Hoops Heaven’s Basketball Hustle – #NBL25 Episode 16

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).