Crosscourt: Melbourne fans build case for second Sydney side, Shareef O’Neal’s Australian future
The atmosphere at Melbourne United v South East Melbourne had shades of the AFL. With expansion at the top of the NBL’s to-do list, it is time to look at a second team for Sydney, Perth or even Adelaide.
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United fans bring the blue, so which city’s next?
The incredible support for Melbourne United from a hardcore group of fans who have made bay 62 of John Cain Arena their own in their ‘away’ Throwdown clashes with South East Melbourne has got us thinking.
On Thursday night, As United blasted SEM off the floor by 28 points, the raucous chants and rabid support evoked the tribalism of the AFL and NRL.
Tonight from 6pm we will be loud and we will be proud! Time to bring the blue in section 62! If any United fans are coming along to the game tonight feel free to join us #WeAreMelbournepic.twitter.com/YAX4hn7kZd
— MelbUnitedFanWeekly (@MelbUnitedFans) December 14, 2023
So, with expansion right at the top of the NBL’s to-do list, is it time to seriously look at a second team for Sydney, Perth or even Adelaide.
It’s taken the best part of five years to get to this point in Melbourne and, while there are states that have two teams, none share the same stadium.
The Kings, Perth and Adelaide each have long histories to draw upon and rusted on fanbases that continue to grow.
While Kings owner Paul Smith has a 10-year memorandum on a second Sydney team — that ends in 2025 — the opportunity to grow the sport in the ‘Hoops Capital’ by building a genuine rivalry has to be looked at closely.
Ditto Perth — the Red Army is going nowhere, so how about adding a Purple Haze in Fremantle?
Could we see an Adelaide-Port Adelaide Showdown basketball rivalry in the City of Churches?
There’s obviously a lot of water to go under the bridge, but Larry Kestelman and Co have always dreamt big and would have been buoyed by the big mob who ‘brought the blue in section 62’ on Thursday night.
The United players and staff were, the whole squad walking toward the section after the game with appreciative claps, smiles and thumbs up.
“It’s exactly what you want when you’re playing in a cross-town rival game when you’re the away team,” United chief executive Nick Truelson said.
“To have a group of passionate fans from start to finish cheering the team home just shows how exciting it is to have a fanbase who loves the club and that comes out at every home game, where crowds are up 25 per cent and half of those games have either been sellouts or very close to.
“Melbourne, traditionally has been a great sporting town with rivalries across all codes and there’s no doubt United and Phoenix are now at that level.”
O’Neal’s tug of war goes silent
The race for the signature of Shaquille O’Neal’s son, Shareef, has taken a turn, with a team from left field emerging.
As revealed by CODE Sports, O’Neal has expressed a desire to play in the second-tier NBL1 competition as a pathway to a potential NBL stint.
The forward’s Australian-based representatives had reached out to the Diamond Valley Eagles about the prospect of playing Down Under.
Diamond Valley felt optimistic about their chances of securing O’Neal – however in recent days fellow NBL1 side – the Waverly Falcons – have also emerged as a contender.
There has even been a suggestion O’Neal has verbally agreed to join Waverly.
CODE Sports contacted Diamond Valley on Sunday, with a representative confirming the club hadn’t heard from O’Neal’s team in days.
It comes as South East Melbourne Phoenix officials would be open to having O’Neal train at their facility should he agree to come to Australia. Watch this space.
Honourable loss, but here’s how DJ, Trey can make Sixers better
Kudos must go to Adelaide for sticking it out against the ladder-leading title favourites Melbourne United on Saturday night, after a torrid period in the franchise’s history.
The club is trying to put its struggles in the rearview under interim coach Scott Ninnis and, while they were inevitably outclassed by United in the end, at least they’re having a crack.
Down 17 late in the third, the Sixers might have mailed it in, but they managed to find some life with a 13-0 stretch to close the third and open the fourth, cutting the lead to just four. They held that line for much of the last quarter — courtesy of scoring machines DJ Vasiljevic (10 of his 23 points) and Trey Kell (8 of his 22) — before United broke away to win, 107-96.
The Sixers clearly have talent on the roster — but there’s an imbalance, especially among genuine facilitators.
As part of interim coach Scott Ninnis’ committee of initiators, The Sixers cycled through the likes of Jacob Wiley (PF), Trentyn Flowers (SF), Dejan Vasiljevic (two guard), Trey Kell (combo guard), Sunday Dech (two guard) and Nick Marshall (two guard) initiating the offence, with 23 minutes of point guard Mitch McCarron.
Both Kell and Vasiljevic are wonderful offensive players capable of exploding at any moment. They can get a bucket at will — but both are equally ball dominant and that can suck the energy out of the rest of the players on the floor who are forced to bust their guts knowing they’re not going to touch the pill.
Too often the Sixers take turns, rather than running through anything resembling an offensive set to attempt to get the best possible look.
The Sixers want DJ and Kell to do the bulk of the scoring but Ninnis is also trying to drive the point home that bringing others with them makes their jobs easier. It’s no coincidence the Sixers have played their best basketball when Vasiljevic’s assist numbers are up. He’s had seven and six dimes in wins over Perth and South East Melbourne, and had six — several of them top shelf — in the gutsy loss to United.
“That was one of our discussion points today before the game,” Ninnis said.
“I thought last weekend against Cairns, the ball got stuck in hands and my comment to the team was ‘we can get a shot any time we want — you’ve seen what DJ and Trey Kell can do’. But the ball does need to move through hands. That will make them more dangerous as well and it will make other people have more touches.
“That’s something we’ll continue to work on but we have an ability to improve … offensively, that’s an area we can become very, very dangerous, when you’ve got people like Isaac (Humphries) and Jacob (Wiley) and those perimeter guys.”
In the first half Adelaide looked most dangerous whenever big man Humphries was involved in action. His size, smarts and offensive ability are a huge plus for the Sixers and created big advantages in the two-man game, especially with Vasiljevic and Marshall.
Marshall, even if he was picked on a little, defensively, was a bright spot with seven points and four assists in an increased role under Ninnis.
“We’ve talked about him over the last couple of years as a promising kid, we need to see the realisation of that potential,” Ninnis said of Marshall, who showed a willingness and ability to get himself in the paint, finish at the rim and make solid decisions.
“He’ll have his ups and downs because he has had inconsistent minutes, probably his whole career.
“Investing time into him, it can only be positive.”
Both Marshall and talented big man Kyrin Galloway are 24, but the latter did not hit the floor against United — Ninnis preferring the energy of 34-year-old rookie Alex Starling.
“I guess I’ve gone with Alex Starling these last couple of games because of the intensity and desire that he plays with and he’s going to leave his heart and soul out there,” Ninnis explained.
“I’ve felt this group needed some of that sort of toughness. KG has probably been the unfortunate one, but, once again, he’ll get his opportunities, we need to see what he can do moving forward — Is he going to be the star that we all think he can be?”
As far as the permanent job, Ninnis, a legend of the club, is making no secret of his desire to stay in the hot seat vacated, this month, by CJ Bruton, beyond the end of this season.
“The last week was an absolute blur, I don’t remember a lot of it,” he said.
“I love this club. It’s been 25 years of my life in one way or another.
“The coaching bug is alive and well.
“Right now, we’ll get through this season and I’m sure discussions will be had.”
NBL broadcast blow-up avoided amid Christmas compromise
The NBL has avoided a broadcast blow-up after ESPN agreed to allow Channel 10 to televise the second game on Christmas night, even though they have exclusive rights.
In true Christmas spirit, ESPN has given permission for the Sydney Kings versus Illawarra Hawks clash to be broadcast on Channel 10 via 10 Peach.
It comes after clubs involved in the concept had expressed frustration that the NBL’s Christmas Day double header wasn’t going to be shown on free-to-air television.
Some clubs believe the decision robbed the franchises the chance to capitalise on a bumper holiday audience by attracting more eyeballs.
Host broadcaster ESPN have exclusive rights for this year’s Christmas Day extravaganza involving the Tasmania JackJumpers versus the South East Melbourne Phoenix (5.30pm, AEDT) followed by the Kings and the Hawks (7.30pm, AEDT).
It’s felt the Christmas Day game concept was built on a platform of drawing a broader audience to view the game.
The exercise is also expensive for clubs, given the venues charge a premium rate on Christmas Day.
Sydney smashed its Melbourne rivals in the first ever NBL Christmas Day game 🎅
— NBL (@NBL) April 14, 2023
Can they repeat the result against their noisy neighbours from the 'Gong in 2023 👀 pic.twitter.com/uTlIopk1g1
It’s also a challenge for clubs to attract staff – with many unwilling to work on the public holiday – while if they do work it’s triple pay.
CODE Sports understands there is also a portion of members from all four competing clubs who don’t like the Christmas Day concept, given it is a traditional family day.
The NBL clubs are prepared to cop a cost, but only if there is a broader benefit for the clubs and the sport to showcase the product to a wider audience via free-to-air television.
The NBL’s chief strategic partnerships and investment officer Brad Joyner confirmed ESPN’s decision to change its stance on the Christmas Day broadcast.
“The NBL is pleased to confirm the Christmas night game between Sydney and Illawarra will now be shown on free-to-air via Channel 10 Peach, thanks to the continued support of our broadcast partner, ESPN,” Joyner said.
“We thank ESPN for making this possible.”
The NBL’s first Christmas Day game between the JackJumpers and the Phoenix will only be shown on ESPN.
It’s understood ESPN allowed 10 Peach to broadcast last year’s Christmas Day game between the Kings and Melbourne United because it was written into the contract.
Channel 10 had permission from ESPN to air two games on a Sunday only, whereas this isn’t the case on a Monday.
Big Sauce’s refreshing honesty
It’s understandable if a player ignores social media following a defeat, but South East Melbourne Phoenix big man Alan Williams confronted it head on Saturday.
Williams copped criticism after the Phoenix leaked 100 points in a 28-point loss to the resurgent Illawarra Hawks.
The man nicknamed, ‘Big Sauce’ dropped 17 points and 12 rebounds, but as one fan pointed out, he let his frustrations take over.
“Alan Williams complains way too much,” the fan said.
“He throws himself at the chest of the unmoving defender and wants a call every time. Try some finesse sauce. I’m a fan, but it’s a bad look.”
Definitely agree with you, it’s very one dimensional on my end. I know I have more to my game than failing around trying to draw fouls. Also I’m on the officials way too freaking much it’s throwing me off my game. It’s a work on for me. I’ll be better. Thanks for the honesty. ✊🾠https://t.co/8EQjMv9IhV
— BigSauce (@alantwilliams) December 16, 2023
Most players would either blow up or ignore the online feedback – but not Williams.
“Definitely agree with you, it’s very one dimensional on my end,” Williams conceded.
“I know I have more to my game than failing around trying to draw fouls.
“Also I’m on the officials way too freaking much it’s throwing me off my game. It’s a work on for me. I’ll be better. Thanks for the honesty.”
While we’re being honest, South East Melbourne is too inconsistent to be considered a serious championship contender at this point.
The Phoenix has shown they can beat the best, like last round against Sydney, but they also lose games to teams below them on the ladder.
This must change if they want to make a real impact in February and March.
We need a Section 62 type operation at home games. The Blue Zone 2025? #NBL24
— Melbourne UTD Fans (@UtdMelbourne) December 14, 2023
Yes, NBL referees do ‘scout’ their match ups
Death, taxes and the NBL referees in the hot seat.
From controversial calls, criticism from coaches, the league’s boss warning a “zero-tolerance” approach to abuse, and players copping big fines, NBL24 has ensured there’s never a dull moment in the life of a whistleblower.
Crosscourt takes a look behind the curtain at how the league prepares its referees.
Refs boss Scott Butler doesn’t just sit in the review bunker twiddling his thumbs waiting for a coaches challenge during a game.
He’s got his eyes peeled on every call, ready to clip up the good, the bad and the ugly to use as teaching opportunities for his referees.
During the third quarter of Saturday afternoon’s clash between South East Melbourne and Illawarra in regional Victoria, Phoenix coach Mike Kelly was heard on the broadcast saying “I know you have a scouting report, I know that, but don’t play the scout all the time”, after he unsuccessfully challenged a third foul on star big man Alan Williams.
The broadcast team was puzzled by Kelly’s reference to a scouting report.
But the Phoenix mentor was absolutely right.
A game prep typically begins 48 hours before tip-off as the referees scout the match-up.
“It’s maybe not quite as detailed as a club would do but it just helps get the mindset right and helps refs prepare what might lie ahead when they turn up on the night,” Butler said.
“Things like player tendencies, injuries, changes to personnel, interesting match-ups and any other factors we can anticipate that might impact the game.”
Refs arrive at the stadium about 100 minutes before tip-off, with a series of pre-game checks around technical equipment, microphone tests, the challenge process and video set up.
Once the ball’s tipped, Butler watches from the bunker, with access to a number of extra camera angles unavailable to broadcast.
It helps him make decisions on coach challenges and recognise when the refs get it right — and when they get it wrong.
“It could be anything from confirming if a play is right or wrong, interesting information for the refs about a particular play, education and training material and plays of interest,” Butler said.
Refs have access to this package 15 minutes after the game, the beginning of an extensive review process, and, by the time they’ve wound down, the full game is uploaded to Hudl Sportscode, a system of analytics the league uses to gauge performance.
The refs do a self assessment within 48 hours of the final buzzer and they are scrutinised by their referee coach.
“I’ll also complete a full review and that will include every correct call, every incorrect no call, every incorrect call, every review situation, mechanical stuff for positioning and coverage of plays and any special situations that occurred in the game,” Butler said.
Honesty in the self assessment is critical — with the vision and tech available “there’s literally no place for referees to hide”.
The analytics are so detailed they’ve helped drill down into individual players certain referees struggled to officiate, and they help inform decisions on performance management.
“We had a referee a few seasons ago, we thought he was having problems with a particular team, stylistically, he just wasn’t jelling with the team,” Butler said.
“But, when we started to drill into the data, we actually found that he just had a problem with one player — he just wasn’t quite sure how to referee that player.
“So we were able to coach him on that — and it worked. That’s how useful the data can be.”
Fans were divided over referee close-ups on the broadcast during coaches challenges but Butler says it was a “bit of fun”.
“If you think the public take the piss out of the referees, the referees take the piss out of themselves more than anyone,” he laughed.
“They screenshot stuff, they make memes out of it and send it around to each other, they’re having fun with it as well.”
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Originally published as Crosscourt: Melbourne fans build case for second Sydney side, Shareef O’Neal’s Australian future
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