Back on Court! Local Competition is Happening Again – Exciting.

The last of the more onerous restrictions on indoor team sports have now been lifted enabling local competitions to resume – junior, senior and masters. Both Basketball Victoria and Netball Victoria have information for participants available on their websites.

For your assistance we re-publish the advice here for participants from the VBA website: 

Participants

Return to Sport Update – 25 March

We are pleased to see additional easing of COVID-19 restrictions as announced earlier this
week by the Victorian Government and the Department of Health. From 6pm on Friday 26
March the following changes occur: 
Venue Density and Patron Capacity 
Density limits in indoor venues will move from 1 person per 4sqm to 1 person per 2sqm. This
is in line with other entertainment venues, cafes, pubs and
restaurants. Additionally, the maximum number of people allowed in indoor non-
seated entertainment / sporting venues will increase from 50 per cent to 75 per cent capacity. 
For basketball venues, this means the maximum number of people within a venue including
participants and spectators where allowed, is 75% capacity per
court dependent on venue density limits. Density limits are calculated at 1 person per
2m². The table on page 3 of the Return to Sport Guidelines (V12/March 26) shows the
maximum capacity per court. 

Masks 
Masks will no longer be required in retail settings but Victorians will still need to carry one
with them at all times and wear it on public transport, in rideshare vehicles and taxis and in
sensitive settings such as aged care facilities and hospitals. Basketball Victoria recommends –
when social distancing cannot be maintained, that all patrons aged 12 years or older, should
wear a mask in venues unless medically exempt.   
As with previous updates, masks are not required during games for players, referees and
coaches while on court.  

QR Codes 
Electronic record keeping such as QR codes must be used to allow for contact tracing to be
updated. The QR code requirement for community sport, is to have electronic record keeping
through the Services Vic application or a government API-linked digital system. Venues will
have a 28-day compliance amnesty to ensure this is the case.

QR Code Reporting

Basketball Victoria recommends the use of QR codes for all patrons to ensure sufficient
attendance records are maintained over the coming months as we return to sport.
The Victorian Government has launched a new and free QR Code Service which will help
venues and businesses to keep records of visitors. To use the service, you only need to
register the venue or business, download and print a poster containing a Victorian
Government QR Code, and display it prominently.
In addition, a PlayHQ COVID report is available for players, coaches and team managers
who participate on a given day/night and are tagged into electronic scoring if a case arises.

If required, please lodge a support ticket via https://support.playhq.com/

Basketball Victoria Participant Licence

As previously noted, the Basketball Victoria participation licence is not season or association
specific and allows individuals to play as many times as they want across the state in a 365-
day period. We are extending all active licences for individuals for the duration of the
period that basketball was/is unable to be played in Victoria due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As you would be aware, in addition to competition management and insurance, individual
participant fees (the Basketball Victoria Licence) cover a range of essential services and
programs which we are and will continue to deliver.
Note: A detailed explanation of the 365 Day Licence can be found here.
However, as always, we will consider requests for individual refunds to those participants
who are experiencing extreme hardship at any time (the individual must contact their club or
association who then escalates to Basketball Victoria via a Support Ticket).

Refunds

Generally speaking, BV’s licence fee is not refundable, as per our terms of registration and
we are extending the BV licences as per above. However, we can consider requests for
refunds in certain cases. We are in a unique situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and we
understand any significant economic or health related impact.
The process/conditions for individual refunds are as follows:

Individual refund requests need to come through via the club (if applicable) to the
association (as per the correct communication channel including club requests) via
http://support.playhq.com
o Senior Domestic need to request via the association who then lodges support
ticket The player needs to have played fewer than 3 games
 Player’s registration to the season in question needs to be marked as cancelled
 A valid reason needs to be provided

 BV needs confirmation in writing that the association and/or club has refunded any
fees that were paid to them before BV considers the request for refund of the BV
licence fee
 Bank details provided for an approved refund to be processed.

Venues and Facilities 

Follow all signage or instructions that direct the flow of traffic or prevent access to areas of the facility. Follow signage indicating the maximum number of people permitted in any space at a single time. Access to toilets and changerooms is permitted but may be limited. It is recommended that only participants use changerooms. It is recommended that you shower at home. Canteens and cafés may be open. 

Health and Hygiene

Always carry a face mask. If you feel unwell, do not attend. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after the session, and more frequently as required. Use approved hand sanitiser before, during and after each session. Wash your uniform after each session with warm water and detergent. Refrain from all unnecessary body contact ie. no handshakes or high fives. 

Take it easy. A sudden rise in activity may increase the risk of injury. Community netball participants should not return to netball if in the last 14 days they have been unwell or had close contact with a known or suspected case of COVID-19. Community netball participants must stay informed about case locations and exposure sites. Anyone who has visited a Tier 1 exposure site during the specified time must isolate, get a COVID-19 test, and remain isolated for 14 days. Anyone who has visited a Tier 2 exposure site during the specified times is encouraged to get a COVID-19 test and isolate until they receive a negative result. Refer to Department of Health and Human Services processes upon confirmation of a positive COVID-19 case.

Under no circumstance should associations or clubs refund the Basketball Victoria
licence fee to individuals. Please refer to the BV refund process.

For netball we provide a link below to similar advice from Netball Victoria:

Return to Netball

Nellakir are the leading professionals in the installation and maintenance of timber sports flooring.

For an obligation free quotation on all maintenance and scheduled programmed cleaning call 03 9467 6126 or leave your contact details here.

Nellakir are Victoria and Tasmania’s leading installers of timber sports flooring.  For premium competition sports flooring solutions always contact Nellakir for the perfect result.

Nellakir – Sports Flooring for Champions. 

Netball – it’s Back On! Here’s This Year’s Suncorp Super Netball Fixture.

After months of limitations it looks like it’s only a matter of time before we can enjoy the full indoor stadium experience of netball after 12 months of the more extreme COVID restrictions look like being lifted this Friday 26^th March. 

To put some icing on the cake here is the Suncorp Super Netball Fixture for 2021. Now televised on Channel 9 via the Telstra app, the competition is really flying with the Olympic Games the next major advance well within reach. 

Netball is by far the most popular and fastest growing women’s sport in Australasia with significant growth in Malaysia and Singapore as well.

For your interest here is the fixture for 2021 – Suncorp Super Netball. 

2021 Season Fixture: Full 2021 fixture realeased 

12 MAR 2021 

Super Netball 2021 Fixture 

The 2021 Suncorp Super Netball fixture has been released, revealing that the Grand Final rematch between the Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever will open the season on May 1. 

The Melbourne Vixens will host a 2020 Grand Final re-match against the West Coast Fever in front of fans at John Cain Arena to kick-off the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball season.

The release of the full 2021 Suncorp Super Netball fixture this morning has unveiled that the first match of the season will be played on Saturday 1 May at 3pm AEST with the action set to continue at the same venue that evening with the Collingwood Magpies taking on the Sunshine Coast Lightning at 7pm AEST.

See the full fixture here

Round 1 will then move north on Sunday 2 May where the Queensland Firebirds will host the NSW Swifts at Nissan Arena at 1pm AEST, and then across to Adelaide where the Thunderbirds will welcome GIANTS Netball to Netball SA Arena at 3pm AEST.

The 2021 fixture sees all teams hosting seven home games throughout the season with fans able to attend all matches*, returning the competition to normality following the condensed hub format the 2020 season was played in.

Netball Australia Chief Commercial Officer and EGM of Events, Dave Lee is pleased to release the full 17-week fixture today.

“The Suncorp Super Netball league is delighted to be welcoming fans back to matches across the country in 2021 for a full home and away season,” he said.

“The world’s premier netball league will be making a return to states that didn’t get to watch a match live in 2020 and we know the athletes are incredibly excited to have the cheer of a home crowd behind them. There is just so much to look forward to this season with team rivalries greater than ever before.

“With the uncertainty in today’s world, we have worked closely with clubs, broadcasters and venues to put strong contingencies in place for this entire fixture, ensuring we’re best placed to keep the 2021 season going if various borders close throughout the year.”

In other fixture highlights, the Finals Series will be played over three weeks culminating with the Grand Final on Sunday 29 August, the new home of netball in Sydney – Ken Rosewall Arena –– will be unveiled in Round 2, night matches will be played across the season and Collingwood will play at the Silverdome in Launceston.

Round 8 will be played over two weekends to allow each team to have a bye within the season and themed rounds for the 2021 season, such as Indigenous Round, will be announced as the season approaches.

Mim Haysom, Suncorp Executive General Manager Brand & Marketing said, “Suncorp is delighted to continue our support of Suncorp Super Netball and together with netball fans nationally, eagerly anticipate a season of exciting match-ups and hopefully plenty of opportunity for fans to get close to the live action in venues.

“Suncorp is proud to be committed to supporting women’s sport, and every level of netball, from our juniors in Suncorp NetSetGO programs all the way to the aspirational role models and high performing athletes we see on the court in Suncorp Super Netball.”

Teams are currently in full pre-season training with many practice matches happening between Suncorp Super Netball clubs around the country. See club websites for details.
The 2021 Suncorp Super Netball season will be broadcast live on Nine, Telstra TV and the Netball Live Official App.

*fan attendance/capacity will depend on health advice in each local jurisdiction.

To play the game at its highest level requires a premium, sprung timber playing surface. Right now Nellakir is completing the last of the new courts at the Victorian Hockey and Netball Centre in Royal Park. Nellakir installed the original indoor stadium courts there back in 2013 in time for the Commonwealth Games hosted in Melbourne.

Right now Australia-wide Nellakir and its sister companies in other states can provide your stadium, recreation centre, school or indoor sports centre with a premium playing surface for netball, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and other indoor sports.

Call Nellakir now on 03 9467 6126 to arrange a free, no obligation consultation with one of our expert technicians to ensure a practical and effective annual maintenance program. Alternatively, you can leave your details here for a prompt reply. 

For all installations, repairs, maintenance and complete refurbishment of timber sports flooring call Nellakir the leading professional in all sports flooring.

Nellakir Champion Sports Flooring For Present and Future Champions. 

Trade Deadline Approaches for the NBA

The NBA is a sea of rumours right now.  Who wants who? Who is staying, who is leaving? And the season schedule continues on toward the playoffs.  Read about it here:

Seven-way frenzy for $45m star; title heavyweight eyes two big names: NBA Rumour Mill

Staff Writers from Fox Sports

March 16th, 2021 12:30 pm

The NBA trade deadline is inching closer and the noise is only growing surrounding the future of a host of the league’s most in-demand names. 

Here is the rundown on all the key players who could be on the move. 

Welcome to the latest NBA Rumour Mill.

SEVEN-WAY CHASE FOR $45M MAGIC STAR

The Orlando Magic are one of the more intriguing teams to monitor ahead of the deadline. 

The Magic have the second-worst record (13-26) in the East and there have been growing calls for them to blow it all up, having kept Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier and Nikola Vucevic together for seven years now. 

They have just two playoffs appearance to show for it. 

The Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reports that “some rival teams believe Orlando can set the one for this year’s trade market”, not that Fournier, Terrence Ross and “to a far lesser extent” Nikola Vucevic have all been perceived as available in some sense. 

However, the biggest name to watch at the Magic according to multiple reports is Gordon, with both Fischer and Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reporting he is “open to a change of scenery.” 

Aaron Gordon is reportedly after a change of scenery. Elsa/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP

It comes as The Athletic’s NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that the Magic “have been open” to calls from rivals on Gordon, with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers named as two teams taking interest. 

Fischer reported that the Timberwolves and Magic were actually close to an agreement on a package for Gordon which included Ricky Rubio and future draft capital.

That was until Gordon was sidelined by a left ankle sprain. 

He adds that the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors have shown “notable interest” in Gordon “dating back to November’s draft.” 

Meanwhile, Haynes also named the Nuggets, Trail Blazers and Rockets as three teams who have inquired about Gordon while adding the Detroit Pistons to total seven franchises publicly named. 

As for what the Magic would be after now in exchange for Gordon, Haynes adds they are understood to have put a “substantial price tag” on him. 

Gordon is set for $18.1 million ($A23.4m) this season and $16.4 million ($A21.2m) in 2021-22, which is the last year of his existing deal.

NETS NOT DONE YET

They may have added Blake Griffin but the consensus among NBA insiders is that the Brooklyn Nets are far from finished making moves. 

Charania reports that there are “whispers around the league” that Brooklyn have interest in Mason Plumlee, a passing big who already has two triple-doubles this season for Detroit. 

He is earning $8 million ($A10.3m) this season, which increases slightly to $8.1 million ($A10.5m) next year and has a partial guarantee in 2022-23. 

Meanwhile, the Nets are also understood to be a leading contender for Andre Drummond should he receive a contract buyout after the trade deadline, per Charania.

Andre Drummond was at Deroit before Cleveland. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

The Lakers and Knicks are also reported to be key challengers to Brooklyn but the Cleveland Cavaliers are favouring finding a trade for Drummond. 

Charania adds that Cleveland want an asset such as a second-round pick for the center but that rival teams doubt it will happen via trade.

One name the Nets had been linked to in the past is P.J. Tucker but the report also claims Brooklyn are no longer interested. 

Instead, the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat and Lakers remain in the hunt although Houston’s hopes to secure a young talented piece in exchange has complicated matters. 

BOSTON’S BIG THREE TARGETS

One of the other teams to monitor in the lead-up to the trade deadline are the Boston Celtics.

With a $28.5 million ($A37m) traded player exception from Gordon Hayward’s move to the Charlotte Hornets, Boston could go after a big-name player.

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge did previously say it was “most likely” that the franchise would wait until the off-season to use the money and would not use it on a single player. 

Still Boston have been linked to three top targets – John Collins, LaMarcus Aldridge and Harrison Barnes.

On Collins, Charania reports he is a “player of interest” but that the Atlanta Hawks want a “high-level first-round draft pick and/or talented young player” in return. 

John Collins is in Boston’s sights. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP

Averaging 17.9 points and 7.7 rebounds, Collins would be a valuable addition alongside Robert Williams but he may cost too much. 

The Celtics are also reportedly among “leading suitors” for the 35-year old Aldridge, who is shooting a career-best 38.9 per cent from beyond the arc.

The Blazers and Heat are also circling although he could also be a buyout option after the deadline. 

Barnes though is the “more logical and likely target” according to Charania and Boston could work out a deal with the Kings given they have shifted to “seller mode” ahead of the deadline, per Sam Amick.

Nellakir provide professional maintenance and upkeep on all timber sports flooring in Victoria and Tasmania. From re-coating,line marking, re-sanding when necessary, through to scheduled cleaning and running repairs – Nellakir are the leading experts in sprung timber sports flooring. 

From installation to professional maintenance, scheduled cleaning right through to complete removals and replacement of all sports flooring, Nellakir is the name to remember. 

Call 9467 6126 now to arrange a free consultation with one of our skilled flooring technicians or leave your details here for a prompt reply. 

Nellakir – champion sports flooring for present and future champions. 

Netball – the Constellation Cup

New Zealand defeats Australia in Game One 49-44

Four tests – all played in Christchurch. The first competitive game for the Australian team in over a year and a half due to Covid. Game One sees a narrow win for the home side in front of – no crowd – due to Covid. The result sets up a difficult task for Australia. It needs to win all three remaining games or tie the series 2 all with a healthier goal difference to retain the Constellation Cup, which it has won eight times consecutively. Read about it here for the full details of Game One:

New Zealand beats Australia 49-44 in game one of the Constellation Cup netball series in Christchurch

Posted Yesterday at 7:51pm

The Silver Ferns put Australia under pressure from the start.

AAP: John Davidson

The Diamonds have slipped to defeat in their return to Test netball, losing 49-44 to New Zealand in the Constellation Cup opener on Tuesday night.

Key points:

• Australia’s national netball team, the Diamonds, have won the Constellation Cup series against New Zealand seven times in a row
• However the Diamonds have lost game one of the 2021 series to the Silver Ferns in Christchurch
• New Zealand led by seven goals at half-time, and although the Diamonds edged the final quarter, the home side won 49-44

Some 492 days since their last outing and just two days out of quarantine, Australia were beaten out of the blocks in Christchurch and never recovered.

The match was Stacey Marinkovich’s first as Australia coach and the victory will raise Kiwi hopes of winning the Cup for the first time since 2012.

Australia went in with five debutants. Kiera Austin started at goal attack, alongside her former Giants teammate Caitlin Bassett.

Four of the five players on the bench were also playing their first game for Australia; Sophie Garbin, Kim Jenner, Cara Koenen and Verity Charles.

The home side began strongly, going on a five-goal run to get out to a 10-5 lead. Australia responded with three goals in a row, but the Diamonds ended up trailing 14-10 at quarter-time.

Australia scored the first two goals of the second quarter to close within two, but that was as close as they got.

New Zealand gradually took control again and established a 28-21 lead at the main break.

The Silver Ferns’ lead blew out to double figures early in the third term before Australia stormed back.

Marinkovich rang the changes and had some success; captain Bassett and Austin in goal attack put on five straight goals.

The injection of Karin Burger in defence midway through the third term turned the tables and the Silver Ferns went to the last change ahead 40-31.

Constellation Cup game one:

Team	QT	HT	3QT	FT
New Zealand	14	28	40	49
Australia	10	21	31	44

Scorers:

NZ: M Wilson 31/40, A Ekenasio 18/23

AUS: C Bassett 19/21, K Austin 18/24

Centre Liz Watson said the Diamonds made “basic errors” and “struggled to get through the zone defence”.

Australia shaded New Zealand in the fourth quarter, winning it 13-9, but left themselves too much to do.

Bassett, the regular skipper under former coach Lisa Alexander but the first of Marinkovich’s rotated leaders in this series, scored 19 goals from 21 attempts in a typically strong display.

The Silver Ferns were outscored in the final quarter, but they will take a 1-0 lead into game two against Australia.(

AAP: John Davidson

Against a steely Silver Ferns defence, Austin showed early nerves, missing four of her first 10 before finishing with 18 from 24 shots.

Charles played the second half at wing attack.

While Koenen took Bassett’s place for the fourth term and scored seven, shooting at 100 per cent.

For New Zealand, goal shooter Maia Wilson was the leader in attack with 31 goals from 40 attempts.

Skipper Ameliaranne Ekenasio shot 18 from 23, and added 12 handy assists.

Australia will need to win the final three games or tie the series 2-2 with a healthier goal difference to retain the Constellation Cup for an eighth straight time.

Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua, who masterminded a boilover 2019 World Cup final win over Australia, served the Diamonds notice of their intent.

“We’re gunning for it. Now is the time for us,” Taurua said.

The series has been rearranged due to COVID-19, with all four Tests being played in Christchurch without crowds.

Game two is on Wednesday before the series concludes with matches on Saturday and Sunday.

ABC/AAP

Netball is by far the most popular sport for women and girls in both Australia and New Zealand. Here in Victoria the sport is experiencing astronomical growth, partially due to being fostered with superior facilities in both schools and recreational centres state-wide. 

Children and young adults compete on premium timber sports flooring from an early age. In Victoria and Tasmania Nellakir are the leading expert professionals in the installation, maintenance and programmed cleaning of all timber sports flooring.

Call now for an obligation free consultation with a Nellakir technician on all sports flooring requirements. Annual maintenance, repairs and refurbishment, line marking, re-coating and full service of all removable stadium seating – Nellakir provide expert advice and service on all facets of your valuable sports flooring. Call now on 03 9467 6126 and book an appointment.  Or if you prefer, leave your details here for a prompt reply.

Nellakir – Premium Sprung Timber Sports Flooring for Present and Future Champions.

Timber Sports Flooring by Nellakir – the right surface for premium competition.

When the NBL teams run out onto the main court at Basketball Victoria’s Wantirna facility it just ‘feels right’. Players experience the benefit of sprung timber flooring immediately. It’s faster and reduces shock from movement by providing real give and bounce.

At Wantirna, Nellakir installed 3 show courts using the PR2 system from ASF/Horner flooring systems and 3 general courts using the PR1 system from ASF/Horner in messmate flooring – an Australian hardwood.

• 

• 

Whether your team is competing at a local Sports Centre such as Casey Stadium in Cranbourne South, Keilor Stadium or Eagle Stadium in Werribee you are competing on premium ASF/Horner FIBA approved flooring installed by Nellakir. Add to this flooring at the Bendigo Stadium and the many multi-purpose courts with community access constructed and installed by the Victorian Building Authority at a whole raft of new schools across Victoria, you are enjoying the very best in premium Timber Sports Flooring from Nellakir and ASF/Horner.

• 

• 

The very same principle applies with Victoria’s premiere Netball courts at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Royal Park where Nellakir originally installed 5 separate courts using ST2 (Stump Thrust 2) systems – 2 competition courts and another 3 courts for practice and local competition, back in the early 2000s, in time for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Currently Nellakir is completing a series of new courts at the facility with opening dates and ceremonies to be announced soon by the Victorian Government.

Nellakir has a range of projects currently underway. These include the following new school facilities…

• Fisherman’s Bend Secondary School (Multipurpose)
• Vic Uni Secondary College Parkville (Multipurpose)
• Greater Shepparton College (VBSA) (Multipurpose)

• 

• 

as well as specialist flooring and competition courts at the following locations…

• Heathmont College
• Rosebud Aquatic Centre
• Altona Sports Centre

• 

• 

As usual at this time of year the Nellakir team are undertaking a number of annual maintenance programs state-wide prior to the full return to competition by local leagues and school competitions.

Always call Nellakir, the leading experts in Indoor Timber Sports Flooring for assistance in maintenance, ( Linemarking, recoating, resanding, repairs) and programmed cleaning, as well as running repairs and Insurance damage claims.

Experienced, precise and equipped to provide you the very best in Competition Sports Flooring, it’s simply a phone call away. Call 03 9467 6126 for one of our technicians to meet with you and determine a sensible maintenance program. Or simply leave your details here for a prompt reply.

Nellakir – Champion floors for present and future Champions

Basketball, Netball, Futsal, Volleyball, Gymnastics, Dance and Badminton.

Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.

The NBA – Looking to the Future

At Nellakir the work continues with new courts being installed at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, the Twin Rivers Echuca Primary School and Sirius College in Keysborough. Ongoing annual maintenance projects have continued through the school holiday break.

So during the lockdown here’s a bit of interesting news on the NBA for avid fans of the hoop.

NBA spends more than $500K to keep prospect Jalen Green from facing actual competition

If you want to drill right to the core of the NBA’s new deal with California high school prospect Jalen Green, the league is going to pay him a half-million dollars to not play in the G League because it might be too hard for him.

Green will have no concerns about learning the campus map, no freshman English papers to write and no high-pressure March Madness games to worry about losing. And neither will he have to worry about joining a team such as the Erie Bayhawks or Maine Red Claws and coping with the jealousy of teammates who would be earning about 1/14th his salary.

ESPN reported Thursday that Green will enter a program in which he will be coached and join with other top prospects and professional players for exhibition games against G League teams, national teams from other countries and teams from worldwide NBA academies. Isaiah Todd, who decommitted from Michigan earlier this week to turn pro, is another who might join this program. Green is a 6-5 guard from Prolific Prep in California and is ranked the No. 3 prospect in the 2020 senior class by 247 Sports.

After years of pushing to have the NBA age limit raised to 20 years and two years out of high school, NBA commissioner Adam Silver reversed course a few years back and now wants it down to 18 years with players eligible upon completion of their senior years. But the Players Association has yet to agree, and agents are pushing hard to convince teens to eschew NCAA basketball for that year they must wait to enter the draft and instead turn professional immediately.

A few did last year, but not here in the States. Wing R.J. Hampton and point guard LaMelo Ball chose to play in Australia rather than in NCAA basketball this past season, which led to Silver encouraging the development of an alternative to American teens joining the NBL.

In October 2018, the NBA had introduced a program for high school prospects that would have paid them $125,000 to compete in the G League for a year, before they were eligible for the draft. The typical G League salary is closer to $35,000.

But there had been no takers. That six-figure offer was not as lucrative as what Australia was paying. The prospect of playing in the G League — which lacks glamour but suffers from no shortage of hungry, talented players who would eagerly use an under-prepared teenager as a backdrop for their own resume tape — was not appealing.

G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim told ESPN that it was “counterintuitive” for NBA scouts to travel Down Under to scout those players.

“The NBA is the best development system in the world, and those players shouldn’t have to go somewhere else to develop for a year,” he said. “They should be in our development system.”

This is interesting, because it never seemed like the NBA was a development system. It seemed like the highest level of competition in the world.

If the G League itself were an ideal development system, teenage players would not be fearful of entering. But that’s what was apparent in 2018, when Cincinnati forward Darius Bazley decommitted from Syracuse, announced he would play his post-high school year in the G League and then opted, instead, to serve an internship with an athletic apparel company and then enter the 2019 NBA Draft. He was chosen with the 23rd pick last June and averaged 17 minutes in 53 games with the Thunder before the league suspended its season March 11.

So instead the league is concocting this alternative, which seems like an awful lot of gymnastics to accommodate a few prospects and whose merit is a complete unknown.

Eleven of the 15 players on last year’s three All-NBA teams were products of NCAA colleges, including three who were “one-and-done” collegians. If the NBA thinks it is wise to compete with that success and it’s worth $1 million or more to try — hey, it’s the league’s money.

“This trend has been coming. It’s going to happen. And it’s going to be more and more prevalent,” Notre Dame coach Mike Brey said in a teleconference Wednesday. “We’re just going to have to deal with it.

“But you know what? Here’s my attitude: We’ll have kids take their place. There’s so many good players out there. If a guy wants to go, go to the G League or go to Europe instead of giving us a year, go. Go do your thing. We’ll fill in behind with kids that want the opportunity and are good players.”

Source: sportingnews.com

For all Construction, Installation, Maintenance and Scheduled Cleaning of premium Timber Sports Flooring, call Victoria and Tasmania’s leading experts on 03 9467 6126 for a free, no-obligation quotation. Or visit our website and leave your details here for a prompt reply.

Nellakir use the ASF/Horner Sports Flooring systems exclusively.

Nellakir – Sports Flooring for Champions.

Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.

Nellakir and Netball

Nellakir is proud to be involved with the construction and installation of the new indoor courts at the Victorian Netball & Hockey Centre in Royal Park.

Here is the press release from Netball Victoria:

Redeveloped State Netball & Hockey Centre

A key netball facility development project – many years in the making – is now underway, with the State Netball Hockey Centre (SNHC) in Parkville currently under construction.The Andrews Government announced funding of $64.6 million for the redevelopment and expansion of the SNHC.

The huge support of the entire Victorian netball community has also been key to ensuring the project’s progress.

The SNHC is a vital headquarters for netball, hosting more than 5000 participants each week for training, competition and events. Netball has been a tenant of the facility in Royal Park for nearly 80 years.

Please read this safety message now that works have commenced.

Our New Home

The redeveloped centre is due to open in March 2021 and will include:

• 11 indoor netball courts
• New major event and spectator facilities
• Capacity to provide an expanded range of competitions, programs, coaching clinics, tournaments and camps for participants from throughout Victoria
• High Performance facilities to support elite and pathway teams, national teams and visiting international teams
• Administrative headquarters for Netball Victoria and Hockey Victoria
• The Victorian Women in Sport Leadership Centre, nurturing transformational leaders
• Occasional care facilities
• Universal Design Principles to ensure equitable access for all

Source: vic.netball.com.au/snhc

Netball is Australia’s most popular womens sport catering for competitions ranging from Junior through to Senior with an Australia-wide premium competition that has been featured on Free to Air Television – Netball Australia’s 8 team National Competition.

Nellakir have been involved with the construction of most premium competition courts in the Greater Melbourne area and the nearby Regional Cities. The Nellakir team constructed the current Victorian Netball Centre main courts. These are constructed in premium sprung timber sports flooring and can be viewed on our website here. Nellakir are now engaged with the construction and installation of the new courts at the facility.

As well the company is actively involved in cyclical maintenance of a large number of courts both in Greater Melbourne and regional Victoria currently used for premium competitive Netball.

At Nellakir we believe in fostering the sport of Netball as a healthy, regular team sport. The Victorian State Government PPP program is now ensuring that kids have a genuine opportunity to play and participate in most parts of Melbourne and rural Victoria. The PPP (Public Private Partnership) program is ensuring that Netball Courts are incorporated in the majority of new schools built and also with school upgrades.

Netball is a skilful game. It requires quick thinking and action with good hand to eye coordination. It is fast becoming a recognised international sport.

It is more than interesting seeing the sport regain a foothold in the USA. This is where it started many years ago, as a genteel version of Basketball for ‘proper young ladies’. However since those days the game has evolved dramatically and it is now a fast paced, incredibly skilful game with major differences to Basketball. This includes court position, no dribbling the ball, no contact and the three second rule that requires ball disposal within a three second period. It’s a wonderful team sport that encourages the development of physical, mental and social skill sets.

For anyone looking to encourage their children to play sport and exercise, Netball is an excellent choice.

And remember in junior grades boys can play too! So step to it. Netball is the buzz. Enrol your children for real fun and fitness now. And you never know – if they’re playing indoors on a sprung timber sports floor – it’s probably a Nellakir floor!

Call now to arrange a consultation with Nellakir on construction, installation and maintenance of your Timber Sports Flooring and Indoor Stadium requirements. Call 03 9467 6126 and book a free no obligation appointment to discuss your requirements. Nellakir now offer an excellent cyclical court cleaning program that ensures your Competition Courts provide the very best surface for all competitors, young and old.

Nellakir – The Sports Flooring for Champions.

Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.

The 2019 – 2020 NBA Season Rankings as they stand.

Basketball fans world-wide follow the NBA with great interest and intensity. It’s the sports premium competition. Just as the premium playing surface here in Victoria is FIBA approved ASF/Horner Timber Sports Flooring supplied and maintained by Nellakir – the experts in the construction, maintenance and scheduled cleaning of all premium Timber Sports Flooring in Victoria and Tasmania.

The current NBA rankings are as follows (Courtesy of Jason Guilbault and reprinted from Lineup.com)

2020 NBA Power Rankings (Updated 12.13.2019)

1. Los Angeles Lakers

2019-2020 Record 22-3 Previous Rank: 2

Winning nine of their last ten games, and with the big names clicking, the Lakers come in red hot. Anthony Davis and LeBron James are playing like an MVP duo, and that rusty start to the season is nowhere to be found.

2. Milwaukee Bucks

2019-2020 Record: 22-3 Previous Rank: 3

The Bucks have rattled off 16 straight wins at the moment, and are putting up over 120 points per game. Giannis Antetokounmpo has taken his game to another level, and the secondary pieces are all playing well.

3. LA Clippers

2019-2020 Record 19-7 Previous Rank: 5

You could say this Los Angeles team has had a harder time gelling with new names, but now 8-2 in their last ten games, and everyone healthy again, the Clippers have been showing why they are such a tough team to beat.

4. Miami Heat

2019-2020 Record 18-6 Previous Rank: 6

Miami is just seemingly playing under the radar as they have the third best winning percentage in the league right now. Jimmy Butler has been playing excellent basketball, but once again Erik Spolstra has been doing a lot with younger or lesser names.

5. Philadelphia 76ers

2019-2020 Record 19-7 Previous Rank: 10

Philadelphia has struggled on the road this season going 6-7, but they have dominated at home. Defensively they have been excellent, but offense has hit a wall at times. This was expected to be an early season struggle at times, and hopefully it is just that.

6. Toronto Raptors

2019-2020 Record: 16-8 Previous Rank: 8

Toronto has hit some tougher teams in their schedule, and we have seen them showcase where they are exactly at in this league. They are a top ten team for sure, but are closer to ten than they are to one.

7. Houston Rockets

2019-2020 Record: 16-8 Previous Rank: 9

Houston is a tough team to rank right now, as they have been a bit inconsistent to start the season. James Harden is scoring at will, but overall this team doesn’t seem to have quite the same appeal as the last year or two.

8. Dallas Mavericks

2019-2020 Record 17-7 Previous Rank: 12

Dallas is certainly here. They are scoring 118 points per game with Luka Doncic leading the way, and we have yet to see Kristaps Porzingis really click. The Mavericks are 8-2 in their last ten games and have put themselves as one of the better teams in basketball.

9. Indiana Pacers

2019-2020 Record 16-9 Previous Rank: 14

Indiana is 7-3 in their last ten games, and Malcolm Brogdon has strong competition for most improved but we can see what he brings to the Pacers. Domantas Sabonis has also been playing tremendous basketball.
Boston Celtics10. Boston Celtics

10. Boston Celtics

2019-2020 Record 17-7 Previous Rank: 1

It has been a few weeks since I last updated, so you can see a steeper drop here for Boston. They have failed to beat some of the more notable teams of late, and the offense and rebounding still seem iffy.

11. Denver Nuggets

2019-2020 Record 15-8 Previous Rank: 4

A team that was expected to be contenders in the west has not looked to be that just yet. Returning the same core, this is a bit confusing, even with a tougher conference. Defensively they have played well, but the offense comes and goes, and the same goes with Nikola Jokic.

12. Utah Jazz

2019-2020 Record 14-11 Previous Rank: 7

Utah has been a bit disappointing so far this season, but there is still a long way to go. They have slipped of late going 4-6 in their last ten games, as they have really struggled on the road.

13. Brooklyn Nets

2019-2020 Record 13-11 Previous Rank: 17

Brooklyn has gone 9-4 without Kyrie Irving this season, and are a few games over .500 now on the year. This has been a weird season for Brooklyn, and Irving’s return is going to cause more talking points if they slip once he returns.

14. Phoenix Suns

2019-2020 Record 11-13 Previous Rank: 11

We knew Phoenix wasn’t going to keep it up, but this team is already drastically improved upon last year. Deandre Ayton is going to return from suspension fairly soon, which will help.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder

2019-2020 Record 11-13 Previous Rank: 18

Oklahoma City has relied upon their strong defense so far this season, and while they are not going anywhere this season, they have been very competitive and not an easy win for the rest of the league.

16. Orlando Magic

2019-2020 Record 11-13 Previous Rank: 20

This is looking a lot like last year’s Orlando team where they are struggling to score, but the defense has been able to keep them in games. They are allowing the fewest points per game this season, but are also scoring the fewest.

17. Sacramento Kings

2019-2020 Record 11-13 Previous Rank: 24

It was a slow start to the season, but the Sacramento Kings have picked up their play. It was going to be tough building upon last season, but the Kings flirting with a .500 record the rest of the way wouldn’t be the worst outcome.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves

2019-2020 Record 10-14 Previous Rank: 13

Currently on a six game losing streak, and 2-8 in the last ten games, Minnesota’s fast start to the season quickly came to a close. Defensively this team continues to be one of the worst in the league.

19. Charlotte Hornets

2019-2020 Record 11-16 Previous Rank: 23

I don’t think anybody expected Charlotte to be this competitive. It comes with Devonte Graham who has blossomed into a machine in the Hornets backcourt. While they still have below average talent around him, the Hornets are not a team to take lightly.

20. Detroit Pistons

2019-2020 Record 10-15 Previous Rank: 21

Detroit continues to play middling basketball, and are 5-5 in the last ten games. Blake Griffin has not looked like himself since returning, and the injury might still be looming.

21. Portland Trail Blazers

2019-2020 Record 10-16 Previous Rank: 16

The Trail Blazers have been one of the more disappointing teams in the league this season, which is surprising after being one of the more consistent teams in the league. However, this might be the year they look to move pieces around Lillard.

22. San Antonio Spurs

2019-2020 Record 9-15 Previous Rank: 15

San Antonio is allowing 115 points per game, which is uncharacteristic for them. DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge are not a duo that will contend, and the Spurs have to know that.

23. Chicago Bulls

2019-2020 Record 9-17 Previous Rank: 27

Chicago is on their way to at least surpassing last year’s win total, but they remain one of the poorer teams in the league. Zach LaVine leads a stagnant offense, and we haven’t seen bigger steps from the young guy.

24. Memphis Grizzlies

2019-2020 Record 8-16 Previous Rank: 25

Memphis has a young core that is fun to watch, and they are pushing the pace more than any other season prior. The wins won’t come, but at least Memphis is a team we get excited to watch.

25. Washington Wizards

2019-2020 Record 7-16 Previous Rank: 29

The Wizards have a young team of names they are looking to see if they fit in the future. It won’t be a pretty record, but this Wizards team can put up points in bunches, unfortunately they are allowing over 120 per game.

26. Atlanta Hawks

2019-2020 Record 6-19 Previous Rank: 19

Atlanta continues to spiral out of control, which is a bummer after I believed they could be a team to push the playoff picture given the talented young squad. That prediction looks to be a year away.

27. New Orleans Pelicans

2019-2020 Record 6-19 Previous Rank: 26

There were higher expectations than what they likely should have had. New Orleans has now lost ten straight games, and continue to allow teams to run right through them offensively.

28. Cleveland Cavaliers

2019-2020 Record 6-19 Previous Rank: 22

Cleveland has listed about everyone for a possible trade as they are 6-19 and heading back down in the standings to where they were last season. This team will get worse once Kevin Love is traded.

29. Golden State Warriors

2019-2020 Record: 5-21 Previous Rank: 30

Golden State is just flat out taking a year off after being the best team in the league over the last five years. With the lineups they are rolling out due to injuries, it is no surprise.

30. New York Knicks

2019-2020 Record 5-20 Previous Rank: 28

The Knicks are the Knicks. They continue to be ran in a horrendous fashion. Dave Fizdale has now been fired, and this is not a job I would want moving forward.

Source: lineups.com

For a complete court maintenance and cleaning program, please call 03 9467 6126. Book in a free consultation from one of our expert technicians and start the new decade in 2020 on the right foot. For premium performance on all Timber Sports Flooring, always rely on Nellakir, the sports flooring experts. Leave your details here for a prompt reply.

Nellakir – Timber Sports Flooring for Champions.

Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.

Ben Simmons – Melbourne Boy Under Scrutiny

Ben Simmons will play for Australia at the next Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020. The former Junior from Knox Raiders and Whitefriars College in Melbourne’s leafy Eastern Suburbs was last year’s Rookie of the Year (2018). As is often the case, awards bring greater scrutiny . The scribes are now questioning his ability to shoot 3 pointers.

Here’s the latest 76’s Game report.

Simmons still gun shy from 3-point range as 76ers maintain unbeaten record at home

With Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons slightly subdued it was up to Philadelphia’s other NBA gun, Tobias Harris, to fire them past Utah 103-94 with 26 points and nine rebounds.

Power forward Al Horford also added 17 points and eight rebounds for the 76ers.

Embiid contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds while Simmons had 14 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and four steals for the Sixers, who improved to a league-best 10-0 at home.

It was their fourth straight win.

The Jazz whittled down a 26-point deficit to close within 101-94 in the final minute before Embiid sank two free throws with 41.3 seconds left.

Ben Simmons needs to shoot threes but everyone yelling him to do so with 20 seconds on the shot clock late in a game they're trying to walk down is an absolute jackal

— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) December 3, 2019

The Jazz are playing as far off of Ben Simmons at the top of the offense as I can remember lately. Royce O'Neal was just in the lower half of the foul circle as Simmons was at the top of the arc. Did not even think about shooting.

— David Murphy (@ByDavidMurphy) December 3, 2019

Ben Simmons is having another great game, but the #Sixers are leading by double digits–a perfect opportunity for Simmons to shoot some three's in a game.

The #Jazz are leaving him wide open too.

— Dave Uram (@MrUram) December 3, 2019

Rudy Gobert paced the Jazz with a season-high 27 points to go with 12 rebounds while Joe Ingles had 13 points, eight assists and eight rebounds.

Giannis Antetokounmpo needed only 14 minutes to record another double-double, finishing with 29 points and 15 rebounds as Milwaukee won their 12th straight game in a 132-88 rout of the New York Knicks.

The Bucks (18-3) led by as many as 47 and cruised behind Antetokounmpo, who pulled down his 10th rebound in the second quarter for his NBA-leading 20th double-double.

The reigning MVP shot 10 of 14 from the field, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range, in 22 minutes. He exited with five minutes left in the third quarter and the Bucks ahead 93-54.

Milwaukee’s winning streak is the longest this NBA this season and the franchise’s longest since 1981-82.

Trae Young scored 24 points, rookie De’Andre Hunter added 18 and Atlanta snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 104-79 win over Golden State in a match-up of teams with the worst records in the NBA.

The Warriors (4-18) finished with a season low in points.

Golden State dressed just nine players, even with centre Kevon Looney returning to action after missing 19 games with a nerve condition.

Rookie Eric Paschall led the Warriors with 24 points but his teammates combined to shoot 24 of 72 and the they were slowed by 25 turnovers, which the Hawks converted into 25 points.

Kelly Oubre Jr scored 23 points, including two clutch 3-pointers in the final minute that lifted Phoenix over Charlotte 109-104.

Devin Booker added 23 points and Dario Saric had 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Suns, who snapped a three-game skid.

Seven Indiana players scored in double figures and Domantas Sabonis flirted with a triple-double as the visiting Pacers beat Memphis 117-104.

Sacramento managed to take three quarters off Chicago but lose 113-106 after letting the second period slide 33-21.

Source: https://wwos.nine.com.au/basketball/nba-wins-for-76ers-bucks-hawks-pacers/77b44f6b-0edd-4c5f-bd00-2e8c292dea37

Whatever the outcome in the NBA, here in Victoria and Tasmania players have the opportunity to play on FIBA approved ASF/Horner Timber Sports Flooring in a wide number of Stadium locations, installed by Nellakir Sports Flooring.

Nellakir are the experts in the Construction and Installation of Sprung Timber Sports Flooring, as well as providing superior Annual Maintenance and scheduled Court Cleaning. For the perfect playing surface every time.

Call Nellakir now on 03 9467 6126 or leave your details here for a prompt reply.

Schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our expert technicians, at your convenience. Annual Maintenance including re-coating, linemarking and floor repairs can still be booked in for January/February at your convenience.

Nellakir – Championship Timber Flooring for present and future Champions.

Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.

It’s Summer and it’s time for Annual Court Maintenance with Nellakir.

With the School holidays upon us soon and local competitions going into recess for the summer holiday break, Nellakir actually picks up the pace. It’s that time of year where many facilities with Sprung Timber Sports Flooring undertake annual maintenance – re-sanding, linemarking and re-coating.

But before we commence on maintenance – check out these new projects we are contracted for. A regional project has been confirmed for the Twin Rivers Primary School, Echuca’s newest school. As Stage 2 of the project gets underway, Nellakir are pleased to announce the construction of a new multipurpose Court and Gymnasium with premium Timber Sports Flooring by ASF/Horner to be installed.

Twin Rivers Primary School, Echuca

As well the Nellakir team have also been given the go ahead on replacing the flooring on the double court facility at the Warracknabeal Sports and Leisure Centre, in regional Victoria.

Warracknabeal Sports and Leisure Centre

Then the real fun starts with Re-coats, Linemarking and annual cyclical maintenance occurring throughout Victoria.

In Gippsland, Nellakir will be doing re-coats and associated works through December and January at Traralgon, Warragul, Foster, Korumburra, Wonthaggi and Sale.

Traralgon Sports Stadium

In Bairnsdale at the Sports and Leisure Stadium, a major maintenance project on 4 courts which includes re-sanding, re-coating and new linemarking will be undertaken.

Elsewhere in Victoria, court annual maintenance will be occurring at Ballarat, Terang, Kyobram, Hamilton and Mansfield.

It makes sense to call in Victoria’s leading experts in the Maintenance and Construction of Timber Flooring to ensure your facility has an absolutely premium playing surface for next year. For a free, no-obligation consultation and quotation, please call Nellakir on 03 9467 6126 or leave your details here for a prompt response to your enquiry [LINK]

Myrtleford Stadium

Always select Nellakir for construction, replacement, maintenance and scheduled professional cleaning of all Timber Sports Flooring – it’s simply the right decision.

Nellakir – Sports Flooring for Champions.

Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.