop Summit in San Antonio, Texas, where he notched 33 points and 14 rebounds to lead a team of international juniors to a surprise victory over a U.S. junior team. [2]

Sure he was trying to get away, and not think about the First Round loss to G State in the Playoffs. But an hour here and there over weeks of escape is something even he could have handled. I didn't have a clue, I wish I had known.

Well, what did he get up to on his holiday in Oz?

"We did a lot of camping and went everywhere: Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Adelaide. Obviously, it's winter in the Southern Hemisphere, so we didn't see the sun for three weeks. We went old school and rented like a four-wheel drive and slept some nights in the car."

It seems he really enjoyed his trip down under, even picking up some of lingo... When asked:

Where are you going to keep your MVP trophy?
"It's in Germany, mate. I gave it to my mom."

Dirk's had a lot to think about after his MVP season and early playoff exit.

The following is a phone conversation with Nowitzki from Mallorca on the eve of the tournament, which runs Monday through Sept. 16


We've been reading German press reports over here about your recent trip Down Under to search for "the meaning of life." Is that what you were actually doing?

It wasn't really about that. First of all, I always wanted to see Australia. But I really just wanted to get away [after the Golden State series]. Hopefully, our season is never going to be that short again, so this was my chance to get away for a good four or five weeks. It seemed like Australia was the best spot to go. Nobody cares about the MVP down there. It wasn't hard at all [traveling] around. It was great, actually.

Give us some highlights from the trip.

First we flew from Frankfurt to Dubai, which is nuts. They have everything there. We stayed in a seven-star hotel, craziest hotel I've even seen. It's 120 degrees outside and you can ski in a skiing arena. But I can't ski because of my contract, so we only stayed there for two nights. I wanted to get to Australia anyway.

We did a lot of camping and went everywhere: Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Adelaide. Obviously, it's winter in the Southern Hemisphere, so we didn't see the sun for three weeks. We went old school and rented like a four-wheel drive and slept some nights in the car.

You slept where?

You could set it up where the whole roof of the car turns into a [tent and] bed. So I slept upstairs and [longtime mentor] Holger [Geschwindner] slept downstairs. It's pretty smart.

Sounds like you really did get away from the game.

You never see any basketball where we were. I think I saw one half of one game of the Finals. It was at like 10 in the morning. But [the series] was so brutal that I couldn't watch it.

All that time traveling with your personal shot doctor and basketball never came up?

Obviously, we talked about the playoffs and my career and how far I've come and what I have to do [after the disappointment of the playoffs]. But some days we wouldn't say two words to each other. Some days you talk for eight hours. It just depends.

Any other highlights from the trip?

I grew a full beard. I shaved the night before we left and then I said that I'm not even going to take a razor. After about three weeks, I had a full beard and I couldn't even look at myself. But I had to keep it until I got back to Germany. I wanted everybody [in the family] to see it.

Since you've been back in the gym, what have you been working on?

I've worked hard these last two months. I don't think I can get in better shape than I am right now. But I want to keep trying to be more athletic. I know I'm never going to jump higher. But I can work on my first step, trying to make it quicker.

Are you ready to go back under the microscope of playing games, albeit with Germany instead of the Mavs?

I've been under the microscope already for the last couple years. I don't think it's going to change too much.

You said from the start of your NBA career that getting to the Olympics with Germany is your dream. Does that finally happen this summer?

I hope so, but it's going to be pretty tough. We have to finish in the top two or three [at Eurobasket] to qualify [for the Olympics]. I've been saying that Spain and Greece are the heavy favorites, but after that, I think the field is wide open. Since we finished second [in Eurobasket 2005], I think we've got a shot.

How many more summers will you play for your country?
I'm committed until the 2008 Olympics, then I'll probably take a break. I didn't say I will retire forever, but it will be time for a break. How long that break will be, nobody knows. I never know what the future is going to bring.

Have you gone back yet and watched any of the Golden State series?

I can't see myself doing that any time soon. Maybe I should. Once I get back [to the States], maybe I'll ask our video guys to put together [clips from] some of my offensive [possessions]. But I don't really need to watch it again. I already know what they did to me. They played me with a smaller guy, they fronted me, they crowded me.

Losing to Miami in the Finals after taking the 2-0 lead or losing to Don Nelson and the Warriors in the first round -- which hurts worse?

I still put them on the same level frustrationwise. That one year when we went to the Finals, we weren't the heavy favorites [in the playoffs] even though we should have won the Finals. This time, we were the heavy favorites and we said from the beginning that anything but a championship would be a huge disappointment. I rank them both on a high level of frustration. But you gotta keep going.

Your buddy Steve Nash keeps saying that winning the MVP trophy will actually help you get over the playoff disappointment as opposed to putting more pressure on you. Is he right?

It's an unbelievable honor that I'll never forget. But I consider this a team game, not an individual game. If you don't win it all … the toughest thing is that it's always going to combine with our [first-round exit].

When I think back on the season, I don't think of the MVP. I think of the playoffs. I've always taken losses hard. I think I take losses harder probably than anyone else in this league.

So how hard on yourself are you four months later?

Actually, I feel pretty good right now. I think I got over the worst of it. The two months I took off were the longest I haven't touched a ball in 10 years or more.

But is it fair to say that you might have squandered two of your best chances to win a championship?

I know I'm almost 30, but I feel like I still have a lot of good years left in me. I don't think [last season] was the last chance.

After the last two playoff endings, some of us find it surprising that the Mavs will go into next season with no major roster changes. Do you?

We had trouble with one team, not 29. We still have a good team. I don't think it's time to panic because we had trouble with one team over three years. To win 67 games was very, very special. We just met a hot team. I don't want to think that everything we're doing in Dallas is wrong because we lost to one hot team. I still believe we have some great pieces, with a great coach and a great owner and a great organization that will hopefully win it all one day.

So you disagree with armchair psychologists like me who say that the roster needed more of a shake-up because the Miami and Golden State endings inflicted long-lasting scars that won't just go away?

You're asking some hypothetical questions. Nobody knows. You [media] guys are the experts. You guys all talk, but nobody really knows if we can [bounce back] or we can't. We're just going to have to go out and get over it. None of us are saying, 'No, we can't.' I think The General [coach Avery Johnson] is going to get everybody ready.

OK, then. Here's a nonhypothetical question: Where are you going to keep your MVP trophy?

It's in Germany, mate. I gave it to my mom.

Boomers eyeing the next big hit!

Stephen Howell wrote a great article today...

Boomers eyeing the next big hit

Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 10:24 AM
Stephen Howell - The Age

Debutant Patrick Mills was a quick hit with fans in the Boomers' Olympic qualifier against New Zealand in Melbourne this week, and by the Beijing Games next year, there could be a second indigenous player in the team who is built to be an even bigger hit.

The player being eyed by coach Brian Goorjian to come into the 12 with 181-centimetre Mills is his 20-year-old mate, Nathan Jawai — all 203 centimetres and 130 kilograms of him.

In fact, if Jawai had not been recovering from a knee injury and getting his weight down after it ballooned to 140 kilograms, he might have been in the team alongside the explosive Mills already, as the first indigenous members of the national senior side since Mills' uncle, Danny Morseu, in the 1980s.

That is the view of Goorjian and former Boomers assistant Alan Black, who will coach Jawai in his National Basketball League debut with Cairns Taipans in the season starting next month.


"I wanted Patrick involved in the program now," Goorjian said.

"I saw him as maybe No. 11 or No. 12 (the likely learner spots in Beijing), as I did Nathan Jawai. Succession planning is important and we need two or three young ones in there for the following games (the world championships in 2010)."

Mills had a third season at the Australian Institute of Sport in his home town, Canberra, last year, whereas Jawai, who came to Cairns from Barnaga in far north Queensland as a 15-year-old identified by Australian football scouts, left the institute for the US.

He came home at Christmas, 14 games into his rookie season with Midland College, a junior school in Texas, after injuring his knee. He signed for two seasons with the Taipans. His knee is better now, but he has had to fight back to fitness after letting his weight go.

Black said he would wait until Jawai produced on court in the NBL before labelling him a future league star and national team player, but said he had the potential to reach those lofty levels.

"He's still learning," Black said. "He wasn't a basketball kid … when he came down here (to Cairns), all the basketball people said come and play a real game, and he did.

"He's big and powerful, but he's quite a bit different to anything we've seen in Australia — he's got quick feet and he's got good hands."

Goorjian had a comparison to draw on. "He looks like Shaq," he said, putting up American giant Shaquille O'Neal as Jawai's type.

"He's powerful, he's a beast. I think that kid's gonna draw more attention (than Mills). People will come out just to look at him.

"Those are the two I wanted. I wanted Jawai before I wanted him (Mills), but he's matured real quick in the past 12 months."

For now, the focus is on Mills as he already is a Boomer.

The hope is Jawai is a boomer, too.



I took the opportunity to introduce myself to Nathan late last year when he'd travelled to Melbourne to see his mate Joe Ingles play live for the South Dragons. He was very courteous and seemed a little surprised I knew who he was. Now, add these two prospects, with Joe Ingles and there you have the three players that should make the Olympic squad next year that Goorjian speaks of. All three have experience playing together at the AIS, and from what I can tell (and Myspace can be accurately relied on) are the best of friends...

Things look very exciting for the Boomers 2008 and Beyond!

Dear Basketball Australia...

I've got to get something off my chest. Last night the Boomers defeated a very talented NZ team, but as a spectacle it was atrocious.

The NBL in Melbourne does such a great job, I assumed that an International clash of this importance would have been even better, but frankly, it stank.

The announcer for the game was neither of the great entertainers from the Melbourne NBL clubs, The Rattler from the Tigers or Glenn Manton from the Dragons. Both would have been perfect to help get the crowd into the game. Snory Mc SnoozeFest, (apparently a Dandenong announcer?) was not the right choice. Little things make a huge difference, and this whole spectacle wreaked of unprofessionalism. Where was the music, where were the cheerleaders, where were the sound effects after a missed free throw or turnover... Who doesn't love a "Bum-Bow" - (or however it's spelt), or a "Doh!"... These are little things that lighten the mood and get the crowd involved. Even the halftime and timeout games showed the imagination of children.

The stadium was half full, and it felt like it. No Mexican Wave, one half hearted Aussie Aussie Aussie. Terrible. Help was needed.






I've been to some wonderful Boomers games before, (Hell, I travelled to Japan last year just to go to the Games and support) the atmosphere has been electric. Not so last night, and considering the importance of the outcome it should have been.

Unfortunately, all of the parents in the crowd last night, that were contemplating making this a night out for the family over the coming NBL season, would surely be dreading exhibitions like this. All of the people I spoke with there were bored. It was embarrassing. The people I know from Basketball Australia circles were looking at each other and saying things like, "this just doesn't seem right."

The game didn't end up being close, but considering the lack of support from the organisers, they were lucky. On a Monday night, with half of your crowd school aged children, it didn't surprise me that it was so quiet and it could have been worse. I sat right next to Shane Heal, commenting for fox sports or NZ Sports of something, and he looked bored out of his brain. Certainly nothing like his usual self. Something else was needed and Basketball Australia let Melbourne and basketball in this country down. BIG TIME.

Here's hoping they turn things around for games two and three, but they blew it for us in Melbourne. I can't wait for the NBL to start so I can drag my friends back again and prove that not all basketball in this country is this draining.

Thanks for your time

Ryan

I hope Goorjian knows what he's doing.

By Ryan Mobilia

Brian knows what to expect. There is a lot of pressure on some of his selections to perform. Losing this series is almost the worst thing that could happen to Basketball in Australia. He says he's not scared. That's good.
I agree with the thoughts of Phil Smyth and Boti Nagy. Perhaps it is more important to have players in the squad that know Goorjians system, than a more talented bunch that don't know work as well together. This isn't necessarily a chemistry problem that cannot be overcome, but I think that Brian and perhaps much of BA were thinking that the NZ squad is know each other well, after essentially playing together for the TalLBlacks for years.


But I strongly disagree with leaving out Luke Schensher over, say, Russell Hinder. NBA experience is NBA experience. Rusty may see quite a few minutes in this 3 game series but, whatever our next stop is, Olympics or another Qualifying tournament, I would much rather have seen how Schensher meshed with the rest of the Boomers now. Hinder will not make the Olympic team period. Schensher has a chance. Considering Hinder is expected to have a miminal impact as probably the 11th or 12th guy on the current team, it would have been much more beneficial to the program to have him involved. Especially now that we know he is not injured. Hopefully we don't lose him from the national squad now for good.

I agree with Shane Heal that talent wise, Luke Kendall is a down grade on exciting youngster Joe Ingles. But this team desperatly needs point guard experience, and with CJ out, and this being Darnell and Patrick first real international experience. I understand why he went with Kendall. If CJ was available I could see Luke being left out.


Issues of favouritism arrive due to the fact that so many Syndey Kings players made this team. This has been happening for the past few years, and I don't blame the players, and now I can see where the coach is coming from is his selections too. He is desperate. If we lose this series, there is every chance we miss out on the Olympics and a great chance at a medal, with a 100% available list. It's just that players who are less than NBL allstar's appear to be able to make the Australian Squad if they play for the Sydney Kings.

It happened in 2005 with an unknown Mark Worthington. It happened in 2006 in Japan with Jason Smith, Russell Hinder, Luke Kendall, Mark Worthington, Dave Barlow, CJ Bruton (all players from Goorjians system). And it is happening again now, with 5 Kings selected in the 12. Only two of which have any real chance of making our Olympic squad (Saville and Worthington).

I suppose time will tell, and in a fortnights time we will know if the gamble of choosing in effect, a champion team over a team of champions!

Go Boomers!

LJ47 has my heart...

Lauren Jackson is a superduperstar.

Although she will never get the recognition of some of Australia's other favourite athletes. She is the absolute best women's basketball player ever. Women's basketball certainly doesn't get the coverage it should, but neither does mens ball in Australia at least. In the states it's a bit different, Mens College and the NBA Leagues recieve all of the attention, but more than the attention, the respect! (See my post last month on the sendup of the WNBA)
I love Lauren Jackson, but not in the same way that I love my girlfriend, or say, a Red Rooster Strip Sub... but more in the way I love Andrew Gaze, or any other Australian competing versus the world... She is amazing.

I won't go into the long list of accolades that this women of mid twenties has acheived, I'm here just to let you know how I feel, and about another amazing feat she performed this week.

As stated on WNBA:

"Although her team lost by a point in overtime to the Mystics, Jackson tied Phoenix's Diana Taurasi for the most points ever scored in a WNBA game by finishing with 47.
She made a league-record 18 field goals, pulled down 14 rebounds and committed just one turnover in a straight-out-of-a-video game performance.

The forward/center knocked down jumpers and attacked the basket on the way to coverting 18-of-28 shots. She scored 33 points after intermission and connected on 16 of her first 20 attempts.

Her previous career high for points was 35.

Jackson is the greatest female basketball player to ever live. There, I said it. I dare you to prove me wrong."

In scoring 47 points in a single overtime game, in such a low scoring league, my love for her grew, like the pressure that now grows thorughout the WNBA to catch her in the race to her second MVP award this season!



Thanks to WNBA.com:

Race to the MVP - Overall Player Rankings 1. Lauren Jackson, Seattle
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
23.8 10.1 1.3 0.9 2.0 .517 .868

Last Week's Rank - 1
Barring injury, there is no way that Jackson doesn't win the league's biggest individual award. She is first in points and second in rebounds and blocked shots.


2. Deanna Nolan, Detroit
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
17.7 3.9 4.3 1.5 0.4 .480 .804

Last Week's Rank - 3
Cheryl Ford is hurt again, but with the way that Nolan is playing, it might not even matter. The Shock have won seven in a row. On Tuesday, she had 36 points and seven assists.


3. Tamika Catchings, Indiana
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
16.6 9.0 4.7 3.1 1.1 .417 .820

Last Week's Rank - 2
Catchings' MVP worth has actually gone up since she has been on the sidelines. Without their superstar, the Fever have lost three in a row.


4. Becky Hammon, San Antonio
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
19.1 2.7 5.2 1.1 0.2 .477 .938

Last Week's Rank - 4
The Silver Stars, who have won seven of eight, have been the biggest surprise of the season and Hammon deserves a lot of the credit for their turnaround.


5. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
17.2 4.1 4.1 1.3 1.0 .409 .856

Last Week's Rank - 5
Taurasi is scoring less, but the team is winning more. Her other numbers across the board have been outstanding.


6. Katie Douglas, Connecticut
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
17.8 4.5 4.0 2.0 0.3 .445 .800

Last Week's Rank - 8
After a terrible start to the season, the Sun are the team most likely to upset the Shock in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Douglas is the top option for the always dangerous club.


7. Sophia Young, San Antonio
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
15.9 6.1 1.3 1.3 0.4 .491 .750

Last Week's Rank - 10
Young, who has reached double-digits in points in nine straight games, is one of the key players for the West-leading Silver Stars.


8. Candice Dupree, Chicago
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
18.0 7.6 1.5 0.9 1.3 .456 .780

Last Week's Rank - 9
A strong case could have been made in the beginning of the season that Dupree was the most dominant player in the WNBA. She has been struggling lately, failing to score at least 20 points in six straight games.


9. Alana Beard, Washington
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
18.6 4.0 3.1 2.0 0.9 .419 .825

Last Week's Rank - 12
The Mystics are making a late charge towards the postseason thanks to the all-around play of Beard.


10. Penny Taylor, Phoenix (ANOTHER AUSSIE!)
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
17.7 6.3 2.7 1.3 0.4 .500 .862

Last Week's Rank - 13
Yes, Diana Taurasi is still the heart and soul of the team, but Taylor has been arguably the best offensive player in the league in the past 11 games.


On the Outside Looking In (season averages - last week's rank)
11. Cheryl Ford (Detroit): 13.0 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 1.5 APG - (6)
12. Rebekkah Brunson (Sacramento): 11.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 0.8 APG - (7)
13. Asjha Jones (Connecticut): 15.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.7 APG - (11)
14. Tina Thompson (Houston): 18.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.8 APG - (14)
15. Lindsay Whalen (Connecticut): 13.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 5.0 APG - (Unranked)


Stop there. I know you're thinking it. Don't. "Why has she only won one MVP award then if she's so good?" WELL... since you asked anyway... Basically, she has not been fit enough, due to her hectic schudule and unwavering commitment to the Australian National team the Opals in her supposed "off time"! Couple that with the fact that she is always double teamed and routinely TRIPLE TEAMED, she still has been runnerup or close to it in recent years.

Now she is healthy, finally, and tearing the league apart!



Coach Anne Donovan was asked last week what it would be like if Seattle's Lauren Jackson got single coverage in a WNBA game.

"I think she would score 50 -- and I'm sincere about that," she said.

"She's not someone I want to play 38 minutes," Donovan said earlier this month. "Thirty-six, OK. But when it gets to be more than that, she gets tired because she doesn't know how to pace herself. She plays so dang hard."

Once again, just look at what she did in this game:

"Playing 42 of the 45 minutes, Jackson shot 18-28 from the field and 9-11 from the free-throw line, while grabbing 14 rebounds.
It was only the fifth time a player had scored 40 or more points in a WNBA game.

Jackson's effort of 47 points, eclipsing her WNBA best of 35, tied the WNBA record of Phoenix Mercury's Diana Taurasi in a 111-110 triple-overtime win against the Houston Comets last year.

The dominance of Jackson was underlined by her 33 points in the second half, including a stretch of 23 of 27, while she opened by making 16 of her first 20 shots.

Not surprisingly, Jackson hit two free-throws with 3.2sec left in regulation to send the game into OT, but the Storm (12-12) could not overcome Alana Beard's 27 points to steer the Mystics (10-13) to a win."

Just watch this clip of Highlights from the game and tell me you don't love her too!

I DARE YOU!



http://broadband.wnba.com/cc/playa.php?content=video&url=http://wnba-boss.streamos.com/wmedia/wnba/wnba/recaps/jackson_l_record_47points_070724.asx&contentpath=http://wnba-boss.streamos.com/wmedia/wnba/wnba/recaps/jackson_l_record_47points_070724.asx&secondClick=1&wnbasite=

For more on LJ visit her website, www.laurenjackson.org

JESS BEARZATTO - Wildcat to Lady BearCat!

>

After being noticed by a number of scouts in the Under 18 National Championship, Jessica started down the path that has led to a College career, travel and accolades she could never have envisaged when she first picked up a ball for the Wildcats. She now plays guard for another type of cat, the Brecia University Lady Bearcats!

Growing up Jessica always wanted to be like her older brothers, but it didn’t take long for her competitive side to take over. She wanted not only to be like them, but better than them! Now, this young lady has taken her all of that determination and desire with her to the USA, and is playing College basketball in the sports mad state of Kentucky! That’s right, Kentucky famous in the US as the home of horseracing, Fried Chicken and College Sports, now Eltham Wildcat player Jess Bearzatto, is staking her claim to join the list!

Below are Jess’s responses to my questions to her via email, regarding life, sport, the Wildcats and dealing with College Basketball in Kentucky!


How old were you when you first became involved with the Wildcats?
Started when I was 7, in Under 8’s.

Who was your biggest basketball influence growing up ? Why?
My brothers. They all played and that was the reason I started to play. All I wanted to do was to be like them and play basketball as well. And of course to be better than them at it!

Biggest influence from the Wildcats?
It would be hard to name just one but my coaches throughout my junior career, notably Marissa Phillipou and Michael Spoor who both coached me through some great team and personal successes.

Favourite Wildcats related memory?
Winning my first Victorian Title in U16 with Marissa as our coach. But the second one was also as sweet in U18s.

Was college basketball always a dream? When did you know it could be a possibility?
Yes it was always a dream when it began being talked about for career pathways. I guess the first time I new it could become a possibility was at the U18 nationals when there were a few scouts there and fellow teammates were being approached and given offers after the titles. But as I was not in my ‘senior year’ (year 12) at that stage they could not approach me due to the NCAA rules.

Have you encountered home sickness? How do you keep in touch with home and Australia in general?
Homesickness was a big thing for be at the beginning. Just being away from family and friends killed me. The first few months were pretty hard but as friendships strengthened with the new friends I made it became easier. I kept in touch with friends and family through phone calls, emails, myspace, text messages etc. But both my parents and I bought a webcam so I was able to see my parents and brothers regularly through the webcam which was great!


How have you overcome/enjoyed the crowds/attention college basketball attracts?
The amount of attention college basketball or any college sports receives in America is amazing. Where I am (Kentucky) college basketball is far more popular than the NBA, so its huge! Its good that everyone gets so involved with it and gets behind you but some games the crowds can get very verbal and when you’re the away team, its normally at directed my team. I just normally laugh it off and it makes me want to win more and play better to shut the crowd up!

How do you handle training and doing school work? What are you studying outside of playbooks?
I handle the trainings and school work quite well. Preseason normally involves a lot more early morning sessions than when we are in season, so many afternoons involve a nap from the lack of sleep. During season when were on the road it’s a bit harder, but you just have to be organized. This year my study was just all general subjects as in America you need to complete so many hours of ‘general education’ classes, which are mostly fairly easy. So the load wasn’t to hard for me my first year but I can imagine it will be more as I have less general subjects to complete.

How did this particular school find you? (Any past Aussies that have been there?)
My coach (Sean Page) is actually an Australian and had previously been the assistant coach at Troy University were 5 other Australians are currently playing there (including Amy Lewis, ex Eltham teammate). So previously Troy had looked at me the year before, then Coach Page got the Head Coach position at Brescia and rung me up.

What are your plans after College? Basketball wise and other?
Not sure what my plans after college are but I will hopefully be playing at a higher level in Australia than what I was before I left for college as well as having a degree in some form of rehabilitation.

What is the best advice you were ever given regarding basketball and/or life?‘Sacrifice for the Pinnacle’ – This way my U16 team motto when we won the title. You have to sacrifice to get to the top and to be at the top.


If you would like to learn more about the College that Jessica attends or the League she plays in, visit the team website www.brescia.edu/bearcats/basketball/women/, or if you would like to contact myself or Jessica regarding any of this information, write to;

Ryan Mobilia at
ryanmobilia@yahoo.com.au

No NBL Blitz... gives me the sh.tz

It's winter in Melbourne... and as I invariably do, I've been spending most mental energy throughout these winter months dreaming of an excuse for an escape to warmer climates and the type of fun that work just can't offer! I thought I had figured it out, and was already preparing the entire trip in my head until I found out that, unfortunatly this year the NBL Blitz will not be going ahead... (and just when I decided it was time to travel to it, no matter where it was and blog form there!) There goes that plan. I knew how much I loved my one and only "Blitz" experience, and to couple that with a trip to warmer surroundings seemed like the ideal getaway. But, alas my plans were shot down before they really took off.

For those of you unaware the NBL Blitz is the Pre season competition in the NBL, similar to the NAB Cup in AFL or Summer Leagues in the NBA. It is usaually held over a weekend with all teams attending, simultaneously playing shortened games, showing off new recruits and fine tuning game plans in a wonderfully fan friendly atmosphere! Held in Melbourne in 2004 (at MSAC), Cairns in 2005, and Coffs Harbour in 2006 (a non NBL city, but with not exactly the pull of the NBA's non tennanted city Las Vegas!) and not being held in 2007.





My first (and only) true exposure to the blitz was in MSAC, all players playing on courts that I as a junior had played on, a players (like imports of the time), Andrew Gaze walking around... It really was a sight to behold, with five or so NBL games being played across the floor, all accessable and visible, none with more than one row of spectator seating!

The NBA is concluding their version of the Blitz known as "NBA Summer League", although it is a bit different, as often players on the teams, don't end up playing for that side. It's more of a try out season, BEFORE the pre season. But it is in the more galmourous locations of Las Vegas and Orlando during their summer. (Not exactly where the NBL has held theres!) Everyone I hear from at the NBL is disapointed that it will not be going ahead, I asked NBL Communications Manager, Marc Howard, and then it was confirmed in the interview with www.nbl.com.au by Chuck Harmison.

Read the full interview at http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=featuredisplay&aid=5179

Or just the section concerning the Blitz below:

"nbl.com.au: What’s happening with the pre-season tournament, the NBL Blitz for the 2007/08 season?

Chuck Harmison: Unfortunately that’s not going to happen this season. It became a fairly costly exercise, and we had to weigh that cost against the benefits.

Whilst I think it’s a really good exercise to bring all the players, coaches and referees together in one location, some of the teams found that the format of the games weren’t really beneficial to their pre-season preparation. We played shortened games, which were only two 12 minute halves, so they were pretty quick-fire matches and I think the coaches felt that they could get more mileage out of playing more full, 48 minute pre-season games around the country.

We therefore made the decision to drop it from our calendar this year, which to me is disappointing, but hopefully we can bring it back and perhaps in a different format in years to come. Maybe bring back full games so it’s more beneficial to the teams."

Chuck does make some valid points, and I understand that it could be a hassle to organise and finance. But I still think there is a place for it! Although right now the Singapore Slingers would struggle to compete, with there one contracted player (as multi talented as Ben Knight is...). But I think there is definitley room for the Blitz in some form and Cairns are holding some sort of practice against local squads which I think could be an idea.... Such as South Dragons vs ABA Allstars or something? Someone get Brad Noonan on the phone!!

I think it's a great way to generate interest. Show off the new imports (even if only sparingly) and Imagine a three team playoff tourney between, NZ, South Dragons and Melb, the Qld teams, NSW teams, Perth, Adelaide & Singapore Or an Allstar team of some sort!?



Just like the NBA fans wanted to see Oden and Durant, no matter how little. The excitement of NBL fans to see Jawai, Ingles and others go up against... veterans, even just to give us fans a taste!



Bill Simmons, acclaimed ESPN columnist was on hand for the US Summer League, and discussed many of the benefits of a Blitz type experience, that true Basketball Lovers remember from the NBL Blitz.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070718

Essentially his point revolves around the fact that... A) It's Hoops galour (to attract fans) B) Great Location (to attract players, sponsors and fans!)

He also mentions something I discussed in my blog last month about Bill Russell making the H.O.F before Andrew Gaze, which sums up my argument in one paragraph, proving the difference between the two! It makes me very angry, but I vented enough at the time.

Simmons: "Wait, did I mention that I inadvertently sat one row behind the new Sonics owners and their guest, the great Bill Russell?! You haven't really lived until you've seen Russ crush the hopes of every young autograph seeker from three feet away. He was swatting them away as if swatting hook shots from Rudy LaRusso and Walt Bellamy. Remember, kids, Bill Russell doesn't sign autographs; it's against his principles. Well, unless you give him lots of money up front."
I have little doubt that with the correct marketing, this could draw more crowds and revenue than any type of Boomers, NZ series (particularly this year.)*

I'm extremely disapointed with the marketing of the 3 game series between the Boomers and TallBlacks...

Hell, I love all things basketball, and am hardly excited about it! What with the wonderful ad campaign on the BA and NBL site showing Jason Smith taking a foul shot, and cutting to a kangaroo and Kiwi cartoon picture... I think I could have designed a more impressive design with pencil and paper!



Anywho... I think an exciting new concept, with crowds, would bring money, (Much like the thrill of the AFL preseason tourney. Everyone knows some "big names" will be missing, but it's a chance to get people excited!

I don't think the NBL has quite got this right yet?

All I want to do is read the paper...

By Ryan Mobilia

All I want to do is read the paper... it is the one thing that pushes me out into the stinging cold air of the bathroom. Away from my showering fantasy of hot springs, summer days and adventure. I was far removed from the day that lies ahead, but I know what will take me back to that place. I know it so well, the pages set out in a beautiful order that I can only imagine my life to one day resemble. It is a cold winter’s morning; ice has formed over my windscreen. My car stubbornly refuses to co operate on our short trip to the train station. Like a child nearing the dentists chair, it fusses and fights me. We sputter along at the ‘speed of snail’.

When I park the car I prepare myself for the run to the platform, a business suited flash, as I fly past a dawdling group of high schoolers. "Must be Clark Kent!" I heard one of them jibe. Kids weren't as quick witted where I went to school, I thought. I didn't run for the train itself, there would be plenty of those. I ran to secure those wonderful pages of uniformity, which gave structure to my morning. Structure to my life. All I want to do is read the paper...

My exchanges with my dealer were always short and sharp. "Cold out there!" "Yeah, thanks." "Have a good one!" "Ok, see ya tomorrow." Rapid conversations are the forte of my 'paper guy', that’s for certain. Eager not to miss out on any potential purchases, but also not to dismiss the clients he already has. He sits all day distributing medicine through paper, like a chemist handing out pain killers.

My paper means much more to me than pictures and words; it is an escape from reality. I soon lose myself in the stories and images that flood forth from within its walls, as my train rattles along not much faster than my car, and certainly no smoother. Does anything really want to get where they are going? Or like me, is the journey the reward?

I look up momentarily. I’m surrounded by school kids who jostle for seats that they'll occupy only for minutes. I wonder if the younger ones are driven by their screaming leg muscles, shouting up at them "Give me rest! I'm carrying twice your weight in that schoolbag and your back has called in sick again this morning!" I feel for those poor little fellas, but their high pitched voices, do little to endear them to me. How do they have so much energy?

Two mothers chat back and forth like the they are the only ones in our "cone of occasional silence" the struggles of ones children to concentrate on their studies blasted from their surround sound voice boxes. "I told him we all get teachers like that in our life. He's got to hang in there. All he wants to do is sleep." Well, I constrain myself from shouting, all I want to do is read the paper.


As I look around the carriages there're so many faces just like mine. Each captivated by their drug of choice. Some have their headphones blaring, others text their fingerprints away while many noses are buried deep in books. The rest of my trip flies by. All around me, the train, like a travelling community, welcomes and farewells. I’m in my own private universe until we jerk to a halt at the end of the line.

Before we charge into the battles that are our days and lives, we all attempt an escape. Bouncing along like sardines in foggy windowed cans, we escape in some way, shape or form and to each their own. But all I want to do is read the paper.

Mile High Cat

By Ryan Mobilia
DANIEL BASS

Colorado, the Mile High city of the West. Famous for it's Rocky Mountains, beer, and South Park... and not to mention "a little place called, Aspen!" (For the Jim Carrey fans out there). Colorado is also home to one other note worthy star. Eltham Wildcat turned Metro State Roadrunners , Daniel Bass!

A Wildcat ever since he picked up the ball at the age of 13, Daniel's journey has now taken him into the heart of basketball crazy Denver, to a school, and basketball program that many current Australian stars have partaken!

Daniel Bass is one of three Aussies that take to the court for Metro State, a school that has in recent years been a gold mine for young Australian talent to hone their skills and take their game to the next level. Some names to come through the program in the past few years include Australian Boomers National team members, and Sydney Kings in the NBL, Luke Kendall & Mark Worthington, as well as Melbourne Tigers exciting new recruit Dave Barlow.

I tracked down Dave Barlow (earmarked by many as the next Australian to make the leap to the NBA), and here are some of the glowing comments he had for the place he called home for a year..." I spent a year at Metro State and in that year I probably improved the most I ever have. The schedule was tough, 4 am wake up, training twice a day and get home at 7pm. The basketball was great and my coach taught me a lot."

Below are Daniel's responses to my questions to him via email, regarding life, sport, the Wildcats and who is Eric Cartman’s father? (not really!)

How old were you when you first became involved with the Wildcats?
13

Who was your biggest basketball influence growing up? Why?
I didn't really have one. Maybe Andrew Gaze.

Biggest influence from the Wildcats?
Marcus and Wayne Pollock. Then later Peter Thompson (they were) great coaches.*Please note, I coached Daniel in Under 14's, and he was much taller than me by then, although I didn't have the impact on his game as the others, you could tell he would be great!*

Favourite Wildcats related memory?
Winning the Vic championship in U18 when I was bottom age. We beat Bulleen by 1 point.

Was college basketball always a dream? When did you know it could be a possibility?
Not always. I just realised I could continue playing basketball over there, as there’s not really anywhere to continue to, (in Australia) after U18s at a good level.

Have you encountered home sickness?
Home sickness sometimes, but I’m keep pretty busy with school and ball. And I’ve also made many new mates over here, so I’m in good company with other guys. Also have two other Aussies on my college team, so that helps.

How do you keep in touch with home and Australia in general?
I keep in touch back home over email and use iChat where I can talk over video chat.

How have you overcome/enjoyed the crowds/attention college basketball attracts?
Been good, our school has its followers, (but) it’s not as big as others. As our school is a ‘commuter college’ people don't live close by, so we struggle sometimes to get a good home crowd.

How do you handle training and doing school work?
We have study sessions every day which is organised by the coaches to make sure we are completing school work every day.

What are you studying outside of playbooks?
I’m studying for Mechanical Engineering Degree.

How did this particular school find you? (Any past Aussies that have been there?)
Through contacts in Australia as (Coach) Mike Dunlap, has Aussie connections as he coached the Adelaide 36ers here some years ago. Other Aussies that have been there are, Luke Kendal, David Barlow, Mark Worthington, Drew Williamson and present Aussies are, myself, Jesse Wagstaff and Hayden Smith.

What are your plans after College? Basketball wise and other?
I plan on completing my Degree, and hopefully continue basketball perhaps coming back home to play for an NBL side. Or some people I know have had the opportunities to go to Europe to play.

What is the best advice you were ever given regarding basketball and/or life?
You only get out what you put in.

Daniel also has earned more accolades during his young basketball career than there is space to include here, including Victorian and Australia Junior Teams. If you would like to learn more about the College that Daniel attends or the League he plays in, visit the team website, www.gometrostate.com , or if you would like to contact myself or Daniel regarding any of this information, write to;

Ryan Mobilia at
ryanmobilia@yahoo.com.au

Wildcat of the North.

By Ryan Mobilia
LUKE COOPER

Growing up in the leafy Suburb of Eltham, is so far removed from the life in Anchorage Alaska, that rarely would you ever find a connection. If Australia is known as “Down Under” then surely Alaska could be known as “Up Over”. One a small outer suburban area, where the temperature never really gets below 0 in the winter and certainly never snows, (Well, once when I was in Prep!)

Yet over the past few years the gap between the countries and cultures at opposite ends of the world, has been bridged. Through basketball in fact! And in particular Luke Cooper, a life long member of the juggernaut that is the Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club, who has taken the lessons he learnt growing up in our world, across the globe to the far reaches of North America.

Alaska, known for it's isolation and cold temperatures, evokes in peoples minds igloos, hunting, and snow. But basketball?

Well he must be doing something right, as at the time of the interview Luke informed me he had been contacted and made aware of his inclusion in the Australian University Games team, and will be competing in the World Games in Bangkok this August.

Below are Luke's responses to my questions, sent via email to the States, regarding College life, Basketball, the Wildcats and Eskimos! (not really)

How old were you when you first became involved with the Wildcats?

I was 7 years of age.

Who was your biggest basketball influence growing up?

Definitely my parents.

Why?

They drove me to all of my games and were there to support me as I was growing up, whether it be through their financial support or just being there to support me. They are the reason I am here today.

Biggest influence from the Wildcats?

Peter Thompson. He coached me in under 14's and he taught me how to
compete and stay disciplined. Although some of the things he said back then
seemed stupid to me, when I look back I realise that he actually knew what he
is talking about, he is a great coach and a great guy.

Favourite Wildcats related memory?

I would say The Australia Day tournament and the friends that I have
made. The Australia Day Tournament was the most enjoyable weekend of my year
back then. Playing in the heat and being able to play against the best teams
in Australia was unbelievable and definitely something that should not be
taken for granted. I still stay in contact with guys I used to play with in
under 12's, so if not for playing basketball for Eltham then this would not
be possible.

Was college basketball always a dream? When did you know it could be a
possibility?

I don’t think it was ever a dream but always a possibility. After seeing
so many Australian players going over to play college I thought this would
be the only way I could take the next step and further my basketball
career and I feel I am on my way to doing this.

Have you encountered home sickness? How do you keep in touch with home
and Australia in general?

My first year in Alaska was the hardest of my life. It was the first
time I had ever been overseas and I was away for 8 months. To be across the
other side of the world from my family and friends and not really knowing
anyone at the start was really tough, but as I became familiar with my new
home and got to know my teammates and people in general I felt a lot more
comfortable. My freshman year (1st year) I talked to my parents 4 times a week, now
I talk to them once a week.

How have you overcome/enjoyed the crowds/attention college basketball
attracts?

It is definitely a lot different than playing Under 18's at Eltham High.
We played the University of Nevada this past season and there was 9,000
people there which made me check myself. The atmosphere was unbelievable and made
me realise how lucky I am to have the opportunity to play college basketball.

How do you handle training and doing school work? What are you studying
outside of playbooks?

It’s definitely hard to juggle my schoolwork and basketball especially
because if my grades are not up to standard then I am ineligible to
play. My time management skills have improved immensely over the past 3 years
and I have become a lot smarter and mature in establishing my priorities.
Hopefully once I have finished playing basketball over here I will have a degree
in Physical Education which will allow me to either teach back in Australia or
start coaching over here.

How did this particular school find you? (Any past Aussies that have been
there?)

I am actually the first Australian who has played at our school. After
realising college basketball was the thing for me I made a video tape
of myself playing ABA and sent it to a couple of colleges over here and
fortunately my coach liked what he saw and it was a long process from
there.

What are your plans after College? Basketball wise and other?

After my first month in Alaska I came to realise that I probably could
not live here. The climate is just not for me and I am way to far away from
my family. I am hoping that my basketball skills develop enough to be able
to come back and play in the NBL if not then I know Eltham ABA is always
there as there is no way that you will ever see me in any other colors than
the black and red.

What is the best advice you were ever given regarding basketball and/or
life?

"The harder you work the luckier you get". This advice is absolutely
true and I have seen evidence of this both over here and also back home. If
you put in the hours to become a great player there is no doubt you will be
rewarded. Success is an uncomfortable state and although it might not
feel worth it at the time, you will look back and be thankful that you put
the work in to achieve your goals.

Our school website is www.goseawolves.com. Although I have copied some
information about the year that I have just had and posted it below. I
also got a call yesterday and I have made the Australian University Games
team to play in the World Games in Bangkok in August.


Luke also has earned more accolades during his College career than there is space to include here. If you would like to learn more about the College that Luke attends or the impact that his play has had on their School and League visit the team website, www.goseawolves.com , or if you would like to contact myself or Luke regarding any of this information, write to;

Ryan Mobilia at
ryanmobilia@yahoo.com.au

Can't get no regard...

Our poor WNBA players...

The league is ridiculed in all forms of sports media and pop culture throughout the USA...

We are World Champions, but the heroics of Lauren Jackson (currently the Leagues leading scorer) Penny Taylor, and the countless others plying there trade OS gets no love in Aus, because it gets no love in the USA!

The crowds though I may add, are bigger than the NBL crowds here,

Here is the latest parody doing the rounds

Un momento Por favor!

Bill Russell before Andrew Gaze?... Un momento Por favor!!

I haven't used this blog to write anything about one of my all time favorite people, Andrew Barry Casson Gaze.

But his recent disclusion from the FIBA Hall of Fame innaugral inductees, left me somewhat broken. How could they leave out the great man, who embodied the FIBA International spirit his entire career, when it opens in Spain later in the year.

I have his autobiography (a signed copy) and DVD (some of the greatest banter of all time, and hilarious quotes!) I've defended this man many, many times, but a situation has now arisen to take my opinions to the internet!

Surely one of the Gaze's should have been on the 20! Lindsay Gaze, who was involved in every Olympic Games in basketball from 1956 to 2000, didn't even get on the original 33!

Like most people, I don't know who most of the people on this list are. Of the 20 who were chosen as the intitial group to be inducted, I know maybe 5. Oscar Schmidt, Meyers, Dean Smith, Stankovic and Bill Russell.

Let's use Russell as an example, as he is someone who most people would have heard of. What are the real reasons why this NBA star made the international Hall of Fame before Andrew Gaze?

My memories of Bill Russell are all from his Grey Haired later stages of life. I remember when he attended an NBA All star game in the late 1990's and everyone said how great it was that he was 'giving something back'. What a load of crap. If sitting in the stands looking like a sour old man, wearing a black baseball cap pulled down, with the statement "WHUT?" - is his endearing gesture and giving back moment, then this "Hall of Fame" really is a joke... Apparently he tried his hand at commentating after his retirement, but even then failed to be the personable star that the media was after.

Does that sound like someone who embodies what the new FIBA HOF is selling... According to them:

The primary goal of the FIBA Hall of Fame is to reflect the history of the sport and its protagonists. The key criterion for selection into the FIBA Hall of Fame is outstanding achievement, at the international level, to the development and status of the sport of basketball.

I don't really have anything against Russell, but come on, this reaks of Politics FIBA!

Sure Russell had an amazing NBA career, and even won an Olympic medal. Until recently, so did every other USA Olympic Basketballer, it's not like he dragged them up to the medal rounds, they dominated the CENTURY!

Russell was a great player, in the USA, but that is nothing to do with FIBA, surely Michael Jordan should be inducted now too, if accomplishments in the NBA pass for international achievements?

Russell led the University of San Francisco to NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956, earning the NCAA's Most Outstanding Player of the 1955 NCAA Tournament. In four seasons and 79 games at San Francisco, Russell compiled 1,636 points (20.7 ppg.) and 1,606 rebounds (20.3 rpg.). Russell delayed his pro debut so he could compete in the 1956 Olympics. He led the Americans to gold and an 8-0 record averaging a team best 14.1 ppg.

Following completion of the Olympics, Russell reported late to the Celtics but still managed to play in 48 of Boston's 72 games in 1956-57, and led the Celtics in field goal percentage and rebounding as Boston captured their first of many NBA titles while Russell occupied the post. Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, and elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975, Russell during his 13 year career (1956-57 to 1968-69) compiled 14,522 points (15.1 ppg.) and 21,620 rebounds (22.5 rpg.). A five time NBA MVP, he helped lead Boston to 11 NBA titles.
http://usfdons.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/061907aac.html

I obviously am a huge Andrew Gaze fan and supporter. Growing up an avid Melbourne Tigers and Boomers follower. I have been at many of Gazes huge occasions (particularly towards the later of his career) and watched many others intently from afar. This is not an entry about the validity of Andrew Gaze as a basketballer, his NBL and international statistics speak for themselves ....

ANDREW GAZE CAREER INFORMATION:

Domestic: Andrew Gaze began his stellar basketball career in earnest when he burst onto the Australian domestic scene in 1984, becoming the National Basketball League (NBL) Rookie of the Year at 18 years of age. By the time he retired 22 seasons later in 2005, he was the all-time leader in NBL games played (612), as well as points scored (18,908) and assists (3,531) with a career average of 31 points per game. He was also third all-time in steals (1,075). He won seven MVP awards (1991, ‘92, ‘94, ‘95, ‘96, ‘97, ‘98) and was runner-up four times (1989, ‘90, ‘93, 2001); he won 14 scoring titles (1986, ‘88, ‘89, ’91, ’92, ’93, ’94, ’95, ’96, ’97, ’98, ’99, 2000, ‘01); he was selected to the All-NBL First Team for 15 straight years (1986–2000); he was an 8-time NBL All-Star (1989, ’91, ’92, ’93, ’94, ’95, ’96, ’97) and was named All-Star MVP in 1989 and 1992; and he won two NBL championships (1993, ’97).

International: Having competed in no less than five Olympic Games, in 1984 (Los Angeles; 7th), 1988 (Seoul; 4th) 1992 (Barcelona; 6th) 1996 (Atlanta; 4th) and 2000 (Sydney; 4th), Andrew is one of Australia’s greatest Olympians and was honoured as such with flag bearer and team captain duties for the Australian Olympic Team at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. He led the Boomers to their highest Olympic achievement of fourth place in 1996. He has scored more points than any other player in Olympic competition and is the second highest scorer of all time in World Championship play, having competed at the 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1988 World Championships. He was also named Australia’s International Player of the Year five times (1990, ’94, ’95, ‘96, ‘98) and was inducted into the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame in 2004.

Other: In 1991 Andrew suited up for Italian club side Udine, becoming the first Australian to play professionally in Europe. In a six month stint in Italy he averaged his usual 30 points per game, as he did when later playing in Greece. As well as performing with distinction in European Leagues, Andrew led United States Division 1 college side Seton Hall to the NCAA Finals in 1989, posting a season average of 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists on 51 per cent field goal shooting, after which he was honoured with the West Regional MVP Award. He also had two stints in the NBA in a back-up shooting guard role (1993/94 and 1998/9), winning an NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999.

This is being written by a man who was willing to shed a tear with the entire crowd at the cage during his final game there, and scream for the blood of anyone daring to mess with him.

FIBA is the international governing body for Basketball. This is not the USA Hall of Fame. That is located in Springfield, Mass. I have visited this great museum/dome and it is clearly dominated by Americans, but even that has a number of Andrew Gaze pictures, and I would think he may even be inducted there one day. Now, if he is inducted in the USA version of the Basketball Hall of Fame and not the FIBA version located in Spain... something is wrong!

How could Bill Russell be inducted here before Andrew Gaze, let alone Lindsay. It's not like us Aussies have no connections in the head offices, THE PRESIDENT OF FIBA IS AUSTRALIAN! Mr. Bob Elphinston (AUS)

Andrew of course played down the nomination, and instead chose to build up the case for his father Lindsay, who was unbelievably left off the intitial 35 nominations all together!

“He’s done a hell of a lot more than I’ve ever done,” he said.

"And there's been plenty of other great contributors to the game over the years like Barry Barnes, Adrian Hurley, Phil Smyth, Larry Sengstock - there's many worthy candidates."

Missing the short list Andrew conitinued to be as positive as ever:

"I didn't know much about it (induction nomination). The way I found out that I was nominated was by reading it on the internet," Gaze said.

"It's nice to be nominated, but it's an on-going process. It's a process where you've got to get to this point a few times before you earn your way in. Hopefully sometime in the future I get that same consideration again."

The official website of the NBL is running poll on the topic. It has been demonstrated over the years that polls such as these are not there strong point. This particular one doesn't really achieve much, except to show that there are some jokers out there (myself included) that are willing to show how ridiculous the question is by voting no.

OF COURSE HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED!!

Should Andrew Gaze have been included in the 2007 FIBA Hall of Fame induction class?
77%
Yes
23%
No
Poll Archive

It's not the biggest travesity of all time that Andrew Gaze (5 time Olympian) didn't get in the final 20? But...

How could Bill Russell make it in before him? Is it because he is older and more likely to die first?

I am disappointed.

Please find below the list of 20 inductees for the 2007 Class of the FIBA Hall of Fame:

PLAYERS:Mr. Sergei BELOV (RUS) Mr. Dražen DALIPAGIC (SRB)Mr. Ivo DANEU (SLO)Mr. Oscar FURLONG (ARG)Mr. Nikos GALIS (GRE)Ms. Hortência MARCARI (BRA)Mr. Pierluigi MARZORATI (ITA)Ms. Ann MEYERS (USA)Mr. Amaury PASOS (BRA)Mr. Emiliano RODRÍGUEZ (ESP)Mr. Bill RUSSELL (USA)Ms. Uljana SEMJONOVA (LAT)

COACHES:Ms. Lidia ALEXEEVA (RUS)Mr. Dean SMITH (USA)Mr. Togo Renan SOARES, "Kanela" (posthumous) (BRA)Mr. Ranko ŽERAVICA (SRB)TECHNICAL OFFICIALS:Mr. Mario HOPENHAYM (URU)Mr. Ervin KASSAI (HUN)Mr. Allen RAE (CAN)

CONTRIBUTOR:Mr. Borislav STANKOVIC (SRB)

Andrew was not your prototypical basketball superstar like Russell:
"I'm fully aware of my limitations physically," said Gaze.
"I think I'm a little bit more athletic than people think," Gaze said with a smile.
"You exaggerate," said teammate and fellow sharpshooter Shane Heal. "You've got no athletic ability, mate."

But we'll always love you!