Crosscourt: Latest news and talking points out of round 7 of NBL23
The NBL’s introduction of the coach’s challenge had been viewed as a success — until recently. Is it time to review — or even scrap — the controversial rule? LIKES, DISLIKES
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Calls are growing louder for the NBL to review its coach’s challenge system following a host of contentious decisions.
The rule entitles each team to one challenge per game and retain it until they’re unsuccessful has largely been seen as a success.
That viewpoint has changed recently due to the NBL’s video review system knocking back several challenges that appeared on the broadcast to be strong cases.
This was on show in Saturday night’s Brisbane Bullets-Cairns Taipans game with two failed challenges, prompting a barrage of criticism from frustrated fans online.
Time to get rid of the coach's challenge, what's the point of them if calls that should be overturned aren't. #NBL23#NBL
— Jordan Janssen (@JJordy1210) November 19, 2022
More like the Coach's Challenge SYSTEM is unsuccessful!! #NBL#NBL23
— the Sport Blokes podcast (@SportBlokes) November 19, 2022
@NBL get rid of the coaches challenge… you just get mad twice
— Jenny Froling (@jennyfroling) November 19, 2022
Biggest rivalry? #NBL23
— Nick (@nicktan77) November 20, 2022
The first came in the second quarter when Taipans’ coach Adam Forde unsuccessfully challenged a block call on star guard Tahjere McCall.
The second came early in the fourth quarter when a charge was called against Brisbane guard Tyler Johnson, despite Cairns opponent Shannon Scott appearing to fall before contact was made.
This was NBL commentator Peter Hooley’s view during the commentary.
“It looked like he went down potentially before the contact,” Hooley said.
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Fellow commentator Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams added: “He didn’t even touch him.”
The NBL review centre ruled against the coaches’ challenge, prompting Williams to say, laughing: “Oh my goodness, he didn’t even touch him, man” he said.
Jenny Froling, the mother of Brisbane big man Harry Froling, also took to Twitter to express her frustration.
“NBL get rid of the coaches challenge … you just get mad twice,” the former referee tweeted.
Another fan tweeted: “Coaches challenge is pointless. They will never admit they made the wrong call and overturn it no matter how blatant it is.”
DISLIKES
I was there and saw the clappers being thrown. One of them came from behind me in the upper level and the other was from the bay next to me. While I understand some people think the clappers broke, this didn't happen in my view. We need to make sure this doesn't happen again.
— Nicola Varne (@NicolaVarne) November 19, 2022
JACKJUMPERS CALL OUT FANS
The Tasmania JackJumpers fans are among the NBL’s most passionate, but some supporters crossed the line during a clash against the New Zealand Breakers at the Silverdome in Launceston on Friday.
One JackJumpers fan took to Twitter to shed light on the situation: “I was there and saw the clappers being thrown. One of them came from behind me in the upper level and the other was from the bay next to me.”
It’s understood a clapper was thrown, which broke.
A child then copied an older fan by throwing a piece of another clapper. Tasmania officials deserve credit for getting on the front foot and calling out the fans in question.
“The JackJumpers condemn any aggressive or unsportsmanlike behaviour from any fans,” the club’s statement said.
“A group of fans were spoken to by the match manager late in the game, but no sanctions have been or are expected to be issued.”
‘TOUGH’ TIMES AT UNITED
It’s unfamiliar territory for Melbourne United’s master coach Dean Vickerman.
Under the Warragul warrior, United has been wildly successful, making the finals in five straight years — finishing on top three times and winning two titles in that period.
Now third bottom at 5-7, Vickerman is facing a challenge unique under his stewardship.
After his sputtering side was smacked by cross-town rival South East Melbourne Saturday night, a frustrated Vickerman summed up the mood at United.
“It’s tough, we’ve been a successful club and we just haven’t been able to commit defensively or been able to share the basketball like we have in the past,” Vickerman said.
“I hate this feeling; I want us to come out and play United basketball every game.”
Tough, indeed, but there’s a reason Vickerman is considered among the finest coaches in the sport. He’ll have to get a wriggle on, though, if United are to ensure a sixth straight finals berth.
LIKES
HUMPHRIES’ LIFE-SAVING MESSAGE
The courage of Isaac Humphries to reveal his sexuality will help to save lives. Humphries displayed enormous bravery to announce he is gay in an emotional address to his Melbourne United teammates.
It was an important moment that extends beyond basketball and sport.
There are countless people in society taking their own lives every year because they feel ashamed about their sexuality.
Humphries showcased admirable selflessness by declaring that one of his motivations to come out was to help others suffering about their identity in silence.
“If there are negative aspects that come with my decision to come out, I’ll take those barbs, so others don’t have to,” Humphries said.
“As long as it means we make progress along the way and kids in particular feel they can be whoever they want.”
Humphries understands that he has a profile and a platform as a professional athlete, and he is determined to use his story to help others.
Take a bow, Isaac, you’re an inspiration.
‘NO ONE GIVES A F*** WHAT YOU DID YESTERDAY
The Cairns Taipans have been one of the biggest surprise packets of the season, but not for coach Adam Forde.
Sitting third with a 6-3 record after a gritty road win over Brisbane, the early Coach of the Year candidate accidentally dropped an F-bomb in his post-game presser, describing the hardcore attitude in Cairns.
“There’s sign in our changeroom that says, ‘no-one gives a f--k what you did yesterday’,” Forde said, before apologising for his slip-of-the-tongue.
“And it’s true. Enjoy it, then we prepare for New Zealand.”
Forde and his team have used pre-season predictions that the club would finish last in the NBL as motivation — and it’s worked.”
In the off-season I had extreme confidence, we didn’t just throw a dart at the board … this is the team I wanted.
“Everybody was picking us to be last, well ‘what is it they know, that I don’t?’.
KING COTTON KEEPS WILDCATS ALIVE
While Bryce Cotton is playing for Perth, you can’t discount the Wildcats as an NBL contender.
Cotton reinforced his standing as the league’s premier player on Thursday with a masterclass performance in a big win over the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
The American-born guard finished with a game-high 32 points while he added five rebounds and four assists.
The Phoenix victory was a timely reminder to the rest of the league that Perth will once again feature in finals calculations despite a slow start to the season.
Free burger kings: The NBL teams and stars feeding the country
It’s the NBL promotion that’s helped to feed hundreds across the country for free – now we can reveal the players and teams who deserve the most thanks.
The Hungry Jack’s free cheeseburger campaign has been a popular addition to the league since the 2017-18 season.
Viewers at home and in the venue receive complementary cheeseburgers when the opposition team misses two consecutive free throws in a single penalty.
Commentators give out a codeword during the broadcast fans must enter into the NBL app to receive their free feed.
Only fans in the same state as the was played are eligible to claim a free cheeseburger.
Crosscourt can reveal the Cairns Taipans have been the biggest cheeseburger culprits in the promotion’s history.
The Taipans have missed consecutive free throws 14 times, a whopping 10 of those coming last season, and they’ve already done it four times this season.
The Illawarra Hawks are the second-worst team with 13, including nine in the 2020-21 season.
On the individual front, former Brisbane Bullets and Perth Wildcats centre Matt Hodgson leads the way with five double free-throw misses.
Hodgson is closely followed by Illawarra big man Sam Froling and Sydney Kings star forward Xavier Cooks, who have four each.
The Hungry Jack’s free cheeseburger promotion has become an entertaining and iconic part of every game, with home fans chanting ‘Hungry Jacks’ every time a player goes to the free-throw line.
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Someone tell the @HungryJacksAU cooks to fire up the grill!
— The NBL (@NBL) October 1, 2022
The first free cheeseburgers of #NBL23 are up for grabs in New South Wales ðŸ”
Download the NBL app to claim yours 📲 pic.twitter.com/tFwFLs2zXT
Hungry Gaks. Hungry Gaks.
— The NBL (@NBL) October 7, 2022
The free @HungryJacksAU cheeseburgers are on Gorjok, New South Wales!
Download the NBL app to claim yours 🔠#NBL23pic.twitter.com/n0piJdkKi4
Originally published as Crosscourt: Latest news and talking points out of round 7 of NBL23
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