Basketball On The Internet.

UNFORESEEN visa complications have stymied Wollongong's plans to add SEABL superstar CJ Massingale to its NBL line-up, replacing injured import Lance Hurdle, as reported here yesterday.

The Hawks hoped to add Massingale as the quick solution to its backcourt issues which were compounded against Cairns when both Hurldle and starting point guard Rhys Martin were lost to knee injuries.

Hurdle today was confirmed as having also suffered a torn ACL, the same season-ending injury Martin suffered earlier in the 81-94 overtime loss to the Taipans.

"We've been in contact with CJ over the past 48 hours to see if there was a possibility of him joining us in the short term," Hawks CEO Mili Simic said.

Massingale played 10 NBL games with Adelaide this season, averaging 4.1 points in less than 10 minutes of regular game-time before he was cut by the 36ers, claiming they needed a shooting guard who could "create off the dribble".

The 30-year-old returned to Melbourne where in seven seasons he has been a three-time SEABL Most Valuable Player, including 2012, and a championship MVP with Knox Raiders.

He was the obvious choice for the Hawks when Hurdle went down and Simic admitted Wollongong had pounced.

But since returning to Melbourne, the American has been granted permanent residency which complicated the visa process.

"CJ was fantastic the past two days, looking into his visa situation and seeing how he can make it happen to help the Hawks out," Simic said.

"But it would take a bit of time for it to be sorted so we're now looking at other options to bring someone in as soon as we can."

Hawks development player Alex Beagley will come into the line-up for Thursday's sold-out match against New Zealand in Auckland and Saturday's clash with the Crocs in Townsville.

Simic said Massingale had been the consummate professional throughout negotiations.

"CJ has been great through the process," Simic said.
 
MELBOURNE Tigers coach Chris Anstey has joined the ranks of the fined, copping $1,000 and a suspended $500 for public criticism of referees.

Anstey was livid at aspects of the officiating in Sunday's 58-73 road demise at Perth Arena where 12,336 fans cheered the Wildcats to victory.

He was furious when Matt Burston was called for an unsportsmanlike foul against Shawn Redhage and told perthnow.com.au that call had been a game-changer.

"I thought the call on Matty Burston swung the game," Anstey said.

"We spoke to the referees beforehand and they told us their instruction was to let (the game) go. It's one thing to say it, another thing to do it.

"I think they get intimidated by the crowd here, and that's another thing that adds to it being a tough venue. They're human - it's as simple as that.

"I thought there were plenty of situations where we could have got an unsportsmanlike, we could have got a flopping call ... but it's pretty hard to call in front of 13,000 of the loudest fans."

NBL rules prevent coaches, players or club officials from publicly being critical of the officiating, which raises the question why doesn't Steve Carfino, as a Sydney Kings official, cop a fine when he criticises the referees on national television during Sydney games?

ADELAIDE power forward/centre Daniel Johnson has grasped his second Player of the Week award following his 24-point, seven-rebound effort in the 36ers' streak-ending 82-64 win over Sydney on Sunday.

The victory ended a run of eight straight losses which saw the Sixers plummet from third place to eighth before the breakthrough win.

The 36ers also released a statement today where the club essentially reiterated what most already know.

That:

1) Coach Marty Clarke has the full support of the board "for the remainder of the season";

2) It is waiting for Ken Cole and the US interests he is representing to complete their due diligence regarding purchasing the club; 

3) The club is confident it will be staying at Adelaide Arena.