Launching soon

2014-2015 NBL Season Starts

The 2014-2015 Australian Nation Basketball League will kick off over the weekend. All teams enter full of hope with visions of a championship trophy at the end. I doubt that I will be able to do a week by week type of thing this season but will take a quick look at the teams before the action tips off.

The Teams

Over the years....the NBL has grown from having a smattering of NBA calibre talent to the current era of nearly every team having recent draftees looking to improve their game Down Under.

Here we go...let's have a look.

Adelaide 36ers

After making a serious run at the crown last season, coach Joey Wright's team goes in looking for another solid year.

The Sixers will again be led by captain Adam Gibson and solid point guard Jamar Wilson. Daequon Montreal, by all accounts a scorer of high repute comes in to add punch to the attack.

The team should not be too far off last seasons pace though it may take a few weeks to hit their straps. 

Season Verdict: The Sixers should be in the hunt again but may finish in the 3-4 slot instead of top two.

Cairns Taipans

The Snakes just missed out on the post season last year and hope to move up a notch this season. 

To bolster their fortunes and hopefully get into the postseason, Cairns has brought in the ultimate floor general Scottie Wilbekin to run the pint guard spot. Alex Loughton and Cameron Tragardh shold be solid in the paint again for the North Queenslander's.

With everyone else in the league seemingly better, unfortunately for Cairns, they may win more games but may end up right back in 5th place again.

Season Verdict: Will just miss or just scrape in to the postseason, but if in the postseason, dangerous.

Melbourne United

After last season's third place finish, the newly branded team will take the court looking to be in the chase for the title. Chris Antsey has a variety of weapons at his disposal for the upcoming campaign including point guard Nate Tomlinson who led the league in assists last season.

Additionally, Antsey has the seasoned David Barlow, Daryl Corletto and Daniel Kickert at his disposal. And to round thins out...import Jordan McRae and 6'6" first man off the bench point guard Stephen Dennis will give the team versatility that will not be matched by many.

Season Verdict: Title Contenders 

New Zealand Breakers

After a sub par season by Breaker standards, look for the crew from across the ditch to come back to the play off picture with a vengeance. 

Former league MVP Cedric Jackson returns after a season abroad but finds lots of new faces among his team-mates. But there will be familiar faces waiting to greet him and benefit from his ball distribution including Mika Vukona, Tom Abercrombie and Mark Pledger. Throw in rugged but versatile big man and second import Ekene Ibekwe and the Breakers should be at the top 2-3 end of the table again.

Season Verdict: Might just win it all but have to stay relatively injury free

Perth Wildcats

Some teams have to rebuild.....Perth just seems to re-tool or reload.

This season...basically take out James Ennis, insert the fresh from NCAA Champion UConn DeAndre Daniels and it will be business as usual. The new import will pair with last season's Finals MVP Jermaine Beal to form a formidable nucleus for the Wildcats. Factor in usual suspects Shawn Redhage, Matthew Knight and Damian Martin...well you get the picture!!

Season Verdict: It won't be easy but start thinking back to back.

Sydney Kings

The men in purple have revamped their coaching staff and their squad for 2014-2015.

Throw in well travelled NBA and European veteran Josh Childress to team up with young guns Jason Cadee, Cody Ellis and Daniel Joyce among others. Second import Kendrick Perry will direct the show from the point with sharp shooter Ben Madgen benefiting from the openings that he will no doubt create.

Season Verdict: On the fringe of the playoffs again

Townsville Crocodiles

After a sub par 2013-2014 season by Croc standards, the Townsville crew come in looking to surprise this season. If nothing else, with the addition of import Mikell Gladness in the middle....opposing shots my go flying out at a higher rate. Fellow import Brian Conklin should be better in his second NBL campaign but a lack of depth could hurt this team in the long run

Season Verdict: Will surprise at times...will look bad at times....will miss the playoffs again

Wollongong Hawks

The Hawks will feature Jaji Carson, possibly the most exciting import for this season coming off a crowd pleasing Slam Dunk contest win in the pre-season NBL Blitz.  

There are numerous new faces in this years squad and a lot will depend on the development of the back court. 

Season Verdict: Will battle for fourth playoff spot

Tune in for the games this season on One or get out and catch some games if you live locally.

Championship Prediction: Perth over New Zealand for the title!!