Well done Scott Ninnis but why not more female WNBL coaches? Can Adelaide 36ers and Montrezl Harrell defend? Can Bryce Cotton keep it up? Love for Jordan Hunter, not giving up on NZ Breakers, Melbourne United concerns and more from South East Melbourne Phoenix GM Simon Mitchell.

With Cotton putting up another 44 points, Simon takes a look at what is making him so unstoppable right now with his mid-range and floater game making the difference while as far as his future goes, he thinks it's whatever he wants it to be.

As inaugural South East Melbourne coach and current GM, Simon gives a good insight into life at the Phoenix right now under the coaching of Josh King and he talks about why he's so high on the future of Jordan Hunter along with Derrick Walton Jr, Nathan Sobey and Matt Hurt.

The NZ Breakers have lost six straight and haven’t figured things out with Tacko Fall, but Simon isn't ready to give up on them yet but he saw danger signs from the Cairns Taipans in their fadeout against the Wildcats.

The Tasmania JackJumpers continue to prove that they can't be written off having won five straight and now adding in Ian Hummer as the new import to replace Craig Sword giving them a genuine four man.

While the Adelaide 36ers have Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell back and they got a win, Simon is concerned over their defensive abilities especially on the road and with Harrell needing to try to defend Matt Hurt and Casey Prather this week.

Melbourne United has now lost three straight games for the first time in more than two years and Simon is seeing some things within their group that coach Dean Vickerman would be livid about, and expects them to fix that up moving forward.

We wrap up this week's show with the TABtouch Preview highlighted by the two open-air John Cain Arena games firstly with the Phoenix hosting the 36ers on Saturday and United playing the JackJumpers on Monday while the Hawks are also at home to the Wildcats on Sunday.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle – #NBL25 Episode 13

In this week's episode, Andrew Bogut and Mike Procopio talk through the best and worst teams of the week. The most recent trades and trade rumours, they play ‘Useful or Useless’ as all the latest NBA & NBL's news.

00:00:20

Intro

00:03:32

Teams of the Week

00:18:32

Weak of the Week

00:26:49

Latest NBA News

00:55:19

Useful or Useless

01:09:53

Latest NBL News

© 2024 AMB Media

The Basketball Podcast - Episode 148 with Mike Procopio

The bipolar Adelaide 36ers, Josh Adams to Brisbane Bullets, Cam Oliver on the outs but Sydney Kings new import, self-inflicted Parker Jackson-Cartwright blow but NZ Breakers win, Illawarra Hawks, South East Melbourne Phoenix & Casey Prather all shining in NBL25.

There's no shortage of topics for us to catch up on in the NBL on Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle with Cody Ellis back after spending a week in Melbourne, a week in Sydney and reporting back from what he saw from two games he attended in each city.

We open up by talking the big talking points including Parker Jackson-Cartwright's suspension, the Cam Oliver drama at the Sydney Kings as they prepare to bring in a new import, Josh Adams has joined the Brisbane Bullets and then the Adelaide 36ers going from imploding to best win of the season.

The best way for us to catch up on everything that has been happening is to run through team by team beginning with the Illawarra Hawks who Cody sees as the team to beat right now with their consistency and having all the pieces.

Then there's Melbourne United who are still second but have been a bit all over the place lately but are still legit and have put themselves in a good position.

The Tasmania JackJumpers have now won eight straight to be up into third but to be genuine threats of defending their championship they do need to get Will Magnay back.

Focus then is on the Sydney Kings who appear to be fractured as a group, Cam Oliver isn’t being given a chance to contribute and now they are about to bring in a new import guard at the last possible moment.

The Perth Wildcats have done well to win three of four games so far on the road with Keanu Pinder making such a difference when aggressive and Izan Almansa and Dylan Windler are coming up big.

The South East Melbourne Phoenix round out the top six and are emerging as genuine contenders with a roster perfectly fit to play the pace that Josh King now has them playing at.

The Brisbane Bullets have been playing some impressive basketball as well despite never being full strength with Casey Prather putting himself in the MVP hunt and now with Josh Adams about to join.

The Adelaide 36ers lost three straight games by 20-plus points and looked set to completely implode before hitting back for a big win in Sydney but now the key is to show that wasn’t just a one off.

The NZ Breakers have now played their first of five games without Parker Jackson-Cartwright and won for the first time with Tacko Fall but face an uphill battle to keep themselves in the mix.

Then there's the Cairns Taipans who have lost 15 straight and Cody can't see where they get another win for the rest of the NBL season.

We wrap things up with a TABtouch Preview of Round 15 highlighted by the highly anticipated first rematch between the Adelaide 36ers and Melbourne United after their scuffle got out of hand last time.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle – #NBL25 Episode 14

In part 1 of this week's episode, Bogut and Pro talk through their pick for team of the week and weak team of the week. Continuing to chat through the trades that are happening and the rumours around Butler. They play Fact or Fake News as all the latest NBA news.

00:00:18

Intro

00:01:13

Teams of the Week

00:13:29

Weak of the Week

00:26:53

Jimmy Butler Saga

00:42:09

Latest NBA News

00:49:15

Useful or Useless

00:52:17

Aussie of the Week

00:52:57

Fact or Fake News


© 2024 AMB Media

The Basketball Podcast - Episode 149 - Part 1 with Mike Procopio

In part 2 of this week's episode, Bogut chats with Derek Rucker about all the recent NBL games. They chat through load management of players as well as their picks for the awards for the season.

00:00:05

Intro

00:04:02

This week in NBL

00:50:25

Load Management Debate

01:09:20

End of Season Awards

© 2024 AMB Media

The Basketball Podcast - Episode 149 - Part 2 with Derek Rucker

Cairns Taipans miracle, Sydney Kings welcome import as fourth quarter specialists/MVP's firing, Josh King perfect for South East Melbourne Phoenix, Adelaide 36ers back it up, NZ Breakers playing for Tacko Fall, Melbourne United woes, TABtouch NBL Preview.

We open up Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle by reflecting on the last week with that remarkable Taipans upset over the Hawks, the Breakers impressing missing their MVP candidate, the 36ers backing it up and the Kings standing out in fourth quarters with their new import having now arrived.

We update our awards for NBL25 with Bryce Cotton still leading Simon Mitchell's Sports Card World Player of the Year but Kendric Davis hot on his hammer, and Jaylen Adams, Derrick Walton Jr and Dylan Windler impressing.

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk is still leading Damian Martin's Best Defensive Player award but it was Windler, Marcus Lee and Mojave King in the votes this week.

We break down the Cairns Taipans snapping of their 15-game losing streak in remarkable fashion against the league-leading Hawks on the back of showing great heart with Taran Armstrong and Rob Edwards standing up, and Alex Higgins-Titsha shining.

There's lots to talk about with the Sydney Kings with former MVP's Xavier Cooks and Jaylen Adams in top form, Cam Oliver playing well but in limited minutes and now they bring in Lamonte Turner on the back of two standout fourth quarter performances.

The Adelaide 36ers backed up their win in Sydney by beating Melbourne at home and they loom as a real threat if they can keep the momentum rolling.

Melbourne United is heading in the opposite direction struggling to find that go to scorer and not getting enough defensive stops to help them run, but they can't be written off.

Their crosstown rivals the South East Melbourne Phoenix went 2 of 3 on the road, playing 11 of 12 strong quarters and with Josh King's style perfectly suiting their players, they are also looming as genuine contenders.

The New Zealand Breakers have played their first two games without Parker Jackson-Cartwright and should have had two wins with Matt Mooney and Tacko Fall benefitting from the different game style.

The Perth Wildcats made it four wins from five games in this road stretch with another 41 points from Bryce Cotton while Dylan Windler is firing in the absence of Kristian Doolittle.

We talk about the Summer Shootout and then turn our attention to the TABtouch Preview for Round 16 highlighted by Melbourne United v Sydney Kings on Thursday, Tasmania JackJumpers v Adelaide 36ers on Friday, and then the 36ers v Illawarra Hawks on Monday.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle – #NBL25 Episode 15

In this week's episode Bogues and Pro talk through their picks for the best and worst teams of the week. 
They chat about the problem with Zion Williamson, they play Fact or Fake News as well as all the latest NBA & NBL's news.     


00:00:14

Intro

00:02:32

Teams of the Week

00:9:15

Weak of the Week

00:18:38

Cavs All Star Selections

00:22:21

Zion Williamson

00:42:06

Latest NBA News

00:47:07

Useful or Useless 

00:51:14

Aussie of the Week

00:51:53

Fact or Fake News

00:58:55

Latest NBL News

© 2024 AMB Media

The Basketball Podcast - Episode 150 with Mike Procopio

Darryl Pearce tribute as Simon Mitchell returns to discuss all things South East Melbourne Phoenix, why Perth Wildcats are elite & Adelaide 36ers aren’t, breaking down Sydney Kings, Melbourne United, TABtouch NBL Preview & plenty more.

We start and finish this week's show with a tribute to two-time NBL champion and Hall of Famer Darryl Pearce with Simon Mitchell declaring him one of the best three-point shooters he's ever seen.

Latest on the Player of the Year and Best Defensive Player award voting and a wrap of what's been another dramatic week in the NBL with games every single day.

There's plenty South East Melbourne to discuss including Derrick Walton Jr injury and who needs to step up, why they can still significantly improve, why Matt Hurt deserves more recognition, Nathan Sobey's leadership and why Simon might have cost them a chance at $50,000.

The new import at the Sydney Kings didn’t eventuate but Simon doesn’t necessarily feel it hurts their season prospects while admiring the way Cam Oliver has conducted himself.

Simon gives Melbourne United credit for winning their last two games on well executed last plays but doesn’t feel they are passing the eye test with how they are playing right now despite about to play for top spot.

There's always plenty of drama surrounding the Adelaide 36ers and while they have just beaten the Illawarra Hawks for a third time, Simon is not sold on them and not willing to put them in the elite category even if NBL Media loves them and Montrezl Harrell.

One team that Simon does feel deserves to be put in the elite category is the Perth Wildcats who not only are riding Bryce Cotton's MVP form, but Dylan Windler's delivering, they are tracking well as they head home and have plenty of improvement still left.

We then turn our attention to the TABtouch Round 17 Preview highlighted by the Perth Wildcats returning home to host the Adelaide 36ers, and then the Illawarra Hawks and Melbourne United battling over top spot.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle – #NBL25 Episode 16

In this week's episode Bogut and Pro talk through their picks of the week. 
They chat about the LeBron and his tendencies, recent trades and they play Fact or Fake News as well as all the latest NBA & NBL's news.     


00:00:14

Intro

00:02:10

Teams of the Week

00:11:31

Weak of the Week

00:21:06

Trade

00:28:50

Rival League

00:35:13

Latest NBA News

00:59:06

Useful or Useless 

01:02:51

Aussie of the Week

01:03:33

Fact or Fake News

01:12:32

Latest NBL News

© 2025 AMB Media

The Basketball Podcast - Episode 151 with Mike Procopio

The NBL run home and we predict the final six, no stopping Illawarra Hawks, Melbourne United's stagnant offence, unpredictable Adelaide 36ers, decimated Tasmania JackJumpers/Brisbane Bullets, could be brutal Cairns Taipans finish, on fire Perth Wildcats/South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Cody Ellis is back for Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle and we start off with a follow up on the passing of Darryl Pearce with Mike Ellis passing on a tribute and his shock at the passing of his long-time rival.

We open up this week's show wrapping up all the happenings in the last week of the NBL including the hot Hawks, struggling United, Phoenix continuing their charge, Kouat Noi sparking the Sydney Kings, the Wildcats enjoying their home coming, not knowing what to get from the 36ers, injuries hitting the Bullets and JackJumpers, and the fun race to come in the run home.

We get an update on our awards with Bryce Cotton still leading Simon Mitchell's Sports Card World Player of the Year but Kendric Davis still in contention while Wani Swaka Lo Buluk still leading #TheDamo Best Defensive Player despite Dylan Windler's three votes.

This week's dissection begins at the Taipans who put in a fifth straight poor home performance against Adelaide with Adam Forde letting his players know about it afterwards. Cody's not sure if he will stay in Cairns beyond this season and sees Sam Waardenburg as being a hot target.

The Bullets are dealing with a brutal injury run and trying to win without their best two players, Casey Prather and Tyrell Harrison, was a bridge too far in Illawarra and it might have been enough to put them out of genuine top six contention.

The 36ers lost in Perth and won big in Cairns after another dramatic week but they do appear to be a playing group enjoying playing together and who are dangerous even if their defence still needs some work.

The JackJumpers have been struck with three season-ending injuries they could least afford and while it's hard to still see them holding onto sixth spot, you never want to write them off.

South East Melbourne are fun to watch, they are playing well at both ends of the floor and covering well without Derrick Walton Jr with captain Nathan Sobey playing some of the best team basketball of his career.

Melbourne is struggling offensively and they need to find another genuine offensive weapon to take the pressure off Chris Goulding, and Ian Clark does need to be that person but he needs help to get some better shots.

With three rounds to go, we take a look at the run home for all the teams left in contention to make the top six with Cody settling on Illawarra, Perth, South East Melbourne, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

We then preview a monster Wednesday night double-header with the Phoenix hosting the Kings, and then the Wildcats at home to United before the TABtouch Round 18 Preview highlighted by Sydney playing Adelaide on Friday in a must-watch affair.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle – #NBL25 Episode 17

No surprise if Adelaide 36ers or South East Melbourne Phoenix reach NBL Championship Series, Perth Wildcats could be derailed, bravo Cairns Taipans, stop fouling Bul Kuol, Melbourne United ominous, TABtouch #PrideRound Preview.

The teams in the top six might appear set, but it's anyone's guess how those teams will finish with injuries unfortunately derailing hopes of Tasmania JackJumpers/Brisbane Bullets while the Phoenix/36ers emerge, United hit back, Wildcats/Hawks slip up and Kings are the great mysteries.

The Player of the Year award with votes from Simon Mitchell sees Bryce Cotton only leading Kendric Davis by a single vote while Wani Swaka Lo Buluk is just clinging to his lead over Shea Ili in #TheDamo Best Defensive Player from Damian Martin.

The Cairns Taipans beat the top two teams coming into Round 18 in the space of 48 hours with the league's biggest road trip in between and full credit to coach Adam Forde and the players led by Sam Waardenburg.

The Adelaide 36ers are an imposing team right now with Montrezl Harrell leading that intimidation factor and there's no question now that they look locked in to make the top six that they are going to be mighty dangerous come finals time.

The South East Melbourne Phoenix continue to shine and it's by committee with the likes of Joe Wieskamp coming up big as he shows he has plenty to offer in the NBL.

The Perth Wildcats suffered two losses at home in Round 18 and now have slipped all the way to fifth position and it could very well derail their championship prospects with Bryce Cotton having an uncharacteristic inefficient two performances.

Melbourne United had an impressive weekend with Ian Clark starring while their late game execution has them a standout as they now return home for the last two games for the first time in 2025.

The Sydney Kings had another mixed weekend where there was a lot of reliance on Jaylen Adams who had the ball in his hands an almighty amount while Bul Kuol has just refused to learn how to not foul with his aggressive defence.

The Illawarra Hawks had another slip up in Cairns against the Taipans with the quirk that their starters were terrible, and it was their bench that gave them a chance which isn't a recipe for championship success.

The New Zealand Breakers only have two games left in their season and we might not see Parker Jackson-Cartwright again after his rib injury, and we might not see him in the NBL again either.

We then wrap up this week's show with a preview of NBL Pride Round thanks to TABtouch highlighted by a pivotal Sunday double with the Sydney Kings v Perth Wildcats, and then South East Melbourne Phoenix v Adelaide 36ers.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven Basketball Hustle NBL25 Episode 18

Shocking NBA trade reaction, well done Brisbane Bullets but thumbs down Adelaide 36ers, Perth Wildcats hit back but lose RAC Arena, NZ Breakers should go with Matt Mooney, last NBL round TABtouch preview, who gets fourth South East Melbourne Phoenix or Sydney Kings?

Before we get stuck into the NBL talk, we give our reactions to what might be the biggest NBA trade ever especially with how out of the blue it was with Luka Doncic joining the LA Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks.

We then get stuck into what's happening in the NBL beginning with quick thoughts on the 36ers having a stinker but full credit to the Bullets, the JackJumpers went close, happy for the Taipans to let Rob Edwards go, Phoenix and Kings battling for fourth, and no RAC Arena for the Wildcats.

It's then time for an awards update with Bryce Cotton having locked away the Sports Card World Player of the Year with votes from Simon Mitchell while Shea Ili, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk and Will Magnay are all still a chance for the Best Defensive Player from Damian Martin.

From there, we get into a more in depth discussion beginning at the Perth Wildcats who hit back impressively with better ball movement and their defence continuing to improve as Jesse Wagstaff celebrated his 500th game in style.

The team they beat on Friday night, the South East Melbourne Phoenix bounced back to beat the 36ers but again they continued their trend of opening up a big lead and not being able to hold onto it while if they have to go back to Perth a fourth time, Matt Hurt deserves to hear the whistle more.

Despite missing a handful of key players, the Brisbane Bullets were absolutely awesome in Adelaide for a win against the odds with Mitch Norton leading the way and Tohi Smith-Milner brilliant.

Last week the Adelaide 36ers were looking impressive and imposing. A week later and they delivered two poor performances aside from a 10-minute burst led by Jason Cadee and Montrezl Harrell against the Phoenix but their lack of energy and effort was a real concern.

The New Zealand Breakers have some big recruiting decisions to make, but should Tacko Fall be guaranteed to return, Matt Mooney could very well be the perfect point guard for them to go all in with.

The Cairns Taipans have let star guard Rob Edwards go ahead of the last two games of the season and that can only be a good thing moving forward for both the club and the NBL in recruiting players.

The Perth Wildcats will now be robbed of playing a home Play-In Game at RAC Arena thanks to Kylie Minogue and we give our reaction to that along with owner Mark Arena and the Red Army losing their minds at the news.

We finish off with the TABtouch Preview for the last round including a massive Illawarra-Sydney and Perth-Adelaide Friday, and Tasmania-Cairns and Melbourne-South East Melbourne pair of double headers.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle – #NBL25 Episode 19

This week, we discuss the NBA’s plan to revive All-Star Weekend, Ja Morant recruiting for the dunk contest, and CP3 & Wemby’s skills challenge DQ. Darrell Armstrong’s arrest, Demar DeRozan’s clutch dominance, and NBA’s expansion into Manchester are on the radar. Plus, Sydney’s Xavier Cooks faces suspension, Adelaide implodes, and big moves in China & Israel. And did someone in the NBL really tweet from a burner account? Tune in for all the laughs and insights! 

00:00:23

Intro

00:00:55

All Star Weekend

00:22:41

Latest NBA News

00:42:20
 Useful or Useless 

00:47:08

Fact or Fake News

01:02:56

Latest NBL News

© 2025 AMB Media

The Basketball Podcast Episode 155 – NBA & NBL Latest, Trade Drama & All-Star Fixes w/ Mike Procopio

Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle wraps up #NBL25 Play-In Tournament with Perth Wildcats & South East Melbourne deserving to advance. Fitting Adelaide 36ers capitulation, Xavier Cooks derailed Sydney Kings and Cody Ellis on Adam Forde, Clint Steindl, Jason Cadee.

Before getting to the NBL, we look back on the NBA trade deadline moves and early signs of Luka Doncic at the Lakers and Anthony Davis at the Mavericks along with Jimmy Butler to the Warriors, how Dalton Knecht fits back in, Khris Middleton leaving the Bucks and Ben Simmons to the Clippers.

Before knuckling down on all the topics, we give our quick thoughts on having the right four teams left in the NBL, the Xavier Cooks suspension derailing the Sydney Kings, not surprised with Adam Forde leaving the Cairns taipans, retirements of Clint Steindl and Jason Cadee, and the Adelaide 36ers capitulation.

Unfortunately the biggest news of the week in the NBL was off the court with Xavier Cook provisionally suspended after his positive test and Cody offers his thoughts on why one potential silly mistake could do irreparable damage to his reputation even if he doesn't miss much court time.

Our entire middle segment breaks down the three Play-In Tournament games beginning with the Play-In Game itself where the Adelaide 36ers had a stunning capitulation and the South East Melbourne Phoenix fully earned their way to the Playoffs by playing terrific selfless basketball in the second half.

We then go back to the 36ers beating the Sydney Kings in the Play-In Qualifier but even in that game they made life more difficult themselves than they should have with the Kings far too reliant on Cam Oliver and Jaylen Adams in the absence of Xavier Cooks and Keli Leaulepe.

Then back in the Seeding Qualifier and it was a game between the Perth Wildcats and South East Melbourne Phoenix ruined by an out of control foul count. But Keanu Pinder was at his match winning best for the Wildcats while the Phoenix dearly missed Jordan Hunter with his foul trouble.

Before the news broke that the Brisbane Bullets were moving on from Justin Schueller, we already knew that Adam Forde was leaving as coach of the Cairns Taipans and we looked at some early candidates to replace him for the toughest coaching job in the NBL.

We pay tribute to a couple of Cody Ellis' contemporaries as well who have announced their retirement firstly Tasmania JackJumpers championship captain Clint Steindl and then one of Cody's favourite ever teammates at the Sydney Kings, Jason Cadee.

We then wrap up this week's show by going through the NBL Award winners announced and there wasn't too much to disagree with and full credit to Simon Mitchell for just about running the full table with his predictions beforehand.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle – #NBL25 Episode 20

This week, we highlight sneaky contenders from each conference, discuss load management at the All-Star Game, and react to Bobby Portis' 25-game suspension. Pat Bev’s Euro exit, illegal betting scandals, and Kyrie rumors also take centre stage. Plus, Dyson Daniels’ defensive dominance, Warriors’ strong start in the Jimmy Butler era, and Giddey’s monster week earn him Aussie of the Week. In the NBL, Taran Armstrong heads to GSW, coaching changes shake up teams, and Tasmania’s JackJumpers sell for $35M. Could a second NBL team be coming? 

00:00:14

Intro

00:04:15

Sneaky Contenders

00:12:26

Latest NBA News

00:58:04
 Aussie of the Week

01:00:01

Fact or Fake News

01:04:29

Latest NBL News

© 2025 AMB Media

The Basketball Podcast Episode 156-NBA Sleeper Teams, Suspensions & NBL Moves w/ Mike Procopio

Farewell Kevin Braswell, Taran Armstrong to Golden State Warriors, Justin Schueller transitioned out of Brisbane Bullets, full TABtouch NBL Playoffs preview with Melbourne United v Perth Wildcats, Illawarra Hawks v South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Before getting stuck into the NBL Playoffs, we talk about the sad passing of 2011 NZ Breakers championship winning guard and former head coach Kevin Braswell.

We then also look at how frustrating it is to have this FIBA break before the Playoffs and talk about Taran Armstrong gong from the Cairns Taipans to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA, and why Justin Schueller appears hard done by to be let go by the Brisbane Bullets.

We then get stuck into previews of the two Playoff series starting with Melbourne United against the Perth Wildcats. History is with Melbourne and so is home court advantage, but there's so much to watch out for including if United's veterans or the Wildcats youth shine.

Then can Bryce Cotton finally break the shackles of Shea Ili, do Melbourne have an answer for the explosive Keanu Pinder and who prevailed in the battle of the two fastest paced teams in the NBL.

Then there's the Illawarra Hawks trying to shake off a three-week break when they take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix in the other series.

The Hawks look to have all the weapons with Tyler Harvey and Trey Kell III in the back court, and Sam Froling, Lachlan Olbrich and Mason Peatling up front, but the Phoenix have a big threat with Matt Hurt and also welcome back Derrick Walton Jr.

Josh King is also yet to lose to Justin Tatum and the Hawks since taking over as coach at the Phoenix while whether or not South East Melbourne can force Illawarra into turning the ball over 10-plus times will be a crucial factor.

To then wrap up this week's show we take a look at the coaching vacancies at the Cairns Taipans and Brisbane Bullets with Cody pinpointing Kerry Williams as the likely appointment at the Snakes and potentially Chase Buford returning to the NBL at the Bullets.

The Adelaide 36ers became the most fascinating story to watch in #NBL25 too and we look back on what they did and why if they can bring back the majority of that eight-man rotation that worked late in the piece they will be tough to deal with next season.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle – #NBL25 Episode 21

This week, Pro picks the surging Lakers as his Team of the Week, while Bogues rides with the red-hot Cavs. The Suns remain a mess, and Memphis is fading. Joel Embiid’s season is over—could the 76ers medically retire him? Plus, Pacers fans sue Pat Bev, Knicks vs. Raptors dispute, and wild free-throw stats. Josh Giddey dominates as Aussie of the Week, and we debate if Jayson Tatum is undervalued. In the NBL, key re-signings and playoff battles heat up.

00:00:17

Intro

00:01:28

Team of the Week

00:09:32

Week team of the Week

00:25:08:11
 Latest NBA News

00:45:55:03

Useful or Useless

00:50:37
 Aussie of the Week

00:51:46:00

Fact or Fake News

01:05:54

Latest NBL News

© 2025 AMB Media

The Basketball Podcast Episode 157 – NBA Surges, Suns Struggles & Embiid’s Future w/ Mike Procopio

NBL must find a way to fix block/goaltend calls, Chris Goulding MVP of stunning Melbourne United-Perth Wildcats series, why John Rillie had to sit Keanu Pinder, excitement for Illawarra Hawks from player in their last Championship Series in 2017.

We open up this week's show with Cody Ellis talking about how proud he is of the Illawarra Hawks for what they have achieved so far in NBL, the way the community has got behind them and his reflections on being part of their last Championship Series in 2017.

We then turn our attention to the two Playoff Series where the Hawks dominated the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Game 3 after two tight games while Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats played out an all-time classic over three matches.

While Melbourne and Perth had a standout series, it wasn’t without drama and a lot of that surrounded some controversial calls late in the game including an unacceptable missed goaltend that was counted as a block from Marcus Lee on Ben Henshall with scores tied and 2:30 left.

That wasn’t the only call the Wildcats deserved to feel hard done by about and we look at them all including what appeared a flop from Lee on Jesse Wagstaff, a clear travel from Ian Clark and that was all in the last 2:30 of Game 3.

Away from the controversial, we look at Chris Goulding being the MVP of the series on the back of making 22 three-pointers while Ian Clark made the difference in Game 3 with 38 points and Jack White had a torrid time at the foul line.

From a Wildcats point of view, John Rillie deserves enormous credit for the changes he made from late in the third quarter of Game 2 onwards to give his team a chance and that included benching Keanu Pinder, but Cody Ellis talks about why he was left with no choice.

Then as for the other series, Trey Kell III and Tyler Harvey starred in the Game 1 and 3 wins for the Hawks while Todd Blanchfield came up huge and Derrick Walton Jr didn't quite return for the South East Melbourne Phoenix how he hoped and Matt Hurt's form wildly fluctuated from Wollongong to Melbourne.

With those Playoff Series out of the way, we look ahead to the Hawks-United Championship Series where there is all sorts of match ups to look forward to but might well be veterans Todd Blanchfield and Ian Clark who hold the key for their respective teams.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle – #NBL25 Episode 22

Breaking down Illawarra Hawks-Melbourne United NBL Championship Series, fingers crossed for Shea Ili, not good enough from Jack White, Adam Caporn perfect Boomers choice, Andrew Bogut's first step to coaching Sydney Kings, New Orleans Pelicans on the way.

Plenty of other things to discuss along with the Championship Series beginning with Adam Caporn being appointed the Australian Boomers coach and Cody sees him as the perfect choice for the role moving forward.

We then also discuss if Keanu Pinder's social media posting was a farewell to the Perth Wildcats, if Josh Bannan is now the hottest free agent commodity and if Andrew Bogut being a Sydney Kings assistant coach might be his first step towards being head coach.

We also look at the New Orleans Pelicans coming to Melbourne in October with Zion Williamson to play a couple of NBA pre-season games against Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix.

We then break down Game 1 of the Championship Series in what was the perfect example of a game of two halves with the Hawks having things on their terms in the first half before United turned things on its head for the win.

Melbourne's experience and physicality came to the fore in that second half with Marcus Lee playing a huge role while the back court of Shea Ili and Matthew Dellavedova helped ensure that Trey Kell III and Tyler Harvey had tough starts to the series.

We then turn our focus to Game 2 in Melbourne and the Hawks were in control of a lot of it but there was a lot to dissect in the last 10 seconds with Ian Clark's go ahead foul shots, Tyler Harvey's massive three and then Chris Goulding's three rattling out.

Also in Game 2, the Hawks won the physical battle and going big with Lachlan Olbrich and Sam Froling worked while Harvey and Trey Kell III fired with Jack White not good enough for Melbourne United but Tanner Krebs showed his value.

After wrapping up the first two games, we take a look at the TABtouch odds for Game 3 and then the rest of the series, and Cody is going with the Hawks to win Game 3 and to take the series 3-2 from here.

The WNBL championship has been decided with the Bendigo Spirit led by Sami Whitcomb winning and while the league has a strong on-court product, it needs a big boost in promotion to boost the profile which should begin happening under the NBL banner.

We then rapidly run through some free agents with Cody giving his thoughts on the future of players in the NBL including Bryce Cotton, Keanu Pinder, Kendric Davis, Montrezl Harrell, Tacko Fall, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Jaylen Adams, Derrick Walton Jr, Milton Doyle and Jordon Crawford.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).

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