My next chapter

Hey guys, as the playoffs are heating up back in Australia I have landed a new job in Germany. I'm playing for a team out of Bamberg which is 170 kms east of Frankfurt called Brose Baskets. I've had a single training session so far and made the early morning flight to Bilbao, Spain to play tomorrow night against Bilbao. I have an American coach Chris Flemming and the team has quite a few imports. Everyone speaks english on the team which has made it a lot easier than what I had imagined and everyone seems to get along which is great. 

My take on the playoffs so far is that home court advantage will remain to hold going into game 2 of the semi finals. If both games go to three I'd expect Perth and Wollongong to feel the pressure of winning at home. However the outcome plays out everyone still involved should relish in the opportunity of playing finals basketball. 

Bis nächste Zeit ein Bier für mich hat

Cheers

Wortho

Playoffs, the final week and Legends

So the Tigers are out of the playoff race and now we can focus on the playoffs. First off without looking at the fox sports schedule for the last round ..... PACK YOUR BAGS AND TELEVISE THE PERTH V TOWNSVILLE GAME.... it's what the fans want. First versus third, Homicide verse Martin/Robbins and the Jungle, and basically a gift of a playoff game a week early. 

Perth, Gold Coast and Townsville should be scratching and clawing there way to try and get top spot on the ladder. It's no secret that if Perth get home court advantage they'll be the toughest team to beat in the finals. It's something about playing over there. It's not the crowd or Lachy Reid, who both do a great job in getting involved in the game it's something I can't put my finger on or able to write about, one of the two.

Gold Coast I thought had hit there straps at the right time but a loss to the gong away has pushed them back to third. Gibbo is playing at a high level and the bigs have been animals on the boards. 

I expect Perth to end up on top with a win against Townsville while GC might slip to third due to having to face a white hot New Zealand in NZ Thursday followed by an emotional Tigers outfit Saturday at the cage who will send out two NBL legends Anstey and Mackinnon. 

Townsville will slip into second with a win against the 6ers Wednesday at home followed by what should be a cracker on Saturday with the Cats. Townsville have been the quietest team in the playoff picture but could possibly make the loudest noise. The big question is this year's NBL MVP Homicide going to deliver on his promise of bringing a championship to the swamp.

Wollongong need to win there last two games games to keep New Zealand out. I expect them to split there last two with a loss against the Tigers at home followed by a win in Adelaide Saturday. New Zealand need the Hawks to drop at least one and win both of there games against the Blaze and the Snakes.

Overall Wollongong would be the feel good story of the year if they make the playoffs. People will be looking in the rear view mirror a little closer if the Breakers make it in. Anyway you look at it the finals should be exciting viewing.

As I end this post I would like to take this time to thank 3 legends of the NBL. Chris Anstey, Sam Mackinnon and Tony Ronaldson. I got to win a gold medal at the commonwealth games with Sam and Bear while I shared my Olympic experience with Chris. All three I have admired since I remember starting to watch basketball. Chris and I built our friendship on respect initially but have turned into great mates since I moved to Melbourne. Sam was someone I idolized as a kid. I was nervous as all hell the first time I met him but enjoyed our time with Boomers commitments before becoming teammates this season. Bear was awesome for me at the Comm games and everyone would agree that he is a champion on and off the court. The NBL will have a big void to fill with three NBL Champions not lacing up the boots next year.

Until next time I'm having a beer cause we are out the playoffs.

Cheers

Wortho

Happy new year and a happy new NBL team

First off hope everyone enjoyed the festive season and that the start of the new year is going well for you. Tonight I've decided to play the role of NBL owner. With talk of teams coming back next year (Kings, Bullets and Dragons) and everyone supposedly on one year deals, I was wondering who would be the team that I would go after If I was an owner. I had this conversation the other week with Anstey when he came over to dinner and we both did all Australian teams. I'm guessing my team so I don't actually know if it would all work within the rules but I'm not picking an all star team. It'll be interesting to hear your thoughts and please send in your own teams.

PG: Adam Gibson

Its been a year for the point guards in our league. So many great Import leaders running around our courts but I'm going with my man Gibbo. He possess great defensive leadership and knows how to run a team. He can shoot the three and also doesn't mind throwing his weight around in the post. He is also a winner and has proof by already winning two championships.

SG: Kirk Penney

This guy should be playing in the NBA with all the offensive weaponry he has at his disposal. Has limitless range and has a knack for getting to the rim and foul line. Only problem might be having to relocate my team to New Zealand to get him on my team.

SF: Stephen Weigh

Think Stevie has come on in leaps and bounds this year. Had a form slump but he has terrific upside. If I was him I would be learning off the defensive end by watching his teammates Robbo and Damo at the moment and shooting everyday with Williamson and Lisch. 

PF: Adam Ballinger

Has been one of the standout imports in this league for a few years now. Balls is a great offensive player and has grit an passion in what he does. He is a no nonsense sort of guy and provides great leadership for Adelaide this year.

C: Matt Burston 

If he is healthy, give me this guy any day. Matty is a tremendous worker and is a smart big man in this league. He has great hands and a soft touch that can extend outside the three. He is also a great teammate and a competitive guy.

Bench

PG: Rhys Martin

SG: Nathan Herbert

SF: Tommy Greer

PF: Anthony Petrie

                                     C: Daniel Johnson

The bench is a nice blend of scoring, defense and hustle. They all compliment the starters in there own way. I don't know if they would fit point wise but it's a nice team if you ask me.

By the way my team would be coached by the master.....Phil Jackson

A bit of fun. Look forward to seeing your teams.

Until next time have a beer for me

Wortho 

My Import Team

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

Sorry!!!

Well after an eventful weekend I thought enough time had passed for me to write about last weeks incident. Obviously Julius was super emotional after the win and hopefully he understands that he (pardon the pun) over stepped the mark. 

I think there is more than the media and the common fan knows about his departure during last season. It's not for me to know and quite frankly I don't care, but, you don't disrespect a legend of our game and I believe he understands that know.

I have spoken to Brett and I believe a few other players from our team have done so as well and apologised on behalf of Julius. I hope that Julius at some point calls him as well. To the Adelaide fans, we understand how highly you respect Brett and we would probably react the same if someone would jump on a Gaze signature. From the playing group Adelaide, we are sorry. 

 On the flip side it was really nice to get back on the winning track again. I thought our boys showed great heart to win the game especially after being down by 6 with a minute to go. Our defence was the best it's been all season and hopefully has given the rest of our guys confidence going into our FNQ double. 

Until next time have a beer for me

Cheers

Wortho

Main Event Match

While people settle down to watch what I believe to be the under card fight of Roy Jones Jr v Danny "Green Machine" Green in Sydney tonight I expect the main event to take place on Saturday night in Adelaide as Julius Hodge takes on South Australia. 

Media is already circulating and ex-players are making the thoughts known on how they feel about Julius. A lot of emotion will be displayed on both sides as Adelaide will try and take it to Julius and the Julius Hodge show will be taking it at all sixer players and fans who speak out against him. 

Personally I think this should be a game that Fox should cover. It has all the parts that make for an explosive game. We need people to see that the NBL is thriving on great competition. Imagine if Julius pulls a Harvey/Goulding celebration at mid court if we win? Extra security? Any chance? I doubt it.

The Tigers need a win, badly. Here is hoping that it's a great game and we can get our season back on track.     

Until next time have a beer for me

Wortho

Taz Donovan Worthington

Hi all just wanted you to give you an update on my home life. At 1 a.m. on Friday the 20th of November my partner Andrea and I welcomed Taz Donovan Worthington in to our lives. Taz weighed in at 6.5 pounds and was 50.5 cms in length. Andrea is well and we are going through the sleepless nights and constant laughs that Taz provides us on a daily basis. Thank you to everyone who has emailed, twittered and called about Taz. He is a healthy and happy kid and that's all we can ask for.

Until next time have a beer for me, unless it's Taz, your only allowed milk.

Cheers Wortho