Basketball On The Internet.

WOULD you pay to see him? That should be the first rule of thumb for imports being signed by clubs in the new NBL.

Not the “is he functional?” or “will he help us win” criteria – though it must, of course, be factored in – but the “will he put bums on seats?” reasoning.

Entertainment is the name of the game for the NBL and guys who can bring the requisite “oos” and “ahs” are vital in pursuit of that entertainment dollar.

That is why the prospect of Corey “Homicide” Williams returning to the NBL should be one to be embraced.

Today I linked him to New Zealand in the wake of the Breakers losing Cedric Jackson to more lucrative opportunities.

Such is life and Cedric the Entertainer will indeed be missed.

Homicide was great for the game when he was here, a genuine character in the mold of greats such as Cal Bruton and Al Green in the golden days who not only walked the walk, but talked the talk.

Williams’ antics in Perth when Townsville beat the Wildcats in the playoffs – Homicide with 28 points, “JR” John Rillie with 34 including 10 threes – and his declaration of the “Croc Nation” were priceless.

He is the type of character and personality who turns your 30-second spot on the nightly TV news into 90.

So when one of my most reliable sources tipped me to this today, I put it out immediately: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/basketball/new-zealand-breakers8217-league-mvp-cedric-jackson-won8217t-return-for-the-new-season/story-fnii09gt-1226690205480

Homicide took a while to get back to me and, somewhat forlornly said: “Australia isn’t interested in me.”

That, of course, is a crying shame.

Before I remembered New Zealand isn’t in Australia…

SPEAKING of criteria the Sydney Kings today announced they would, indeed celebrate the club’s 25th year in the NBL by naming an anniversary team.

Crowns off to the triple-champs, the Sydney Kings 25th Anniversary Team to be announced at the club's official season launch on October 10, with the team presented to fans at halftime of the opening game of the new NBL season at the Sydney Ent Cent.

But here’s the rub. The Kings will name 12 players and a coach, selected by fans and a panel comprising long-time Sydney basketball identities.

They include Kings chairman Phil Hudson, former coach and general manager Bob Turner, a previous owner Andrew Lazaris, Adam Wrublewski, son of the club’s founder, Mike, ABC Radio’s Debbie Spillane, stalwart John Davidson, Kings media manager Matt McQuade, along with the alter ego of the famous Sydney Kings Lion mascot.

From Monday-week, fans will be asked to vote for a short list of 30 players and three coaches over one week. That will be followed by a second vote from August 19, held over a two-week period, where fans and the judging panel will select the 12 men they believe have best represented the Sydney Kings over 25 seasons.

That, sadly, is where it ends.

No restrictions, no criteria that could cull it to 10 players – effectively, you can name 10 imports! - making it, to my mind at least, a very soft set of circumstances not commensurate with an ACTUAL Kings team which could play NBL.

What then is the point, really?

When we challenged Kings fans to help create the ultimate Sydney 25th anniversary team here, we made it 10 players, two imports, naturalised players OK – as per the rules of the league.

What we came up with here on June 2 was the following:

Starters: Shane Heal, Jason Smith, *Dwayne McClain, *Chris Williams, Matt Nielsen.

Bench: CJ Bruton, Ben Madgen, Ian Davies, Mark Dalton, Dean Uthoff.

Coach: Brian Goorjian

If you are going to have 12 players and no restrictions, why not also have two assistant coaches? Whack Bobby Turner and Brett Brown in there for good measure, why not?

While I’m 100% behind the 25th anniversary team and, in fact, anything which connects the league to its rich history, cannot believe Sin City’s finest came up with such a soft-clock option.

IT'S official. Melbourne have confirmed signing Auryn Macmillan who debuted in the NBL last year with Wollongong Hawks.

"Auryn spent some time with us last preseason, including some preseason games, and he certainly impressed us," Tigers coach Chris Anstey said.

"Without an available roster spot, we were very happy he was picked up by Wollongong and got his first taste of the NBL.

"We invited Auryn back again last week and he was a standout in a number of areas. He worked relentlessly, has a very solid all-round game and can guard a number of positions. The group loved having him around, and are all really glad he's agreed to stay!"

LL is coming!

No, not Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, Lana Lang, Leroy Loggins or LL Cool J.

Luc Longley - the one, the only - is Adelaide-bound for a speaking engagement for the Free Throw Foundation charity.

Save the Date - Friday, October 11 at the Intercontinental Hotel Adelaide.

Luc Longley, US college star at New Mexico, NBA star, Australian Olympian and three-time NBA Championship winner with the famous Chicago Bulls and current Boomers assistant coach.

More details as I get them but if you would like to advance book a table, contact David Spear at dspear@companydirectors.com.au or at 0408404910.