We continue diving deeper into one of Aussie hoops’ fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — picking things up as LaMelo Ball and his Rookie of the Year season in 2019 propelled the Hawks into the global spotlight, setting NBL viewership and attendance records, while the Kings reloaded under Will Weaver and pushed for a…
Read MoreWhen discussing the legacy of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, the spotlight usually shines on Steph Curry’s shooting, Klay Thompson’s silky jumper, and Draymond Green’s fiery defense. But according to Green himself, one name deserves far more credit than it gets: Andrew Bogut. In a heartfelt segment of The Draymond Green Show, the four-time NBA…
Read MoreBen Simmons, once the crown jewel of Australian basketball, now finds himself in the unfamiliar position of being without an NBA contract. Despite past accolades, including multiple All-Star appearances and a max contract, Simmons’ path has taken an unexpected turn. His former agent, Rich Paul, recently opened up in a podcast with Max Kellerman, offering…
Read MoreWe continue diving deeper into one of Aussie hoops’ fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — picking things up right after the Kings’ 2005 three-peat sweep of the Hawks and tracking how the “Freeway Series” evolved through the chaos of Firepower, the Kings’ disappearance, the rivalry’s rebirth in 2010, and the Hawks’ huge 2015/16 rebrand…
Read MoreWe continue our deep dive into one of Aussie hoops’ fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — picking things up from the Wollongong Hawks’ historic 2001 championship and tracking how the Kings and Hawks battled for New South Wales bragging rights through the mid-2000s. Host Dan Boyce revisits Wollongong’s underdog run to become the first…
Read MoreFormer Brooklyn Nets forward Zeng Fanbo, one of China’s top basketball prospects, has been spotted training in Melbourne just weeks after being waived by the NBA club. The 22-year-old, listed at 208cm ( 6-foot-10), has been working out under Casey NBL1 coach Luke Kendall, a respected figure in Australian basketball circles. Kendall, who served as…
Read MoreWe continue our deep dive into one of Aussie hoops’ fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — looking at the success of both teams during the 1990s. Host Dan Boyce picks up where Episode 1 left off, bringing in Hawks legend Gordie McLeod to get his throughts on whether his move to Sydney in 1983…
Read MoreWe crack open one of Aussie hoops’ spiciest grudge matches: Sydney vs Illawarra. Host Dan Boyce traces the rivalry back before the Kings even existed—into state-league days at the Snakepit—then follows it through the 1986 replay controversy, the Kings’ 1988 merger and rise, and the big-city v small-town energy that’s fuelled decades of heat. …
Read MoreWethers shares his journey from a standout NCAA career at Cal and NBA aspirations, to becoming one of the most explosive imports in Australian basketball during the mid-2000s. He breaks down the Pirates’ underdog rise in 2004 under Adrian Hurley, his dynamic partnership with Kavossy Franklin, and the unforgettable playoff push that followed. Visit…
Read MoreBen Henshall is staying in the NBL, officially re-signing with the Perth Wildcats on a two-year deal, ending a whirlwind offseason that saw the emerging star chase a high-profile college opportunity in the United States. The decision closes the chapter on Henshall’s bold attempt to join the NCAA under a lucrative NIL deal, which ultimately…
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Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie joins the podcast to discuss the pressure that comes with coaching one of the NBL’s most successful clubs, the challenge of moving forward after Bryce Cotton’s departure, and what Perth needs to build its next championship contender. Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms. Host Dan Boyce chats with Rillie about taking over the Wildcats after the club missed the finals for the first time since 1986, the expectations of the Red Army, and how Perth’s three…
READ MOREFormer Sydney Kings and Townsville Crocodiles big man Rolan Roberts joins the podcast to reflect on his time in Australia, including joining the Kings mid-season and helping them complete their historic 2005 NBL three-peat. Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms. Host Dan Boyce chats with Roberts about playing under Brian Goorjian, becoming a key interior presence for Sydney, and being part of the Kings team that became the first in NBL history to win three straight championships. The episode also dives into…
READ MOREAt some point over the next 12 months, the Boomers are going to have to make a decision that Australian basketball has managed to avoid for almost two decades. Who exactly is this team built around now? Since 2010, that answer was simple. It was Patty Mills’ team. Mills has been the primary scorer for the Boomers for nearly two decades and few Australian victories have been recorded without a major scoring performance from Patty. But as the Boomers move toward the 2027 FIBA World…
READ MOREA player arriving in the NBL with NBA experience always creates interest. Fans get excited when their team signs a former NBA player, commentators mention it during broadcasts, and every article about that player usually links their NBL performance back to their NBA résumé. Sometimes, we see a big-time college prospect use the NBL as a springboard to the NBA and never return. Other times, established NBA veterans come to Australia looking for a fresh opportunity. And in many cases, local talent develops in the…
READ MOREOver the years, Aussie Hoopla has taken a deep dive into the full list of players who have competed in both the NBL and the NBA. You can see the full list of NBL players who have played in the NBA here: Names from every decade since the 1980s have featured, including NBL legends like Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Lanard Copeland and Rob Rose, alongside a long list of imports who used the NBL as a stepping stone to the world’s biggest stage. But with…
READ MOREFormer Adelaide 36ers star Julius Hodge joins the podcast to reflect on one of the most dominant short stints in NBL history, his journey from the NBA to Australia, and the impact he made during the 2007/08 season. Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms. Host Dan Boyce chats with Hodge about his incredible all-around performances, triple-doubles, and what it was like adjusting to the Australian game mid-season. The episode also dives into his time playing in the NBA and overseas, his perspective…
READ MOREBelow 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…
READ MORECurrent head coach of the Akita Northern Happinets, Mick Downer joins the podcast to discuss the differences between coaching in Japan and the NBL, his stints with Perth, Cairns, Brisbane and Adelaide over the past 25 years, and his time with the Australian Boomers program. Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms. Host Dan Boyce chats with Downer about what he learnt stepping into the head coaching role in a non-English speaking country, as well as providing updates on NBL talent in Japan…
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