Hoops Heaven‘s Basketball Hustle

Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle – #NBL24 Episode 28

#NBL24 is done and we break it all down on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and how Tasmania JackJumpers conquered Melbourne United to make NBL history while we look at moves towards #NBL25 already and NBL1 action is underway with Cody Ellis back out there.

We give complete rundown of #NBL24 Championship Series and talk Tasmania JackJumpers as best Australian sport expansion club, greatest NBL series ever, Jack McVeigh's best ever shot and why Scott Roth could be best ever one-time championship winning coach.

We look at missed Melbourne United opportunity and where they fell short, Cody Ellis gives insight into inbounding the ball late in games and then we talk Nathan Sobey, Bul Kuol on the move, and talk Warwick Senators in NBL1 West and Mat Wundenberg's 500th game for Geraldton Buccaneers.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

We begin our discussion on the NBL Championship Series and why it would have been great for it to go to seven games, how huge the JackJumpers win is for Tasmania and how their even keel approached helped overcome a Melbourne United who increasingly lost their focus and cool.

Inbounding the ball late in games became a massive factor right throughout the playoffs and on the last possession of each of the final three games with Cody Ellis giving his unique insight having been in that situation and why trying to take the obvious option is often best.

We also looked at how the Tasmania JackJumpers could be the best new sporting franchise ever in Australia, why it could well be the best ever NBL Championship Series, Jack McVeigh's shot in Game 3 will go down as the best ever and Scott Roth could be the league's best ever one-time championship winning coach.

Sean Macdonald was another from the JackJumpers to play a massive role in their triumph made all the remarkable that he's a development player but showed how elite he already is at both ends of the floor.

Cody Ellis talks about how he wasn’t surprised that in the end it was the Tasmania JackJumpers who executed better when it mattered most as they kept trusting their process as we broke down the numbers of how precious little really did separate the two teams all series.

Jack McVeigh proved what an elite player he is and really there was no other option for Grand Final MVP with his performances right across five games and the variety of ways he proved he could score, and outplayed NBA draftee Luke Travers.

Jordon Crawford might have been down coming into the Championship Series but kept on getting better and his 27 points in the first half of Game 5 just illustrated his ability to hit big, tough shots when they matter most for his team.

We then reflect on how Melbourne United will look back on what has to be a great missed opportunity for them, but what it shows is that no matter how dominant you can be championships are tough to win. Matthew Dellavedova became their most ball dominant player and maybe that didn’t help them capitalise on the pieces they had.

Wrapping up the NBL24 season and Cody Ellis discusses why it was one of the best and most competitive NBL seasons he can remember and why the Next Star program is going to only help the league go from strength to strength on a global stage.

We look at some early player movements in the NBL prior to free agency with Nathan Sobey and Bul Kuol departing Brisbane Bullets and Cairns Taipans respectively and looking like joining South East Melbourne Phoenix and Sydney Kings.

We wrap up the show with a look at the start of the NBL1 West season with Cody Ellis back at the Warwick Senators with a spectacular start alongside Michael Harris and Todd Withers up against Sunday Dech's East Perth Eagles. We also pay tribute to Mat Wundenberg ahead of 500th game with Geraldton Buccaneers.

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 27

Where else but Tasmania JackJumpers' remarkable #NBL24 Championship Series Game 3 win to start on Hoops Heaven Basketball Hustle with Simon Mitchell labelling Jack McVeigh shot the greatest, most important great shot and what could be the best moment in NBL history.

We also get the best breakdown you'll find of what we've seen between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers in the first three games of NBL Championship Series with Jack McVeigh, Will Magnay, Jordon Crawford, Jo Lual-Acuil, Shea Ili and Matthew Dellavedova all dissected.

From there, we have TABtouch Preview of Game 4 of NBL24 Championship Series while we named The Galen Best Team Man thanks to Sports Card World and draw a winner along with Simon Mitchell's thoughts on plenty more in NBL and WNBL.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

Our Championship Series discussion begins with that amazing finish to Game 3 where the small ball line-up helped throw off Matthew Dellavedova's inbounds pass from Melbourne United setting off a dramatic chain of events.

Simon Mitchell breaks it down and gives credit to Tasmania taking away Melbourne's action, Milton Doyle for saving the ball and then for Jack McVeigh making that shot in what he is calling the greatest shot in NBL history, the most important great shot and what could be the greatest NBL moment.

There's already been some movement from the eliminated NBL teams and Simon Mitchell gives his thoughts on Brian Goorjian and Xavier Cooks being back at Sydney Kings, Alan Williams leaving South East Melbourne Phoenix and Sam Mennenga going home to the New Zealand Breakers.

We wrap up the first segment with a look back on the WNBL Grand Final series where Simon Mitchell paid tribute to the efforts of the Southside Flyers but also looked at why it will be so hard to stomach for the Perth Lynx.

It was then time to dissect the first three games of the Championship Series where Melbourne United was right on top after the first six quarters and three minutes, but then Simon Mitchell saw Jack McVeigh stand up to turn the tide in that Game 2.

From there, Simon gives great credit to a phenomenal coaching performance from Scott Roth for the JackJumpers to now be leading two games to one and he has seen a tendency for United to be losing focus and worrying about the wrong things.

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth had a big win by going with a small ball line-up with Majok Deng in the five spot in the fourth quarter of Game 3 and Simon Mitchell saw some confusion as a result from Melbourne United.

Simon has noticed that Melbourne has been aggressive in their intent to isolate Jack McVeigh on defence, but he's been impressed with how the Tasmania star has held up to that so far.

Simon Mitchell feels that United coach Dean Vickerman would reassessing the choices he made to follow with a small ball line-up in Game 3 and getting Jo Lual-Acuil's head right will be crucial to their hopes of forcing a Game 5.

Simon offers his thoughts on the Melbourne United backcourt so far and for as good as Shea Ili and Matthew Dellavedova have been, he wouldn’t mind seeing them move the ball more and ensure their teammates are staying as involved as possible.

We then talk about Jordon Crawford's contributions and why Simon Mitchell couldn't be more impressed with the attitude he's maintained even when not on the floor and staying ready to come out and contribute valuably.

Finishing up the dissection of the NBL Championship Series so far is discussing Tasmania centre Will Magnay who while he might be flopping and flailing, Simon Mitchell has actually been impressed with what he's provided and expects him to be a big factor in Game 4.

The last segment gets underway with the announcement of the winner of The Galen Best #NBL24 Team Man as voted on by our listeners and it goes to Hyrum Harris of the Perth Wildcats with the draw done to see who wins thanks to Sports Card World.

It's then time for the TABtouch Preview of Game 4 of the NBL Championship Series where Simon Mitchell does expect the Tasmania JackJumpers to complete their fairytale story and win the title in what is a Disney movie just waiting to happen.

Simon then finishes off by giving some love to Fabijan Krslovic from the Tasmania JackJumpers for the crucial role in limited minutes he's playing in this series and why he's the exact unsung hero who can win you a championship.

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 26

Plenty to cover on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and we look back on how good Melbourne United were to open #NBL24 Championship Series, how Tasmania JackJumpers struggled and the dominance of Southside Flyers in WNBL Grand Final Game 3 against Perth Lynx.

Also big news on NBL1 front with Cody Ellis back with the Warwick Senators for NBL1 West season while he also gives his thoughts on Lauren Jackson further cementing GOAT status, how Perth Lynx can cope with another devastating ending and why WNBL needs help.

We also breakdown Xavier Cooks back at Sydney Kings, Kristian Doolittle re-signing at Perth Wildcats, Alan Williams gone from South East Melbourne Phoenix, Sam Mennenga to NZ Breakers and TABtouch Preview as NBL Championship Series continues.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

Big news out of the Sydney Kings with former NBL MVP and championship winning captain Xavier Cooks back to team up with new coach Brian Goorjian. Cody Ellis looks at why it's such a huge signing for the Kings and why it's a huge boost for their prospects to get back in the NBL championship hunt.

Kristian Doolittle has re-signed at the Perth Wildcats and nobody is happier about that than Cody Ellis but it does leave them with some interesting decisions to make over their third and final import spot already for next season.

There's also big news on the NBL1 West front with Cody Ellis deciding he's not yet ready to retire and he will be continuing his career in 2024 at the Warwick Senators. He talked through that decision, why his six-month break was enough and why he's so excited by his new teammates including Zac Gattorna, Michael Harris and Todd Withers.

It's time to turn our attention to Game 1 of the NBL Championship Series where Tasmania JackJumpers were as bad as they've been all season but Melbourne United deserve a lot of the credit for that.

Matthew Dellavedova led the charge for Melbourne, Chris Goulding hit some unreal shots and Jo Lual-Acuil and Ariel Hukporti dominated their big men match up with Will Magnay and Marcus Lee.

We also take a look at the struggles over the last three games now of JackJumpers import guard Jordon Crawford and how he can snap out of it but why it's going to be tough against such a deep, talented and experienced United line-up.

We look back on the deciding Game 3 of the WNBL Grand Final series with the Southside Flyers proving too good and the remarkable comeback story of Lauren Jackson complete with a sixth championship. We also discuss Anneli Maley finding peace in Perth, the future of the Perth Lynx and why the WNBL needs private ownership whether it's Larry Kestelman or somebody else.

Plenty other news around NBL clubs too and we discuss the move of Sam Mennenga from the Cairns Taipans to the New Zealand Breakers and also the decision from South East Melbourne Phoenix to release Alan Williams and whether or not he might find another NBL home.

We then wrap up this week's show with a TABtouch Preview of the next couple of games of the NBL Championship Series between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers.

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 25

Championship time on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle as we look ahead to #NBL24 Championship Series between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers, and Game 3 of WNBL Grand Final between Southside Flyers and Perth Lynx.

Plenty more to breakdown this week with Cody Ellis reflecting on NBL Playoffs where Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers prevailed but for Illawarra Hawks and Perth Wildcats, there was a lot to be proud of and we reflect on their #NBL24 campaigns.

Plenty of drama too and we look back on unnecessary Marcus Lee Tasmania JackJumpers suspension and react to focus on Keanu Pinder and John Rillie's defence of Perth Wildcats and preview NBL and WNBL deciders thanks to TABtouch.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

We begin this week's show with a reaction to the two NBL Playoffs Series where Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers won in three games to set up their Championship Series match up having just managed to overcome the Illawarra Hawks and Perth Wildcats.

A lot of the drama was in the Tasmania-Perth series beginning with Marcus Lee's eventual suspension for Game 2. We give our reaction to everything surrounding that as well as the focus on the handling of Keanu Pinder and John Rillie's reaction to the attention and defence of the Wildcats.

The Melbourne United-Illawarra Hawks series was a fascinating one with the first two games going to overtime before Melbourne took charge in Game 3 with Matthew Dellavedova and Luke Travers the standouts while Sam Froling, Gary Clark and Davo Hickey were brilliant for the Hawks.

We look back on the remarkable performance of the Illawarra Hawks this season since Justin Tatum took and why everyone involved should be proud, why they connected with the Wollongong community and why their future looks bright.

The other series between the Perth Wildcats and Tasmania JackJumpers saw Keanu Pinder lead the 'Cats to a big Game 1 win. They then started Game 2 well, but the JackJumpers took control the rest of the series led by Milton Doyle, Jack McVeigh and Will Magnay. Sean Macdonald came up huge as well not only with his offence punch but tremendous defence on four-time MVP Bryce Cotton.

To sum things up, we look back on how the Wildcats should reflect back on the season where they might be rightfully disappointed to come up short, at the same time they can take a lot of heart out of their turnaround and pride in what they did to get their season on track.

We then turn our focus to the WNBL Grand Final Series which is going to a Game 3 in Melbourne on Sunday between the Southside Flyers and Perth Lynx. We look at the remarkable similarities for the Lynx to two years ago, how Anneli Maley can bounce back and why it will continue to be a fascinating clash of styles.

We finish off by looking at Game 1 of the NBL Championship Series between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers, and Cody's prediction of a JackJumpers win and Will Magnay being Grand Final MVP.

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 24

Massive Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with NBL Play-In Tournament done, #NBL24 Playoffs set and Brian Goorjian confirmed at Sydney Kings, Jaylin Galloway to Milwaukee Bucks and plenty to breakdown thanks to TABtouch.

This week Cody Ellis is back to discuss Brian Goorjian back at Sydney Kings and looking at that from every angle, why Mahmoud Abdelfattah's departure was inevitable and why the way Angus Glover was treated just wasn’t right.

After #NBL24 Play-In Tournament Cody Ellis couldn’t be more impressed by Davo Hickey/Wani Swaka Lo Buluk at Illawarra Hawks, Will Magnay at Tasmania JackJumpers, we pay tribute to New Zealand Breakers and Tom Abercrombie, and provide TABtouch Preview of NBL Playoffs.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

While the Sydney Kings championship defence is over, all the news surrounds them and we breakdown the departure of Mahmoud Abdelfattah as coach and why that was a no-brainer given the way things never clicked between him and his playing group.

We then breakdown the appointment of the legendary Brian Goorjian to return to the Sydney Kings and look at why it appears the perfect fit for both parties, why it's the ideal job for him to end his NBL career and also how he will go juggling that with attempting to win a medal at Paris Olympics with the Australian Boomers.

Also from the Sydney Kings, Jaylin Galloway has joined the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA and we discuss his prospects and also why this pathway might be better for future prospects rather than the NBA Draft if you won't be a first round pick with Will Magnay the likely next candidate.

The NBL Play-In Tournament is done and we begin our discussion with the JackJumpers beating the Hawks to lock in their semi-final spot on the back of the dominance of Will Magnay, all-round brilliance of Milton Doyle and showing their championship credentials.

We then saw the Sydney Kings' season summed up with their implosion against the New Zealand Breakers. Parker Jackson-Cartwright came up huge for New Zealand, but as good as they were Sydney was equally as bad in a performance summing up their season.

The Hawks and Breakers then played out a stunning Play-In Game where they went blow for blow, but in the end it was Justin Robinson standing up, Davo Hickey bringing the energy and the defence of Wani Swaka Lo Buluk that was massive in Illawarra prevailing.

We reflect on the season of the New Zealand Breakers where they overcame an enormous amount to almost make the final four and while upset to be eliminate deserve to be enormously proud as we also pay tribute to retiring captain and all-time break Tom Abercrombie.

It's then time for our TABtouch Preview of the Playoffs as Cody Ellis gives his thoughts on Melbourne United v Illawarra Hawks, and Perth Wildcats v Tasmania JackJumpers. He expects both series to go to three games but ultimately is expecting a Melbourne v Tasmania Championship Series.

We wrap up this week's show with Cody Ellis talking about if this might finally be time for the Perth Lynx to end their WNBL championship drought that dates back to 1992.

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 23

We're gearing up for #NBL24 Finals on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with Simon Mitchell on deck to see who will make Playoffs out of Tasmania JackJumpers, Illawarra Hawks, Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers, and why FIBA break is tough on Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats.

We look back on #NBL24 Awards and why Simon Mitchell wouldn't mind tweaking to a couple from NBL moving forward while we reflect on seasons of Cairns Taipans, Brisbane Bullets and South East Melbourne Phoenix.

We dive into TABtouch Preview of start of #NBL24 Finals while Simon Mitchell is delighted for Scott Ninnis and Justin Tatum to be locked in at Adelaide 36ers and Illawarra Hawks, and ponders what's next for Brian Goorjian after Olympics Boomers campaign in Paris.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

We open up this week's show by wrapping up a dramatic finish to the NBL24 regular season with the New Zealand Breakers making it but missing out on a home final or top four spot, the Sydney Kings getting a soft kill to knock out the Brisbane Bullets, and the Illawarra Hawks winning again over the Perth Wildcats.

The two interim coaches are now no more with Scott Ninnis locked in at the Adelaide 36ers and the Illawarra Hawks signing up Justin Tatum before the NBL finals. It also rules out Brian Goorjian out of those two jobs and we discuss where his coaching future might be after the Paris Olympics with the Boomers.

With the Finals in the NBL having to wait to begin until after the FIBA break, we talk about the frustrations that cause while also unavoidable and why it creates an especially tough situations for the top two teams Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats to deal with.

The Cairns Taipans finished their season with a third win over ladder leading Melbourne United as Simon Mitchell reflects on their season that just never quite going as they perhaps were given more respect by the rest of the league and couldn't fly under the radar anymore.

Simon Mitchell looks back on the season of the Brisbane Bullets with mixed feelings but considering how far back they were coming from last year, he can only see it as a positive and that they are heading in the right direction just with a couple of issues to iron out.

It was a rough end to the season for South East Melbourne Phoenix and Simon Mitchell doesn't want them to just write it off due to injury. He wants them to look back on why they didn’t always compete as hard as they perhaps could have and to have honest discussions before moving forward.

The New Zealand Breakers might have had a lot to deal with this season whether it's injury or a rough schedule with back-to-back games after their international travel, but Simon Mitchell doesn’t think they need sympathy and certainly their coach Mody Maor doesn’t want any.

We look back on the NBL Awards that were handed out and give our reaction to how they shaped up to our predictions. While Simon Mitchell agreed with most of the awards handed out, it's the Next Generation and Most Improved awards who wouldn’t mind seeing being tinkered with a little moving forward.

We wrap up the show with our TABtouch Preview of the start of the NBL Finals with Simon Mitchell breaking down what he's expecting in the Seeding Qualifier between the Tasmania JackJumpers and Illawarra Hawks, and the Play-In Qualifier featuring the Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers, and then the resulting Play-In Game.

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 22

Final #NBL24 Round preview on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with Cody Ellis back on deck and he's expecting Illawarra Hawks, Brisbane Bullets, Sydney Kings to make it but genuinely can't see anyone but Melbourne United, Perth Wildcats, Tasmania JackJumpers winning NBL championship.

Plenty to dissect in #NBL24 and Cody Ellis baffled by 'worst ever NBL coach ejection' of Mike Kelly for South East Melbourne Phoenix, the happenings at Cairns Taipans with Tahjere McCall discontent likely to lead to mass turnover, and thoughts on Illawarra Hawks, Brisbane Bullets prospects.

#TheGalen Best NBL Team Man by Simon Mitchell, impressed by explosive Perth Wildcats, why Sydney Kings can still be a threat despite obvious disconnect, where Brian Goorjian will end up in #NBL25 and full Round 20 #NBL24 TABtouch Preview.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

This week's show opens up with discussion about Melbourne, Perth and Tasmania the only genuine championship threats while the other four teams battle over the three other Finals spot while there's the disconnect at the Sydney Kings and things unravelling at the Cairns Taipans.

We might well have seen the worst ever NBL coach ejection with Mike Kelly from the South East Melbourne Phoenix and Cody Ellis was baffled by it. For him, it just proves the inconsistencies within the refereeing this season and why it's infuriating to see a coach ejected for virtually nothing and others not even receive a tech.

It's absolutely no longer the same old Illawarra Hawks under coach Justin Tatum. Cody Ellis can't understand why he hasn't been signed up yet, but either way loves the way they move the ball under him, loves their buy-in defensively and how he's a coach the players get behind with Gary Clark the second best player in the NBL right now.

The Brisbane Bullets inched closer to a return to the Finals but it was through their NBL veterans Nathan Sobey, Sam McDaniel and Mitch Norton leading the charge and not so much struggling imports Shannon Scott and Chris Smith with Casey Prather still working his way back.

The Perth Wildcats showed their explosiveness in the last seven minutes in the win against the Cairns Taipans with Cody Ellis believing that sort of offensive arsenal could very well take them all the way to a championship, provided they buy in defensively at the same time.

The Finals hopes might be over for the Cairns Taipans but there's plenty of fascination surrounding them including what appears a fallout between coach Adam Forde and captain Tahjere McCall. We discuss that as well as Sam Mennenga's role disappearing and why there's going to likely be another mass turnover this off-season for the Snakes.

Talk then talks to the Sydney Kings and the clear disconnect there is between the coaching staff and playing group which is denying them the chance to realise their potential. Cody Ellis sees this Kings group as one that needs a motivational coach which isn't necessarily Mahmoud Abdelfattah's strength but he still sees them as the only team capable of challenging the top three.

Where Brian Goorjian ends up coaching in the NBL next season has become a major talking point and with Cody Ellis expecting Scott Ninnis to remain in charge at the Adelaide 36ers, he expects the legendary coach to return to the Sydney Kings to replace Mahmoud Abdelfattah for #NBL25.

We wrap up the show with a preview of the last round of #NBL24 with Cody Ellis expecting it to come down to the very last game to determine the final top six position, and he expects the Adelaide 36ers to eliminate the New Zealand Breakers and allow the Brisbane Bullets to make it.

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 21

Two weeks to go in #NBL24 and Simon Mitchell breaks it down on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and makes the big calls on who will make the top six with Brisbane Bullets to miss out while he maintains hope for the New Zealand Breakers despite losing Anthony Lamb.

Two big wins has Simon Mitchell high on the Tasmania JackJumpers' prospects for the rest of 2024 as he names Will Magnay his #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man while is concerned for the Perth Wildcats and feels they need to focus on much more than so-called physicality on Bryce Cotton.

Round 19 #NBL24 TABtouch Preview sees Simon Mitchell predict Adelaide 36ers to all but end Brisbane Bullets' season largely because of the lack of support for Nathan Sobey while he hopes Sunday is a preview of a play-in Illawarra Hawks-Sydney Kings match up.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

We add to our fight night discussion from last week adding a mismatch in height and weight between Will Magnay and Tahjere McCall, but Simon Mitchell isn’t too keen on Jesse Wagstaff against Finn Delany.

The New Zealand Breakers put together a brilliant performance to beat the Perth Wildcats with Simon Mitchell labelling it a coaching masterclass from Mody Maor while loving the work of Parker Jackson-Cartwright but acknowledging it's going to be tough now for them without Anthony Lamb.

Simon Mitchell saw some concerning signs from the Perth Wildcats and didn't like the whinging about the so-called physicality directed at Bryce Cotton. He also labelled their defensive transition an abomination and needs to see more from them over the last two weeks.

The Tasmania JackJumpers put together two impressive wins to all but end the seasons of the Taipans and 36ers with Simon Mitchell suitably impressed with a team he feels can challenge the top two. He likes Milton Doyle with the ball in his hands, the career-best season of Jack McVeigh and the others stepping up including Clint Steindl and Sean Macdonald.

We talk about the Illawarra Hawks and while Simon Mitchell isn’t totally sold just yet, he hopes Justin Tatum's team finishes in the top four and is impressed especially with Wani Swaka Lo Buluk's defence and the all-round production Gary Clark is giving them now.

Simon Mitchell casts his eye over the Brisbane Bullets and he's just not seeing a second go-to option behind Nathan Sobey with Casey Prather not yet quite up to it, and he's given up hope of Shannon Scott or Chris Smith doing that. However, he does see this as a building season for them to set them up for future success.

Simon Mitchell gives his thoughts on last Saturday night's Throwdown where he felt both teams would have been reasonably happy with Melbourne United comfortably winning and getting through unscathed. South East Melbourne Phoenix competed hard too despite how shorthanded they were.

We then follow up our Run Home discussion from last week and while we rule out the South East Melbourne Phoenix, Cairns Taipans and Adelaide 36ers, Simon Mitchell runs his rule over the rest of the teams in the finals race. He predicts Melbourne United to finish at 20-8, Perth Wildcats 18-10, Tasmania JackJumpers 16-12, and then all of the Illawarra Hawks, Sydney Kings, New Zealand Breakers and Brisbane Bullets at 13-15.

Simon Mitchell selects his winner of #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man for Round 18 as well and it's going to Tasmania JackJumpers centre Will Magnay for the toughness he showed and what he delivered for his team in the wins against Cairns and Adelaide.

We then go into the TABtouch Preview for Round 19 with six big matches highlighted by the New Zealand Breakers v Illawarra Hawks on Friday and then finishing off with what Simon Mitchell hopes is a play-in game preview between the Sydney Kings and the Hawks.

Simon Mitchell also finishes off by asking for some more transparency into how the NBL comes into their disciplinary findings after the incidents involving Tahjere McCall and Will Magnay from Round 18.

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 20

Three rounds of #NBL24 to go and Simon Mitchell breaks down the run home of all 10 teams on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and makes his top six predictions and that's just the start of what's on this week.

We also look back on last week where Simon Mitchell was thrilled for South East Melbourne Phoenix spirit, can't figure out Sydney Kings, saw Illawarra Hawks set the blueprint v Perth Wildcats and mixed feelings on full strength Melbourne United.

With Scott Ninnis doing well Simon Mitchell is fascinated by Adelaide 36ers coaching situation, full TABtouch Round 18 #NBL24 Preview and we book a hypothetical NBL boxing card highlighted by the expected very short main event of Mitch Creek v Mason Peatling.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

Simon Mitchell starts off this week's show disappointed in his predictions last week but he needn’t be considering the size of the Thursday night upsets where the South East Melbourne Phoenix beat the Sydney Kings, and Illawarra Hawks beat the Perth Wildcats, which he gives his thoughts on along with how tight the NBL season is and how some ugly records will be playing finals.

We then discuss the remarkable turnaround from the Adelaide 36ers under Scott Ninnis and discuss the prospects of him keeping the job moving forward while there are some high profile candidates also circling with DJ Vasiljevic having thrown his support behind by re-signing for three years.

It's then a fascinating discussion about the Sydney Kings who Simon Mitchell labelled as dreadful to lose to the undermanned South East Melbourne Phoenix but then delivered perhaps their best performance of the season to beat Melbourne United. He credited coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah for the changes made but isn't quite sold it will last just yet.

Simon Mitchell then looks at what he liked about a much improved South East Melbourne Phoenix despite missing five key players. He loved what Ben Ayre, Owen Foxwell and Luke Rosendale did, and was pleasantly surprised by Kody Stattmann with Mitch Creek showing the way.

Melbourne United were back to full strength with the returns of Jo Lual-Acuil and Shea Ili but Simon Mitchell wasn’t totally convinced they are at their best after loss in Sydney even with seeing how tough Lual-Acuil showed himself to be to guard.

It's then time for us to look at the run home of all 10 teams for NBL24 with Simon Mitchell ending up predicting a top six of Melbourne United, Perth Wildcats, Tasmania JackJumpers, Sydney Kings, Brisbane Bullets and New Zealand Breakers.

Simon Mitchell names his winner of #TheGalen Best Team Man for Round 17, gives his thoughts on Damian Martin's Best Defensive Player votes in #TheDamo and also we discuss his jersey being retired by the Perth Wildcats on Sunday at RAC Arena after his remarkable career.

We dissect the six games across Round 18 of #NBL24 thanks to TABtouch and then finish off with some hypothetical boxing fights where Simon Mitchell likens Matthew Dellavedova v Shaun Bruce to Sam Solomon v Anthony Mundine, Aron Baynes v Lat Mayen to Tommy Morrison v Roy Jones Jr, and Kouat Noi just being like Arturo Gatti. But he'd most like to see Mitch Creek v Mason Peatling.

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 19

Plenty to cover on Hoops Heaven Basketball Hustle and Simon Mitchell has Perth Wildcats as #NBL24 title favourites right now as he dissects Melbourne United's struggles minus Shea Ili, and does a deep dive into what Scott Ninnis has done so well to turn Adelaide 36ers around.

Also this week sees Simon Mitchell look at Tasmania JackJumpers dominance over Melbourne United, what Perth Wildcats are doing so well, why he is impressed with Brisbane Bullets and why he doesn’t have Illawarra Hawks making NBL top six.

Difficult conversation about South East Melbourne Phoenix from their inaugural NBL coach while Simon Mitchell picks Kyrin Galloway as #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man, choose worst decision of #NBL24 Round 16 and full TABtouch Preview of Round 17.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

Simon Mitchell experienced coaching against Melbourne United with and without Shea Ili, and now he's delved into it and the difference of him there and not is significant as he likens his defensive influence to Damian Martin or Dennis Rodman or even Deion Sanders and has concerns both for his health and Melbourne without him.

Simon Mitchell would have Perth Wildcats as his championship favourites right now on the back of their improved defence, offensive rebounding that makes Bryce Cotton even harder to stop, and he sees plenty more good times ahead for the Red Army.

Despite a big loss in Perth for the Brisbane Bullets, Simon Mitchell continues to like the job Justin Schueller is doing after their bounce back win in Cairns. He's especially impressed with what Tyrell Harrison is producing and still sees an important role backing him up for Aron Baynes, and saw encouraging signs from Casey Prather.

Given he was coach of South East Melbourne Phoenix for their first four seasons, Simon Mitchell has a unique perspective on their struggles right now. He's devastated with what he's seeing and wants to see some fight out of them and while he wants Mike Kelly to succeed, he's realistic to know it's unsustainable with what they are currently dishing while acknowledging no other coach could do more with what he's working with.

The Illawarra Hawks have now lost three straight and Simon Mitchell can't see them breaking back into the top six as he has concerns over the form of Justin Robinson at the point but does expect Kyle Adnam to get a bit of a look in now that he's settled in as an injury replacement player.

Simon Mitchell casts his eyes over what Scott Ninnis has done with the Adelaide 36ers with the faith put in Trey Kell and Isaac Humphries instrumental while he likes their improvement defensively and offensive work in the early secondary transition especially as they make the most unlikely late season run.

We then wrap up the show with a preview of Round 17 in the NBL with plenty on the line with every game having playoff implications before we close things out with Simon having to decide which was the worst call we saw from a wide field back in Round 16 and why he believes Kyle Bowen deserves an apology.

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 18

Plenty to like from #NBL24 Round 15 to dissect on Hoops Heaven Basketball and a lot to look forward to in @NBL Round 16 but Cody Ellis was shocked with what he saw with Kristian Doolittle at Perth Wildcats while Shea Ili continues to struggle with concussion symptoms.

On the #NBL24 floor, Cody Ellis looks at how Sydney Kings were as bad and then as good as can be with Jaylen Adams illustrating that while he isn’t sure New Zealand Breakers or South East Melbourne Phoenix can stay alive in NBL, but he is high on Brisbane Bullets prospects.

As good as Bryce Cotton is for Perth Wildcats, Cody Ellis puts Tai Webster as the man instrumental in their @NBL title charge while heaping praise on Mitch Creek, rollercoaster rides for Tasmania JackJumpers and Cairns Taipans, and we preview #NBL24 Round 16 thanks to TABtouch.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

We reflect on the double overtime classic between the Tasmania JackJumpers and Illawarra Hawks where Tasmania almost pulled it out thanks to Milton Doyle but then Tyler Harvey showed his big game nature once more before the Hawks struggled to bounce back two days later.

There was a lot to like from an exciting Round 15 in #NBL24 but one not so positive thing was the concussion suffered by Kristian Doolittle for Perth Wildcats and how long he was allowed to stay on the court. Cody Ellis questions the club's medical staff for not being on to it sooner and was shocked by the lack of action as Shea Ili for Melbourne United continues his struggles to highlight the importance.

What a weekend for the Sydney. They were as bad as they could be on Thursday in Adelaide but then as good as they can be on Sunday to hammer the New Zealand Breakers. Jaylen Adams fully illustrated that and returned to MVP form on Sunday as they put on a stunning shooting display.

The New Zealand Breakers were unlucky to lose to Melbourne United and Zylan Cheatham's brain snap didn't help, but what happened in Sydney two days later might have ended their top six hopes as Cody Ellis reflects on the challenges they continue to face this NBL season.

The Perth Wildcats have the brilliance of Bryce Cotton but Cody Ellis points to the importance of Tai Webster in getting them to the position they are in, and how valuable he is to not only Bryce's form but how the 'Cats are performing overall.

While the Tasmania JackJumpers have lost six of the last eight games, they remain in third position and Cody Ellis expects them to stay there with the improvements they've made defensively with the rim protection of Will Magnay despite their offensive spluttering a little.

The Brisbane Bullets are now on a four-game winning streak with a well balanced team who continue to prove they can win while missing key players, and Cody Ellis expects them to make the top four from here and keep their momentum going.

Focus then turns to the Cairns Taipans and while they are unpredictable and can be their own worst enemy, their best is still exciting and overall their young group might be better than Cody Ellis expected. AK Gak was especially exciting against the Adelaide 36ers with 21 points and 14 rebounds while Bul Kuol's foul troubles continued, Tahjere McCall was brilliant and also finally got a flopping tech.

Cody Ellis also made an observation that Mitch Creek's 36-point performance for the South East Melbourne Phoenix against the Perth Wildcats might have gone a little underappreciated as well.

We then wrap up this week's show with a preview of Round 16 in #NBL24 and there's plenty at stake in every match beginning Wednesday night with the South East Melbourne Phoenix playing Adelaide 36ers with a massive Friday night double and an especially tantalising Sunday double-header to wrap things up.

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 17

#NBL24 is heating up and we dissect it all on Hoops Heaven Basketball Hustle with Cody Ellis trying to crystal ball the NBL top six, why Bryce Cotton is unbackable as MVP, why South East Melbourne Phoenix might be done and it's make or break time for Sydney Kings.

We also get Cody Ellis thoughts on what's making Perth Wildcats click beyond Bryce Cotton, if we'll see Alex Sarr again in NBL and a look at Brisbane Bullets with Casey Prather, Rocco Zikarsky's rim protection and Nathan Sobey likely in career best form in #NBL24.

We continue with Tom Vodanovich joining Tasmania JackJumpers, why Scott Ninnis is doing encouraging things with Adelaide 36ers and we preview Round 15 in #NBL24 thanks to TABtouch with every game having top six implications.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

We start off this week's show looking back on the contributions of co-host Simon Mitchell last week and discuss why he would be a perfect fit for any future NBL coaching jobs that might pop up.

Cody Ellis then casts his eye over the NBL and why expects Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats to remain top two, he thinks Tasmania JackJumpers should finish third and if he had to guess, he'd have the Illawarra Hawks, Sydney Kings and either the Brisbane Bullets or New Zealand Breakers rounding out the top six.

The South East Melbourne Phoenix were missing all three imports, Alan Williams, Gary Browne and Abdel Nader, and couldn’t compete as a result as any team wouldn’t be able to. But it's an on-going issue with the Phoenix and Cody Ellis questions why it's happening and why it might be too late for them to save this season, but Mike Kelly can't be the one blamed.

Cody Ellis takes a look at his former Sydney Kings team after losses to Melbourne United and Brisbane Bullets. He discusses how they are playing like a group of individuals, why coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah doesn't seem to be clicking and why their rotations remain somewhat baffling.

The MVP discussion for NBL24 is no longer a discussion with the remarkable form of Perth Wildcats superstar Bryce Cotton. Cody Ellis knows all about how hard he is to stop and continues to marvel at the stunning level he's playing at, why it's so hard to avoid fouling him and why $1.40 on TABtouch might not be low enough.

It's more than just Cotton who is lifting the Wildcats into championship calculations, though, and we look at how an oddly constructed roster is coming together tremendously with the roles of Keanu Pinder, Kristian Doolittle, Tai Webster, Hyrum Harris and captain Jesse Wagstaff but we might have seen the last of likely No. 1 NBA Draft pick Alex Sarr.

Next up we look at the Brisbane Bullets and what the introduction of Casey Prather provides them on top of the rim protection from 17-year-old Next Star Rocco Zikarsky and the career best form of Olympian Nathan Sobey who Cody Ellis describes as being in a zone right now.

We also discuss a surprising late season roster move at the Tasmania JackJumpers as they cut loose guard Junior Madut and bring in championship winning enforcer Tom Vodanovich for the rest of #NBL24.

Before moving on from what we saw in Round 14, we talk about the Adelaide 36ers and their spirit lifting win over Melbourne United where the big three of DJ Vasiljevic, Isaac Humphries and Trey Kell III starred but role players stepped up led by Jason Cadee to celebrate the 25-year championship anniversary.

We then wrap up this week's show with a preview of Round 15 in the NBL where every game has ramifications for the fight for playoff positions starting with Brisbane Bullets v Tasmania JackJumpers on Wednesday and finishing with a Grand Final rematch between Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers.

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 16

Simon Mitchell back on Hoops Heaven #BasketballHustle for first episode of 2024 to give his thoughts on South East Melbourne Phoenix and Gary Browne brain snap, why Cairns Taipans do so well v Melbourne United and Casey Prather back in NBL at Brisbane Bullets.

To continue Simon Mitchell looks at why he sees Sydney Kings as biggest threat to Melbourne United, thoughts of Trey Kell's triple-double for Adelaide 36ers and names Bul Kuol from Cairns Taipans as #TheGalen Best NBL Team.

Simon Mitchell wants Justin Tatum locked in at Illawarra Hawks, why Adelaide 36ers is a good fit for any number of people and his frustrations over coach's challenges in NBL before turning attention to previewing #NBL24 Round 14 thanks to TABtouch.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

Simon Mitchell gives his overview of the NBL after Round 13 with Melbourne United still a cut above but he is starting to warm to the Perth Wildcats as a challenger while he sees the Sydney Kings as their biggest threat and he has the New Zealand Breakers knocking on the door as a contender.

Simon Mitchell was responsible for bringing Gary Browne to the NBL and he was disappointed in him and for him after his ejection for South East Melbourne Phoenix against Brisbane Bullets, and believes he was lucky to not end up suspended just to top it all off.

We also get the thoughts from Simon Mitchell on the league's two newest imports, Abdel Nader thrown in the deep end at the South East Melbourne Phoenix and Casey Prather's return to the NBL with the Brisbane Bullets.

Simon Mitchell breaks down what the Cairns Taipans have done so well now twice against Melbourne United and it all starts with their targeting of Chris Goulding on the defensive end. He also thinks Sydney can do something similar and continues to be impressed with what Patrick Miller is doing.

We take a look at the Sydney Kings and how Denzel Valentine found his best form of the season, and why Simon Mitchell still sees them as genuine championship threats particularly with the advantages they could potentially create against Melbourne United.

Unfortunately another talking point is the coach's challenges in the NBL and Simon Mitchell lets his feelings known about how he never wanted them introduced, he doesn’t like them and he wants them scrapped. He sees them as a blight on the game and embarrassing for the league, and wants it to go back to the drawing board to be fixed.

Simon Mitchell selects his winner of #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man for Round 13 and it goes to the Cairns Taipans with Bul Kuol after the impact he had in the win against Melbourne United for the Snakes.

We then talk about the coaching situation in the NBL right now with Simon Mitchell wanting the Illawarra Hawks to lock in Justin Tatum for the future while he sees Brian Goorjian as a perfect candidate at the Adelaide 36ers, but it could be a good fit for a number of people.

It's then time to get stuck into our preview of Round 14 in the NBL with Simon Mitchell especially looking forward to seeing the New Zealand Breakers host the Perth Wildcats, and seeing if Sydney Kings can make a statement against Melbourne United.

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 15

Post-Christmas Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and we talk Christmas Day games in the NBL, look at how far Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats are ahead in #NBL24, and why they need to meet in a playoff series.

We look at what Casey Prather joining Brisbane Bullets means for rest of NBL24, Zylan Cheatham's spectacular return with New Zealand Breakers and what an NBL threat they are, and look at South East Melbourne Phoenix's bounce back and the foul woes of Alan Williams.

Also Cody Ellis talks why he is so happy with what Justin Tatum is doing at Illawarra Hawks, why Kristian Doolittle from Perth Wildcats is quickly becoming his favourite player, concerns for Sydney Kings, Trevor Gleeson of NBL running and Simon Mitchell names #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

We discussed the Christmas Day games in the NBL and the crowds that were impressive which turned out in Sydney and Hobart but we just don't quite know if it reached the TV audience hoped to make it a raging success to draw in the casual fans.

The Melbourne United v Perth Wildcats open air game at John Cain Arena could well have been the game of the NBL season so far with a bit of everything, including going to overtime and a remarkable Bryce Cotton performance but the collection of stars from Melbourne United got them home as we look at what a series between the two would look like.

The Brisbane Bullets are now in a bit of a hole at 7-11 having lost four straight but they will welcome three-time NBL champion Casey Prather to give them a much-needed boost for the rest of the season as they look to stay in the playoff hunt.

Zylan Cheatham made a spectacular return as the New Zealand Breakers beat the Brisbane Bullets and we talk about what a force they can be the rest of NBL24 with the combination Cheatham has with Will McDowell-White feeding him, and playing alongside Anthony Lamb.

South East Melbourne Phoenix showed tremendous heart to beat Tasmania JackJumpers on Christmas Day but the saga of Alan Williams and his foul trouble continues to be fascinating to follow which we discuss.

Talk then turns to the Illawarra Hawks who bounced back tremendously from a loss to Tasmania JackJumpers to beat the Sydney Kings on Christmas Day but concerns are growing over the Kings and underperforming import Denzel Valentine and coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah.

We also look back on the Cairns Taipans v Perth Wildcats Boxing Day game which featured 79 free-throws where Bryce Cotton got the 'Cats over the line and while the Snakes are doing a lot right, they're also their own worst enemy at times.

After we get this week's The Galen Best NBL Team Man from Simon Mitchell and it's Lachlan Olbrich from the Illawarra Hawks, Cody Ellis also discusses why Kristian Doolittle has quickly become one of his favourite players and wants to see him receive a lot more credit for his contributions to Perth Wildcats.

Attention then turns to the New Year's Round of NBL action to come and we preview each upcoming game to end 2023 and bring in 2024 thanks to TABtouch.

To wrap things up this week we also talk about the news that Trevor Gleeson has returned to the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks likely ruling him out of a return to the NBL next season.

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 14

Where else but Melbourne United to start Hoops Heaven Basketball Hustle this week with Cody Ellis discussing how far ahead of the rest of #NBL24 teams they are right now while dominating at both ends, and we try to find their biggest NBL challenger.

From there, Cody Ellis looks at his former Illawarra Hawks team and believes Justin Tatum is putting himself in prime position to coach beyond #NBL24 while we look at a tough weekend for South East Melbourne Phoenix, and Cody asks if Rocco Zikarsky or Aron Baynes deserve more minutes.

We get #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man from Simon Mitchell, talk about the overreaction to a physio helping out DJ Vasiljevic, seeing big men allowed to defend and look ahead to the Christmas #NBL24 action to come.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

We open up this week's show with Cody Ellis talking about just how far Melbourne United is ahead of the rest of the NBL after 11 rounds. How potent they are offensively and how far ahead of other NBL24 teams they are at both ends of the floor with such a star studded yet well rounded team, and we try to come up with who is their biggest threat from the other nine teams.

The Illawarra Hawks have instantly improved under the coaching of Justin Tatum with Cody Ellis noticing the increased freedom they are playing with, how they are getting out to run and it's on the back of humming defensively. We talked about a more efficient and under control Tyler Harvey and why Justin Tatum isn’t far away from securing the job moving forward.

Sydney Kings talked about having to improve their defence and they did that led by Jaylin Galloway in a win against the Tasmania JackJumpers after a couple of bonding days during the week at Sydney's beaches.

It was a rough weekend for the South East Melbourne Phoenix with back-to-back 28-point losses at the hands of Melbourne United and Illawarra Hawks with the loss of Mitch Creek to injury despite the arrival of new import Abdel Nader.

Mitch Norton had a chance at the game winner denied by a split second much to Cody Ellis' chagrin while it opens an interesting discussion over who should be getting more minutes at the Brisbane Bullets – NBA champion and Olympic bronze medallist Aron Baynes or Next Star Rocco Zikarsky.

This week's show continues with a look at an improved New Zealand Breakers performance backing up the 'Anthony Lamb Guarantee' with Zylan Cheatham about to return, and how the Adelaide 36ers appear to also be giving better effort under new coach Scott Ninnis despite some intriguing rotation decisions.

Our discussion continues with the NBL's overreaction to a physio sitting courtside helping out a cramping DJ Vasiljevic and look at how pleasing it is to finally see some big men allowed to play defence, and rack up some blocked shots across the Round 11 action.

We then talk about Simon Mitchell's choice as #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man for Round 11 before turning our attention to Round 12 including the two Christmas Day games highlighting the fixtures as the Tasmania JackJumpers host the South East Melbourne Phoenix, and Sydney Kings battle Illawarra Hawks.

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 13

Huge ground to cover after dramatic #NBL24 week on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle as we breakdown that crazy night in Cairns from every angle, look at Scott Ninnis replacing CJ Bruton at Adelaide 36ers and Abdel Nader in, Will Cummings out at South East Melbourne Phoenix.

With Cody Ellis back on deck, he offers unique insight into why management shouldn’t be dictating Sunday Dech, Jason Cadee and Mitch McCarron's role with Adelaide 36ers and thoughts on the 'Anthony Lamb Guarantee', John Rillie on Tai Webster's Perth Wildcats importance.

We get Simon Mitchell's #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man, #TheDamo from Damian Martin, Matty Knight's Player of the Year votes, look ahead to massive #NBL24 Round 11 and wish Cairns Taipans and everyone in the Far North the best this week.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

First up on this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle is a breakdown of everything that happened in Cairns when the power went out. We talk about playing in the Tropics with no air conditioning, if playing on was the right thing, the rundown the clock tactics of the Sydney Kings, why the Taipans can feel hard done by and why no shot clock can't happen again.

Next up and our attention turns to the Adelaide 36ers and the axing of CJ Bruton to be replaced by Scott Ninnis. We discuss Bruton's two and-a-half seasons, remarkable story of Ninnis returning to the job and then why Cody Ellis is well placed to talk about why management shouldn’t be getting involved in who does and doesn't play moving forward.

After our first break, we get stuck into what's happened over the South East Melbourne Phoenix with the release of import guard Will Cummings, arrival of former NBA forward Abdel Nader and how impressive their win was in Sydney with all that as a backdrop.

Next up is the New Zealand Breakers who saw their rollercoaster continue with a rough showing at home to the Tasmania JackJumpers with an 'Anthony Lamb Guarantee' that they will fix their rebounding woes.

From that same game, the JackJumpers were terrific despite Marcus Lee's struggles with Will Magnay coming up huge and then we discuss the merits of the Perth Wildcats struggling in a loss to the Illawarra Hawks in the absence of Tai Webster.

Following our last break, we get Simon Mitchell's winner of #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man, we get Damian Martin's Best Defensive Player votes, Matty Knight's Player of the Year votes and then we get stuck into a preview of Round 11 in #NBL24 and discuss the league's Multiverse uniforms and the standard of refereeing.

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 12

#NBL24 returned with a bang in Round 9 and Simon Mitchell breaks it all down on Hoops Heaven Basketball Hustle including Adam Forde's masterful coaching performance, why Mody Maor was hard done by, no excuses for Adelaide 36ers and feeling for Craig Moller.

The former South East Melbourne Phoenix coach discusses why replacing Craig Moller won't be easy, why we should be thankful for Bryce Cotton and Milton Doyle, how Cairns Taipans would have left Dean Vickerman furious, and the NBL travel debate.

Before departure of CJ Bruton we discuss what's happening at Adelaide 36ers, continued growth of Izayah Le'afa at NZ Breakers, Josh Roberts at Cairns Taipans named #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man and we preview #NBL24 Round 10 thanks to TABtouch.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

We open up this week's show by looking back on last week's discussion about jersey retirements and Simon Mitchell gives his verdict on Darryl McDonald at Melbourne United and Eric Cooks at the Illawarra Hawks.

Before we get stuck into the hot topics, Simon Mitchell opens up the show talking about what he loved most from NBL Round 9 and it was being thankful that we have Bryce Cotton and Milton Doyle in the league doing what they do best.

The Cairns Taipans used the FIBA break to change things up and there were good signs against Brisbane, then it all came together against Melbourne with Simon Mitchell talking about Adam Forde's outstanding coaching performance, what he did so well and why Dean Vickerman would be furious with his team.

It was an eventful weekend for New Zealand Breakers coach Mody Maor and Simon Mitchell talks about why he didn't deserve to be ejected in win over Adelaide and has nothing to answer for with post-match comments, and his genuine care for the NBL needs to be embraced. He might want to send the league his own please explain letter.

The NBL travel schedule became a hot talking point after tough doubles for the New Zealand Breakers and Adelaide 36ers against fresh opponents coming out of Christchurch. While Simon Mitchell felt the Breakers could still hold their heads high, he couldn’t say the same for the Sixers.

There's plenty going on at the Adelaide 36ers on the back of two tough road losses to New Zealand and Tasmania, with the Sixers then putting the blame on the travel schedule. Simon Mitchell thinks now it's time to give the kids a go, park some guys not getting the job done and take a stance with the starting line-up.

The Brisbane Bullets shook off three tough losses from winning positions for two wins in Round 9 with Simon Mitchell sure that Justin Schueller would be thrilled but at the same time still looking for ways to close out games better moving forward.

Izayah Le'afa is playing some tremendous basketball for the New Zealand Breakers and he needs to in the absence of Will McDowell-White and Simon Mitchell is in a good position to discuss him given he gave him his first start in the NBL at the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

How could we do a show and not discuss Bryce Cotton's 41-point, seven-assist performance for the Perth Wildcats against the Sydney Kings, which Simon Mitchell marvels at thinking what the best game would be in a career for mere mortals might not even crack his top 20.

The unfortunate news out of Round 9 was the season-ending knee injury to Craig Moller and Simon Mitchell talks about his history with the South East Melbourne Phoenix forward, why he hopes for the best for him and also why he's going to be so hard for his team to replace.

Simon Mitchell selects his winner of The Galen Best NBL Team Man for this week and he stays in Cairns and it goes to import big Josh Roberts who went from virtually not playing to a starring role in the stunning win for the Snakes against Melbourne United.

We then wrap up this week's show with Simon Mitchell agreeing with Taipans coach Adam Forde on calling out why he wants his team to ignore all the opinions floating around through NBL Media and then we preview Round 10 in the NBL from Thursday through Sunday with Simon looking forward to the Taipans' two games against Sydney and Adelaide.

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 11

A break in NBL24 didn’t stop us having plenty to talk about on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with Cody Ellis and Simon Mitchell teaming up to discuss NBL season to date, update their predictions, find some jersey retirements at each club and to preview what's to come.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

This week's episode begins with a bit of a look back on the opening eight weeks of the season and we get Simon Mitchell's thoughts on what it's like watching on after years of involvement as a coach, why he's got the itch back and why that has included cutting up some vision and doing plenty of analysis.

We go back to our pre-season predictions too and update our thoughts eight rounds into the NBL season, but one thing that stays the same is that we're all sticking with Melbourne United as our championship favourites.

We've all gone with different picks for the MVP award showing how tight that race is while we agree on Luke Travers for the Next Gen Award at this point along with his Melbourne United teammate Shea Ili for Best Defensive Player.

It's a sweep for Melbourne United with Dean Vickerman our choice for Coach of the Year while things get interesting again for Most Improved Player with Sydney Kings centre Jordan Hunter leading the way.

On the back of the news the Perth Wildcats are retiring Damian Martin's No. 53 jersey, we had a fascinating discussion over who will be the next player at each NBL team to go up into the rafters.

With some obvious names like Chris Anstey, Mika Vukona, Tim Coenraad and Jesse Wagstaff, some more interesting names were thrown up Scott Ninnis to Mike McKay, Alex Loughton, Oscar Forman, Kevin Lisch, and some crystal balling for Nathan Sobey, Bul Kuol, Chris Goulding, Bryce Cotton, Mitch Creek and even Clint Steindl.

We then wrap up this week's episode with Simon and Cody giving their thoughts and predictions for the games in Round 9 beginning on Thursday with the Breakers hosting the 36ers, and highlighted with the Wildcats and Kings clash on Friday 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 10

Time to take a deep breath in #NBL24 but no rest on Hoops Heaven Basketball Hustle and Cody Ellis says it's Melbourne United's championship to lose, shortening rotation key to Perth Wildcats revival and talks about why he loves Jack McVeigh so much.

That's just the tipping point of what we cover this week as NBL takes a break as Cody Ellis focuses on some of his favourite players Shea Ili, Kristian Doolittle and Jack McVeigh while happy for improved Illawarra Hawks, and looks at what's happening at NZ Breakers and Brisbane Bullets.

We have #TheGalen from Simon Mitchell, #TheDamo from Damian Martin and Cody Ellis tells us if he expects Corey Webster or Jordan Usher to see out #NBL24 at Perth Wildcats, same with Josh Roberts at Cairns Taipans, if NZ Breakers need to replace Will McDowell-White, and why you won't see better than Daniel Johnson or Rob Loe.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

Cody Ellis talks about the championship being Melbourne United's to lose right now after their 67-point second half performance to beat the Sydney Kings where Chris Goulding put up 35 points, but they have such great offensive weapons and they are led by Shea Ili who was unbelievable at both ends.

The Perth Wildcats were on the brink three weeks ago, they've now won five straight going into the FIBA break and Cody Ellis looks at why shortening the rotation and focusing on Hyrum Harris, Jesse Wagstaff and Kristian Doolittle has been crucial to them so they can do the dirty work, and let the likes of Bryce Cotton, Keanu Pinder and Alex Sarr shine.

We wrap up the first segment of this week's show with a look at Jack McVeigh's stunning game winner for the Tasmania JackJumpers against the Cairns Taipans. We break down the play from the perspective of both teams but also talk about why McVeigh is made for those moments and what a perfect role model he is.

The New Zealand Breakers continue to have the worst run of luck with Will McDowell-White joining Zylan Cheatham out injured and Cody Ellis looks at why they need to find a way to get some more offensive help for Anthony Lamb and Parker Jackson-Cartwright who are carrying too much of the load.

There were some encouraging signs from the Illawarra Hawks in the first game under new coach Justin Tatum especially defensively in the win over the NZ Breakers. Former Hawks forward Cody Ellis talks about why building on those defensive principles could be just what they need for the rest of this NBL season.

Talk then turns to the Brisbane Bullets who have now suffered three straight tough losses having been in winning positions and Cody Ellis looks at what's going wrong for them late in games, but why they need to stick with what they're doing despite the frustrations.

Our discussion from Round 8 in #NBL24 wraps up with a look at quite the dramatic tale of two halves between the Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix, where DJ Vasiljevic fired the Sixers in the second half and some cracks continue to show in the Phoenix.

It's then time for our awards from Round 8 in the NBL with Simon Mitchell's selection of Hyrum Harris from the Perth Wildcats as #TheGalen Best Team Man while top votes from Damian Martin in Best Defensive Player Award goes to Shea Ili of Melbourne United.

Without a round to preview in the NBL this weekend, we finish off the show by looking at some hot talking points including whether or not Corey Webster and Jordan Usher see out the season at the Perth Wildcats, if Josh Roberts sticks with Cairns Taipans, should the NZ Breakers replace Will McDowell-White, do the Adelaide 36ers need a third import and if there'll ever be better injury replacement players than Daniel Johnson and Rob Loe.

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 9

Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle looks at Illawarra Hawks making their coaching change while Perth Wildcats have found their groove, Melbourne United kept winning and it's getting to make or break time for the New Zealand Breakers.

Former Illawarra Hawks forward Cody Ellis is back to dissect the coaching change at his old team with Justin Tatum stepping up to replace Jacob Jackomas while also looking at why Tyler Harvey/Justin Robinson are too similar and why the fans deserve a good product.

Other topics include Shane Heal's banner, Wagstaff/Doolittle/Harris key to Perth Wildcats, Melbourne United's system, Brisbane Bullets could be 5-0, #NBL24 Round 8 Preview and Simon Mitchell's #TheGalen headlines our awards.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

We begin this week's show with a discussion about the Illawarra Hawks parting ways with coach Jacob Jackomas after he won just 5 of 32 games in charge. We analyse it from every angle with Cody Ellis not surprised by the decision and feels in the long run it might be the best thing for all parties. We also discussed why having Justin Robinson and Tyler Harvey is part of the problem, why it's a free hit for caretaker coach Justin Tatum and why the Hawks faithful deserve a good product to support.

We also get Cody Ellis' thoughts on his former coach Shane Heal being removed from the rafters at Qudos Bank Arena and why he was shocked by it and a little dumbfounded that the Sydney Kings organisation took things that far.

Talk then moves to Melbourne United and why it was the faith in their system, what's implemented by their coaching staff and their depth that allowed them to keep winning to beat the South East Melbourne Phoenix despite being without Luke Travers, Ian Clark and Matthew Dellavedova.

The discussion then turns to the Perth Wildcats as Cody Ellis looks at why shortening the rotation and changing things up has worked wonders for them, especially the extra faith and responsibilities for Jesse Wagstaff, Hyrum Harris and Kristian Doolittle which is allowing Bryce Cotton and Keanu Pinder to thrive.

Things aren’t looking as good with the New Zealand Breakers right now and Cody Ellis talks about if the players are playing like they are a little on edge right now and scared to make a mistake under coach Mody Maor, and why their season is hanging by a thread right now with a lot of things to fix.

Cody Ellis then dissects why there was such a difference in quality of games from Saturday to Sunday, and focuses on the Sydney Kings-Brisbane Bullets match up as a highlight of Round 7 with the Kings firing in bursts with the Bullets missing a golden opportunity despite the good signs and why they could so easily be 5-0 in the last five games.

We then look at the plights of Jacob Wiley at the Adelaide 36ers, Josh Roberts at the Cairns Taipans and Simon Mitchell selects his #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man with Matty Knight casting his Player of the Year votes and Damian Martin's giving his votes in #TheDamo Best Defensive Player before we preview Round 8 in #NBL24.

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 8

Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle this week with Simon Mitchell and the former South East Melbourne Phoenix coach talks #NBL24 TV coverage, wild Melbourne Cup eve game and Perth Wildcats hitting back but why he's not convinced of them just yet.

More #NBL24 discussion from Simon Mitchell as he wants to hear less whistles and for the NBL to protect their product better, talks about how well his signings Alan Williams, Gary Browne and Trey Kell III are playing, and he selects his #TheGalen winner from New Zealand Breakers.

Talking points continue as Simon Mitchell casts his eyes over Adelaide 36ers needing to ensure Isaac Humphries is more involved, why Tyler Harvey, Justin Robinson and Sam Froling need to do better for Illawarra Hawks, and we preview #NBL24 Round 7 thanks to TABtouch.

For all the ways to listen click here: https://linktr.ee/basketballhustle

We start off the show this week with Simon Mitchell giving his thoughts on the NBL TV product this season and why he'd like to hear more analysis and less chit chat in the broadcast.

It's then time to talk about a dramatic Melbourne Cup Eve contest with the Perth Wildcats beating Melbourne United in overtime before our 'Cats discussion takes in why Simon Mitchell wants to see more of Hyrum Harris and Jesse Wagstaff, less of Corey Webster and maybe even Jordan Usher moving forward.

Late game execution became a talking point across Round 6 and Simon Mitchell mused about how not having enough time with your full group over pre-season could be a factor in that and why the teams who messed up the least tended to win.

The amount of fouls called in the NBL are becoming a big talking point and Simon Mitchell talks about how it's taking away from the spectacle of the game, why there's too many off the ball and rebounding calls being game, and it's hurting the flow and overall product right now.

The former Phoenix coach discusses the two men he brought in last NBL season too and how well Alan Williams and Gary Browne are playing for South East Melbourne, and why 'Big Sauce' could be an MVP candidate if he stays out of foul trouble and why Browne still has room to grow.

We talk about the Adelaide 36ers with Simon Mitchell talking about how happy he is to see Trey Kell III playing so well but why we still haven't seen the best of him while his eyebrows were raised when he came out late in the game. He also wants to see the Sixers ensure Isaac Humphries stays more involved.

Our last talking point is the Illawarra Hawks and Simon Mitchell talks about their two tough losses to Tasmania and Adelaide back in Round 3 as when his concerns really came to light. He put the torch on Justin Robinson and Tyler Harvey to lift their efforts defensively to lead the way and also wants more from co-captain Sam Froling.

Simon Mitchell then selects his winner of #TheGalen Best NBL Team for Round 6 and it's Anthony Lamb from the New Zealand Breakers before we preview the five games to come in Round 7 of #NBL24.

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 7

So much to unpack on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle after Round 5 in #NBL24 starting at the Perth Wildcats and we dissect everything going on there along with the brilliant weekend of Brisbane Bullets, and Bul Kuol inspiring Cairns Taipans.

Cody Ellis breaks down everything at Perth Wildcats including what he described as the mind boggling mistake to not play Jesse Wagstaff, if John Rillie's job is safe and if it should be, and there plenty to discuss regarding the Red Army, Ben Henshall, Jordan Usher and Bryce Cotton.

There was a lot to like in #NBL24 Round 5 and Cody Ellis couldn’t be happier for old teammate Mitch Norton on a number of fronts, Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix kept shining, and we get #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man from Simon Mitchell, Matty Knight's Player of the Year, and Damian Martin's #TheDamo votes.

We begin this week's show by looking at the good out of Round 5 in #NBL24 with Melbourne United showing how deep, talented and well coached they are with South East Melbourne Phoenix showing good they are at full strength, and how the Adelaide 36ers have saved CJ Bruton's job.

It's then time to focus on the Perth Wildcats after a disappointing loss to the Brisbane Bullets and there's lots to unpack starting with Cody Ellis discussing how he didn't see any adjustments he was hoping for if they were to turn things around.

Jesse Wagstaff not playing on the week his 450-game milestone was celebrated has created quite the public backlash and we discussed that mistake of coach John Rillie not playing his captain and why it boggled the mind of Cody Ellis and left him confused.

We then talk about the Red Army turning on their team, whether or not John Rillie's job is safe and if it would have been under previous management, and ask the questions over why Ben Henshall still isn’t playing, why is Jordan Usher struggling and then everything surround Bryce Cotton.

The Brisbane Bullets were awesome in wins against Perth and Tasmania with Cody Ellis talking about how it rights their season with Mitch Norton and Sam McDaniel unbelievable setting the tone defensively, and why he couldn’t be happier on a number of fronts this week for his old teammate Norton.

The New Zealand Breakers just can't take a break with the loss of Zylan Cheatham and Cody Ellis talks about how much it sucks for him to go down with a broken foot, but why they continue to impress with their fight and can still make noise in #NBL24.

Melbourne United kept on winning in Round 5 even with losing Ian Clark and still being without Matthew Dellavedova, but they dominated the boards remarkably and just kept on doing what's needed to improve to 8-1.

Last up in our look back on Round 5 is the Cairns Taipans and despite losing Patrick Miller and being without Tahjere McCall and Taran Armstrong, they knocked off the Sydney Kings with Bul Kuol unbelievable and before getting hurt, Miller kept on stepping up big time.

Speaking of the Kings, Cody Ellis isn’t concerned after some tough shooting and expects the defending champs to still come good.

Once we've covered all that, we get our winner of #TheGalen from Simon Mitchell, look at the votes in #TheDamo from Damian Martin and also the Player of the Year votes from Matty Knight before a preview of Round 6 in the NBL from Thursday through Monday.

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 6

No shortage of hot NBL24 topics again for us on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle from those big men dominating and those struggling with the whistle to an impressive Adelaide 36ers response and a breakdown of the woes at the Perth Wildcats.

We also look at the offensively dynamic Tasmania JackJumpers, Cody Ellis labels the deep Melbourne United as the NBL team to beat and the tough weekend that is ahead for Brisbane Bullets minute Shannon Scott and Aron Baynes.

We also discuss futures of Xavier Cooks, Duop Reath and Jack White, give a full #NBL24 Round 5 Preview and you'll get plenty of breakdown of what worked for Adelaide 36ers, what's not for Perth Wildcats and why we wish big men were allowed to play defence more.

We begin this week's episode talking about how much fun it is to see the Tasmania JackJumpers playing with their extra firepower this season with Jordon Crawford added to Jack McVeigh and Milton Doyle, and why that extra scoring punch could take them a long way in NBL24.

We then have a fascinating discussion about some of the big men in the NBL. We talk about how good it was to see Alan Williams come back and dominate for the South East Melbourne Phoenix, Isaac Humphries hit back for the Adelaide 36ers and then Marcus Lee and Mangok Mathiang struggling to stay out of foul trouble and with the way the league is officiated.

The Adelaide 36ers had a tough night on Thursday against the Phoenix but to their credit hit back against the Perth Wildcats 48 hours later after a players meeting. Coach CJ Bruton shortened his rotation too, they looked a desperate team and their response was impressive but maybe the 'Cats made them look better?

Speaking of the Wildcats, there's lots there for us to dissect including it not being ideal for Alex Sarr playing 12 minutes and not understanding not using Corey Webster in the fourth quarter, and Hyrum Harris, Ben Henshall or David Okwera at all. The overuse of Michael Harris, struggles defensively of Jordan Usher and the whole team, and then an out of form Bryce Cotton are all part of the discussion.

The Wildcats will face the Brisbane Bullets this Friday night and we look at a Brisbane team without Aron Baynes and Shannon Scott which puts more pressure on Nathan Sobey.

We also discuss how deep and impressive Melbourne United are looking and especially so considering they are yet to play a game at full strength in NBL24. According to Cody Ellis, they are the team to beat.

It's then time for a full preview of Round 5 in the NBL and then we look at what's next for Duop Reath, Jack White and Xavier Cooks after they were waived by their respective NBA teams.

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 5

DJ Vasiljevic has landed at Adelaide 36ers and we cover that on Hoops Heaven Basketball Hustle on top of Aron Baynes suspension, Trentyn Flowers explosion, where to for Tyler Cook, can Rob Loe stay and plenty more ahead of #NBL24 Round 4.

Co-hosts Chris Pike and Cody Ellis look at Melbourne United, Sydney Kings and Tasmania JackJumpers standing out in NBL, Illawarra Hawks, Adelaide 36ers and Perth Wildcats not so much, and discuss Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers in NBLxNBA.

Other topics covered include Matthew Dellavedova's troubling concussion, being pleasantly surprised by Jonah Bolden's return to Sydney Kings, and Simon Mitchell names his #TheGalen Best NBL Team Man and Matty Knight casts his Player of the Year #NBL24 votes.

We begin this week's episode by discussing the Sydney Kings releasing two-time championship winner DJ Vasiljevic to allow him to join the Adelaide 36ers, and we talk about why that instantly makes the Sixers better in a whole host of ways.

We then look back on the five-game suspension of Brisbane Bullets centre Aron Baynes, the footage leaked of his backstage confrontation with Cairns Taipans coach Adam Forde and our take on the whole situation, and how it was handled and how Baynes can come back and enjoy his basketball again.

It's then time to discuss Next Star Trentyn Flowers stunning breakout fourth quarter with 18 points as the Adelaide 36ers beat the Illawarra Hawks, and why putting him a flourish to succeed was behind his performance.

Unfortunately it was more of the 'Same old Hawks' in their two losses to the Tasmania JackJumpers and Adelaide 36ers in Round 3 and we talked about how the Illawarra Hawks can try to stop this slide and let another season get away from them.

Cody Ellis also offered his thoughts on how far Melbourne United, Sydney Kings and Tasmania JackJumpers are ahead of the pack so far in #NBL24, and why the Adelaide 36ers, Illawarra Hawks and even the Perth Wildcats are a fair way behind the rest.

We discuss the troubling concussion to Melbourne United superstar Melbourne United and also if there's a way United could keep Rob Loe around even with the pending return of Jo Lual-Acuil.

We talk about how impressive the Sydney Kings are looking already even without DJ Hogg in the line-up with Jonah Bolden pleasantly surprising with how well he's playing and Jaylen Adams picking right back where he left off two seasons ago.

Talk then turns to playing against former teams with Luke Travers up against Perth Wildcats and Matt Kenyon facing Tasmania JackJumpers, and we discuss if there's a chance Tyler Cooks joins the Wildcats or another NBL team for the rest of the season.

We get our winner of #TheGalen Best Team Man aware for NBL Round 3 from Simon Mitchell, Matty Knight casts his Player of the Year votes, and we preview Round 4 and discuss the NBLxNBA trips for Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers.

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 4

Plenty to cover on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle after Round 2 of NBL24 with an Angry Aron Baynes and his altercation with the Cairns Taipans, a new import at the New Zealand Breakers and Tasmania JackJumpers and Milton Doyle making a statement.

Chris Pike is joined by Simon Mitchell on this week's show with the former South East Melbourne Phoenix coach talking about what it's like watching his former team this season while also enjoying this break from basketball, what life is like right now and why he doesn't want to stay away too long.

Plenty more to cover with former NBL head coach Simon Mitchell comparing great v very good players in #NBL24, what's needed at Adelaide 36ers and why he hopes for the best for CJ Bruton and a full preview of NBL Round 3 and NBLxNBA action for Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers.

First up on this week's Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and we run through the incidents involving Aron Baynes, Lat Mayen and Adam Forde from the Brisbane Bullets-Cairns Taipans Sunshine Stoush, and look at what we do and don't know, what we expect to happen and the comments coming out of the Bullets camp in regards to the Taipans coach.

Simon Mitchell then responds to the question if Milton Doyle is the best player in the NBL right now and if the Tasmania JackJumpers are the best team. He might necessarily degree but there is a lot about what the JackJumpers are doing with Scott Roth at the helm.

We then discuss the New Zealand Breakers replacing the injured Justinian Jessup with Anthony Lamb before Simon Mitchell has a look at the Adelaide 36ers and the concerns he has for them, what sort of import he'd like to see them add and why he hopes for success with coach CJ Bruton.

Simon Mitchell also talks about what it's like watching the South East Melbourne Phoenix this season after coaching them the last four years and looks at the difference between a great player in Bryce Cotton and a very good player in Nathan Sobey.

Simon then talks about what life is like for him now and how much he's enjoying the break from full-time basketball coaching but why he doesn't want to stay out of the game too long even though the family time he's experiencing right now is irreplaceable.

We wrap things up with a preview of Round 3 in the NBL and why the NBLxNBA trips for the Cairns Taipans and New Zealand Breakers have turned out to work out to have perfect timing.

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 3

One round into #NBL24 and we're full of talking points on Hoops Heaven #BasketballHustle thanks to TABtouch with Melbourne United impressive, Adelaide 36ers not so, young guns shining and others not so much, and we try to cover it all.

Co-hosts Chris Pike and Cody Ellis talk about the differences in Jordan Usher home and away for Perth Wildcats, why Alex Sarr needs to expect to keep being challenged and how impressive Ben Henshall, Ariel Hukporti, Sam Mennenga and Jaylin Galloway were as young players.

We named Parker Jackson-Cartwright winner of the #TheGalen thanks to Simon Mitchell while Cody Ellis makes some statements – Melbourne United look well ahead of the rest while concerned for everything at Adelaide 36ers, wants AJ Johnson and Trentyn Flowers to prove him wrong, and wonders where Gary Clark fits at Illawarra Hawks.

Our discussion after the opening round of the NBL season begins by looking at the contrasting form home and away for new Perth Wildcats star Jordan Usher, and also the fascinating contest at and above the rim of Tyler Cook and Alex Sarr, and why Sarr can expect to be challenged plenty more.

We take a look at the young players who stood out in the opening round with Ben Henshall the only Wildcat to look comfortable on Sunday, Ariel Hukporti looking unbelievable, Alex Toohey showing good signs, Sam Mennenga a shining spot for Cairns and Jaylin Galloway looking awesome.

On the other side of things, Trentyn Flowers at the Adelaide 36ers doesn't quite look ready for the NBL, it was a surprise AJ Johnson didn’t hit the floor for the Illawarra Hawks and it's possible those two aren’t suited to the NBL, but they have the chance to prove us wrong.

As for the new imports, Will Cummings looked totally different across the two games for South East Melbourne Phoenix, Denzel Valentine was very solid for Sydney Kings, Parker Jackson-Cartwright starred for New Zealand Breakers without Will McDowell-White, Jordon Crawford was aggressive for Tasmania JackJumpers and Chris Smith is going to be awesome for Brisbane Bullets. How Gary Clark fits at Illawarra Hawks is going to be a work in progress.

We then take a look at how impressive Melbourne United were considering they didn’t shoot the ball well, but were emphatic in wins over South East Melbourne Phoenix and Adelaide 36ers. Cody Ellis talks about how far ahead of everyone else they look and how Ian Clark will slot back in moving forward.

It's then time for the unfortunate discussion about the Adelaide 36ers and how hard it is to imagine them not being 0-4 ahead of their NBA trip. Cody Ellis feels everything is a concern with them and how they do have missing pieces everywhere while trying to decide on what sort of import they need.

We announce the winner of The Galen award for Round 1 too thanks to former South East Melbourne Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell. He selected Parker Jackson-Cartwright from the NZ Breakers on the back of his brilliant performance in the win against the Cairns Taipans.

It's then time for our Round 2 NBL Preview thanks to TABtouch where we hope to help find you a winner in this week's action.

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 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).