Australia
Australian NBL to slash salaries by up to 50%
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause widespread disruption to the global economy, forcing the Australian NBL and other leagues to cut costs. In a business decision announced on Sunday, the Australian NBL, the circuit’s nine teams and the Australian Basketball Players’ Association finalized a salary plan for the 2020-21 campaign. Player contracts for less than…
Read MoreJourneyman center Keith Benson departs S.E. Melbourne Phoenix
The S.E. Melbourne Phoenix have parted ways with veteran center Keith Benson, the team announced on Saturday. Benson, the 48th pick (Atlanta Hawks) in the 2011 NBA Draft, appeared in 16 games in the NBL this season. He averaged 5.8 points and 3.9 rebounds for the Australian club The well-traveled Keith Benson, now 31, has…
Read MoreAndrew Bogut to be investigated by FIBA
Australia Boomers big man Andrew Bogut is in hot water as he’s under investigation by FIBA and could face disciplinary sanctions. After Australia’s 2OT loss to Spain in the FIBA World Cup, Bogut was caught on video as the team walked by the media where he was clearly overheard saying FIBA was a “f**king disgrace.”…
Read MoreFrance ends the American Dream at FIBA World Cup
France surprised everyone on Wednesday night as they ended the journey of Team USA at the FIBA World Cup, beating the back-to-back champions 79-89. France now advances in the tournament and is set to lock horns with Argentina in the semifinals. Team USA will not medal and will play against fellow eliminated tournament favorite, Serbia,…
Read MoreFIBA: Boomers stun USA in Pre-World Cup friendly
FIBA – The Australian Boomers got a jolt of confidence on Saturday after completing a 98-94 upset over Team USA in a pre-World Cup friendly. This is the first time USA Basketball has had to swallow the bitter pill of defeat on Australian soil, spoiling their previously-pristine 30-0 record Down Under. The Boomers, veterans and…
Read MoreAlonzo Gee signs with Brisbane Bullets
Alonzo Gee (198 cm, Alabama’09) is taking his game Down Under in 2018 after inking a deal to play for the Brisbane Bullets (Australia-NBL). Gee started the 2017-18 season playing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G-League). In 27 games, the swingman dropped averages of 13.6 ppg and 5.3 rpg. In 2018 Gee headed to…
Read MoreMangok Mathiang joins Vanoli Cremona
Mangok Mathiang (208 cm, Louisville’17) has landed a deal to play for Vanoli Basket Cremona (Italy-Serie A) for the 2018-19 season. Mathiang is a 25-year-old South Sudanese-Australian international basketball player, who was recently waived by the Charlotte Hornets. He played only four games for the Hornets in his rookie season as a pro (2017-18) and…
Read MoreBen Simmons Ready To Take His Game To Next Level
Ben Simmons is on top of the world. The 22-year-old Australian player is still riding high on his Rookie of the Year award win, partying in Las Vegas for his birthday with friends, and is dating celebrity Kendall Jenner. His off-court escapades are well-deserved but it won’t be long before he gets back down to…
Read MoreFIBA Hands Out Sanctions After PHI-AUS Brawl
The FIBA Disciplinary Panel has come out with various sanctions, suspensions and fines following the brawl that took place between the Philippines and Australia during the 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers (Asia). It was one of the biggest brawls that have taken place in international competition, with 13 players ejected after things were under control. Philippines…
Read MoreBrawl Mars AUS-PHI Game At FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
Things got ugly in the Group B game between Australia and the Philippines in the Asian region of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. A massive bench-clearing brawl took place and 13 players were ejected. It spilled over into the area behind the basket and a chair was even thrown at a player in the melee.…
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