Basketball On The Internet.

EXPECT Townsville to not only be alive and kicking when the NBL season tips off in October but for Shawn Dennis to be calling the Crocs' shots.

The announcement could come as early as today that Dennis, 47, will step away from his role as Rob Beveridge's assistant at Perth Wildcats to finally get a long overdue second crack at an NBL head coaching role.

The former playmaking guard logged 10 years at Newcastle, with a season at Hobart in between, before assisting Tom Wisman at the Falcons.

He succeeded Wisman as head coach with Newcastle for 1997 and recruited Olympian Pat Reidy to the Falcons for the 1998-99 season.

His NBL coaching record of 30-56 was as much reflective of the state of the league and Newcastle's resources as Dennis' on-the-job learning experience.

Highly successful head coaching roles in New Zealand and involvement in the Kiwis' national junior programs, along with an NBL return as Beveridge's lead assistant in Australia's No.1 program (Perth is No.2 in the ANBL), has him primed and ready to again helm a flagship club.

And Crocs chief executive Reidy would know first-hand what a diamond he is unearthing.

Reidy also is part of the steering committee of the "Save the Crocs" group, formed after previous ownership, Barrier Reef Basketball Pty Ltd, bailed out before trading insolvent.

Pledges of almost half a million dollars, plus the "mystery backer's" $1.4 million injection - along with other developments to be revealed later today - mean Townsville will be back in business for 2013-14.

The club expects to retain players such as London Olympian Peter Crawford, Mitch Norton, Todd Blanchfield, Jacob Holmes and Russell Hinder.

IN Auckland, new NZ Breakers coach Dean Vickerman has cut Leon Henry, who still had a year to run on his contract.

Tom Abercrombie, CJ Bruton, Daryl Corletto, Alex Pledger, Mika Vukona and Corey Webster all are contracted for next season.

Whether league MVP Cedric Jackson or fellow import Will Hudson make it back remains to be seen.

LOVELY comment from newly appointed 36ers coach Joey Wright this week in relation to management of the Adelaide club.

"The other great thing about coming to Adelaide is you know ownership is going to back you and you can focus on the job instead of looking over your shoulder," Wright said.

Considering the Sixers backed Marty Clarke for his full three-year stint despite second-to-last, last and last placings, Wright is on solid ground. 

Speaking of Joey, had this follow-up story to his appointment announcement up yesterday at adelaidenow.com.au - http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/basketball/wright-choice-to-make-adelaide-36ers-star-adam-gibsons-decision-easier/story-fne5r4t9-1226632649104 in case you might be interested.

WITH the Crocodiles rocking, the 36ers rolling and the Breakers settled, only Perth remains without a current head coach, Beveridge considering his future and the Wildcats considering their options.

"We don't expect to name anyone for four weeks," Wildcats chief executive Nick Marvin said.