QABL - Week 5

[Mr bEn]

All Week 5 discussion goes here ....

[Unregistered]

http://media.apn.co.nz/regionals/ausmornbull/pics/Bask14.jpg

Import is big on local derby spirit (http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3772575)
May 15, 2008

SAULIUS Dumbliauskas has experienced his first game at Rockhampton's Hegvold Stadium and already wants more. The new Rockhampton Stadium Nightclub Rockets big man is preparing to suit up for his second game in Rockets colours in their round five QABL local derby against the Port City Power in Gladstone this weekend. After only arriving in Rockhampton from Lithuania last Saturday morning, Dumbliauskas made his debut later that night in the Rockets' emphatic 99-71 win over the Townsville Heat. "It was amazing - I loved it," he recalled yesterday. "(The atmosphere) was better than Sweden or France." Dumbliauskas, who was quickly nicknamed "Saul" by his new teammates, said he was still getting over jet lag this week but was looking forward to his next match, unfortunately away from home, on Saturday night. The 203cm powerhouse, who joked he was "always tall and skinny" growing up, said it had been a whirlwind introduction to the QABL after playing stints in Estonia, France and more recently Sweden. "We had a morning shoot-around before the game (on Saturday) right after I got off the plane," said Dumbliauskas, who grabbed 10 points in his debut appearance. "Coach (Neal Tweedy) ran me through some plays. "I didn't expect to play that many minutes. "I didn't even know most of my teammates' names," he laughed. Dumbliauskas might still be finding it tough to remember the names of his new teammates but he was highly impressed by their performance in his first outing. "I knew I was coming into a really good team," he said. Dumbliauskas said he was excited to be forming a combination with American import, fellow big man and new roommate Ryan McDade. "I knew Ryan from (playing against him in) Sweden. "He was a good player and was the best rebounder in the league," Dumbliauskas said. While Dumbliauskas and McDade have joined forces at the Rockets, the 26-year-old is preparing for a match-up against another rival from Sweden in the form of Gladstone big man Michael Kingma this weekend. "He's (Kingma) a big body and obviously I'm going to have my hands full," he said. After four straight wins to launch their title assault, Dumbliauskas said winning this year's QABL was a realistic goal for the Rockets. Visiting the Gold Coast and a trip to The Caves are also on his "to do" list during his first trip Down Under.

[Unregistered]

nagas where are my odds for this round wanna get some of my hard earned on some of your unbeleivable value what price of bundy goin 0 and 3, or just give me some juicy value

[Unregistered]

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Port City Power go from zero to hero with dedicated team (http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3772662)
May 16, 2008

WELL into his fifth season, 26-year-old Port City Power guard Aaron Nagas has seen his team go from a small collective of local players to a full-blown basketball franchise boasting both international imports as well as local stars.
There is no doubt things have changed since he first threw on the number seven jersey for Gladstone.

"We went from a team that other more established teams would refuse to take seriously to a real force to be reckoned with," Nagas revealed.

Along with Daniel Green and Glen Chapman, the trio make up 'the three amigos' and are the longest serving players in the team.

"We have been playing together for Port City Power from the start, but the whole team get along really well, we are not cliquey at all," Nagas said.

When he is not playing or training, Nagas works for an organisation called Healthy Active Australia as programme manager organising sporting activities for children and educating them about exercise and nutrition.

As an indigenous Australian, he is also involved with several interest groups working to raise cultural awareness in the community.

Since his joining Port City Power, Nagas has been highly regarded as a player of extraordinary talent, his strength lies mainly in transition plays and he is almost unstoppable on the fast break.

Nagas is a player who gets a lot of love from the home crowd and they respond like a bunch of maniacs when he cuts through opponents like a hot knife through butter for the lay up.

Port City Power faces a challenge this Saturday night when they face the number one Queensland's top team in Queensland Rockhampton travels down to the Harbour City.

[Unregistered]

http://www.cairns.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/05/15/Cairns-WebUsual-CP16MAY08P055-FRS52814-MARLINS.jpg

Marlins search for win (http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/05/16/3873_local-sport-news.html)
© The Cairns Post

THE desperate Cairns Marlins will throw everything into tonight's Queensland Australian Basketball League match against Townsville.

Coach Aaron Fearne believes the defending ABA champions will be able to beat anyone when they have their full group together but with injury holding back this season’s campaign, they have just a 1-3 record from their opening four matches.

Cairns lost both matches on last weekend’s road double against South West and Northside.

Things do not get any easier for the Marlins this week, given the travel involved in the gruelling Townsville-Mackay road double and with Fearne to leave the side after tonight’s game to go with Taipan Nathan Jawai to the US.

The return of former Marlin Rowan Gray gives the side a big inside target – a blessing with Matt Smith still battling an ankle injury.

A Cairns junior, Gray should be able to bypass the usual settling in period given he has played with several of the Marlins before.

Scott Cook also returns after missing last weekend’s southeast road trip after the birth of his first child, Fearne saying the on-court general would provide a "big lift".

Like Cairns, Townsville’s team is dominated by younger players this season and head into tonight’s game on the back of a loss to Rockhampton.

Halting Crocs NBL guard Michael Cedar is likely to be one of the keys for the Marlins tonight.

Assistant coaches Jamie Pearlman and Brad Burdon will take over in Fearne’s absence, continuing on with the team to Mackay for Saturday’s game against the Meteors.

[Boss Playa]

Bundaberg @ Caboolture - Haven't heard if Bundy import Clyde Ellis has been cleared, so I'm assuming he's still out. Second import Jay Anderson is said to be a great player by accounts from those who watched him play last week. In contrast Slim is in absolute red hot form for the Suns, and their home court advantage (ie being used to the worst shooting rings in the L) will see them home. Coastal by 8.

Cairns @ Townsville - A hard one to pick, with both teams playing below their best. I think Cairns are the better 'team' unit, and will get home with Cook returning to the team, as well as valued big man Rowan Grey. Cairns by 10.

Bundaberg @ Northside - Did someone piss test TO Sykes after his performances last week? Wow. Northside by 18.

Toowoomba @ Logan - The Neers with a confidence boosting (and surprising) win over the Lizards last week, and they are certainly capable of another upset here. Despite almost dropping an undroppable game away to Bundy, I think Logan will get up here. Logan by 7.

Rockhampton @ Gladstone - Not much to say here, I just hope it's close for a while. Rockhampton by 28.

Cairns @ Mackay - Mackay won the first match in the opening week, and they haven't been playing too bad as a unit since. Mackay by 6.

South West @ Brisbane - Very impressed by the Pirates continuing form. Gonna stay with the winning horse. Glad to see Frankie Conias back playing for the Caps. South West by 6.

Bundaberg @ Maroochydore - Bundy will get at least one win on their unusual three-game roadie. Bundaberg by 35.

Ipswich @ Gold Coast - What the heck is going on in Ipswich. What a ship wreck. Gold Coast by 20.

[Unregistered]

Bundaberg @ Caboolture - Haven't heard if Bundy import Clyde Ellis has been cleared, so I'm assuming he's still out. Second import Jay Anderson is said to be a great player by accounts from those who watched him play last week. In contrast Slim is in absolute red hot form for the Suns, and their home court advantage (ie being used to the worst shooting rings in the L) will see them home. Coastal by 8.

Cairns @ Townsville - A hard one to pick, with both teams playing below their best. I think Cairns are the better 'team' unit, and will get home with Cook returning to the team, as well as valued big man Rowan Grey. Cairns by 10.

Bundaberg @ Northside - Did someone piss test TO Sykes after his performances last week? Wow. Northside by 18.

Toowoomba @ Logan - The Neers with a confidence boosting (and surprising) win over the Lizards last week, and they are certainly capable of another upset here. Despite almost dropping an undroppable game away to Bundy, I think Logan will get up here. Logan by 7.

Rockhampton @ Gladstone - Not much to say here, I just hope it's close for a while. Rockhampton by 28.

Cairns @ Mackay - Mackay won the first match in the opening week, and they haven't been playing too bad as a unit since. Mackay by 6.

South West @ Brisbane - Very impressed by the Pirates continuing form. Gonna stay with the winning horse. Glad to see Frankie Conias back playing for the Caps. South West by 6.

Bundaberg @ Maroochydore - Bundy will get at least one win on their unusual three-game roadie. Bundaberg by 35.

Ipswich @ Gold Coast - What the heck is going on in Ipswich. What a ship wreck. Gold Coast by 20.

CAn I just ask - are you a basketballer who plays in the league boss playa? Not having a go just asking the question

[pip]

week 5 predictions

Bundaberg @ Caboolture
Cairns @ Townsville
Bundaberg @ Northside
Toowoomba @ Logan
Rockhampton @ Gladstone
Cairns @ Mackay -
South West @ Brisbane
Bundaberg @ Maroochydore
Ipswich @ Gold Coast

[Boss Playa]

CAn I just ask - are you a basketballer who plays in the league boss playa? Not having a go just asking the question

The Boss Playa couldn't ball to save himself. Pimpin' and playin' are my strengths.

[pip]

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Port City Power go from zero to hero with dedicated team (http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3772662)
May 16, 2008

WELL into his fifth season, 26-year-old Port City Power guard Aaron Nagas has seen his team go from a small collective of local players to a full-blown basketball franchise boasting both international imports as well as local stars.
There is no doubt things have changed since he first threw on the number seven jersey for Gladstone.

"We went from a team that other more established teams would refuse to take seriously to a real force to be reckoned with," Nagas revealed.

Along with Daniel Green and Glen Chapman, the trio make up 'the three amigos' and are the longest serving players in the team.

"We have been playing together for Port City Power from the start, but the whole team get along really well, we are not cliquey at all," Nagas said.

When he is not playing or training, Nagas works for an organisation called Healthy Active Australia as programme manager organising sporting activities for children and educating them about exercise and nutrition.

As an indigenous Australian, he is also involved with several interest groups working to raise cultural awareness in the community.

Since his joining Port City Power, Nagas has been highly regarded as a player of extraordinary talent, his strength lies mainly in transition plays and he is almost unstoppable on the fast break.

Nagas is a player who gets a lot of love from the home crowd and they respond like a bunch of maniacs when he cuts through opponents like a hot knife through butter for the lay up.

Port City Power faces a challenge this Saturday night when they face the number one Queensland's top team in Queensland Rockhampton travels down to the Harbour City.

haha!!!... nagas did you write this yourself??
some nice quotes in there champ.... dont choke now sat night after that ego boosting write up!!! and be sure to slice through that rocky D "like a hot knife thruough butter"!!!!
good luck mate

[2 cents]

haha no i didnt write that the journo just used a lit creative writing not that i'm complaining :) well it seems 2 cents has a fan who likes the odds the international bookies are giving well heres what the punters are thinking in saudi arabia..

Suns v Bulls
triple headers suck... well is clyde playing or not? if he is he'l be like a bull in a china shop against the lean Suns after watching the last few weeks from the bench but Suns have shown brilliance Jett needs to get the boys home in this one but only by 2... $10 on Suns

Suns 2:1 Bulls 3:1

Heat v Marlins
this is a big one Game of the week.. big fish have lost more than most would of thought in the preseason but adding gray an cook is cash money, unless cedar bro's both pull out big no's Marlins will be back on track for title defence.. $20 on Marlins

Marlins 2:1 Heat 3:1

Wiz v Bulls
whoever agreed to this draw from bundy is crazy, 3 games in a weekend all from your own pool... Trig an Sykes got some help last week tp pick up the win an Bundy will have to run their a$$es off to beat Suns nite before... think there will be a bit bench time here for Wiz... $50 on Wiz

Wiz 2:1 Bulls 7:1

Thunder v Neers
who will show up for this game the sunshower or the thunder?? cowboys have been as suprising as SW so far this season winning some games most would of thought they wouldn't.. if thunder show up this will be there game but if its the sunshower add another one to Neers win column.. $5 on Thunder..

Thunder 3:1 Neers 4:1

Power v Rockets
now i know what your all thinking this is a tough call who will he put he's money on this week.. well your right i had a long hard think an realised the only honest odds is straight even odds for this one.. flip a coin if you dont have any bias but obviously i do power will win by 2... $50 on Power..

Power 1.9:1 Rocky 1.9:1

Meteors v Marlins
this weekend makes or breaks Marlins, an Mkay home crowd goes just as stupid if not more then most for the home team adding 10pts easy... going to be tough for bigfish to get the double tho.. $20 on Meteors

Mets 2:1 Marlins 3:1

Caps v Pirates
another game the bookies will like SW have shown some good teams the door already this year an Caps have been a lit inconsistent... can pirates keep it up, i'm saying gameron will take ova this one.. $5 on Caps

Caps 2:1 SW 3:1

Clips v Bulls
both teams could be winless coming into this game, only question is can clips take advantage of a very tired Bulls both teams will look at this as a chance to lose wooden spoon for the moment at least, i'm not sure the bulls have enough players in shape to be able to finish a triple header.. $5 on Clips..

Clips 1.2:1 Bulls 1.3:1

Goannas v Force
lizards losing to Neers did not see that coming, also dont see ippy living up to pre-season expectations well to win this game at least... $30 on GC

GC 2:1 Ippy 5:1

for those wishing to take a punt my bookie can be contacted by camel post an all bets are in Riyals only ..

[JB]

Thunder v Neers
who will show up for this game the sunshower or the thunder??


Lulz!!!!!!

[Unregistered]

Bryan Jett wit 53 points and grabs 18 rebounds,
bundy with both imports and both in foul trouble, clyde with about 30 and 20, jay 10 points
Suns win by 20+

the guy is tough man has goota get player of the week for that

[Unregistered]

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/05/16/flames.jpg

Townsville Flames, Heat beat Cairns (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2008/05/17/13163_sportsphoto.html)
17May08

CAIRNS Dolphins were found wanting without key player Rohanee Cox after they took a thrashing from the Townsville Flames 95-38 at SeaFM Stadium last night.

Cox, who was absent due to Australian Opal commitments, was sorely missed with their top-scorer Ashley North only hitting 11 points.

Flames coach Mark Wrobel said the Flames' main focus was on their defence last night.

"It was an admirable team effort and the girls really upped their full court defence," Wrobel said.

"The girls were straight up in their face and (restricted) them to 38 turnovers."

The Flames welcomed back two of their key players in Celeste Heilbronn and Simone Page, who missed last week's road trip because of injury.

"The main aim for tonight for Celeste was just getting up and down the floor," Wrobel said.

"Simone was fine."

It was the star quality of WNBL player Cherie Smith which cemented the Flames' victory, scoring 18 points and pulling down five rebounds.

Smith was ably assisted by the Flames' quiet achiever Leonie Bonke who finished with 12 points and 16 rebounds.

The dominant win allowed the Flames to put their younger players on the court, including Anna-Lisa Chow who has only been with the side for two weeks.

Wrobel said he was impressed with his the young players,
especially Vanessa Horne who scored nine points and pulled down one rebound.

In the men's match, Townsville Heat defeated the Cairns Marlins with just six seconds to go, 81-79.

Townsville will now head to Brisbane for a three-game road trip.

[Unregistered]

Slim outplayed both imports combined, he had 50 and Suns won by 30 not 20. Should receive POW again. Suns to fast and Bundy struggled to match it for the full 48 minutes. Was a great game to watch, Rocky was solid as were the Mcglynn bro's. Bundy look a little out of touch but I think will be ok once they get things together. Problem is they are running out of time in the season. Good to see the Suns boys get up.

[Unregistered]

Rocy women over Power women by about 20
3/4 time Rocky men over power by about 30 which was the margin at 1/2 time
Rocky rotated thru the bench in 3rd 1/4. Tony Campbell a few 3's. bit of a junk 1/4 though
Benny thompson doing what he wants when he wanted
Stevie Weigh shooting high percentages at will, he also shut down simanic
The 2 big imports were workman like & shut down Kingma

Sorry no stats yet

[Unregistered]

Pirates win by 5 over the Caps to remain undefeated. No Olsen or Beak for the Caps, Neisler back in the line-up for SW. Props must go to the youngsters, with Gameron and Bairstow and Teys all playing well. Joey was in the house and spoke to Teys for a while after the game too, so I'm thinking whoever wrote the weekly previews must have had some inside information...

[Colonel Klink]

Wizards men with a solid 21 point win over a gutsy Bundy Bulls last nite. Tragadh and Sykes again the leaders for the Northsiders, with 43pts, 10reb & 35pts, 7reb respectively. Clyde Ellis is MASSIVE, and an extremely solid (no pun intended) post player, ripping down boards and scoring buckets. Jay Anderson has a helluva jump shot as well, knocing down some very tough shots down the stretch.
Bundy women broke the duck, downing the Wizards girls by 12.

[Unregistered]

OOPS!!!

Mackay on their homefloor against a cairns team backing up from the night b4 dropped a big one!
Fitz, deba, oriad, kruger, meel. against a cairns side which has matt smith and dwayne vale to return. Not a good sign for the finals! huge win for the marlins. Fearne takes off for the states with jawai and jamie pearlman guides his team to a huge road win! Might be trouble for the celtics oops i mean meteors! lol

[Kurupt]

and Kerry Williams to return also for the Marlins...

Fitz, fractured ankle? done for the season?

[Unregistered]

and Kerry Williams to return also for the Marlins...

Fitz, fractured ankle? done for the season?


are those question marks for asking or is that fact?
he did only play 9 mins, deba only 23, they play rocky this week in rocky game wont be as good with out fitz

[Kurupt]

I cant confirm 100% but that was a comment from a Marlins player today... Fitz went down in mid court. apparently jumped straight up, must have landed strange and bingo ankle done, apparently fractured

[Squawky]

I cant confirm 100% but that was a comment from a Marlins player today... Fitz went down in mid court. apparently jumped straight up, must have landed strange and bingo ankle done, apparently fractured

There was a snap heard by a good friend of mine who was standing about 2 meters away. Don't know if it's a fracture, but it's certainly not good.

[Unregistered]

Anyone else having problems with the new sportingpulse site? Heard its really good but everytime i try to check it out my server just quits? I rock a mac and use safari, got all the latest operating systems and stuff but it wont even give me a peek! help a i.t. challenged brother out!

[JB]

Works fine on Windows. Only gripe I have is that not all teams use the lives scores system (and even when they do, it usually drops out), and that we have to wait ages for the administrator from overseas to update the scores.

[Unregistered]

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[Unregistered]

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[Unregistered]

So what have been the surprizes so far in 2008?

Suns would be one for mine, seem to be playing well as with the Pirates.

Cairns to date have been so, so.

What else???????

[Unregistered]

Rocy women over Power women by about 20
3/4 time Rocky men over power by about 30 which was the margin at 1/2 time
Rocky rotated thru the bench in 3rd 1/4. Tony Campbell a few 3's. bit of a junk 1/4 though
Benny thompson doing what he wants when he wanted
Stevie Weigh shooting high percentages at will, he also shut down simanic
The 2 big imports were workman like & shut down Kingma

Sorry no stats yet



you forgot to mention kingma booting the ball into the roof of the stadium, got a tech but man funny as hell, the womens game was close and really good.

clyde from bundy avg 30 pionts a game over the 3 game weekend could be out of him or jett for player of the week

[Unregistered]

There was a snap heard by a good friend of mine who was standing about 2 meters away. Don't know if it's a fracture, but it's certainly not good.
John had surgery to have 2 pins inserted in his broken ankle this afternoon. Season done. Mackay basketball public shattered (like Fitz's ankle).

[Unregistered]

Slim pickes up POW with his 50 pts, 18 rbds and 4 blks..Ellis close 2nd. Best wishes to Fitz also but dont see Mackay being anywhere near as strong..guna be tough for them in that pool now with townsville Cairns and Rocky!!

[2 cents]

and GLADSTONE :)

[Unregistered]

WHO????

[Unregistered]

oh you mean the team that is 1-3 after 4 ome games

[Unregistered]

Meteors season is down the drain you would think after losing promising wing player Josh Jenkins to AFL then captain and leading scorer John Fitzgerald to a season-ending injury. Not only do they lost points and leadership with Fitzgerald they also lose alot of versatility, size and athletic ability in Jenkins.

I bet the Mackay public are shattered. Alot of dollars gone to waste with two lost players.

Colin Oriard, Zane Meehl and Deba George must stand tall and maybe scrape this side into the playoffs

[Unregistered]

oh you mean the team that is 1-3 after 4 ome games


dude it was clearly a joke, give gladstone some time I think if they can put 48 mins together they will win games, Dale iwanicki to come back into starting 5 then they look kingma,blair,dale,simo and D green, solid 5 I think.

best of luck to the power boys.

[JB]

Jenkins hadn't done shit for Mackay or anyone else. Fitz will be the only player missed.

[pip]

Meteors season is down the drain you would think after losing promising wing player Josh Jenkins to AFL then captain and leading scorer John Fitzgerald to a season-ending injury. Not only do they lost points and leadership with Fitzgerald they also lose alot of versatility, size and athletic ability in Jenkins.

I bet the Mackay public are shattered. Alot of dollars gone to waste with two lost players.

Colin Oriard, Zane Meehl and Deba George must stand tall and maybe scrape this side into the playoffs

lots of people down playing mackays chances right now..
but lets look at who they still have on the team
deba, zane... more than capable backcourt against any team in the league on any given night
blanchfield a very talent young player who will play very well in between commitments.
they have a solid front line in duck, oriad and freddy.. oriad is still yet to hit his strides this season but was a beast last season and will break out sometime soon. duck is a solid player coming back after a couple of yrs on the sidelines and will get better and better as the season goes on. and we all know that while kruger is gettin on in age is still the wiley veteran i think king brought him in to be..
ryan carrol is a proven aba player over the last 5 yrs and while not fitzy by any means can step in and fill a role they need.
their real problem with the injuries and jenkins leaving leaves there bench a little light on and it may be up to their first 6 or 7 to foster most the minutes..
but with this being said injuries occurr and ppl leave teams all the time in the league so teams have to overcome these.. its up to mackay now how it will effect them.. but with enough guys who have been around in the league for a while i think mackay will do just fine.. it may be a bit premature just yet to jump on the hater wagon

[Unregistered]

Big game this weekend between SW and Gold Coast. Can SW keep their undefeated run going. I seem to remember a fiery encounter between these two teams last year.

[Unregistered]

Big game this weekend between SW and Gold Coast. Can SW keep their undefeated run going. I seem to remember a fiery encounter between these two teams last year.

another big one as well caps vs bundy in bundy

[Unregistered]

Jenkins hadn't done shit for Mackay or anyone else. Fitz will be the only player missed.

Either you were at some Mackay games and you seen Jenkins did actually have an influence on these games OR you are a jealous outsider looking in making rash statements...

[Unregistered]

Either you were at some Mackay games and you seen Jenkins did actually have an influence on these games OR you are a jealous outsider looking in making rash statements...

They also lost Todd Blanchfield to the AIS 2 weeks before the season had started.

[Unregistered]

lots of people down playing mackays chances right now..
but lets look at who they still have on the team
deba, zane... more than capable backcourt against any team in the league on any given night
blanchfield a very talent young player who will play very well in between commitments.
they have a solid front line in duck, oriad and freddy.. oriad is still yet to hit his strides this season but was a beast last season and will break out sometime soon. duck is a solid player coming back after a couple of yrs on the sidelines and will get better and better as the season goes on. and we all know that while kruger is gettin on in age is still the wiley veteran i think king brought him in to be..
ryan carrol is a proven aba player over the last 5 yrs and while not fitzy by any means can step in and fill a role they need.
their real problem with the injuries and jenkins leaving leaves there bench a little light on and it may be up to their first 6 or 7 to foster most the minutes..
but with this being said injuries occurr and ppl leave teams all the time in the league so teams have to overcome these.. its up to mackay now how it will effect them.. but with enough guys who have been around in the league for a while i think mackay will do just fine.. it may be a bit premature just yet to jump on the hater wagonGood luke thinking Zane is your only hope. How many points did he score on the weekend?????? Cant handle the pressure. Learn some D