Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – #NBL25 Episode 6

Simon Mitchell on all things South East Melbourne Phoenix – releasing Mike Kelly, Sam Mackinnon’s job, how they got Josh King and then he discusses loving Bul Kuol’s meanness, Trey Kell’s toughness, faith in Tasmania JackJumpers thanks to defence, admiring travelling NZ Breakers.

Given Simon is current GM of basketball at the Phoenix and the club’s inaugural coach, it’s only natural South East Melbourne dominate a lot of this week’s show including the breakthrough Throwdown win against Melbourne United.

Simon also discusses how telling Mike Kelly he would no longer be coach is one of the toughest things he’s ever done, how Josh King ended up being appointed coach despite having a job in Turkey, and why he is such a good fit for this Phoenix group and his style will be exciting for the NBL.

Simon Mitchell gives his Sports Card World Player of the Year votes topped by new leader Kendric Davis from the Adelaide 36ers with Bul Kuol getting top votes in Damian Martin’s Best Defensive Player award as Simon talks about how much he loves he imposes himself, and his meanness.

We then talk about the Perth Wildcats now having to live without Bryce Cotton in the short term and why Simon expects players on the team to relish the challenge, including Tai Webster and Ben Henshall as guards, and Izan Almanza and Keanu Pinder up front.

While Simon doesn’t expect the New Zealand Breakers to be his Phoenix in Christchurch this Thursday, he can’t help but admire how they are holding up despite now passing 51,000km travelled the past six weeks and things they deserve more respect for that.

We then look at why the Illawarra Hawks are the NBL’s best team right now and why Trey Kell III is such a key to that and Simon talks about the recent revelation that he actually had an undiagnosed leg fracture in his season at the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Simon also talks about why others might be concerned about the Tasmania JackJumpers scoring, he is sure they will find more points and he continues to be amazed by how good their defence is anchored by the world class shot blocking of Will Magnay.

The Adelaide 36ers can now work on their massive line-up with Jarell Martin joining Isaac Humphries and Montrezl Harrell with Simon talking about how exciting and potent they are, he knows they must improve defensively.

We then wrap up this week’s show with a preview of Round 6 in the NBL, whether Shea Ili or Taran Armstrong are missed more by Melbourne United or Cairns Taipans, and Simon talks about his admiration of how Sam Mackinnon has shown leadership over the past week.

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