Basketball On The Internet.

THE NBL's opening round is in the record books and we have a much broader perspective of how teams may go, although both Brad Rosen and I still remain cautious of what Illawarra, Adelaide and Sydney could be as we discuss it all on our Brad&Boti podcast.

The defending NBL-champion Hawks looked promising in their FIBA Intercontinental Cup matches in Singapore, although the absence of popular Larry Sengstock Medallist as championship MVP, William "Davo" Hickey, was probably why they went 1-2 instead of 3-0.

But the big news of the week centres around former Adelaide 36ers import Montrezl Harrell who now will not be taking part in NBL Season 2025-26 after all.

The issues with his departure from playing in China's CBA where he failed a drug test came to light ahead of the 36ers' match against Euroleague giant Panathinaikos, his place hastily taken by dumped South East Melbourne import Vrenz Bleijenberg.

It is safe to assume whatever the situation was/is in China, it will take longer to unravel than Adelaide has time to wait so it is "Bye Bye Monsta, hello someone else".

Brad and I offer up our "Top Six" - who we think will be there at the business end - and of course, our opinions are quite opposed.

But it has to be agreed we - and I include almost all of the mainland media in this - have consistenly under-estimated Tasmania and it's not something I'm going to fall for again.

Scott Roth was at his best, stunning the Wildcats in Perth where Dylan Windler produced arguably his worst game as an NBL player.

The Wildcats will be better but what could we take from Brisbane's win over the Breakers in New Zealand? Firstly, the Bullets have to keep Tyrell Harrison healthy. You never know, you might need him to take the free throws to save your life! (That will make more sense after you've heard the podcast!)

New Zealand? Well they are in strife, especially with the team's heart-and-soul Parker Jackson-Cartwright carrying a rib injury.

Meanwhile, Sydney looked much better against Partizan with Kendric Davis in the line-up, even though the instant tech foul he copped for his blatant flop was viewing "gold".

That was an excellent match but the big Kings question-mark again hovers over Bul Kuol. Is this young man ever going to stop fouling, stop whining and instead fulfill his undoubted potential?

Brad has a ripping Rosen Rattler, I bob up with a Nagy Nasty and we also pick our player of the round and favourite play too.

All this and more awaits you now simply by clicking this link or go to your usual podcast destinations.