Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – #NBL24 Episode 2

The NBL season is upon us and Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle is back for #NBL24 starting off looking back at #NBLBlitz while looking ahead to the season with all of our predictions for what lies ahead and the matches in Round 1 thanks to TABtouch.

Co-hosts Chris Pike and Cody Ellis have teamed up for the season preview episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with topics including why Melbourne United were so impressive at the #NBLBlitz, Adelaide 36ers are a bit of a mess entering #NBL24 and then how exciting Perth Wildcats are looking with a bit of drama thrown in.

We also discuss how exciting Tyler Cook is looking as the injury replacement for Alan Williams at the South East Melbourne Phoenix and if he could find another home, discuss if #NBL24 is starting a week too early and plenty more ahead of the beginning of the NBL season.

Then thanks to TABtouch, we try to make some predictions on what is to come in #NBL24 by breaking down all 10 NBL clubs while providing our season predictions and how TABtouch odds stack up, and then provide a full preview of Round 1 starting Thursday night.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – #NBL24 Episode 1

We are back on Hoops Heaven Basketball Hustle to talk about the build up to NBL24 while looking back on the NBL1 seasons around the country, the Boomers at the World Cup and the retirement announcement of Cody Ellis.

It's a jam packed show as Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle returns ahead of #NBL24 and co-hosts Chris Pike and Cody Ellis gear up for the NBL season looking at the new arrivals, players returning, those changing clubs, those departing and how the teams are shaping up.

We then get into the discussion about the retirement announcement of co-host Cody Ellis after playing 127 NBL games at the Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks, 112 at college with the Saint Louis Billikens, and 211 in SBL/NBL1 West at the Warwick Senators.

Cody reflects on his journey growing up the son of Perth Wildcats legend Mike Ellis and why he chose basketball in the end, why selecting Saint Louis as his college was the best decision he ever made, and looks back on all the good and bad aspects of his 20-plus years of life dedicated to the game.

We then look back on the NBL1 seasons around the country focusing on the NBL1 West season that Cody Ellis and his Warwick Senators were part of. We discuss Liam Hunt and the Geraldton Buccaneers winning the NBL1 West championship and discuss the merits of the NBL1 National Finals.

We also take a look at the Boomers campaign at the FIBA World Cup and what changes might be needed ahead of the Paris Olympic Games to get back in the medal hunt and finish off with a shoutout to Corey 'Homicide' Williams and wish him the best in his cancer battle.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 24

We are back to catch up on the basketball world on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with Cody Ellis breaking down the big NBL news ahead of #NBL24 highlighted by Matthew Dellavedova back to Melbourne United and Chase Buford leaving Sydney Kings along with plenty of NBL1 West discussion.

There's plenty for NBL writer Chris Pike and former Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks forward Cody Ellis to catch up including the #NBL24 off-season movement with Luke Travers out/Keanu Pinder in at the Perth Wildcats, Todd Blanchfield/Mitch Norton out and we break it down club by club.

The NBL1 seasons are heating up around the country too and Cody Ellis talks his NBL1 West campaign where he's captain of Warwick Senators and preparing for 200-game milestone. He talks his team, standout players, National Championships coming out west and plenty more.

We begin this episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle by talking the biggest NBL off-season talking points in recent times which has seen Matthew Dellavedova announced to return to Melbourne United and Chase Buford's departure as two-time championship winning coach Sydney Kings.

We then turn our attention to the Perth Wildcats where the changes have been significant. Luke Travers has gone to join Melbourne United, Keanu Pinder is on board along with Next Star Alex Starr. Todd Blanchfield and Mitch Norton have also been released to join the Illawarra Hawks Brisbane Bullets respectively.

It's then time to knuckle down on a club by club breakdown of the NBL off-season movements including Scott Ninnis returning to the Adelaide 36ers as assistant coach with Jason Cadee and Isaac Humphries back to play.

The Brisbane Bullets have stacked up their backcourt adding Shannon Scott, Mitch Norton and Isaac White while the Cairns Taipans have been decimated, but Cody Ellis talks about why that isn’t necessarily a bad thing for coach Adam Forde.

The Illawarra Hawks have got significantly younger again while Melbourne United is stacked with the returns of Matthew Dellavedova, Jo Lual-Acuil and Ariel Hukporti, and Luke Travers, Flynn Cameron and Tanner Krebs on board.

It's quiet at the New Zealand Breakers but that's likely a good thing and then there's more news at the Perth Wildcats with the additions of Ben Henshall and David Okwera while Mike Kelly has landed at the South East Melbourne Phoenix with Gorjok Gak and Rhys Vague among those joining him.

It's quiet aside from Chase Buford moving on at the Sydney Kings while the Tasmania JackJumpers will welcome the addition on Anthony Drmic.

It's then then time talk some NBL1 West with Cody Ellis giving an update on the Warwick Senators team he's the captain of, talking about emerging stars George Pearl and Ethan Elliott, and how the rest of the league is looking.

Cody Ellis is also set to play his 200th game for the Warwick Senators so he reflects on that journey before we wrap up the show discussing Jesse Wagstaff and the NBA Finals.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 23

The Sydney Kings are the NBL champions and Townsville Fire on brink of WNBL championship. We discuss it all on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle including how the 5 #NBL23 games played out, debate the MVP, refereeing and whether the Kings took it or Breakers blew it.

Also on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle, Cody Ellis discusses with Chris Pike how Angus Glover entered legend status in the NBL with Sydney Kings, talked about the contrasting refereeing in Championship Series and just how unlucky was Justin Simon not to be named MVP.

We also take a look at what's next for the Sydney Kings with Xavier Cooks now in the NBA, do Chase Buford or the three imports return and with the New Zealand Breakers, we talk about the love of Mody Maor and how key he will be to who does or doesn't return for #NBL24.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 22

The NBL Championship Series is no closer to being decided after the opening two games and we break down the battle between Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers on this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and look ahead to Games 3 and 4 this weekend.

Not only that, Cody Ellis and Chris Pike talk about Xavier Cooks signing with the NBA's Washington Wizards and what it means in the battle for the #NBL23 championship with Adelaide 36ers Hall of Famer Scott Ninnis also likening Will McDowell-White to Josh Giddey and declaring the 'unlikable' Sydney Kings as likely champions.

Also on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle this week, we look ahead to the WNBL Finals with Southside Flyers v Melbourne Boomers, and Townsville Fire v Perth Lynx along with Mark Worthington's NBL1 West return at Willetton Tigers, and Warwick Senators update with Cody Ellis and Daniel Johnson signing at South Adelaide Panthers in NBL1 Central.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 21

We are now just days away from the NBL23 Championship Series and Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle brings you a full preview of the Sydney Kings v New Zealand Breakers battle with all the key match ups, talking points and predictions from Matty Knight and Cody Ellis.

Not only that but this week's episode looks at the FIBA World Cup qualifiers for the Australian Boomers, New Zealand Tall Blacks and South Sudan, Todd Blanchfield's NBL future, Keanu Pinder's big decision, latest on Perth Wildcats and South East Melbourne Phoenix's search for a new coach.

This week's episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle opens up by catching up on what we've missed over the past two weeks with the semi finals decided Game 3's with the Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers reaching the Championship Series while there's been more movement at the Brisbane Bullets and the South East Melbourne Phoenix need a new coach.

We then get stuck into talking about the final FIBA World Cup qualifying matches over the past week including the wins for the Australian Boomers against Bahrain and Kazakhstan. That included out of favour Perth Wildcats veteran Todd Blanchfield starring with 51 points across the two games and we discussed his NBL future, and why his best interests might be in finding a new home despite remaining contracted at the 'Cats.

We also talk about two other nations full of NBL players who have qualified for the World Cup. We discuss just how competitive the New Zealand Tall Blacks will be when at full strength while South Sudan has become one of the great stories in world basketball qualifying for the World Cup for the first time despite a tinge of controversy.

It's time then to look back on the NBL semi-final series which both were decided in three games with the Sydney Kings overcoming the Cairns Taipans and the New Zealand Breakers defeating the Tasmania JackJumpers. We breakdown both fascinating match ups and also discuss what's next for Cairns Taipans superstar Keanu Pinder in the biggest decision of his career as to where he signs next.

Three-time NBL champion Matty Knight then joins Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle to talk about the future of Todd Blanchfield, to look at what's happening at the Perth Wildcats, to preview the Championship Series and to talk about the importance of the Tasmania JackJumpers retaining the services of Hoops Heaven Player of the Year Milton Doyle.

After that, Cody Ellis takes a look at the prospective coaching options for the South East Melbourne Phoenix after Simon Mitchell stepped away and then we provide a full preview of the Championship Series between the Sydney Kings and the New Zealand Breakers.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 20

The NBL23 Play-In Tournament is done with the Perth Wildcats eliminating the South East Melbourne Phoenix who then got bundled out by the Cairns Taipans as they join the Sydney Kings, NZ Breakers and Tasmania JackJumpers in the final four which we break down on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle.

Cody Ellis and Chris Pike break down the Play-In Tournament and if it was a success or not while also looking back on the now ended NBL seasons of the South East Melbourne Phoenix and Perth Wildcats as well as the outlook for the Brisbane Bullets under new coach Justin Schueller.

We also look ahead to what's to come in the two NBL23 Playoffs Series and discuss whether there's any hope for the Tasmania JackJumpers against the NZ Breakers without Josh Magette and just why having some less talent available might give Cairns Taipans a sniff against the Sydney Kings.

We open up this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with an update on how Cody Ellis' NBL1 West season is shaping up at the Warwick Senators with the coaching staff headed up by former Joondalup Wolves' championship masterminds Luke Brennan and Ben Ettridge.

We then get stuck into talking about the opening to the NBL23 Finals where we discuss an epic collapse by the South East Melbourne Phoenix but dazzling fourth quarter led by Bryce Cotton from the Perth Wildcats.

That led into Sunday's Play-In Game where the Cairns Taipans continued to prove the doubters wrong by beating the Perth Wildcats despite the absence of Tahjere McCall and Keanu Pinder. We talk about why that might have actually been a positive to allow DJ Hogg and Bul Kuol to shine.

We discuss the beginning of the first semi-final series and just how dominant and impressive the New Zealand Breakers were and why the Tasmania JackJumpers face such an uphill battle without their point guard Josh Magette.

Also on this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle, we look back on our own awards throughout NBL23 with Matty Knight naming Milton Doyle the Player of the Year, Damian Martin naming Justin Simon the Best Defensive Player and Scott Ninnis narrowing down The Best Team Man winner of #TheGalen down to Xavier Cooks and Antonius Cleveland.

We then transition into giving our reaction to the #NBL23 award winners announced last week and then wrap up the seasons of the South East Melbourne Phoenix and Perth Wildcats.

We talk about the season of the Phoenix where they never quite fully clicked largely through to a tough injury run again and the absence of Zhou Qi. We then talk about their prospects moving forward, whether Simon Mitchell should remain in charge and if Tyler Johnson should be their recruiting target.

It's then onto the Perth Wildcats where we go through their roster and Cody Ellis gives a yes or no to who he thinks should be brought back, why this season never quite reached its potential and what the outlook is moving forward.

We then discuss the Brisbane Bullets announcing Justin Schueller as their new coach and wrap up the show by previewing the two Playoffs Series between the New Zealand Breakers and Tasmania JackJumpers, and Sydney Kings and Cairns Taipans.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Sports Card World #TheGalen Best NBL Man – Scott Ninnis Bonus Episode

Adelaide 36ers Hall of Famer Scott Ninnis has selected his Round 18 #TheGalen winner and selected his two nominees for #NBL23 Best Team Man thanks to Sports Card World and we discuss all that and plenty more on bonus episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle.

We catch up with Adelaide 36ers Hall of Famer and the only man involved with every NBL championship of the Sixers Scott Ninnis this week and we begin by looking back on the dramatic and frenetic finish to the NBL23 season.

That ended up seeing the Adelaide 36ers not making the finals for a fifth straight season and Scott gives his thoughts on what went wrong for the Sixers in #NBL23, what positives they can take, what the outlook looks like and even what the future might hold for seven-time club MVP Daniel Johnson.

We then move onto the #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man Award thanks to Sports Card World. We begin with Scott Ninnis name Luke Travers of the Perth Wildcats as the winner of the award for Round 18 of the NBL season.

Scott then selects Xavier Cooks of Sydney Kings and Antonius Cleveland of Adelaide 36ers as his two nominees for the winner of The Galen Best NBL Team Man for #NBL23 to be decided by our listeners and with a prize to be awarded thanks to Sports Card World.

Before wrapping up this bonus show, we get Scott's thoughts and predictions for the finals beginning with the play-in tournament starting on Thursday night with the South East Melbourne Phoenix against the Perth Wildcats, and Cairns Taipans hosting the Tasmania JackJumpers.

Scott Ninnis also talks about Mike McKay being inducted into the Adelaide 36ers Hall of Fame and reflects on that same honour being bestowed on him last year and what it meant to him.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven Player of the Year – Matty Knight Bonus Episode

Three-time NBL champion Matty Knight has cast his votes for #NBL23 Player of the Year all season and his winner is announced on special Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle episode along with his award winners, finals predictions and thoughts on how a dramatic season ended.

On the back of the wild finish to the NBL23 regular season, the awards night this week from the NBL and the finals beginning on Thursday night, we catch up with three-time NBL champion from the Perth Wildcats, former 236-game power forward Matty Knight to get all his thoughts.

We begin by talking about that finish to the regular season where it all came down to the Perth Wildcats needing to beat the Sydney Kings by 11 points at RAC Arena to make the finals ahead of Melbourne United, and they ended up winning by 12.

Matty Knight gives his thoughts on that and also his thoughts on the play-in tournament and if he likes to new format from the NBL for this season or not.

We then move into discussing the Hoops Heaven Player of the Year Award. Matty Knight has cast his votes all season long and he gives his Round 18 votes before we discuss his final leaderboard and announce Tasmania JackJumpers guard Milton Doyle as the winner for the NBL23 season.

It's then time to get Matty Knight's award predictions where he gives his thoughts on the winners of the MVP, Most Improved Player, Next Generation, Coach of the Year, Best Defensive Player, Best Sixth Man and All-NBL First and Second team awards.

Before wrapping up this bonus show, we get Matty Knight's thoughts and predictions for the finals beginning with the play-in tournament starting on Thursday night with the South East Melbourne Phoenix against the Perth Wildcats, and Cairns Taipans hosting the Tasmania JackJumpers.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 19

Just a wild finish to #NBL23 regular season and we break it all down on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle as we discuss Perth Wildcats bumping out Melbourne United, if the current system is the right one and the merits of how important it is to play out games to the very end in the NBL.

Not only do Cody Ellis and Chris Pike break down the finish to #NBL23 and teams who made finals but also look at Melbourne United, Adelaide 36ers, Brisbane Bullets and Illawarra Hawks who didn't make it and summing up their NBL seasons.

We then make our #NBL23 award predictions before taking a preview at the finals beginning with the play-in tournament and Cody Ellis predicts South East Melbourne Phoenix and Cairns Taipans to join New Zealand Breakers and Sydney Kings in semi finals.

We started this week's episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle by looking back on the wild finish to the NBL season which saw the Perth Wildcats beat the Sydney Kings by 12 when 11 was the magic number to eliminate Melbourne United.

We discuss that along with why playing games out to the end all season long has been so important when ultimately a finals position was decided by two points between the Wildcats and United. We also talk about the merits of percentage deciding finals spot and if that's the right way to go.

We then have a full rundown of the last round action starting with the New Zealand Breakers and Cairns Taipans battling over second spot, and ultimately New Zealand getting that thanks to beating the Brisbane Bullets in overtime.

The Tasmania JackJumpers secured fourth spot meaning it was just those fifth and sixth spots that would be decided on Sunday. Melbourne United and Adelaide 36ers played a shootout at John Cain Arena, and eventually Melbourne won by nine to mean they would reach the finals unless the Wildcats beat the Kings by 11 points or more.

The Wildcats did open up a 23-point lead in the fourth quarter but the regular season champion Kings fired back to bring it back to eight until Perth scored the game's last four points to lock in that sixth position.

We discuss all of that and why that Wildcats' miracle after trailing United by eight points with 45 seconds to go earlier in the season was so crucial, and talk about if the top six teams are the ones most deserving of taking part in the finals.

We then look at the quick turnaround to the finals starting this Thursday night and look back on the seasons of those four teams not taking part – Melbourne United, Adelaide 36ers, Brisbane Bullets and Illawarra Hawks.

We then turn our attention to the NBL end of season awards and make our selection on the winners of the MVP, Next Generation, Best Sixth Man, Best Defensive, Coach of the Year and Most Improved awards along with selecting out All-NBL First and Second teams.

Before wrapping up, we preview the NBL Finals starting on Thursday night with the Cairns Taipans against the Tasmania JackJumpers, and the South East Melbourne Phoenix against the Perth Wildcats with the Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers waiting in the wings.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 18

Cody Ellis is back on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle this week to look back on all the latest NBL23 happenings and to look ahead to the last round with the playoff spots to be confirmed and to give his reaction to the NBL award nominees and plenty more.

With the Sydney Kings locked into top spot, the Cairns Taipans and NZ Breakers are fighting over second, and Tasmania JackJumpers, Perth Wildcats, South East Melbourne Phoenix, Melbourne United and even Adelaide 36ers fighting over last three places with Cody Ellis breaking it down on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle.

We also catch up on Harry Froling, Pride Round, potential end of Tim Coenraad's remarkable NBL career and Scott Ninnis with the latest on the Adelaide 36ers, a Gold Coast team and #TheGalen Best #NBL23 Team Man while we catch up on #TheDamo Award with a runaway Best Defensive leader.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 17

Matty Knight returns on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with our thoughts out to Harry Froling while we breakdown the race for #NBL23 playoff spots with two rounds to go including South East Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne United's impressing but key injuries at the wrong time.

We also discuss top two teams Sydney Kings and Cairns Taipans losing in Round 16, Tyler Harvey's halfcourt game winner for Illawarra Hawks, Brisbane Bullets winning, Adelaide 36ers falling off a cliff, and Perth Wildcats short rotation.

Matty Knight also gives us his rundown on a trip to Tasmania to embrace the JackJumpers, we talk the NBL Pride Round and Scott Ninnis drops by to announce #NBL23 Round 16 #TheGalen winner and to give his thoughts on what's gone wrong at the Adelaide 36ers this season.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 16

#NBL23 really heating up and we've got you covered on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle looking at Sydney Kings and Cairns Taipans breaking away, Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United warming up, and New Zealand Breakers, South East Melbourne Phoenix and Adelaide 36ers struggling.

Chris Pike and Cody Ellis also take a look at the Brisbane Bullets bizarre season continuing, the NBL replacing the Rookie of the Year just three weeks out from the end of the season, we breakdown the run home of all playoff teams and Adelaide 36ers Hall of Famer Scott Ninnis selects #TheGalen winner.

We begin this week's episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with Cody filling us in on what it was like for him to get back to watching a game live at RAC Arena last week when the Perth Wildcats took on the New Zealand Breakers.

We then get stuck into the NBL action after Round 15 starting with looking at just how impressive the Sydney Kings and Cairns Taipans are looking right now clear in the top two spots and both on six-game winning streaks.

We then discuss two more teams in good form and getting closer to secure a spot in the top six as well, the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne.

We break down the Wildcats' impressive wins against New Zealand and Adelaide including John Rillie shortening his rotation and backing in his non-Australian contingent and also how United could well have a championship contending team but could still miss the playoffs.

Three teams not going as well right now are the Adelaide 36ers, South East Melbourne Phoenix and New Zealand Breakers. We discuss their fortunes, what's going wrong and if they are going to be able to get back on track in time.

The bizarre season of the Brisbane Bullets was summed up in their Round 15 with a record loss to Sydney, a better showing against Melbourne and then upset win against South East Melbourne. We discuss that and their continued baffling moves off-court.

The NBL announced it was getting rid of the Rookie of the Year Award this season in favour of a Next Generation Award for any player under 25 years of age, and we discussed everything surrounding that.

It's then time to catch up with Adelaide 36ers Hall of Famer Scott Ninnis to discuss the fortunes of the Sixers and for him to select #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man for Round 15.

Cody Ellis is then back to go through the run home for each of the teams in playoff contention, predicting how many games they will win and who will make the playoffs before we finish off with a full preview of Round 16.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 15

On this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle we talk about the top three teams breaking away in #NBL23, the other five teams fighting over three spots and just what is making the Sydney Kings, New Zealand Breakers and Cairns Taipans stand out right now.

Chris Pike and Cody Ellis then look at the other five teams fighting over the remaining three spots and look at another blow for the Illawarra Hawks, the lack of fight in the Brisbane Bullets, the heroics of Antonius Cleveland, Tai Webster's Perth Wildcats debut and we hear from Adelaide 36ers Hall of Famer Scott Ninnis.

On this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle, we open up the show by looking at the impressive Round 14 performances from the top three teams, the Sydney Kings, New Zealand Breakers and Cairns Taipans.

We discuss what's making the Kings so good with everything stemming from Xavier Cooks but at the same time they are so deep with an impressive second unit and then they get a performance like 42 points and 10 three-pointers out of DJ Vasiljevic.

Then the Taipans kept winning even going a game without coach Adam Forde and still missing superstar Keanu Pinder. Cody pinpointed Shannon Scott as the key to leading that group with support from Tahjere McCall, Sam Waardenburg, DJ Hogg and the underappreciated Bul Kuol.

Then there is the Breakers who finally got their full roster available for the first time this season and maintained second spot ahead of three games now this coming week with plenty of travel thrown in along the way.

Then we take a look at the two teams out of the playoff race and their contrasting fortunes. The Illawarra Hawks continue to fight hard but have now lost a fourth import to a season-ending injury, while the Bullets are showing a lack of fight outside of former NBA star Tyler Johnson.

We wrap up the opening segment by talking about Antonius Cleveland putting on his Superman cape to lead the Adelaide 36ers to a brilliant comeback win over the Illawarra Hawks.

It's then time to hear from Adelaide 36ers Hall of Famer Scott Ninnis. He discusses the sell out crowds at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, mixed fortunes of the Sixers and picks his winner of #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man for Round 14.

Cody Ellis then returns to look at the race for playoff positions and the two teams who look like they'll miss out before a full preview of the Round 15 action to come and talking about the Webster brothers following in the footsteps of the Ellis brothers at the Perth Wildcats.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 14

Tai Webster joins Perth Wildcats, Cairns Taipans' NYE miracle over Adelaide 36ers, Mitch Creek takes blame for South East Melbourne Phoenix loss, Illawarra Hawks lose Peyton Siva and accusations aplenty against Melbourne United.

That's just some of what we cover on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with #NBL23 heating up. Cody Ellis also offers his thoughts on landing space under the rim, post-game interviews, Chase Buford suspension and Scott Ninnis names #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man.

Cody Ellis and Chris Pike are back for another Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle episode with no shortage of drama right across the NBL to dissect.

We open up by talking about Tai Webster joining the Perth Wildcats and what he potentially brings, whether or not it's a good fit and just how he'll work alongside his brother, Bryce Cotton, Luke Travers, TaShawn Thomas and Brady Manek, and what it means for Todd Blanchfield, Mitch Norton and Corey Shervill.

We then take a look at the remarkable comeback from the Cairns Taipans to beat the Adelaide 36ers on New Year's Eve, how it happened and what it means for both teams moving forward.

There are injuries mounting across the NBL too with the Illawarra Hawks losing Peyton Siva for the rest of the season with the South East Melbourne Phoenix losing Trey Kell III while Mitch Creek took their loss to the Tasmania JackJumpers to heart.

We talk about the suspension of Sydney Kings coach Chase Buford and Kevin Lisch's heading coaching debut and discuss the claims by both Taipans coach Adam Forde and the Phoenix around the physical tactics of Melbourne United and Mason Peatling.

Cody Ellis also raises the issue of protecting players with their landing space under the rim, we talk about Xavier Cooks' reluctance to do post-match interviews and look ahead to Round 14 in the NBL.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 13

Christmas Day in the NBL is now in the history books, New Year's Eve is upon us and the Sydney Kings are firing but we look at who their biggest challenger is on this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle.

Co-hosts Chris Pike and Cody Ellis break down #NBL23 Christmas Day, Cody discusses refereeing and we look at building Adelaide 36ers, improved Tasmania JackJumpers, Brisbane Bullets getting a win and Perth Wildcats blowing one, and New Zealand Breakers, South East Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne United situations.

We open up this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle by catching up on our Christmases and then getting stuck right into the NBL making history with the Christmas Day game where the Sydney Kings beat Melbourne United. We talk about the pros and cons of it all, and then look ahead to why it looks a near certainty for a double-header now in 2023.

On the back of that, we look at how the Sydney Kings do appear the standout team in the NBL right now but who their biggest challenger is isn't easy to determine. The Breakers, Phoenix and Taipans are directly behind them and are having their challenges, the Wildcats just had a slip up and then there's the JackJumpers and 36ers. We take a look at all those potential contenders.

Following that, we talk about the Brisbane Bullets breaking through for their first win with Greg Vanderjagt as coach but in the same game, the Perth Wildcats missed 18 free-throws and missed a golden chance to make it five consecutive wins to keep their momentum going.

The conversation continues by talking about the horror luck for the New Zealand Breakers who didn’t play a game for 18 days, now have 8 days in between games and are without three key players.

We talk the South East Melbourne Phoenix who finally got a break after 6 games in 17 days while playing on Christmas Eve without four key players and discuss if Melbourne United's season is now already done at 9-12.

We break up this week's show by then catch up with Adelaide 36ers Hall of Famer to get his thoughts on the current 3-game winning streak of the Sixers and then he selects his winner of the #TheGalen Best NBL Team for Round 12.

We're back then for Cody Ellis to talk about the current state of refereeing in the NBL before getting stuck into our preview of Round 13 including a double-header in Cairns and Wollongong on New Year's Eve.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 12

It's the Christmas episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and we look ahead to the historic Christmas Day NBL23 game, look back on one of the most remarkable NBL games ever, talk Adelaide 36ers getting their man, baffling Brisbane Bullets and so much more.

Ahead of the NBL's first ever Christmas Day game, Chris Pike and Cody Ellis break down the Sydney Kings playing Melbourne United, look back on South East Melbourne Phoenix v Kings with incredible Mitch Creek and Derrick Walton Jr performances, Scott Ninnis selects #TheGalen options and so much more.

We open up this week's episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with nothing else but looking back one of the more remarkable NBL games ever. The Phoenix and Kings went to two overtimes in a game featuring three injuries, five foul outs, 79 free throws and Creek and Walton combining for 91 points on 29/54 shooting, 9/21 from deep and 24/26 at the foul line.

We also discuss how much the Sydney Kings missed Xavier Cooks in trying to stop Mitch Creek and the flow on effect of that double overtime game delaying the start to the Melbourne United-Illawarra Hawks and how it's an unfortunate reality.

We then move on to the outstanding performances of Keanu Pinder and Rayjon Tucker earlier in the round before discussing the Adelaide 36ers signing NBA and NBL championship winner Ian Clark.

One thing we can't avoid is how bizarre the whole situation at the Brisbane Bullets is now with Greg Vanderjagt the new interim head coach and how tough it must be for players like Aron Baynes, Nathan Sobey and Jason Cadee who put their careers in the hands of the club.

We also discuss the two tough fourth quarters for the Tasmania JackJumpers in very un-JackJumper like performances.

It's then time to hear from Adelaide 36ers Hall of Famer Scott Ninnis to get his thoughts on that Kings-Phoenix battle, two impressive wins from his Sixers, the signing of Ian Clark and then he nominates Antonius Cleveland and Mitch Creek as the two options to win #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man with one lucky listener to win big thanks to Sports Card World.

We wrap up this Christmas episode by previewing the upcoming round including the tough situation the South East Melbourne Phoenix are in and then the first ever Christmas Day game between the Sydney Kings and Melbourne United.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 11

Cody Ellis is back on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle this week as we talk drama over not dribbling out the clock, Perth Wildcats snatching the unwinnable from Melbourne United, Tasmania JackJumpers continuing Sydney Kings' fourth quarter struggles and Cairns Taipans' double overtime win.

And that's just the start of this week's episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle talking everything #NBL23. We discuss Kings/Breakers coming back to the pack, Corey Webster's heroics, DJ Hogg starring with Cairns Taipans, JackJumpers emerging, looking ahead to big Round 11 milestones, full preview and Scott Ninnis names #TheGalen winner.

We open up this week's show by welcoming back Cody Ellis to his co-hosting role alongside Chris Pike after COVID struck him down last week and we look at those incredible Round 10 NBL wins for the Perth Wildcats, Tasmania JackJumpers and Cairns Taipans.

We then open up the debate over whether teams should play the games out to the final whistle or dribble out the clock before taking a look at the remarkable comeback Perth Wildcats win over Melbourne United, but also if they can survive this season without fixing their rebounding.

We discuss how costly that loss could be for Melbourne United and then talk the JackJumpers' 26-4 finish to beat the Sydney Kings where Tasmania again impressed and Sydney once more struggled in a fourth quarter.

We also talk about the cool heads at the Cairns Taipans DJ Hogg and Shannon Scott, TaShawn Thomas stepping up for the Perth Wildcats and give an update on the import situations at the Brisbane Bullets and Adelaide 36ers.

Adelaide 36ers legend Scott Ninnis drops by to give an update on the Sixers, his thoughts on the Bullets coaching situation and he picks his #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man for Round 10.

Before getting to the Round 11 NBL preview we talk about the big upcoming milestones for Brad Newley, Chris Goulding, Shea Ili and Cam Gliddon. 

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 10

Different look through necessity on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle this week but between Matty Knight, Scott Ninnis, Shawn Redhage and Brett Maher, we hope we satisfy your fix what's happening in the world of the NBL.

With regular co-host Cody Ellis struck by a bout of COVID, it's a bit of a makeshift Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle this week, but with 1471 NBL games and 14 championships between the four men on this week's show, Chris Pike is in good company to discuss everything #NBL23 and beyond.

First up on the show is three-time NBL champion Matty Knight to give his thoughts on what stood out to him in Round 9 of the NBL, to give his votes in the Player of the Year award and why he's so impressed with Milton Doyle and believing the Tasmania JackJumpers are just about title favourites.

He also talked about his battles over his career with Daniel Johnson who is set to play his 400th NBL game this Friday night with the Adelaide 36ers hosting the Perth Wildcats.

Speaking of the 36ers, two of the club's Hall of Famers Scott Ninnis and Brett Maher are up next. They both discuss the 400-game milestone of DJ as well as giving their thoughts on the Sixers' search for a third import and Scott selects his winner of #TheGalen Best Team Man in the NBL for Round 9.

The Scoring Machine Shawn Redhage then drops by to reflect on his remarkable career that will now see his No. 42 retired by the Perth Wildcats.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle Bonus Episode – Shawn Redhage #42

We catch up with Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle's original host The Scoring Machine Shawn Redhage to reflect on his remarkable life in basketball with the announcement of his No. 42 being retired by the Perth Wildcats.

Shawn Redhage started Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle alongside NBL writer Chris Pike four years ago and now the pair catch up once more with mission accomplished with the famous Wildcats No. 42 about the hanging in the rafters in The Jungle for eternity.

We begin the bonus episode by talking about the way the announcement was made to Shawn about the decision and how Andrew Vlahov delivered it, and how everyone did a remarkably good job keeping it a secret from him.

Discussion then turns to the emotions Shawn felt knowing that something never felt was in the realm of possibility was now going to happen as he reflected on his playing career which included the NBL championships, playing at the Olympics and then receiving the dream finish.

Shawn reflects on coming from the Cornfields of Nebraska to the Beach of Perth, and what a ride it has been including the highs of being 'The Scoring Machine' and winning championships to the horror career-threatening injury.

He also talks about those nicknames from Charlie Hustle to The Scoring Machine, reflects on his relationship with Damian Martin among other teammates, and of course sharing the whole ride with his family, wife Gretchen, daughter Hayley and son Dylan.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 9

Huge week in #NBL23 again to cover in Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with Chris Pike and Cody Ellis breaking down all the results and news while hearing from championship winning greats Matty Knight and Scott Ninnis.

We take a look at the standout top four teams with their dominant bigs in #NBL23, the Adelaide 36ers import dilemma, Brisbane Bullets coaching situation, why it's make or break time for Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle.

Matty Knight gives his thoughts and Player of the Year votes, Scott Ninnis announces #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man while updating on Adelaide 36ers with Damian Martin giving votes in #TheDamo while Cody Ellis and Chris Pike review/preview everything in NBL23.

This week's episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle begins by looking at why the New Zealand Breakers, Sydney Kings, Cairns Taipans and South East Melbourne Phoenix are the standout teams right now with their big men leading the charge.

We then transition into talking about how the Adelaide 36ers are starting to click and play with the greater chemistry but then weigh up whether or not bringing a new import in at this point is a good or bad thing.

The Brisbane Bullets sacked coach James Duncan last week and we discuss everything surrounding that situation with Sam Mackinnon taking over and not Peter Crawford or Greg Vanderjagt, and if Anthony Petrie might be the one and only candidate to bring in.

We discuss the Illawarra Hawks still missing that physical presence, the Tasmania JackJumpers finding a way to beat Melbourne United and Cody continues to ask why teams feel like they need to take a three at the end of games when it's unnecessary and such a low percentage.

It's then time to hear from three-time NBL champion Matty Knight for his Player of the Year votes for Round 8 along with giving his thoughts on the Xavier Cooks-Keanu Pinder match up and their futures, and more.

We then hear from Adelaide 36ers Hall of Famer Scott Ninnis to get the latest on the Sixers, Sam Mackinnon as coach and he names his winner of #TheGalen Best Team Man for Round 8.

We then wrap up Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with a full preview of a tantalising Round 9 in the NBL.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 8

The NBL might have been on a break but that doesn't mean there's a shortage of things to talk about on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with The Scoring Machine #42 retired, Isaac Humphries' announcement, Melbourne United's new import, Dean Vickerman's comments and so much more as #NBL23 resumes.

Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle is again co-hosted by NBL writer Chris Pike and former Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings forward Cody Ellis as we break down all the big news in #NBL23 along with reviewing the opening six rounds, giving out our awards, previewing Round 7, talking Boomers and we hear from three-time champion Matty Knight as well.

We open up this week's show talking about the Perth Wildcats retiring the No. 42 worn by original co-host of this show Shawn Redhage. We talk about the career of The Scoring Machine and the tribute to him following the announcements.

Speaking of announcements, we then discuss Melbourne United centre Isaac Humphries reveal that he is gay and the troubles it has caused him as a result, and the courageous decision he has taken to make it public and everything that goes along with it.

Speaking of Melbourne United, we talk about Dean Vickerman's comments calling for more balance in the NBL media coverage and commentary teams along with the arrival of new import big man Marcus Lee.

We also discuss the Australian Boomers qualifying for the FIBA World Cup by beating Kazakhstan before then following the government's advice to not travel to Iran to play on Monday night.

It's then time this week to reflect back on the NBL23 season following the opening six rounds. Cody Ellis gives his rundown on each team's performance so far and then reflects on his championship prediction, the top six teams, MVP, Best Defensive Player, Most Improved, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, and his All-NBL Team up to the break.

We then hear from three-time NBL champion Matty Knight this week as he refeclts on the NBL season so far, gives an update on his predictions from the start of the season now, and also talks Craig Randall's departure from the Adelaide 36ers and why he feels Brady Manek is still a liability to the Perth Wildcats.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 7

There might be no #NBL23 games to preview but no shortage of hot topics to dissect with Craig Randall gone from Adelaide 36ers, Brady Manek saving himself with Perth Wildcats and so much more happening in the NBL as well as The Galen, The Damo and Player of the Year awards.

Huge episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle this week with Chris Pike joined by Cody Ellis to dissect Randall leaving the Sixers, Devondrick Walker released by the Brisbane Bullets, Jaylen Adams' potential return, Brady Manek saving his Wildcats career and whatever other FIBA window moves we'll see.

Where else but we open this week's show by talking about Craig Randall's unceremonious departure from the Adelaide 36ers following the loss to the Perth Wildcats. We talk about why the 36ers just ran out of patience on the hugely talented guard and why they had to put culture ahead of talent, and why it could end up being the best thing for the team moving forward.

We then get to the possibility of reigning MVP Jaylen Adams returning to the NBL. He has said he'd only return to the Sydney Kings, but he's currently out of a job and the Adelaide 36ers, Brisbane Bullets and Melbourne United all loom as potential new homes.

It's then time to look at the huge, career-saving performance from Brady Manek for the Wildcats against the 36ers where he knocked down six three-pointers for 25 points to help the 'Cats snap a six-game losing streak heading into this FIBA window.

We then continue the discussion on the Perth Wildcats, take a look at the impressive Cairns Taipans thrashing Melbourne United despite being shorthanded, the Brisbane Bullets cutting Devondrick Walker and what's next for them, Melbourne United's rollercoaster ride, the Sydney Kings' free-throw struggles and Rayan Rupert's wrist injury for the New Zealand Breakers and what it means for the Next Star program.

We then run through our awards this week with the Player of the Year votes from Matty Knight, #TheDamo Best Defensive Player votes from Damian Martin, and we catch up with Adelaide 36ers Hall of Famer Scott Ninnis to select #TheGalen Best Team and talk Brady Manek and Craig Randall, and the 36ers.

We wrap up the show by talking about the Australian Boomers matches this weekend against Kazakhstan and Iran.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Scott Ninnis Bonus Episode

After both playing for differing results on Thursday night, the stage is set for a telling Adelaide 36ers-Perth Wildcats match up on Saturday so we have a Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle Bonus Show with Scott Ninnis and Cody Ellis to break it all down.

Ninnis and Ellis join Chris Pike to look ahead to the Saturday night match up with so much at stake for both old NBL rivals and we look back on the Adelaide 36ers' Thursday win over the Illawarra Hawks without Craig Randall and Perth Wildcats' rough home loss to the Tasmania JackJumpers.

We open up the discussion by talking about how the 36ers looked against the Hawks without import point guard Craig Randall where Daniel Johnson, Robert Franks and Anthony Drmic all played their best games of NBL23.

We talk about if Franks and Johnson can still dominate that way with Randall back in the line-up and Scott Ninnis talks about how it was a good thing for the team to play that game without Randall just to figure some things out, and see what works before adding him back in. 

Scott talks about how the Sixers have been awful defensively so far this season but have the biggest room for improvement of all NBL clubs.

Talk then turns to the Perth Wildcats and their fifth straight loss for the first time since 2005 where again import forward Brady Manek underperforming leaving his position moving forward in serious doubt.

Cody Ellis has an ideal potential replacement for him in the form of former 36ers excitement machine Jacob Wiley before discussion on what Scott describes as a Wildcats team that has 'got old quick' and who are playing with a significant lack of effort right now.

We wrap up the discussion with a look at the Saturday night match up between the Adelaide 36ers and Perth Wildcats at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 6

Plenty to dissect and get off our chests on this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle where we break down firing New Zealand Breakers, struggling Perth Wildcats and Illawarra Hawks, fortunes of the two Melbourne clubs and the enigmatic Adelaide 36ers.

Cody Ellis is back to join Chris Pike for this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and he has some things to get off his chest – starting with the delay of game enforcement and his bafflement over teams taking unnecessary three-point shots at end of games and not even getting a shot off at all.

We open up this week's show with Cody talking about those things that he just couldn’t understand from NBL Round 6 including those delay of game calls, teams going for threes when they don’t need to and Melbourne United not shooting at all with the game tied with seconds remaining.

We then talk about Kouat Noi hitting the game winner on his 25th birthday for the Sydney Kings against the Cairns Taipans. Speaking of the Taipans, we also talk about the great self-belief that Keanu Pinder has and the front court he is forming at the Snakes.

It's then time to dive further into the firing New Zealand Breakers and how well they are coming together as a unit, and then the struggles of the Perth Wildcats and the future prospects of import forward Brady Manek.

We then continue with Cody Ellis talking about if there's any hope for the Illawarra Hawks, how good the South East Melbourne Phoenix are looking, the Adelaide 36ers not clicking yet and Melbourne United getting a couple of wins and welcoming back Shea Ili.

It's then time for our awards this week with Scott Ninnis selection #TheGalen Best Team Man, Damian Martin giving his votes in #TheDamo and we chat with Matty Knight for his Player of the Year votes along with his thoughts on the Perth Wildcats and NZ Breakers.

We wrap up this week's show with a preview of Round 6 in the NBL running from Thursday through Sunday before the FIBA break with a focus on Jason Cadee's 350th game and the return of Breakers captain Tom Abercrombie.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 5

Special co-host for this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and a three-time NBL champion drops by to discuss Tasmania JackJumpers' thriving, Brisbane Bullets breaking through, Illawarra Hawks struggles, Melbourne United's import move and we have The Galen, The Damo and Player of the Year Awards.

Matty Knight joins Chris Pike for this week's show to discuss all of that plus look back on #NBL23 Round 4, preview Round 5 and go into an in depth culture where he gives his take on the Perth Wildcats culture he was so proud of being part of and where he might see it now on and off court.

We begin this week's episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle by catching up with Matty on what he's up to now before getting stuck into NBL talk and starting on the positives right now beginning with the Tasmania JackJumpers fresh off their record win over the Perth Wildcats.

Talk then turns to the New Zealand Breakers overcoming plenty to bounce back to win in Cairns despite a record slow start with a five-point first before also discussing a South East Melbourne Phoenix now looking good on the back of having a full squad available. We also discuss the Brisbane Bullets scoring their breakthrough first win of the season.

We then get stuck into the dramatic parts of the past week where Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman made it clear that power forward import Jordan Caroline wasn't part of future plans. Matty Knight gives his thoughts on the comments, if United do need to replace Caroline and the sort of player they need.

We then look at Tim Coenraad's comments on the Illawarra Hawks who have now lost their last four games with Matty Knight giving his insights into the concerns he has for them for the rest of the season.

It's then time for our awards for this week and we run through Damian Martin's votes in #TheDamo Best Defensive Player Award before selecting #TheGalen Best Team Man winner for Round 4 thanks to Sports Card World and Matty Knight gives his votes for the Player of the Year.

It's then time for Matty Knight to give his insights into the current culture he sees on and off the court at the Perth Wildcats, how it compares to what he was so proud of being part of and responding to comments by Corey 'Homicide' Williams.

We wrap up this week's show with a preview of Round 5 in the NBL running from Thursday through Monday night.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 4

So much to cover surrounding #NBL23 on this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle from that screen from Jesse Wagstaff, salary cap revelations, trouble at Brisbane Bullets, NZ Breakers and Tasmania JackJumpers firing, and that's just the tip of the ice berg.

It's been a massive week in the world of the NBL and we try to cover it all on this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with NBL writer Chris Pike joined by former Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks forward Cody Ellis.

We begin by discussing some of the big talking points including the troubles at the Brisbane Bullets who remain winless after four games of the season, and look at the immediate future of coach James Duncan.

We then discuss the screen from Perth Wildcats captain Jesse Wagstaff which left Melbourne United guard Lachie Barker concussed. He was initially suspended before challenging and we discuss everything surrounding that.

Talk then turns to the impressive form of the New Zealand Breakers, Tasmania JackJumpers and Cairns Taipans, but then also the struggles of the Illawarra Hawks and the situation with struggling power forwards Alan Williams and Jordan Caroline at South East Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne United.

It's then awards time on this week's show with the winner of #TheGalen Best Team Man from Scott Ninnis announced along with #TheDamo Best Defensive Player votes from Damian Martin. We then chat with Matty Knight and get his Player of the Year votes for Round 3.

Talk then focuses on the release of the salary cap spends of the NBL teams last season and all the different talking points surrounding that before a preview of Round 4 and then wrapping up the show. 

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle Bonus Episode - Kevin White 300

Our first bonus episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle for NBL23 couldn’t be timed better as we catch up with Kevin White ahead of his 300th NBL game with the Illawarra Hawks against the team he was captain at, the Adelaide 36ers.

It's a fascinating chat that we have as part of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle as co-host Cody Ellis catches up with a man who he spent his entire NBL career with at the Sydney Kings and then the Illawarra Hawks, and formed a lifelong bond.

We have a fascinating discussion with Kevin White who is about to reach his 300-game milestone in the NBL having been signed to return to the Illawarra Hawks this season following time at the Adelaide 36ers and Perth Wildcats since his last sting in the 'Gong.

We talk about how he feels coming back to Illawarra having previously been captain at the club and talks abouts the things that have changed, and improved, but also what's stayed the same and the familiar faces he sees from Tyson Demos to Oscar Forman, and the fans in the stands and around the community.

Kev reflects on leaving the Hawks the first time, going to Adelaide and then Perth, and reflects on the journey he's been on and the challenges he has faced, but also the highs he's experienced along the way especially playing under Rob Beveridge at the Hawks and the relationships he formed with that team.

While not quite ready to turn to reflection mode while still playing, he does think about the journey that sees him now as a 35-year-old about to play his 300th and being back at Illawarra having hated them growing as a Sydney Kings fan, and then playing at arch-rivals Adelaide and Perth.

Kev talks about being appreciative of the support he's received along the way, talks about wanting to make things right with his 36ers coach Joey Wright one day and more importantly, how important it is to be sharing his journey with his wife and their two sons.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 3

Are the Sydney Kings better than last season? Is it time to worry for Melbourne United and Brisbane Bullets? There's Xavier Cooks' dunk and plenty more in the #NBL23 to dissect on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle this week.

Cody Ellis joins up with Chris Pike to look at everything happening after two rounds of the NBL season while Matty Knight gives his Player of the Year votes, Scott Ninnis names his Best Team Man #TheGalen winner thanks to Sports Card World and we get Damian Martin's votes in #TheDamo.

We open this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle by discussing the standout starts to the season from both the Sydney Kings and Perth Wildcats while also discussing Xavier Cooks' Dunk of the Year and talking about his continued growth into MVP candidate and potential NBA player.

It's then time to discuss the Illawarra Hawks needing a new import following the injury to Justin Robinson along with the winless start to the season for the Brisbane Bullets and Melbourne United's big loss to Sydney and if they need to consider making a move or not.

We then get to our awards segment of the show with Damian Martin's votes in #TheDamo Best Defensive Player Award while Matty Knight gives his Player of the Year votes and Scott Ninnis drops by to nominate his #TheGalen Best Team man nominees thanks to Sports Card World.

We then have a discussion over Cairns Taipans coach holding people to account and discuss milestones of Todd Blanchfield and Kevin White before getting stuck into our preview of Round 3 in the NBL.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 2

NBL23 season has started and we break it all down on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle including getting the awards from Matty Knight and Scott Ninnis along with discussing Adelaide 36ers beating an NBA team and the Australian Opals winning bronze.

It has been a massive week in the world of Australian basketball and we are back to discuss it all on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with co-hosts NBL writer Chris Pike and former Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings forward, and Warwick Senators NBL1 captain Cody Ellis.

We open up this week's show by taking a look at the remarkable performance from the Adelaide 36ers to beat the NBA's Phoenix Suns in an NBLxNBA contest where they showed just what NBL teams are capable of.

We then take a look at the FIBA Women's World Cup held in Sydney where the Australian Opals went on to win bronze thanks to a stunning outburst from Lauren Jackson while Team USA won gold.

It's then time to turn our focus to Round 1 of the NBL where we lock in on the undermanned South East Melbourne Phoenix impressing, the Cairns Taipans catching fire, Derrick Walton Jr, Bryce Cotton and Xavier Rathan-Mayes catching fire, and plenty more.

It's then time to get into rewards segment starting with three-time NBL championship winner Matty Knight dropping by to give his Round 1 Player of the Year votes. He also offers some thoughts on the Tasmania JackJumpers' 0-2 start to #NBL23.

We then chat with Scott Ninnis about his beloved Adelaide 36ers along with winning the NBL1 Central championship in his first season as coach at the South Adelaide Panthers, and he gives us his Round 1 winner of The Galen Award as the NBL's Best Team Man.

To wrap up the show this week we take a look at all the upcoming Round 2 NBL action along with the Adelaide 36ers taking on Josh Giddey and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – Season 4, Episode 1

We are back on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle for a fourth season and our first episode sees Chris Pike and Cody Ellis run through the off-season happenings latest news and then run through every team for NBL23 and then offer some predictions.

The NBL season for 2022/23 gets underway on Saturday October 1 and with the NBL Blitz in Darwin now over won by the Adelaide 36ers, Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle is back to get you ready for NBL23.

NBL writer Chris Pike is joined by former Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings forward Cody Ellis, and they open up the show looking at all the latest news including Ariel Hukporti's season-ending injury, Tom Abercrombie's horrible luck, South East Melbourne Phoenix's injury troubles, returns of Kevin White, Tim Coenraad and Dave Barlow, and the standouts at the NBL Blitz.

We then take a look back at the off-season including the Boomers campaign, Jack White and Matthew Dellavedova going to the NBA from Melbourne United, the movements at the Perth Wildcats, the talent leaving the NBL, the talent still unsigned and plenty more.

It's then time to deep dive into how all 10 teams are shaping up for the upcoming NBL season and we give our predictions to close out the show.

We also discussed plans for the show this season including the Player of the Year Award with Matty Knight, The Galen Award with Scott Ninnis and #TheDamo Best Defensive Player Award along with regular special episodes featuring Adam Gibson, AJ Ogilvy, Kevin White and Alex Loughton.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au).

Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle - Season 3, Episode 25

Our last episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle for #NBL22 and it's a huge one as Cody Ellis joins Chris Pike to breakdown Sydney Kings' championship win, the Tasmania JackJumpers effort, we announce the winner of the #TheGalen, take a look at NBL Free Agency, NBL1 West and we catch up with Cairns Taipans great Alex Loughton.

Where else but the Grand Final is where we start this week's episode by looking at the Sydney Kings securing their fourth NBL championship by beating the Tasmania JackJumpers 3-0.

Cody gives his thoughts on the absences of Fabijan Krslovic, Jack McVeigh and Jaylen Adams, the efforts of Xavier Cooks, Jarell Martin, Shaun Bruce, Ian Clark, Josh Adams and more in what he still rates as a high quality Grand Final Series despite the 3-0 scoreline.

We announce the winner of the inaugural The Galen Award as the Best NBL Team Man as well on this episode with the listeners deciding between Antonius Cleveland of the Illawarra Hawks, Shea Ili of Melbourne United and Keanu Pinder of the Cairns Taipans.

It's then time to catch up with Cairns Taipans legend Alex Loughton for the final time this season. We chat with Loughz about joining the NBL TV commentary team, his history with Cody Ellis, his thoughts on the NBL season and the Sydney Kings' championship triumph, and then the Cairns Taipans. He talks the Bul Kuol, Keanu Pinder re-signings, futures of Scott Machado, Tahjere McCall and Nate Jawai, and plenty more in a fun discussion.

Once we finish chatting with Loughz, it's time to cast an eye forward to look at the 2022/23 NBL season. We begin by looking at the players currently re-signed and then Cody offers his thoughts on the potential of Xavier Cooks and Jo Lual-Acuil reaching the NBA.

We then run through a list of the biggest names about to go on the free agent markets with Cody Ellis providing his thoughts on the futures of everyone from Cam Bairstow to Isaac Humphries to Duop Reath, Harry Froling, Finn Delany, Todd Blanchfield and Cam Gliddon.

We finish off the discussion with some thoughts on Luke Travers, Kai Sotto, Tom Digbeu, Ousmane Dieng and Hugo Besson deciding to nominate for the 2022 NBA Draft.

We then wrap up the season on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle by getting Cody's thoughts on his Warwick Senators team this NBL1 West season and an overall look at the strength of the competition and why he rates it so highly in 2022.

Made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Redhage Basketball Player of the Year - Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle

We are here with a special bonus episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with The Scoring Machine to announce the winner of the Redhage Basketball Player of the Year for #NBL22.

Four-time NBL champion, six-time Perth Wildcats MVP and two-time All-NBL First Team member Shawn Redhage has cast his votes in the Redhage Basketball Player of the Year each week of the NBL season and he has come on board to discuss the winner.

The ended up coming down to the final game of the season where the award was decided with the Perth Wildcats losing to miss out on the finals. That meant Bryce Cotton only received the one vote in the last round and Sydney Kings superstar Jaylen Adams won the Redhage Basketball Player of the Year Award.

Once the award is taken care of, Shawn gives his thoughts on the Tasmania JackJumpers' remarkable run to the NBL Grand Final, the Perth Wildcats' playoff streak ending that he was such a big part of, Brian Goorjian stepping down as coach of the Illawarra Hawks, Bryce Cotton re-signing at the Perth Wildcats and then he previews the Grand Final between the Kings and JackJumpers.

Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle - Season 3, Episode 24

It's Grand Final time in the NBL and who would have thought the Tasmania JackJumpers are there to face the Sydney Kings. We look ahead to that on this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle along with the fallout for Melbourne United and Illawarra Hawks, Brian Goorjian's departure and work out the winner of #TheGalen Best #NBL22 Team Man.

We open up this week's episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with Cody Ellis reflecting on his return to Sydney and Wollongong for Kevin White's wedding and to watch his two former teams in action in Game 1 of the semi-final series.

It's then time to reflect back on the two semi-final series which saw the Tasmania JackJumpers beat Melbourne United and Sydney Kings beat Illawarra Hawks. We talk about just what a remarkable feat it is from the JackJumpers to get to a Grand Final in their first NBL season but also discuss just how good the Kings are and how tough to stop they will be.

After looking at the semi-final winners. we break down the fallout for the losers starting with the Illawarra Hawks and the announcement that coach Brian Goorjian is stepping down to be replaced by Jacob Jackomas. Cody then talks about why it's Melbourne United who will always be the ones who look back on #NBL22 as the great underachievers after losing to the JackJumpers.

We keep moving on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and get to our three nominees to win the #TheGalen Award as The Best Team Man in #NBL22. The nominees are Antonius Cleveland, Shea Ili and Keanu Pinder, and we announce how the winner will be decided.

We then breakdown the NBL Award winners for #NBL22 and then get stuck into a Grand Final Preview between the Tasmania JackJumpers and Sydney Kings.

Made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

 

TABtouch Preview - #NBL22 Semi Finals Game 3

The Sydney Kings are into the #NBL22 Grand Final and now on the TABtouch Preview we take a look at Game 3 of the other NBL semi-final series between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers to determine who they face.

Who better to talk about the JackJumpers' prospects of knocking off the defending champion United than three-time NBL championship winner and Tasmanian native Matty Knight.

Matty Knight breaks down the remarkable job the JackJumpers have done in their inaugural NBL season to be one game away from the Grand Final and he previews the Monday night Game 3 with Melbourne at John Cain Arena.

He also looks back on the other semi-final series where the Sydney Kings defeated the Illawarra Hawks to advance to the Grand Final and now await their opponents.

The former Wildcats champion also gives his take on the playoff streak coming to an end after 35 years to wrap things up.

Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle - Season 3, Episode 23

What a finish to the NBL season and the Perth Wildcats streak is over, the Tasmania JackJumpers join Melbourne United, Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings in the #NBL22 finals and we discuss all of that, preview the finals and the award winners on this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle.

Cody Ellis and Chris Pike team up again on this week's show and where else to start than the Perth Wildcats' NBL playoff streak ending and the Tasmania JackJumpers making it to #NBL22 finals as a result. We also discuss the Illawarra Hawks-Sydney Kings fallout and the Kings calling out referee Chris Reed.

We also take a look at the Cairns Taipans finishing their season on a high thanks to 42 points from Tahjere McCall and the disappointing end for the Brisbane Bullets with coach James Duncan admitting he had some players not willing to play their final game of the season.

We then announce our winner of #TheGalen Best Team Man Award for Round 21 before breaking down all the potential NBL award winners with Cody selecting his MVP, Best Sixth Man, Best Defensive Player, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year and Most Improved Player.

It's then time to preview the upcoming pair of semi-final match ups with the Illawarra Hawks playing the Sydney Kings, and Melbourne United taking on the Tasmania JackJumpers.

Made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

TABtouch Preview - #NBL22 Round 21

As part of the Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle family, we bring you the TABtouch Preview looking ahead to a massive final round of the #NBL22 season where the positions in the finals will be determined.

On top of our regular weekly episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle, each week during the 2021/22 NBL season we'll be bringing you the TABtouch Preview hosted by three-time champion Matty Knight.

Matty will join Chris Pike to take a look at all the action upcoming in the round ahead of #NBL22 where he provides his insights, predictions and also tries to help you find a winner thanks to www.tabtouch.com.au.

This week's show sees us take a close look at whether or not the Perth Wildcats can still reach the playoffs for a 36th straight year despite the loss of superstar Vic Law or if they will lose their remaining two matches and leave the door open for the Tasmania JackJumpers fairytale inaugural season end in the finals.

Matty also looks at the battle between the Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks over fourth position while also previewing games between South East Melbourne Phoenix-Adelaide 36ers, Cairns Taipans-Brisbane Bullets, and New Zealand Breakers-Adelaide 36ers.

We also take a look back on the Round 21 opening clash where the Sydney Kings beat the Cairns Taipans.

Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle - Season 3, Episode 22

Another jam packed episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with Cody Ellis joining Chris Pike to break down the race to the NBL Finals while looking at all of the hot topics across the league, looking at the big questions moving forward and naming #NBL22 Round 20 winner of #TheGalen Award.

This week's episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle opens up with co-hosts Chris Pike and Cody Ellis breaking down what happened in #NBL22 Round 20 and looking ahead to the last round of the regular season with the Perth Wildcats and Tasmania JackJumpers fighting over fourth spot.

We also discuss Michael Frazier's resilience, Vic Law's injury, Sunday Dech's near perfect game, Jack McVeigh's importance to JackJumpers, Ben Ayre grabbing chance at Cairns Taipans, Zac Gattorna showing potential and Rob Loe sending a reminder with New Zealand Breakers.

We name our latest winner in #TheGalen Best Team Man in the NBL for Round 20 and then provide a full preview of the Round 21 action where the final positions will be decided while Cody also takes a look at the NBL1 West season so far and in particular his Warwick Senators.

We close this week's show by looking ahead and Cody giving his thoughts on which imports club's should bring back next season, which free agents are the hottest property, if young guns should stay another season or go to NBA and then thoughts on futures of Mitch Creek, Scott Machado, Duop Reath, Jo Lual-Acuil, Vice, Zhou Qi, Jaylen Adams and Will Magnay.

Made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle - Season 3, Episode 21

No shortage of hot topics once again on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and Cody Ellis joins Chris Pike to break down the top 4 race while looking in depth at the bottom 4, the Asian stars, Ousmane Diegn's stocks, Duop Reath's motivation and WNBL Grand Final and NBL1 West while we also catch up with the legend himself Damian Martin.

We open up this week's episode by taking a look back on Round 19 in #NBL22 and how the race for the top four is shaping up with Melbourne United, Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks locked in but Perth Wildcats and Tasmania JackJumpers battling over that remaining playoff position.

We also discuss Duop Reath's near perfect game for the Hawks and his motivation, the rising NBA draft stocks of Ousmane Dieng and then we discuss whether bottom four teams Brisbane Bullets, Cairns Taipans, Adelaide 36ers and New Zealand Breakers should stay the course or blow things up looking towards next season.

We also award our winner of #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man for Round 19 before catching up with six-time NBL champion, six-time Best Defensive Player and Perth Wildcats 40th Anniversary Team captain Damian Martin. We discuss his recent COVID battle, Pacific Sports Management, his return to the TV screens, Alex Loughton on TV, the Bryce Cotton/Jaylen Adams MVP race and get his thoughts on the Wildcats heading into the finals.

We are then back with Cody and we take a look at the Melbourne Boomers beating Perth Lynx for the WNBL championship, get his thoughts on the Warwick Senators and the opening round of the NBL1 West season and preview the upcoming Round 20 in #NBL22.

Made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle - Season 3, Episode 20

Monster episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with so much to cover in #NBL22 with the Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings firing, Melbourne United steadying, Perth Wildcats hanging on, Tasmania JackJumpers and South East Melbourne Phoenix floundering plus we have all our awards, WNBL Grand Final, NBL1 West starting and Cody Ellis in the hot seat.

We open up this week's episode with Chris Pike and Cody Ellis diving into what's happening with the NBL starting with the Illawarra Hawks winning minus Tyler Harvey, the Sydney Kings rolling on with Xavier Cooks back, Melbourne United's important Shea Ili-led win out west and then Perth Wildcats woes at home minus Mitch Norton and the whole John Brown/Michael Frazier situation.

We then get Cody's thoughts on if there's any life left in the playoff run for the South East Melbourne Phoenix and Tasmania JackJumpers and look at Ryan Broekhoff's absence, Jason Cadee's shooting outburst for Brisbane Bullets and Cairns Taipans thriving with Keanu Pinder leading the way.

We then move into our awards part of our show for this week with Damian Martin providing the votes in #TheDamo Best Defensive Player thanks to Everlast Beverages and Shawn Redhage giving his votes for the Redhage Basketball Player of the Year Award before we decide our nominee for The Galen Best Team Man for Round 18.

We then take a look at the WNBL Grand Final Series, the NBL1 West season starting and then Cody Ellis is put on the spot with questions over the retiring class for this season, which coaches and players are under the pump, who's the MVP and plenty more as well as a full preview of Round 19 in #NBL22.

Made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle - Season 3, Episode 19

So much for us to cover on this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and Chris Pike and Cody Ellis try to look at it all wrapping up #NBL22 Round 17, previewing Round 18, covering all the hot topics around the NBL, looking at the upcoming WNBL Grand Final series and updating our #TheDamo, #TheRedhage and #TheGalen awards.

We open up this week's episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with hosts Chris Pike and Cody Ellis discussing the hot form the Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings are in, the impact of Tim Coenraad, the dramas at the Perth Wildcats, Melbourne United's big loss but addition of Yudai Baba, South East Melbourne Phoenix losing 5 of the past 6 and Tasmania JackJumpers keeping their #NBL22 hopes alive.

Cody Ellis then provides some unique insight only a former NBL player can provide into the game clinching steal from Josh Magette for the JackJumpers, the remarkable finish with an Anthony Drmic buzzer beater for the Brisbane Bullets but capitulation from the New Zealand Breakers, and then a look at the impressive future NBA stars right now in the NBL.

It's then time for an update on our awards with the votes from Damian Martin the Best Defensive Player thanks to Everlast Beverage, from Shawn Redhage in the Redhage Basketball Player of the Year and we select this week's winner of The Galen Best Team Man award for Round 17 in the NBL.

Before getting to a full preview of all the upcoming Round 18 action in NBL22, we take a look at the way the WNBL semi finals played out to set up the Melbourne Boomers and Perth Lynx meeting in the Grand Final series starting this Saturday in Melbourne.

Made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

TABtouch Preview - #NBL22 Round 17

As part of the Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle family, we bring you the TABtouch Preview looking ahead to the rest of Round 17 of the NBL season and look back on a remarkable two games on Thursday night to open things up.

On top of our regular weekly episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle, each week during the 2021/22 NBL season we'll be bringing you the TABtouch Preview hosted by three-time champion Matty Knight.

Matty will join Chris Pike to take a look at all the action upcoming in the round ahead of #NBL22 where he provides his insights, predictions and also tries to help you find a winner thanks to www.tabtouch.com.au.

This week's show sees us beginning by looking back on the two games on Thursday night where the Brisbane Bullets hit three threes in the last 16 seconds to snatch the win from the New Zealand Breakers. The Tasmania JackJumpers then beat the Perth Wildcats and there's plenty to breakdown from that including Scott Morrison's post-game reaction.

It's then time to get stuck into the rest of the Round 17 action beginning on Friday night with the Cairns Taipans at home to the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

That leads into two games on Saturday with the Bullets at home to the JackJumpers, and then a monster clash between the Wildcats and Kings out west.

There's then a Sunday triple-header with the Adelaide 36ers hosting the Phoenix, United up against the Hawks and the Breakers playing the Taipans in Cairns.

Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle - Season 3, Episode 18

Jam packed episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle this week as Cody Ellis and Chris Pike breakdown everything happening in #NBL22 including the movement at Perth Wildcats and heat between Illawarra Hawks and Scott Roth while also joined by two special guests, Alex Loughton and Rob Beveridge.

Plenty to get through on this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with Cody Ellis and Chris Pike beginning with the likelihood of the Perth Wildcats about to sign John Brown III. We look at all of the sides to that before talking about Antonius Cleveland and Scott Roth's run in after the Illawarra Hawks beat the Tasmania JackJumpers, the struggles of South East Melbourne Phoenix and update the Redhage Basketball Player of the Year award and name The Galen Best Team Man for #NBL22 Round 17.

Our first guest this week is the Master Coach himself Rob Beveridge. We chat about his trip to Perth to begin his job as high performance manager with the Rockingham Flames. He discusses what that job entails and why he's so excited to be moving back to Perth. We also talk about his upcoming NZ NBL season coaching the Southland Sharks and look back on his successful tour of Japan coaching the Australian Boomers.

It's then time to catch up with Cairns Taipans legend Alex Loughton. He discusses the ups and downs with the Snakes this NBL season including that breakthrough win against the Bullets. He talks about why he's so impressed with Bul Kuol and Keanu Pinder and what the Taipans should still be trying to get out of this season and looking ahead to their two games in Round 17 against the South East Melbourne Phoenix and New Zealand Breakers.

Following our guest appearances, Cody and Chris are back to wrap up the show with a look at the WNBL playoffs and then Round 17 in the NBL beginning with a double-header on Thursday night.

Made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle - Season 3, Episode 17

It's with a heavy heart that we bring you this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle as we pay our respects to co-host Cody Ellis' Warwick Senators NBL1 West teammate Alier Riak, but we also have all our latest recap, preview, awards, thoughts and views on what's happening in #NBL22.

Before we get to #NBL22 on this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle, Cody Ellis gives an update to testing positive to COVID and then we have the tragic death of 23-year-old emerging basketball star Alier Riak to cover. Cody was his captain with the Warwick Senators in NBL1 West and we do our best to pay our respects to him after his life was so senselessly taken.

We then turn our attention back to #NBL22 and discuss the dynamic Perth Wildcats duo of Vic Law and Bryce Cotton ahead of their return to RAC Arena, the Tasmania JackJumpers putting themselves in the playoff hunt, MiKyle McIntosh's press break attempt, Mitch Creek's ejection, precarious positions for South East Melbourne Phoenix and Illawarra Hawks, and why the Cairns Taipans and Hawks should be using Stephen Zimmerman and Duop Reath more.

It's then time for our awards from #NBL22 Round 15 with Damian Martin updating #TheDamo Best Defensive Player thanks to Everlast Beverages, Shawn Redhage giving his votes in Redhage Basketball Player of the Year and then we announce the latest winner of #TheGalen as the Best Team Man while Cody Ellis debates who belongs in the All-NBL First Team.

We keep rolling on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle by discussing the struggles the Cairns Taipans and Adelaide 36ers are going through as we wrap up the show with a full preview of what appears a season-defining Round 16 in the NBL.

Made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle - Season 3, Episode 16

So much for us to cover again on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and Cody Ellis and Chris Pike look back on #NBL22 Round 14, preview Round 15, discuss all the big talking points of who impressed and who didn't, and we catch up with Perth Wildcats and NBL legend Damian Martin.

Co-hosts Cody Ellis and Chris Pike open this week's show talking about the big talking points in #NBL22 including the impressive Indigenous Round recognition, if the playoff race is a battle in five, the Sydney Kings dynamic Jaylen Adams/Xavier Cooks duo, Mitch Creek v Daniel Johnson battle, MiKyle McIntosh's rise and impressive #NextStars Ousmane Dieng, Tom Digbeu, Ariel Hukporti and Justinian Jessup.

We also further breakdown Round 14 in the NBL discussing the struggles of Adelaide 36ers, Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers, the impressive wins for Melbourne United, Perth Wildcats, Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings, and select our winner of The Galen Best Team Man Award for this week.

It's then time to reconnect with former co-host of the show and six-time NBL champion and six-time Best Defensive Player Damian Martin. Not only do we discuss his new life as a radio host, his past battles with Cody Ellis and an update of his life, but get his votes in #TheDamo Best Defensive Player Award, discuss Melbourne United v Perth Wildcats, and talk about the changes for the Wildcats under a new coach Scott Morrison.

We are then back to talk about the potential of the Adelaide 36ers bringing in Casper Ware and take an in-depth look at Round 15 in the NBL highlighted by Melbourne United facing both the Perth Wildcats and South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

TABtouch Preview - #NBL22 Round 14

As part of the Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle family, we bring you the TABtouch Preview looking ahead to Round 14 of the NBL season.

On top of our regular weekly episode of Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle, each week during the 2021/22 NBL season we'll be bringing you the TABtouch Preview hosted by three-time champion Matty Knight.

Matty will join Chris Pike to take a look at all the action upcoming in the round ahead of #NBL22 where he provides his insights, predictions and also tries to help you find a winner thanks to www.tabtouch.com.au.

This week's show sees us preview all the games in Round 14 but firstly we get Matty's thoughts on the pass of former Perth Wildcats owner Dr Jack Bendat.

We then begin our preview by looking at the challenge for the Adelaide 36ers without their head coach to come up against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Friday night.

There's two games on Saturday with Melbourne United against the Brisbane Bullets, and the Tasmania JackJumpers against the New Zealand Breakers.

Then on Sunday, the 36ers host the Perth Wildcats, the Sydney Kings are at home to the Cairns Taipans and the South East Melbourne Phoenix face the Illawarra Hawks. Lastly on Monday night, the Breakers play the Bullets.

Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle - Season 3, Episode 15

To say there's plenty to cover with Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle this week would be the greatest of understatements. Cody Ellis and Chris Pike breakdown everything happening in #NBL22 as well as Nathan Sobey's bronze medal being stolen, we pay tribute to Jack Bendat, the dramas at Adelaide 36ers and we catch up with The Scoring Machine Shawn Redhage.

Co-hosts Cody Ellis and Chris Pike open this week's show talking about the dreadful house break in of Nathan Sobey and his family, and the theft of Olympic bronze medal. We then pay tribute to the late Dr Jack Bendat and then then discuss the Perth Wildcats finally returning home.

We then get stuck into Round 13 in the NBL and raise the prospect of the Sydney Kings being the best team and Jaylen Adams being the best player in the league. We talk about what's happening at the Tasmania JackJumpers, the Cairns Taipans and discuss that horrible last play from the Adelaide 36ers against the Kings before awarding #TheGalen Best Team Man award.

Four-time NBL champion and member of the Perth Wildcats 40th Anniversary Starting Five Shawn Redhage then joins us to discuss the Wildcats returning home, his Jack Bendat memories, playing against Cody Ellis, how he sees #NBL22 shaping up and Adelaide 36ers going coachless this weekend.

Cody Ellis is then back to discuss whether the Adelaide 36ers, Perth Wildcats or Brisbane Bullets should make an import move, we talk about the Boomers and Tall Blacks in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, and wonder why Alex Loughton is not on our TV screens and get a Warwick Senators NBL1 West update.

It's then time to wrap up the show with a preview of Round 14 in the NBL and look ahead to next week's show with Damian Martin.

Made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle - Season 3, Episode 14

Cody Ellis is back on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle this week and we have lots to cover from around #NBL22 on and off the court, and who's travelling well and who isn't, and we also catch up with 460 or 461-game NBL great Adam Gibson.

Former Saint Louis, Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings forward, and Warwick Senators NBL1 West captain Cody Ellis joins Chris Pike for this week's show and we begin by discussing the Perth Wildcats' need for a big, the Cairns Taipans struggles and then breakdown all the action from Round 12 in the NBL.

We discuss the impressive depth at Melbourne United, the momentum building at the Sydney Kings, the South East Melbourne Phoenix finding some shooting, the Tasmania JackJumpers getting even hotter, important Adelaide 36ers and struggles of New Zealand Breakers and Cairns Taipans.

Next up we deliver our votes for #TheDamo Best Defensive Player award thanks to Everlast given by Damian Martin, #TheRedhage Player of the year award given by Shawn Redhage and announce the Round 12 winner of the #TheGalen Best Team Man award.

We then catch up with two-time NBL champion Adam Gibson for his regular appearance on Hoops Heaven's #BasketballHustle. We discuss his brief return to the South East Melbourne Phoenix roster and get his thoughts on the Phoenix, the shooting of Cam Gliddon and Ryan Broekhoff, why their defence must improve and he also updates on his career taking off and even about Cody Ellis almost joining the Brisbane Bullets.

We then continue this week's show with Cody discussing his couple of potential options to extend his NBL career after leaving the Hawks before we knuckle down on the latest on and off-court happenings at the Adelaide 36ers, the coaching methods of Adam Forde with the struggling Cairns Taipans, and also the Rob Loe situation at the New Zealand Breakers before previewing Round 13 in #NBL22 and looking to the Boomers games in Japan this week.

Made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle - Season 3, Episode 13

Another shake up for this week on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with another all-time great, Matty Knight, stepping into the hosting chair to discuss all the latest with #NBL22 with the insights only he can provide while we also catch up with Cairns Taipans legend Alex Loughton.

Three-time NBL champion and three-time All-NBL Team member Matty Knight is the co-host alongside Chris Pike for this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and there's plenty for us to get through after Round 11 of the NBL.

We begin discussing the remarkable finish to the Sydney Kings-Brisbane Bullets game on Sunday with the Jaylen Adams game winning dunk, offensive rebound and dish off to Jarell Martin. We discuss the implications of that on both the winning Kings and losing Bullets.

We also discuss Melbourne United's win over the Perth Wildcats with Matty believing Melbourne need to stick with the team they've got but perhaps the Wildcats need to add a big while he also pays tribute to 400-game former teammate Jesse Wagstaff.

Other topics covered include the Tasmania JackJumeprs without Will Magnay, the struggles of the Illawarra Hawks and the signing of NBA champion Ian Clark for the Sydney Kings.

It's then time to catch up with former 311-game NBL great Alex Loughton. We discuss his thoughts on his beloved Cairns Taipans after a couple of rough losses in Round 11. He offers his insights into the return of Scott Machado and what it means for the likes of Tahjere McCall and Bul Kuol. He also helps us select the winner of #TheGalen Best Team Man for this week and offers his perspective on the Perth Wildcats 40th Anniversary Team.

Matty Knight is then back on deck to preview Round 12 in the NBL and to wrap up the show. 

Made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle - Season 3, Episode 12

New life on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle continues as Cody Ellis joins Chris Pike to breakdown all the latest in #NBL22 before we chat with Boomers coach Rob Beveridge and 400-game milestone man Jesse Wagstaff.

Former Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings NBL forward, Warwick Senators NBL1 captain and son of a legend Cody Ellis is now on deck as regular co-host and he joins Chris Pike to breakdown all of the latest in the NBL including marching Tasmania JackJumpers, Melbourne United's quandary, Illawarra Hawks' struggles and plenty more out of Round 10.

We also give our reactions to the Perth Wildcats 40th Anniversary Team including a heartfelt response about Mike Ellis missing the team and also the latest on the Matt Hodgson situation with the NBL judiciary.

It's then time to catch up with the Master Coach Rob Beveridge who is preparing to lead the Australian Boomers for a three-game trip to Japan later this month. We discuss everything surrounding that before Cody and Bevo reflect back on their time together at the Illawarra Hawks and both pour their hearts out before Bevo gives his thoughts on Jesse Wagstaff's 400th game.

Speaking of Wagstaff, he then joins the show to talk about how he's feeling about his 400th NBL game as he drops by for a quick drop in from Hobart by the Perth Wildcats captain ahead of his milestone on Saturday night.

We also have the votes in #TheDamo award thanks to Everlast Drinks and announce the latest winner of #TheGalen thanks to Hoops Heaven.

Made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).