Crosscourt: Latest NBL news ahead of Round 10 of the 2024-25 season

Bryce Cotton reckons a young Boomer who has stepped up his game for the the Wildcats in the absence of the injured four-time NBL MVP has got what it takes to succeed in the NBA.

The NBL has conceded its dated, drawn out judicial system needs an overhaul and it has notified all clubs and the Australian Basketball Players’ Association of its plan for change.

While Code Sports has confirmed the tribunal accepted the allegation of racist abuse by fans from Adelaide’s Kendric Davis during the wild November 17 scenes that unfolded in the Sixers’ clash with Melbourne United.

The NBL was criticised for a nine-day turnaround on penalties for players and fans involved but Stevenson made no apologies for carrying out a thorough investigation and following a process that has been the league’s mandate for a decade.

But he acknowledged it took too long to suspend 36ers Montrezl Harrell and Davis and ban two courtside fans for their roles in the John Cain Arena fiasco.

“The process that we’ve gone through over the last nine or 10 days has certainly not been ideal but it’s got us to a good outcome,” Stevenson said.

The NBL has been criticised for its lengthy judicial system. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“We’ve had the same process for the best part of 10 years and what we’ve learnt through this is we want to review that and we’ve already flagged that with the ABPA and clubs.

“We need to be able to move quicker.”

The NBL’s system drags out because game reviews take time, given the league’s packed schedule. The Game Review Panel affords players two days to respond to allegations before it decides on charges. If the player challenges a sanction or the offence is deemed severe, a single-person tribunal is then called.

The league could look to the AFL or NRL, which reviews games and delivers sanctions within 24 hours of the final siren and holds tribunals early in the week after a game.

He anticipated no changes to courtside seating arrangements at NBL venues, confident the respective lifetime and 10-year bans on spectators involved sent a clear message on fan behaviour.

36ers star imports had to wait nine days to learn their fate. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

In the wake of Adelaide’s allegations fans made racist and and homophobic comments, United, last Friday, issued a statement it had “not been made aware that any such comments have been able to be substantiated or corroborated.”

But sources confirmed “there certainly were comments around racist nature and so that was taken into account when the tribunal member made that decision” on Davis’ suspension. They added no allegations of homophobia were raised.

Ahead of Melbourne United’s Sunday home clash with Sydney, the first since the blow up, chief executive Nick Truelson emailed courtside seat holders reminding them of their expectations under the club’s partner code of conduct.

The club has a members code of conduct which stipulates attendees must not use bad language, harass or ridicule players, coaches, officials, or other spectators or engage in any form of threatening conduct, vilification or abuse based on race, gender, religion, disability or sexuality.

BANNED TREZ’S MONSTA PROMISE TO HATERS

A defiant Montrezl Harrell has issued an ominous warning to the NBL and his haters Down Under, vowing to return to Australia with a point to prove once his three-match ban is served.

The Adelaide 36ers’ former NBA big man was at the centre of November 17 spotfires with Melbourne United players and courtside fans that resulted in his suspension and fines.

Harrell, who flew home to Atlanta during the FIBA break, watched the NBL’s investigations and tribunal unfold, as teammate Kendric Davis was suspended for two games and one fan was hit with a life ban, another a 10-year sanction for their roles in the ugly scenes at John Cain Arena.

Montrezl Harrell says he’ll be on a mission when he returns to the NBL, following his suspension. Picture: Getty Images

The 30-year-old endured disgusting racist abuse on social media and calls from some fans and NBL pundits for harsher penalties after he was found guilty of striking United guard Shea Ili.

In the days after the incident, a frustrated Harrell, on a livestream, sparked fears he might not return to the NBL.

Two days after he lashed the league over the penalties, a more measured Harrell, on Wednesday, admitted his emotions had got the better of him and he was ready to accept the decision — with a promise.

“Was feeling alot feelings wit the decision from NBL but at end the day I own it, respect it and take it on the chin,” Harrell wrote.

“But please keep all this hate when I get back DOWN UNDER because I’m make every one y’all regret that for real!”

Was feeling alot feelings wit the decision from NBL but at end the day I own it, respect it and take it on the chin🙏🏿,

But please keep all this hate when I get back DOWN UNDER because I’m make every one y’all regret that 💩 for real!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

— ÙŽ (@monstatrezz) November 26, 2024

The Sixers have granted Harrell extended leave to spend more time with his family in the US as he serves his ban. He is expected back in Adelaide early next week.

The North Carolina native will miss games against Tasmania, Brisbane and Perth, with his return slated for December 14 against New Zealand.

He warned teams to take advantage of his absence.

“You best try kick us while we down,” he wrote on Instagram.

“You got till the 8th December good luck.”

Illawarra is flying high on the court and has grand plans off it. Picture: Getty Images

HAWKS REVEAL VISION FOR FUTURE

Illawarra Hawks chief executive Stu Taggart has revealed his vision to significantly expand the foundation club’s reach, while holding onto its history in Wollongong.

Taggart’s vision includes stretching the franchise’s footprint into southern Sydney, west to the Southern Highlands and as far south as the Shoalhaven.

“We feel there is a catchment of over a million people that we really want to be focusing on from a geographical perspective to bring into our Illawarra membership base,” Taggart said about the Hawks, who were founded in 1979.

“We’re really focused on the history and the heritage of the club and where we’ve come from as the only foundation club left in the NBL.

“It’s really important to respect that history, but also to be moving forward around the growth trajectory of the region.”

Taggart’s plan comes after NBL boss Larry Kestelman reinforced the importance of regionally based teams like Illawarra and Cairns expanding their reach as the game grows.

Illawarra coach Justin Tatum has been a smash hit with Hawks fans. Picture: Getty Images

Kestelmen said his original vision for Illawarra was for the club to be known as the Hawks and to play games in other regional centres like Newcastle.

In 2020, the NBL’s decision to remove Illawarra from the club’s name sparked heated debate and prompted a campaign to have the name reinstated.

Four years on, Illawarra’s long-term future solely in the region is under question but Taggart insists the club can expand its reach whilst holding onto the team’s history in Wollongong.

“It’s fine for the league to have an opinion about what the Illawarra Hawks should or shouldn’t do, but we’re working really hard on and off the court to drive success for the club and we are achieving some good positive steps in that direction,” he said.

“We’re focused on creating a club that truly matters to the people of the Illawarra and to make Illawarra a better place through basketball.”

The Snakes have built something special with the Orange Army in Cairns. Picture: Getty Images

KESTELMAN’S RESPECT FOR SNAKES’ SUCCESS STORY

NBL owner Larry Kestelman can’t play favourites, but he says it’s impossible not to have a soft spot for the success story of the Cairns Taipans.

The Taipans run on one of the NBL’s smallest budgets yet the Orange Army has consistently been competitive and produced world-class talent.

Kestelman acknowledges Cairns must broaden its reach as the league grows, but he is confident the club will take a proactive approach to that challenge.

“Out of all the clubs I probably have the most respect for the business of Cairns,” Kestelman said.

“People like Mark Beecroft (CEO) and Troy Rowan (Operations Manager) have done an incredible job there.

“They run to a sustainable budget, they are always competitive and their community is so passionate.

“The Taipans are able to dig up the most amazing talent on a budget and then they go on and have success at other clubs or overseas.”

Bright young Boomers and Perth prodigy Ben Henshall has Bryce Cotton’s NBA tick of approval. Picture: Getty Images

BRYCE ON BEN-BA HENNY

Bryce Cotton says young Boomer Ben Henshall has the rare mentality that will take him all the way to the NBA.

The 20-year-old, fresh off eye-catching performances in a pair of Boomers wins that secured Asia Cup qualification, stepped up for Perth as an injured Cotton spent a month on the sidelines, averaging 12.2 points, 4.2 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals in the superstar’s absence.

“Throw his skills out the window, we know he can play, but I love Henny’s mindset,” Cotton said of his young teammate, who is projected in many 2025 mock NBA drafts to be a late second-round pick.

“He’s such a dog, mentally. He doesn’t back down and he believes in himself and I think that’s one thing that will help him grow and thrive and get him to where he wants to be, which is the NBA.”

Cotton said Henshall’s ability to bounce back from a bad shooting night set the young scoring guard apart.

Cotton said lesser players would have been crushed by an 0-10 stinker, like Henshall had against Sydney earlier this season, but, the very next game the WA product blitzed Illawarra with a career-high 26 points, including 5-8 from deep.

Originally published as Crosscourt: Latest NBL news ahead of Round 10 of the 2024-25 season