Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle

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).

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 – 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 – 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 – 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).