2008/09 NBL off season news.

[bus24]

As rumoured, the Big Rig Cam Rigby has signed for the Bullets.

Certainly some different (

Spoiler

i.e. not very good

) signings for them, than they've been used to in recent times.

 

[High Ryder]

Dragons chasing Ere and Helms...



SOUTH Dragons are tracking free-scoring MVP runner-up Ebi Ere and point guard Mike Helms to fill their two import spots for the next NBL season.

With seven roster spots already taken, the Dragons have identified Ere, a two-time championship winner with the Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets, and Helms, a standout scoring playmaker with the Hunter Pirates and Singapore Slingers, as their import priorities.

"We reckon we're close on one," Dragons coach Brian Goorjian said.

"If something happens there, it might be done in the next two weeks, but we're talking to them."

The Dragons have also thought about recalling guard Cortez Groves, who did not enjoy his best season last summer, but Ere, who played for Goorjian at the Kings, and Helms are good fits for the roster vacancies.

The Dragons need a point guard (Helms) and a scoring guard (Ere) to round out a likely starting line-up of Joe Ingles as the small forward, Mark Worthington as the power forward and Matt Burston or Nick Horvath at centre.

The addition of Helms and Ere would give the Dragons a scoring boost, while Jason Smith's presence when he returns from shoulder surgery will add experience and a wise head to a team that should ease into the top eight.

"We're working on (signing the imports)," Goorjian said. "We need something like (Helms and Ere) to put points on the board."

The Dragons are also having trouble securing an under-23 Australian player to fill the mandatory place for young talent on their 10-man active roster.

"Some of the guys coming back from college (in the US) want ridiculous money, six figures," Goorjian said.

"And the kids from the AIS are choosing college over us."

MELBOURNE Tigers championship import Dave Thomas is rated only a 50-50 chance to return for the next NBL season.

Weighing up whether to sign a new deal with the Tigers or stay home with his wife in the US, Thomas will not make a decision until after he plays for Canada in the Olympic Games qualifying tournament in Athens in July.

If Thomas chooses not to return, the Tigers are confident they will be able to sign guard Julius Hodge, who played last season for the Adelaide 36ers.

 

[bus24]

Dragons certainly look on the up.

We want to sign Brad Williamson, who has interest from a few teams (Townsville/Cairns are definitely interested) but it depends on whether we can get a young Aussie big.

We've offered a 2 year deal to David Vanderjagt, so hopefully he accepts and that would clear the way for Williamson to join.

I'd be surprised if Hodge came back.

 

[Alex99]

I'd be surprised if Hodge came back.

Its either the NBA or the Sixers for Julius

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23662412-12428,00.html

I wouldn’t believe any of that Melbourne Tiger propaganda about how close they are to signing him, they spouted the same crap last year about Brad Newley and we all know how he ended up signing with the Sixers before going to Greece.

 

[Alex99]

Dragons chasing Ere and Helms...

SOUTH Dragons are tracking free-scoring MVP runner-up Ebi Ere and point guard Mike Helms to fill their two import spots for the next NBL season.

Just heard a rumour that the South Dragons signed Ebi Ere today. I guess the chase is over.

 

[bus24]

Its either the NBA or the Sixers for Julius

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23662412-12428,00.html

I wouldn’t believe any of that Melbourne Tiger propaganda about how close they are to signing him, they spouted the same crap last year about Brad Newley and we all know how he ended up signing with the Sixers before going to Greece.

He's still a Croc to me

 

[bus24]

And Shane Heal to the Gold Coast? Looks like it's possible

Give it up.

And a rumour of Bobby Brannen to the Blaze as well. Oh dear

 

[High Ryder]

Just heard a rumour that the South Dragons signed Ebi Ere today. I guess the chase is over.

Heard that too

Dragons>>>>Tigers>>>>>>>>Rest of Comp

 

[High Ryder]

And Shane Heal to the Gold Coast? Looks like it's possible

Give it up.

And a rumour of Bobby Brannen to the Blaze as well. Oh dear

Brannen went alright, wouldn't want the baggage associated with him though...

 

[bus24]

nbl.com.au

The Townsville Crocodiles are set to announce a new player signing on Tuesday morning.

The Crocs office issued a media alert on Tuesday morning flagging a press conference at their training facility at 10am local time.

The alert said the media conference would be “regarding a new signing for the 2008/09 NBL season.”

Crocs CEO Ian Smythe was set to make the announcement.

The 2008/09 Townsville roster currently includes John Rillie, Ben Pepper, Daniel Egan, Kelvin Robertson, Brad Sheridan, Michael Cedar, Rosell Ellis and Corey Williams.

Won't be Dave Vanderjagt, as he's opted to stay in the States. I'll guess it's Williamson.

 

[bus24]

And I was right. I won't claim it though, was hardly a surprise.

 

[Booms]

A line up of:

PG: Helms
SG: Ebe Ere
SF: Ingles
PF: Worthington
C: Horvarth

Bench including J.Smith, Vukona and Burston

...geez its going to be a totally different Dragons outfit - they will be looking at top 4 for sure.

 

[DoubleA]

A line up of:

PG: Helms
SG: Ebe Ere
SF: Ingles
PF: Worthington
C: Horvarth

Bench including J.Smith, Vukona and Burston

...geez its going to be a totally different Dragons outfit - they will be looking at top 4 for sure.

No Helms yet, thats for sure.
Also, Smith probably wont play till mid next season.

 

[bus24]

http://www.crocodiles.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=74916

The Townsville McDonald's Crocodiles today announced their first new signing for the 2008/09 NBL season. With eight players returning from last year’s team, the addition of former Brisbane Bullets role player Brad Williamson all but completes the roster for this upcoming season. Brad’s contract is for two years and there is an option for a third season.

The signing of the 198cm, swingman adds yet another scoring option to this year’s squad. Brad, already with five years NBL experience has consistently improved his game and productivity throughout his career and further adds to the depth the Crocs roster has been able to bring together here in Townsville.

In a team filled with star players in Brisbane last season, Brad was still able to have a breakout season averaging 8.5 points per game in only 17 minutes per game court time, whilst scoring a career best 27 points against the Cairns Taipans.

At the age of 25, Brad already has a championship ring to his name and the big game experience that Brad brings to the squad will be another welcome addition, as the Townsville McDonald's Crocodiles continue to bolster their roster for the upcoming 2008/09 NBL Season.

“We’re extremely happy to have secured Brad Williamson for the next two seasons. He was a player that a number of teams were chasing, and we are happy that Brad chose Townsville to be his new home” Townsville McDonald's Crocodiles CEO Ian Smythe said.

“Brad has been an under valued player that has continued to show genuine improvement as he has progressed through his career. We’re looking forward to him continuing that growth and becoming a vital part of the team this season” he added.

“Trevor has consistently shown that he can bring out the best in his players and I believe Brad will thrive under his leadership”, Smythe said.

“He is a very talented player, and has the skills to put significant points on the board in a short period of time. This is a role he demonstrated regularly while he was with the Bullets.” Smythe said.

”At the start of this season we gave a commitment to the fans that we would continue to improve the squad and the addition of Williamson does that” Smythe added.

Brad is currently playing in the ABA conference SEABL for the Southern District Spartans, averaging 21.3 points & 8.2 rebounds per game.

“After winning the NBL title in 2006/07 I’m very excited about moving to a team that has championship potential” said new Townsville McDonald's Crocodiles recruit Brad Williamson.

'Townsville is a fantastic place and to be playing there under such a passionate coach and vocal supporters is something I really look forward to.”

”Being apart of one of the best programs in the NBL will help me to reach my goals and develop my game to a new level” he added.

The signing of Brad leaves the Townsville McDonald's Crocodiles to sign a Young Australian Player (YAP) as the final roster spot for the 2008/09 NBL season. As per NBL rules all teams must have a YAP player signed on the ten man playing roster.

“With Brad now signed as our ninth player, we’re now left to fill the remaining spot with a Young Australian Player.

The pool of talent that is currently available and willing to take the step to the NBL is not large but there are some great young players out there waiting for an opportunity. We are looking forward to bringing in a young Australian player that not only wants to develop his skills and be part of one of the top programs in the NBL but that will bring something a little extra to the squad.” Smythe added.

The 2008/09 roster currently includes John Rillie, Ben Pepper, Daniel Egan, Kelvin Robertson, Brad Sheridan, Michael Cedar, Rosell Ellis, Corey Williams and Brad Williamson.

An excellent signing IMO.

A good roster.

With Williamson added, and Ellis back (hopefully to his best) it's a definite improvement.

I doubt the YAP will be at Vanderjagts level, but the other improvements far outweigh it.

Plenty of experience, some quality youth and a fantastic import combination.

Home form will be excellent as always. Road form must improve drastically.

I reckon there will be plenty of 3's jacked up. Williamson, Rillie, Robertson and Cedar certainly won't hesitate.

Although on reflection, it does lack size.

 

[bus24]

And it's Official........

lol

 

[peternorth]

And it's Official........

lol

seriously WTF is with their jersey? fuqin looks like a blue version of japans war flag!!

 

[George 08]

Guys I went to a few dragons games and let me tell you, although i loved shane heal as a player, i learned that the dragons were a better team without the hammer. Ive never seen such an undisciplined side take the court since the revamped Giants (what was that coaches name?) they made a joke of the former great giants teams. while we had great individuals, they never worked well within a team and they carried on like kids in an u18 game. being an ex sth magic fan, im rapt to have goorjian back cause now im going to enjoy watching a disciplined side. definately cant wait!

 

[larrikin]

And it's Official........

lol

My eyes, my eyes.

Make it go away

 

[Magnum27]

Heard on Fox sports news last night that Conner Henry beat Ricky Grace for the Wildcats head coach job.

 

[Brad Goodman]

Bullets are looking at D-Mac apparently. Not sure of my feelings on this one - would love to see him play forever but that title really was a fairytale ending.

 

[peternorth]

dmac should stay retired. hes done everything for the game. if he has to play to uphold standards then the nbl is as bad as i thought.

 

[High Ryder]

D-Mac has been shithouse the last 3 yrs, should stay retired.

 

[Benny_]

yeah whats the go with DMac. Have the Bullets offered him 3 years which includes 1 as a player, 2 as an assistant, and have Melbourne offered him a shit contract have they?

 

[youngsaint]

Ingles written to NBA and is in the early entry into the 2008 NBA Draft.
Couldnt see little shaq on there though.

 

[driver 8]

yeah whats the go with DMac. Have the Bullets offered him 3 years which includes 1 as a player, 2 as an assistant, and have Melbourne offered him a shit contract have they?

I dont think the Tigers bothered... theyre an elite team. they can have anyone they want (within NBL standards reason of course)