Bit of Housekeeping!!!

Finally I am able to catch up and do a bit of housekeeping!!

In the latest from the NBA today, Zach Randolph has been traded from the LA Clippers to the Memphis Grizzlies for former teammate Quentin Richardson. Though Randolph had been the leading scorer for the Clippers last season, the addition of #1 draft pick Blake griffin saw his role with the team disappear. Richardson returns to the Clippers, a team he left as a free agent after the 2003-2004 season. He will provide the team with a swingman that can add depth to the rotation.

Catching up on the Free Agent Market:

Name: (Position) From: To:
Trevor Ariza (F) LA Lakers Houston Rockets
Ron Artest (G/F) Houston Rockets LA Lakers
Brandon Bass (F) Dallas Mavericks Orlando Magic
Jamal Crawford (G) Golden St. Warriors Atlanta Hawks
Channing Frye (F/C) Portland Trailblazers Phoenix Suns
Ben Gordon (G) Chicago Bulls Detroit Pistons
Dahntay Jones (G) Denver Nuggets Indiana Pacers
Shawn Marion (F) Toronto Raptors Dallas Mavericks
Antonio McDyess (F) Detroit Pistons San Antonio Spurs
Anthony Parker (G) Toronto Raptors Cleveland Cavaliers
Quenton Ross (G/F) Memphis Grizzlies Dallas Mavericks
Hedo Turkoglu (F) Orlando Magic Toronto Raptors
Charlie Villanueva (F) Milwaukee Bucks Detroit Pistons
Rasheed Wallace (F/C) Detroit Pistons Boston Celtics

That is the up to the minute report, will be looking at the effect of signings on teams as the season draws closer. Aussie ABA, NBL, WNBA and EuroLeague...I'm getting there, will look at these soon.

Emus Ready for the World

Australia's Under 19 team finished off preparations for the upcoming FIBA Under 19 World Championships by winning the Four Nations tournament held in Melbourne recently. In the first game of the tourney, Australia ran out to an impressive 96-74 win over Greece. Brock Motum lead the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Ample support was provided by Ryan Broekhoff who scored 17 points while Cody Ellis chipped in with 13 points and 4 assists. Jorden Page scored an additional 13 points for the Emus.

In the final match, Australia was again lead by Brock Motum who scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds as the Emus narrowly defeated Spain to win the trophy. Cody Ellis with 13 points 9 rebounds, Jorden Page, 11 points and Ryan Broekhoff 10 points, 9 rebounds, lead the supporting cast for Australia.

The other final day result went to Greece with a 84-65 defeat of France.

In the first round, Australia barely defeated France 85-83 thanks to 20 points from Brock Motum, 12 points and 10 rebounds from Mitchell Young, 15 points from Cody Ellis and 14 points/4 assists from Matthew Dellavedova.

The other first round result saw Greece bounce Spain 95-71. In the other second round encounter, France held off Spain 74-71.

The Final Ladder for the tourney stacked up as:
Australia 3 wins, 0 losses
Greece 2 wins, 1 loss
France 1 win, 2 losses
Spain 0 wins, 3 losses

All four teams will be participating in the World finals in Auckland New Zealand starting on July 2.

Back to the Prospects

After yesterday's trade excitement, I will get back to having a look at more of the drafts top prospects.

Look for:

DeMar DeRozan (SG): Following O.J. Mayo's footsteps as a one and done from USC to the NBA, could follow his lead as a prime rookie performer in say...Toronto.

Jonny Flynn (PG): A fearless leader from the point will go to the hoop, pull up or dish with the best of them from this years draft, may become a Buck.

Stephen "Son of Dell" Curry (G): Definitely has the curry DNA though a bit shorter than his dad, could end up playing in Charlotte which would be friendly hometown confines.

Chase Budinger (G/F): Yes, white men can jump as this former volleyballer will prove, look for him to stay local and hop onto the roster of the Suns.

Eric Maynor (PG): A true floor general who has unquestionable floor leadership skills and smarts to bring to the table. May become a Philly favourite.

Biggest Bust:

Austin Daye (F): While intriguing with height for a big guard/small forward and with pedigree, should have taken another year or two to bulk up and hone his skills at 'Zaga. With that said look for Detroit to possibly be the ones to take a chance on him.

'Til tomorrow fans, we wait anxiously for the results and unpredictable outcomes of this years draft, while it is said to be a weak one, it is rather strong for back court players and deep at the PG position. As for Australia's own Patrick Mills, another year in the NCAA would not have hurt but look for him to go anywhere from late first round to not drafted at all. thus is the nature of the beast of Draft day 2009.

Under 19 World Championships

The FIBA Under 19 World Championships will be held from 2-12 July in Auckland, New Zealand.
The groups are set as follows:

Group A: Angola, Greece, Lithuania and Puerto Rico
Group B: Egypt, France, Iran and USA
Group C: Australia, Canada, Spain and Syria
Group D: Argentina, Croatia, Kazakhstan and New Zealand

Some of the worlds finest young basketballers will be competing in the tournament so if you are in the area get out and have a look before they become famous!!
There will be team previews forthcoming in the next few weeks so stay tuned.

Also have a visit to : fiba.com where you can find more on the international game.

Local Scene

The Australian National Basketball League (NBL), is set to tip off its revamped competition on 24 September 2009. The season opener will see the New Zealand Breakers hosting the Cairns Taipans at the North Shore Events Centre. The eight team league will have its season conclude on Valentines Day 2010 with post season play to follow. The eight teams for this season's competition are:

Gold Coast Breakers
Cairns Taipans
New Zealand Breakers
Melbourne Tigers
Adelaide 36ers
Perth Wildcats
Wolloongong Hawks
Townsville Crocodiles

By all means get out to matches as often as possible to keep the game alive in Australia. Also visit nbl.com.au, the offical website of the NBL.