Author: James O'Donohue

NBL News

Sydney Kings sign Ray Turner after playing in the QBL, SBL and SEABL

From the QBL, to the SBL, to the SEABL, and now the NBL – American forward Ray Turner has been quietly working his way through Australian basketball ranks, and after signing yesterday with the NBL’s league-leading Sydney Kings as their third import, he now has the opportunity to showcase his worth on Australia’s biggest basketball…

James O'Donohue 0 February 1, 2019 630 Views

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End of an Era?

TONIGHT the Perth Wildcats will face-off with the Adelaide 36’ers in game two of their semi-final series at Perth Arena, and obviously, it’s a game which will play a significant role in deciding who will meet Melbourne United in the Grand Final. If Perth can mentally bounce back from the embarrassing 35-point demolition they…

James O'Donohue 0 March 9, 2018 462 Views

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The Angus Brandt Story

Angus Brandt has been one of the significant improvers in NBL18, developing his game to become a strong inside scoring option for the Perth Wildcats, but for the 28-year old big man from the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, this story of success wasn’t always set in stone. Brandt was born in Epping,…

James O'Donohue 0 February 19, 2018 1769 Views

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Redhage leads Perth Redbacks to SBL championship

He may have retired from NBL basketball at the end of last season, but Shawn Redhage has added another chapter to what was already a storied and decorated career, by leading the Perth Redbacks to a championship in WA’s State Basketball League. After finishing the season in fourth place with a 16-10 record, the Redbacks got…

James O'Donohue 0 September 3, 2017 2415 Views

Uncategorized, NBL News, Joe Ingles

NBA “not in the best interests” of the Perth Wildcats

You know you’re an Aussie hoops tragic if you’re still excited about the recent NBL x NBA announcement made this week. If you’ve been hiding under a rock, three NBL teams will venture to the United States in October to do battle with NBA teams during the early part of our NBL season. The games will be…

James O'Donohue 0 August 4, 2017 1753 Views

NBL News

Wildcats add three-point specialist Devondrick Walker

Just a day after announcing that star import Casey Prather won’t be coming back for a shot at a three-peat next season, the Perth Wildcats have today announced the signing of 25 year-old Devondrick Walker out of the NBA G-League. What we know of Walker so far, is that he’s a 6’5 wing who specialises…

James O'Donohue 0 July 22, 2017 1335 Views

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Australian Boomers

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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Podcasts

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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NBL News

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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NBL History

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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Aussies Abroad

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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NBL News

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 News

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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Around the Globe

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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