Aussies Abroad
I recently sat down with Steve Hoare, NBL Champion, sixth man of the year winner, and all around good guy. A veteran of 465 NBL games over 17 seasons. I asked “the Aura” about life after basketball, road trips, 90’s jams, the NBL today, the 2020 Boomers, tuxedo wearing penguins, Spice girls, and what…
Read MoreAfter a season which would likely be his worst at NBA level, the pressure is on Matthew Dellavedova to return to the form that first resulted in signing a $38 million, four-year contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Having seemed bulletproof previously, ‘Delly’ was hampered by troublesome injuries with both knee and ankles issues limiting…
Read MoreJosh Green, the latest exciting Australian basketball talent has committed to play with the University of Arizona. He will become a Wildcat next year and move to Tucson, about a two hour drive south of Phoenix where he lived with his family and attended high school at the IMG Academy in Florida. THE…
Read MoreHaving been a mainstay in the Boomers squad for a number of years, 28 year-old Ryan Broekhoff finally gets his first opportunity at NBA level. The six foot seven swing-man signed a two-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks back in August having spent his entire professional career plying his trade in Europe. Although going…
Read MoreEntering his first season in the NBA, many Australians will be keeping a keen focus on 22 year-old Jonah Bolden. Having been drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 36th pick in the 2017 draft, Bolden spent the entirety of last season playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv. Helping his team to a title in the…
Read MoreEighty-eight contracted players will suit up for NBL teams in the opening round of the 2017/18 season, but there is one player who stands out above the rest to be the most average guy in the league. Going by the numbers he is not taller, shorter, lighter, heavier, younger or older than the average…
Read MoreThe 6 foot 10 big man enjoyed a breakout campaign in the NBA last season, starting in 67 regular season games for coach Brad Stevens at the Boston Celtics. Baynes proved even more valuable during the playoffs as his minutes further improved from the regular season, starting 12 of a possible 19 games as the…
Read MoreThis year’s NBL uniforms have been released, and even though they haven’t re-invented the wheel here, it seems there are enough improvements to make fans appreciate them. As all uniforms are not created equally, here are the pros and cons of what you’ll see later this year. Adelaide 36ers Pros The new…
Read MoreThe year 2000 was the beginning of the new millennium, but it was also the year that professional basketball ceased to exist inside the walls of Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. In 2000, the 15,200 seat stadium was home to Andrew Gaze and the 5th seed Melbourne Tigers as well as the 4th seed Victoria…
Read MoreSydney Kings General Manager Jeff Van Groningen joined the Aussie Hoopla podcast to explain the process behind signing the first player under the NBL Next Stars initiative. The Next Stars program is controlled by the NBL, not its teams, and will contract overseas players for development in Australia prior to entering the NBA draft. Key…
Read MorePrimary Language
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Top Club FC
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21 | 3 | 3 | 66 |
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The Reapers
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20 | 4 | 3 | 64 |
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Crimson Kings
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19 | 4 | 4 | 61 |
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Wind Slayers
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18 | 2 | 6 | 56 |
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Deadly Predators
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18 | 2 | 4 | 56 |
Next Game
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Adam Caporn’s Vision for the Boomers: Merging Goorjian and Lemanis’ Success
With Adam Caporn taking over as head coach of the Australian Boomers, the national team enters a critical phase in its evolution. A student of both Brian Goorjian and Andrej Lemanis, Caporn intends to build on their foundations, blending their distinct philosophies to create a balanced, adaptable, and high-performing team. In a recent interview with Aussie Hoopla, Caporn outlined his vision for the Boomers, his approach to coaching, and how he plans to shape the roster heading into major tournaments like the 2027 FIBA World…
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Luke Kendall on developing basketball in India, 2006 FIBA World Champs & Sydney’s 2005 NBL Title
Former NBL player and current Casey Cavaliers head coach Luke Kendall joins the podcast to share his journey—from his junior basketball days to professional success and now a rising coaching career. Kendall developed under legendary coach Mike Dunlap at Metro State, where he won a national championship before moving to the NBL. He played for the Sydney Kings, Melbourne Tigers, Perth Wildcats, and Gold Coast Blaze, winning a championship with the Kings before injuries forced an early retirement. Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of…
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Larry Kestelman Says Geelong Deserves an NBL Team But Is Missing a Real Estate Component
The possibility of an NBL expansion team in Geelong has gained momentum, with league owner Larry Kestelman confirming the city is a strong candidate—provided it can secure a suitable venue. However, much like we outlined in an article a number of years ago, How the Geelong Supercats could return to the NBL within 3 years, the missing piece isn’t just a stadium, but a real estate-backed development plan to make the project financially viable. Kestelman recently acknowledged Geelong’s growing basketball scene, citing record participation numbers…
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The Wollongong Hawks’ 2001 NBL Championship: The defining moment of an underdog’s rise
There have been championship runs in the NBL defined by dominance and the sheer weight of talent that could overwhelm opponents before the ball was tipped. The dynasties of Perth, the star-studded reign of Melbourne, and the rise of Sydney’s financial muscle all tell tales of powerhouses that knew how to stay at the top. But there has only ever been one championship like Wollongong’s in 2001—a title won through sheer resilience, a team that had no business being there until they forced their way…
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If Dyson Daniels Doesn’t Win Defensive Player of the Year, It’s a Disgrace
The Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award is supposed to recognise the most dominant defender in the NBA. If that’s the case, then Dyson Daniels should already have his name engraved on the trophy. But as the season winds down, there’s a growing concern that Daniels might get overlooked simply because he’s a guard. If that happens, it won’t just be unfair—it will be a disgrace. Daniels is Leading the NBA in Every Key Defensive Stat There’s no argument against Daniels’ defensive dominance this…
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Sydney Kings’ Xavier Cooks Faces Further Consequences After Positive Cocaine Test
Sydney Kings captain Xavier Cooks has served most of his one-month suspension for testing positive for cocaine but may still face additional disciplinary action from his club. He was provisionally suspended in early February after returning an adverse analytical finding just two days before the Kings’ sudden-death clash against Adelaide. Basketball Australia later confirmed the ban, though the club initially cited “personal leave” as the reason for his absence. Despite the violation, Sydney Kings officials reportedly want to retain Cooks, who remains under contract for…
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NBL Free Agent Tracker
Below is an up-to-date roster for each NBL team and a list of rumours and potential signings derived from discussions with NBL staff and media. Players listed as contracted come from information supplied by the National Basketball League. * = Denotes import player ** = Naturalised Australian DP = a member of the team's development roster SRP = the previously named Asian player exception denoting an Asian player who qualifies as a local in the NBL. MP = Marquee players listed as known Click here…
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How Aussie Hoops Is Vital For Asia Basketball
The recent FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in Traralgon showcased not just Australia's dominance in the region but also why Australian basketball is becoming an invaluable asset for Asian nations looking to grow their game. The Boomers' commanding victories over Indonesia (109-58) and Thailand (114-64) were not just displays of superior talent but reflections of an elite system that consistently produces world-class players. For Asian basketball federations seeking a model to learn from, Australia offers an ideal blueprint—one that balances elite player development, a thriving professional…
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