Basketball On The Internet.

THIS is it, the challenge for the NBL - and even for the WNBL - is to build on what was achieved in 2015.

As the year peters out, the NBL has rarely, if ever, looked better.

Last round was something out of the box. NBL Exec Director Larry Kestelman called it a "game-changer" as sell-out crowds attended matches in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne and buzz for the sport (and league) was genuinely loud.

For a change it wasn't the converted preaching to the converted but the non-fans jumping aboard and continuing to recognise basketball is back and in a big way.

Open roof games are hardly a new idea, the NBL having had a few prior to Sunday's revisit. Hell, even the Harlem Globetrotters played outdoors when they first hit our shores more than 50 years ago.

But Sunday's event really nailed it.

Now we hit the NBL's Round 13 and it's time for that to be a lucky number.

While the ongoing "imminence" of FTA TV cover for the WNBL continues to appear stalled, the New Year's Eve game in Perth against reigning champion Townsville is new ground and no doubt will be an "event" for the women.

Basketball is rolling and with the Rio Olympics on the 2016 schedule, there's no respite in sight.

SPECULATION QBL import and Bendigo-bound Jeremy Kendle might step up for injured Cairns playmaker Markel Starks (pictured below) might have been premature.

Kendle hasn't trained with the Taipans and they play tomorrow night.

 

NBL RANKINGS This Wk-Prev (Record)

8 (8) KINGS 4-14- Two home games that are gettable and won't throw in towel.

7 (7) TAIPANS 6-10 - Have Breakers home, Kings away and season past crossroads.

6 (6) CROCODILES 7-12 - Chance to bounce back from Hawks road humiliation.

5 (5) 36ERS 9-9 - Idle again in some of the worst scheduling in recent memory.

4 (4) UNITED 12-7 - Will be on a high after the open roof success and cannot falter.

3 (1) WILDCATS 13-7 - Have a chance to regroup after disappointing reversal at Hisense.

2 (3) BREAKERS 11-6 - Won a Grand Final game in Cairns so won't have any qualms.

1 (2) HAWKS 10-7 - Another Crocs takedown would start top-four cementing process.

 

WNBL RANKINGS This Wk-Prev (Record)

9 (9) CAPITALS 0-15 - Have forgotten how to win and play hard for a full 40 minutes.

8 (8) LIGHTNING 5-9 - Playoff dream is dusted but can still be a keynote spoiler.

7 (7) BOOMERS 7-9 - Could some of the gals be more worried about Opals than Boomers?

6 (6) STARS 8-7 - Keeping the W-L in the black and can take a big step this round.

5 (3) SPIRIT 9-7 - Chance to set up the season if Bendigo fires in next two outings.

4 (4) RANGERS 8-6 - Big game on the road and could steal season-series.

3 (5) FLAMES 10-5 - Beating Melbourne virtually would end the Boomers' season.

2 (2) FIRE 9-5 - Need a big road scalp but have dropped away in reliability stakes.

1 (1) LYNX 11-4 - Opportunity to make another big statement against a contender.

 

THIS WEEK'S TIPS

MELBOURNE has to head into Sydney on a high after the unprecedented success of its open-roof win over Perth. United has a score to settle as well with the Kings who will be buoyed by the return of Josh Childress. Even out-of-touch and needing a run, he'll be more value than Damn-I'm-Here James. Melbourne must start favourite after Sunday but a repeat Kings win here would not surprise.

WHEN you've won a Grand Final game in an opposition venue, it doesn't hold great fears for you and if New Zealand can find more minutes for Tai Wesley, it will be even tougher in Cairns. The season is virtually shot now for the Taipans but as long as there's hope, there's life and if they can execute another precise gameplan, they're a chance. But it's a long shot.

OLD friends Shawn Dennis and Rob Beveridge (below) go to war again as Townsville tries to erase the one bad blemish on its season which it hasn't yet done - the whopping road loss to the Hawks in Wollongong. Luke Schenscher returns to add size and a foil for AJ Ogilvy in what should be a much tighter contest than last time. But it's tough to tip against Illawarra right now.

IF Cairns drops at home to New Zealand, at Sydney - where it lost in the first round - it again will be vulnerable. Without knowing yet how tonight's Kings-United game pans out - or if Josh Childress has fractured a foot ... he's done both hands now - this one has surprises written all over it. No Starks for the Taipans hurts too. Right now, I'm favouring Sydney.

THE WNBL goes all New Year's Eve with Townsville at Perth in what is a key fixture for both at The Disco. The Lynx have established their cred this season and it is actually the erratic champion Fire who need a decent road scalp. This is almost a "must" win for the Fire making it a super game to end 2015 and open the round. Perth, which has been vulnerable at home, to win it, just.

WITH Melbourne's season teetering again, Guy Molloy again has the challenge of ensuring all of his players are on the same page. With a chance to shore up its spot in the top four, Sydney cannot afford any further slips and with a 2-0 season-series lead over the Boomers, a loss is unlikely.  

COULD not have been more disappointed with Canberra when they tuned out in Adelaide and at Bendigo, this becomes a key win for the Spirit. It won't be a cakewalk by any stretch but with a win here, and being at home helps, Bendigo takes a huge step toward participating in the post-season.

IF Dandenong is to find its way into the top four, winning the series with SEQ is essential. The Rangers are 1-0 ahead and this one becomes the pivotal game with the third meeting at Dandenong in February. With so much riding on it, it's hard to see SEQ letting this one slip.

REGARDLESS of how it concluded its NYE festivities in Perth, Townsville will not again be belting Adelaide by 63 when it arrives in the city of churches. Kayla Standish will be keen for a big game against her former club but even if she succeeds, a Fire loss is not on the cards.

 

KNOCK KNOCK

Who's there?

Markel.

Markel who?

Mark "L" on the schedule for Cairns while its import is hamstrung.