Hey guys,
While Taz is sleeping and I have some time I thought I would do my all import team who I have played with throughout my career. My short list over 4 and a half years is as follows.
Rolan Roberts, Sedric Webber, Damon Thorton, Bryant Matthews, Ed Scott, EJ Rowlins, Dontaye Draper, Isiah Victor, Tremmell Darden, Cortez Groves, Donta Smith, Jerome Beasley, Julius Hodge, Rodney Elliot.
So here we go.
PG: Dontaye Draper. Mate, was this guy quick. He also had a great outside shot and was inspirational in game 4 in the 2008 GF series when he came off the bench with a pulled hamstring and single handedly brought the Kings back from the biggest 3/4 time deficit in NBL GF history. Wants to come back to Sydney when the Kings come back.
SG: Donta Smith. Does this guy need any introduction after last years GF series against the Tigers. Came in half way through the season and started slowly but was an absolute game winner and ultimately a championship winner with the South Dragons. Most exciting guy in the league by the end of the 2009 season. Loved Melbourne and the Crown casino.
SF: Tremmell Darden. Probably will go down in NBL history for the most explosive quarter of basketball in a NBL grand final. Tre had a great attitude about life and basketball. Never blamed anyone else and continued to work on his game on a daily basis. Constantly looked like he jumped from a trampoline when he dunked and is currently playing in France.
PF: Isiah Victor: IV was the most unorthodox guy that I trained against day in day out. Even though he looked like a toothpick he was deceivingly strong and had good touch from outside. Also played at his best at the end of the season he was a great tag team partner off the bench when I needed a spell.
C: Rolan Roberts: Ro was missed at the end of the 2006 campaign with his athletic ability and strength after a dunk competition mishap tore his pectoral muscle off his chest. A great shot blocker and solid post up player Ro brought a presence in the paint.
So my line up is Draper, Smith, Darden, Victor and Roberts.
If I was to choose an Import team that I've played against to play my former teammates I would choose.
PG: Corey Williams
SG: Ere
SF: Redhage
PF: Powell
C: Ballinger
So:
Draper v Williams
Smith v Ere
Darden v Redhage
Victor v Powell
Roberts v Ballinger
Who would you choose?
Until next time
Have a beer for me
Wortho
P.S Enjoy the Holiday season with your friends and family
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year
From Taz, Andrea and I
great post!
ReplyDeletetough call with the teams, but i'd go with your teammates (the thing that tipped it was being a kings & goorjian fan)
Hey mate, which Powell are you referring to in your team of guys you played against?
ReplyDeletecarlos who played with NZ
ReplyDeleteAnswer I want to know Mark is why didnt the Tigers or any other NBL team not pick up Donta Smith??????? - Will never understand that!!!
ReplyDeletehe had already inked a big deal in china..... Actually went back to the same team that cut him before he came to the dragons..... great player
ReplyDeleteYeah, I remember Carlos Powell...
ReplyDeleteObviously you consider D-Mac as an Aussie now, but, he would have to go down as one of the best imports of all-time prior to becoming an Aussie. Up there with Leroy Loggins (also an Aussie), Lennard Copland, Crawford and Ricky Grace - guys who really led the NBL through it's most popular years.
Truth is, we have some really great Aussie players in the League, yet the NBL/BA has no idea how to market them...
Mr Wortho. Could you shed some light on why Beasley failed to dominate the L?
ReplyDeleteHe seemed to have all the tools, besides conditioning. He did improve throughout the season (couldn't get much worse from the start, fitness wise) but he just didn't seem to mesh within the Goorjian system.
Any inside info?
my import team was against guys I've played against. All time import team would be another discussion. Copes I did play against but he was at the end of his stellar career. D-mac is australian.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Beasley goes.... I played against him in college and he was much trimmer, athletic etc.... When i heard he was coming to sydney i would of put my house on us winning the championship. However he was at least 40kgs heavier than what i remembered him. He only played well against 1 person while he was here which was Bradtke. He didnt use his attributes which were to be huge around the rim and dunk everything but instead take 15ft jumpers and be lazy. Thats the simple answer.
Cheers about the reply about Donta Smith... Im sure if the Dragons were still in the competition he would be back here!!!...
ReplyDeleteAnd its just sad to see a player of that standard not playing here, he was great to watch.......
Hey Wortho, you ready for the Dragons supporters coming on the 20th January???? Least we know who they will be barricking for!!! (Go Perth)
ReplyDeleteIm even told Grim Reaper will be making an appearance, signed and all from the championship!!