February 24th, 2010 by Dusty Rychart
Wildcats to the Grand Final do it a game earlier than most expected. Hawks can do the same tonight but it will be a tough task at the Swamp but if Larry Davidson can do what he did last game the Hawks will be in. Homicide better get his outside shot working because you can bet the Hawks will pack it in and make him shoot or pass to his teammates.
I think the Hawks will get it done tonight.
February 22nd, 2010 by Dusty Rychart
The Adelaide 36er’s have parted ways with current coach Scott Ninnis after a disappointing year where it saw the team eat from the wooden spoon for the first time in club history. Sorry to see such a great guy let go but I guess changes need to be made. I wonder what he could have done if he could have picked his own coaching staff and players. Guess we’ll never know.
February 17th, 2010 by Dusty Rychart
The NBL is in the same position as it was last year deciding on what teams to let into the new league. It seems after a year nothing really has changed and once again the NBL is making last minute adjustments on what teams can meet the criteria.
This is my third team in just as many years that has been financially troubled. The Taipan’s met the criteria for the 2009/2010 season but are coming up short and have been granted a few more days to get everything in line. Still around 400,000 short of corporate sponsorship it doesn’t look healthy but we are surviving. It’s tough being in this position as a player because you’re totally helpless. You just have to sit back and let things take their course and hope for the best. Personally I have never liked waiting around to hear my fate and that’s been the trend for most my time in Australia. Every team seems to have some money problems at some time or another. Not sure how you can fix it but personally it’s the worst part. Not knowing your future is something that many have experienced over the last few years with the global financial crisis and it’s not easy. I can honestly say that the Taipan’s players have gone out and done more in the community than any other team in the NBL and any team that I have played for. We are out in schools, malls and promos every week trying to reach out to the grass roots. There is a lot of love for the Taipans in FNQ but love can’t get you over the line, money does.
The NBL playoffs start tomorrow Perth vs GC. Should be an interesting game but without Ubaka and a full strength Petrie I can’t see the Blaze winning this series. Perth are way too strong at home and sure the Blaze beat them there earlier in the season but that was with a full squad. I think the Blaze peaked way too early. Predictions – Wildcats in 3.
Hawks vs Crocs could be the most fun to watch series of the playoffs. Hawks are super tough at home and the Crocs have been up and down all year winning some at home and some on the road. If the Hawks can hold their home court it could be a Perth vs Hawks battle of the home courts for the championship.
February 10th, 2010 by Dusty Rychart
The season has come and gone once again. Saturday feb 13, 2010 will be our last game for the year and it’s against the New Zealand Breakers. Could be a crucial game for the Breakers as they still have a fighting chance at getting that last playoff spot. They first must beat the Gold Coast Blaze Thursday night and then fly over the ditch to get us on Saturday.
Looks like we still need a few hundred more season ticket holders so we can be around next season. With league numbers coming out earlier this week I was surprised to find out that we were among the league leaders in attendance. Shows that smaller communities really get behind their clubs and should be encouraged to enter the league next season.
I must say I will be deeply disappointed if the Taipans aren’t allowed to be in the new league next season. Personally I’m sick of moving to a new club and forced to move to another the following season. The 8 years I’ve been here almost every team has had financial problems. I hope this is my home fore years to come but if there is no team then I guess it’s off to another team hoping it will last longer than a year.
Who would have thought that twitter comments would make sports page headlines? The Perth fans didn’t like my comments on twitter and printed it for all to see in the Western Australian Paper. Like my website, my twitter comments are my opinion and if you don’t like what i have to say then leave or post a comment or if you want take it to the press.
Thank You Cairns for supporting us throughout the year. I know it hasn’t been easy but thanks for your continued support.
See you Sat Feb 13th, 2010 at the Snake Pit.
follow me on Twitter dusty_rychart
February 4th, 2010 by Dusty Rychart
Huge win last night against Perth at home. As I was interviewed after the game by Shane “the Hammer” Heal he asked what are we playing for since we most likely won’t make the playoffs. Well self-pride, for a team next year and for the community. Just because the playoffs might be out of reach doesn’t mean we just lay over and let teams come in here and beat us.
With 2 more games to go we can finish this season strong and give us confidence heading into the 2010/2011 season. Over the last few weeks we’ve been playing our best ball of the year. To bad it took us until the end of the season to gel and understand each other. That’s always the hardest part of putting together a new team. You never know when and if there is going to be chemistry among the team and that’s what we were fighting to find for most of the year. Hopefully we can learn from this and understand that we have to find it earlier next season or we will be in the same position.
One thing is for certain and there are 3 teams in the playoffs and one (Hawks) need just one more win to secure their spot. I really don’t have a clear favorite but the way the Wildcats came at us in the 1st quarter last night was a sign of a championship team but they fizzled down the stretch. Right now my two for the grand final are the Blaze vs Wildcats. If the Wildcats get home court advantage then I think they are the clear favorites just because of the homer calls they get at the Jungle. Whatever happens, this years playoffs are going to be the most intense and exciting the NBL has seen in years. Get on board
