In the blink of an eye, we are already heading toward the half-way point of the 2019/20 NBL Season. What a season it has been, close contests, upsets, big wins, dynamic performances and arguably the best standard we have seen since the glory days of the 1980’s and 1990’s.
As we embark on round ten, we can start to see the ladder taking serious shape. The top four
ADELAIDE 36ERS
After welcoming back favourite son Jerome Randle back into the roster, big things were expected from the City of Churches. Unfortunately though, the 36ers have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the competition.
A 3-1 start after four games with three consecutive victories against Brisbane and lowly-placed Cairns and Illawarra, were overshadowed by four losses in a row to championship potentials South East Melbourne Phoenix, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. This sums up Adelaide’s reputation; they beat up the struggling sides, but rarely beat the top ones.
A morale boosting win against SEM Phoenix on their second encounter in round seven comes as the highlight of the year for Joey Wright’s men, a clear show they can match it with the best when they string a full forty minutes together.
Stats wise, the 36ers stack up confusingly. They lead field goals made (35.6), free-throws-made (19.8) and are second in scoring (98.1), but last in three-points-made (7.0) and seventh in assists-per-game (36.9).
They do not have any players in the top ten of the competition for scores or assists, their best is Jerome Randle in 11th (18.73 PPG).
Their major flaw is their inability to play as a team. There is a heavy reliance on six or seven players to fill the void by playing 30+ minutes every game. Co-Captains Brendan Teys and Kevin White have added little to no on-court leadership and have been relatively influential this season.
It is not too late for Adelaide to get things right, but they are leaving things quite late.
Current Ladder Position: 5th (5W/6L)
Best Performance: Round 7 win v South East Melbourne (103-91)
Worst Performance: Round 6 loss v Melbourne (90-109)
Current MVP: Jerome Randle
Unsung Hero: Jack McVeigh
Needs To Lift: Brendan Teys
Overall Rating: 5/10
Predicted Finish: 6th
BRISBANE BULLETS
One of the more frustrating teams to watch this season. The potential is there for every to see and admire, but things just aren’t working on the court, at least not to the standard that was expected.
The Bullets are quite simply, a middle of the road team. They are fifth for field-goals -made (32.3), fourth for three-points-made (10.5), free-throws-made (14.9) and fifth in scoring (90.0).
There is nothing to boast with Brisbane, they play simple basketball that produces wins on occasions and losses on other occasions.
Lamar Patterson has been the major shining light, averaging 19.19 points-per-game as well as 4.73 assists per-game, his name will definitely be in conversation come First-Team selection talks.
The combination of Cameron Gliddon and Nathan Sobey from Adelaide was one of the major talking points in the Bullets championship assault, unfortunately it hasn’t worked.
Sobey has been solid with 16 points-per-game, but down on last season. His field-goal-percentage is down from 2018/19 (42%-46%), as well as rebounds (5 – 4.73) and assists (5.29 – 3.45). Gliddon hasn’t fired a shot, 6.6 points-per-game, 1.2 assists, 2 rebounds and a field-goal-percentage of 42%.
Besides the impressive round five win over Perth, every other win has been against teams lower than them.
They may sneak into fourth if South East Melbourne Phoenix fall, but it is unlikely they will make a serious assault on a championship.
Current Ladder Position: 6th (5W/6L)
Best Performance: Round 5 win v Perth (87-78)
Worst Performance: Round 8 loss v Melbourne (108-94)
Current MVP: Lamar Patterson
Unsung Hero: Jason Cadee
Needs To Lift: Cameron Gliddon
Overall Rating: 5/10
Predicted Finish: 5th
CAIRNS TAIPANS
Wooden spoon fancies early in the season, Cairns have surprised a few at times this season, but also proven our statistics right at the same time.
Despite beating Perth twice, the Taipans have failed to beat quality opposition consistently this season. While they have been competitive in majority of their games, the final score has rarely gone their way with just four wins overall.
Stats wise, the snakes have struggled all season. They are eighth for field-goals-made (31.5), seventh for three-points-made (9.8), ninth for rebounds-per-game (33.9) and they are the second-lowest scoring team (88pts average).
Their fans must be frustrated, for when they go to a game they aren’ quite sure which Taipans outfit is going to show, the respectable, tough and hard one or the timid, slow and inconsistent one. The likes of Cam Oliver, DJ Newbill, Majok Deng, Nathan Jawai and Scott Machado have given the locals something to cheer about… it’s been too few.
Mathematically, Cairns could still make the playoffs. Realistically, it is highly unlikely. It seems there will be another disappointing off-season to come for the only remaining club with 0 championships (not including South East Melbourne Phoenix).
Current Ladder Position: 7th (4W/7L)
Best Performance: Round 3 win v Perth (99-76)
Worst Performance: Round 6 loss v Illawarra (91-101)
Current MVP: DJ Newbill
Unsung Hero: Kouat Noi
Needs To Lift: George Blagojevic
Overall Rating: 6/10
Predicted Finish: 8th
ILLAWARRA HAWKS
Honestly speaking, there has been little talk about the Hawks as a team this season, it’s been all about LaMelo Ball. But make no mistake, this has been a very tough campaign for Matt Flynn, just three wins sees them in eighth and still in contention for a wooden spoon.
Their roster on paper would lead one to believe they would be every chance for a play-off appearance. Aaron Brooks, David Anderson, Emmett Naar, Josh Boone, LaMelo Ball and Sam Froling make an excellent nucleus for any team, but things just aren’t flowing.
Brooks provided some real highlights and along with Ball, was the shining light before being ruled out for the season with injury, that was where the season ended. LaMelo Ball has showed he will be a future NBA superstar, but has had issues with his over-passing and at times selfish play, Josh Boone looks a shell of the player he once was and their statistical figures are damning.
31.0 Field-Goals-Made (9th)
8.4 Three-Points-Made (8th)
18.1 Free-Points-Made (8th)
84.5 Points-Per-Game (9th)
Illawarra will be desperate to avoid the wooden spoon, but it looks very likely they will ‘win’ it.
Current Ladder Position: 8th (3W/8L)
Best Performance: Round 4 loss v Perth (76-81)
Worst Performance: Round 2 loss v Perth (103-76)
Current MVP: Andrew Ogilvy
Unsung Hero: Sam Froling
Needs To Lift: Josh Boone
Overall Rating: 3/10
Predicted Finish: 9th
MELBOURNE UNITED
After losing four of their first five games of the season, things were not looking good for last season’s runners-up. Players out of form, a coach under pressure and frustrated supporters, the club looked completely gone.
We fast forward to late-November, United now sit third on the table with six consecutive wins and will certainly remain one of the championship contenders come play-off time.
Despite the sluggish start to the season, Melbourne are back to their brilliant best of 2017/18. They sit third for field-throws-made (35.0), second for three-points-made (11.0), second for free-throws-made (18.7), third for rebounds-per-game (39.3) and they are the highest scoring team in the competition (99.7 points-per-game).
If Chris Goulding and David Barlow continue their form, both would be in conversation for first-team selection. Alex Pledger has also added accuracy prowess and allowed the defensive mechanism to work better with Melo Trimble , Shawn Long and Shea Ili adding solid scoring power.
The question remains, has Melbourne’s slow start cost them the minor premiership? Possibly, but that isn’t their focus. Qualifying for their third consecutive Grand Finals series and claiming their second championship in three seasons is what really matters to them.
Dean Vickerman is every chance of claiming his second consecutive coach-of-the year award.
Current Ladder Position: 3rd (7W/4L)
Best Performance: Round 5 win v South East Melbourne (110-98)
Worst Performance: Round 4 loss v Cairns (90-85)
Current MVP: Chris Goulding
Unsung Hero: Shae Ili
Needs To Lift: Sam Short
Overall Rating: 7/10
Predicted Finish: 2nd
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
The Breakers have been a seriously tough team to play against this season. They play fast, they play tough and they score. However. the fact of the matter is they have nothing to show for it. After ten games they sit a game clear on bottom with just two victories.
They have been a fun team to watch, particularly with RJ Hampton lighting up the court with an average of nine points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in his first season of professional basketball. He will almost certainly be off the the NBA very soon.
The team has clicked for a full 40 minutes on very few occasions, suffering big losses to Adelaide (17 points) and South Melbourne Phoenix (25 points).
As well as close losses to championship-contenders Melbourne (3 points), Perth (5 points) and Sydney (5 points). Their only two victories coming against Cairns and Illawarra.
Despite this, they still bag more three pointers than anyone else. Ranked first with an average of 11.3 per game.
While Corey Webster has been fantastic, with an 88% free throw average, too few have followed. RJ Hampton and Tom Abercrombie have also had solid seasons, but where are the others?
New Zealand play with a lot of fighting spirit, their intent is there but they just can’t string quarters together. But there is enough there to see them push up the ladder by their 28th game.
Current Ladder Position: 9th (2W/8L)
Best Performance: Round 6 loss v Melbourne (101-104)
Worst Performance: Round 6 loss v South East Melbourne (78-103)
Current MVP: Corey Webster
Unsung Hero: Tom Abercrombie
Needs To Lift: Finn Delaney
Overall Rating: 5/10
Predicted Finish: 7th
PERTH WILDCATS
No surprises Perth are sitting in second and look every chance to attain home-court advantage come play-off time if this fine form continues. They have in every respect, the most potential to put big scores on the board.
The dynamic duo of Bryce Cotton and Terrico White both have the potential to slam 25+ points on their day, Dario Hunt provides accuracy too. 60% over 20+ minutes is a good conversion rate.
Nick Kay, Jesse Wagstaff, Mitch Norton and captain Damian Martin who simply will not stop are still in great form and giving the intimidating Perth supporters every reason to believe they could do the TEN this season.
They have however, had a few lapses this season. Two losses to Cairns and Brisbane could potentially cost them a minor premiership at seasons end, but the championship is without doubt, their ultimate aim.
Trevor Gleeson has been there before, four championships as a coach, he knows what it takes.
Current Ladder Position: 2nd (8W/4L)
Best Performance: Round 4 win v South East Melbourne (110-79)
Worst Performance: Round 3 loss v Cairns (99-76)
Current MVP: Bryce Cotton
Unsung Hero: Clint Steindl
Needs To Lift: Majok Majok
Overall Rating: 7/10
Predicted Finish: 3rd
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
Not many basketball tragic’s gave the new boys a hope in their inaugural season. A scintillating three point victory in their first game against cross-town rivals Melbourne set the foundation for what has been an admirable first-half to their 2019/20 campaign.
Captain Mitch Creek and John Roberson are in career best form, Creek in particular would be up there as one of the favourites for the league MVP. Averaging 21 points, four assists and 7.5 rebounds, he is one of the reasons the South East Melbourne Phoenix sit in the top four and are going to be around the mark come play-off time.
Their last month however, has been a little off. Close losses to Sydney and Melbourne as well as a 12 point defeat at the hands of Adelaide sees them in the battle for fourth with Adelaide and Brisbane. The injury to Tai Wesley is now a bigger problem than it was a few weeks ago.
Phoenix fans should be proud though, the start-up season is always tough and if the Phoenix can sneak into the four, it would be a fantastic achievement.
Stats wise, they are second for free-throws-made (35.1), third for three-points-made (10.6), fourth for rebounds-per-game (37.8) and first for assists-per-game (20.1).
Their roster is capable. All of Adam Gibson, Kyle Adnam, Mitch Creek and Tai Wesley have played in Grand Final series before, their list is more experienced than many think.
Ladder Position: 4th (5W/5L)
Best Performance: Round 1 v Melbourne (91-88)
Worst Performance: Round 6 v Melbourne (78-103)
Current MVP: Mitch Creek
Unsung Hero: Kyle Adnam
Needs To Lift: Deng Acouth
Overall Rating: 8/10
Predicted Finish: 4th
SYDNEY KINGS
Not much has gone wrong for the Kings. In fact, everything that could possibly have gone right, has. Will Weaver has had a smooth transition into the senior role, his players look healthy, fit and they are every chance to hoist their first title since 2005.
Andrew Bogut, Brad Newley, Caspar Ware, Craig Moller, Deshon Taylor, Didi Louzada, Jae’Sean Tate, Kevin Lisch… the list goes on. Majority of these players are in the prime of their careers and this is the time for the Kings to truly deliver.
One solitary loss this season, against Melbourne by just three points.
Interestingly, the Kings are actually a middle-of-the-road team by way of statistics. field-goals-made they sit fourth (33.7), sixth for three-points-made (10.5), fourth for assists-per-game (19.0) and fourth in scoring (93.6).
But when they have the ability to hold their opponents to an average of 85 points-per-game, the wins are always going to come. In tandem with Caspar Ware averaging 20 points on his own and Jae-Sean Tate with 15, these Kings are tough to quell… particular in Sydney.
There are no more excuses, the time is now for Sydney. Sitting clear on top, they must continue this on and win the minor premiership. From there they have one goal and one goal only… the 2019/20 NBL Championship.
Current Ladder Position: 1st (10W/1L)
Best Performance: Round 2 win v Adelaide (102-80)
Worst Performance: Round 5 loss v Melbourne (104-107)
Current MVP: Caspar Ware
Unsung Hero: Craig Moller
Needs To Lift: Lucas Walker
Overall Rating: 9/10
Predicted Finish: 1st
Dan is a self-confessed Aussie hoops tragic from Adelaide, South Australia. He is a young sports broadcaster and journalist with a passion for the NBL and Australian Boomers. Also hosts his own sports podcast; Amato's 5th Quarter.
