Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast

We take a look at every Aussie playing in the NBA this season.

• Ben Simmons admits its "important" to be working on his shooting
• How Joe Ingles season was impacted by discovering his sons Autism
• Jonah Bolden rookie season
• Joe Ingles shares an inspirational story about dealing with his son Jacob's autism.
• Patty Mills has one of his best seasons ever
• Will Aron Baynes leave Boston
• Thon Maker pulls out of the Boomers FIBA World Cup squad
• Dante Exum suffers another disappointing season
• Deng Adel, Isaac Humphries and Mitch Creek achieve their dream of playing in the NBA

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Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring;

Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Brad Newley

Current NBL Stars - Kevin Lisch, Rotnei Clark, AJ Ogilvy, Damian Martin, Daniel Kickert, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Stephen Holt, Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Mitch McCarron, Cam Gliddon

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Phil Smyth, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti

Aussie Basketballers Abroad - Ryan Broekhoff, Brock Motum, Jack White, Ben Madgen, Clint Stiendl, Ater Majok, Rhys Carter, Clint Stiendl

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Terry Dozier, Isaac Burton, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more. Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and email at [email protected]

Aussie Hoopla's Dan Boyce explains the NBL Next Stars Program to clarify how the contracts work, how the NBL plans to generate revenue from this program, how the program makes it possible for a US player to play multiple years in the NBL as a local and how it will work within the current salary structure of the NBL.

We also take a look at the current NBA mock drafts and look at where Brian Bowen could potentially land in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Get 20% off custom designed uniforms with promo code HOOPLA20 from CA Sports

Get 5% off NBA tickets with promo code HOOPLA5 from US Sports Tickets

Sign up for Ian Stacker's All-Star Shooting Program

All of this and a whole lot more...

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring;

Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Brad Newley

Current NBL Stars - Kevin Lisch, AJ Ogilvy, Damian Martin, Daniel Kickert, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Mitch McCarron, Cam Gliddon

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Phil Smyth, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti

Aussie Basketballers Abroad - Ryan Broekhoff, Brock Motum, Jack White, Ben Madgen, Clint Stiendl, Ater Majok, Rhys Carter, Clint Stiendl

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Terry Dozier, Isaac Burton, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more. Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and email at [email protected]

NBL Pocket Podcast's Joe Corr joins Aussie Hoopla's Dan Boyce to discuss the current free agent movement in the NBL.

Get 20% off custom designed uniforms with promo code HOOPLA20 from CA Sports

Get 5% off NBA tickets with promo code HOOPLA5 from US Sports Tickets

Sign up for Ian Stacker's All-Star Shooting Program

All of this and a whole lot more...

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring;

Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Brad Newley

Current NBL Stars - Kevin Lisch, AJ Ogilvy, Damian Martin, Daniel Kickert, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Mitch McCarron, Cam Gliddon

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Phil Smyth, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti

Aussie Basketballers Abroad - Ryan Broekhoff, Brock Motum, Jack White, Ben Madgen, Clint Stiendl, Ater Majok, Rhys Carter, Clint Stiendl

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Terry Dozier, Isaac Burton, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more. Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and email at [email protected]

Mike Helms played three seasons in the NBL for the Hunter Pirates and Singapore Slingers.

He averaged 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists over 95 games and led both the Pirates and the Slingers to the playoffs during his time in the NBL.

Now back home in Detroit we catch up with him to find out what he is up to now and talk about some of the highlights and challenges he faced as an import both in Australia and overseas.

Helms, who graduated from Oakland University would also play as a professional basketball player in Argentina, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada.

Get 20% off custom designed uniforms with promo code HOOPLA20 from CA Sports

Get 5% off NBA tickets with promo code HOOPLA5 from US Sports Tickets

Sign up for Ian Stacker's All-Star Shooting Program

Topics discussed on the podcast include;

• Dan starts off by reviewing the current NBL business plan (2:00)

• Breaking down NBL TV broadcast numbers (4:30)

• Illawarra helps receive financial assistance and will remain in the league for next season (12:00)

• Mike Helms joins the show and explains what the Detroit basketball scene is like (16:00)

• Reflections on playing at Oakland University (19:00)

• How interested were NBA teams in Mike Helms after college (24:00)

• Playing in Argentina (31:00)

• Arriving in the NBL with the Hunter Pirates (36:00)

• Playing for Dr Adrian Hurley (40:30)

• Thoughts on the level of competition in the NBL (42:00)

• His first year with the Pirates and making the playoffs (44:00)

• What it was like playing in Newcastle (49:00)

• The demise of the Hunter Falcons (51:00)

• What is was like playing for the Singapore Slingers (55:00)

• What players and teams in the league did Mike enjoy facing the most (105:00)

• Time in New Zealand and how he knew it was time to retire (113:00)

All of this and a whole lot more...

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring;

Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Brad Newley

Current NBL Stars - Kevin Lisch, AJ Ogilvy, Damian Martin, Daniel Kickert, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Mitch McCarron, Cam Gliddon

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Phil Smyth, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti

Aussie Basketballers Abroad - Ryan Broekhoff, Brock Motum, Jack White, Ben Madgen, Clint Stiendl, Ater Majok, Rhys Carter, Clint Stiendl

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Terry Dozier, Isaac Burton, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more. Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and email at [email protected]

Mike Helms played three seasons in the NBL for the Hunter Pirates and Singapore Slingers. 

He averaged 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists over 95 games and led both the Pirates and the Slingers to the playoffs during his time in the NBL.

Now back home in Detroit we catch up with him to find out what he is up to now and talk about some of the highlights and challenges he faced as an import both in Australia and overseas.

Helms, who graduated from Oakland University would also play as a professional basketball player in Argentina, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada.

Get 20% off custom designed uniforms with promo code HOOPLA20 from CA Sports

Get 5% off NBA tickets with promo code HOOPLA5 from US Sports Tickets

Sign up for Ian Stacker's All-Star Shooting Program

Topics discussed on the podcast include;

• Dan starts off by reviewing the current NBL business plan (2:00)

• Breaking down NBL TV broadcast numbers (4:30)

• Illawarra helps receive financial assistance and will remain in the league for next season (12:00)

• Mike Helms joins the show and explains what the Detroit basketball scene is like (16:00)

• Reflections on playing at Oakland University (19:00)

• How interested were NBA teams in Mike Helms after college (24:00)

• Playing in Argentina (31:00)

• Arriving in the NBL with the Hunter Pirates (36:00)

• Playing for Dr Adrian Hurley (40:30)

• Thoughts on the level of competition in the NBL (42:00)

• His first year with the Pirates and making the playoffs (44:00)

• What it was like playing in Newcastle (49:00)

• The demise of the Hunter Falcons (51:00)

• What is was like playing for the Singapore Slingers (55:00)

• What players and teams in the league did Mike enjoy facing the most (105:00)

• Time in New Zealand and how he knew it was time to retire (113:00)

All of this and a whole lot more...

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring;

Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Brad Newley

Current NBL Stars - Kevin Lisch, AJ Ogilvy, Damian Martin, Daniel Kickert, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Mitch McCarron, Cam Gliddon

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Phil Smyth, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti

Aussie Basketballers Abroad - Ryan Broekhoff, Brock Motum, Jack White, Ben Madgen, Clint Stiendl, Ater Majok, Rhys Carter, Clint Stiendl

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Terry Dozier, Isaac Burton, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more. Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and email at [email protected]

Australian Basketball Hall of Famer, recipient of the Order of Australia, four-time Olympian, part of North Melbourne's 1989 NBL championship winning team and the first Australian to win the NBL MVP (1985)... and true-blue Ballarat boy Ray Borner joins the Aussie Hoopla podcast to talk about his NBL career, the 14 years he spent playing with the Australian Boomers and thoughts on the Australian basketball landscape.

Hear Ray discuss all four of his Olympic experiences and review how the national program has changed since he first donned the green and gold in 1982.

Get 20% off custom designed uniforms with promo code HOOPLA20 from CA Sports

Get 5% off NBA tickets with promo code HOOPLA5 from US Sports Tickets

Sign up for Ian Stacker's All-Star Shooting Program

Topics discussed on the podcast include;

• Andrej Lemanis breaks down after forcing an injured Mika Vukona and potentially costing the Brisbane Bullets and NBL championship (2:00)

• Ray Borner on growing up in Ballarat and making it to the NBL as a 17-year old (5:00)

• How he coped facing "men" in his first years in the NBL and how players were forced to develop their game in the 1980's (16:00)

• Becoming a member of the Boomers in 1982 (27:00)

• Memories of facing NBA legends like Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley and Mark Eaton during his year playing at Louisiana State University (29:00)

• Missed opportunities with NBA teams in the 1980s (33:00)

• 1982 FIBA World Championships (36:00)

• The 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the games goes commercial (43:00)

• Ray becomes the first Australian to win the NBL MVP in 1985 (47:00)

• 1988 Olympic Games (52:00)

• Getting into a fight with the USA''s David Robinson in Seoul (54:00)

• The Illawarra Killer B's (57:00)

• Winning the NBL championship in 1989 (102:00)

• Making international headlines during the 1992 Olympics for refusing to play against an HIV positive Magic Johnson (108:00)

• 1996 Olympics in Greece (109:30)

• Comparing the changes in Australian Basketball from 1982 to 1996 (117:00)

• Finishing up his career in the NBL and when he knew it was time to walk away (121:00)

All of this and a whole lot more...

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring;

Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Brad Newley

Current NBL Stars - Kevin Lisch, Rotnei Clark, AJ Ogilvy, Damian Martin, Daniel Kickert, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Stephen Holt, Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Mitch McCarron, Cam Gliddon

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Phil Smyth, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti

Aussie Basketballers Abroad - Ryan Broekhoff, Brock Motum, Jack White, Ben Madgen, Clint Stiendl, Ater Majok, Rhys Carter, Clint Stiendl

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Terry Dozier, Isaac Burton, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more. Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and email at [email protected]

We take a look at every Aussie playing in the NBA this season.

• Review of Ben Simmons All-Star weekend performance and will he play for Australia?
• Jonah Bolden's hot January
• Joe Ingles shares an inspirational story about dealing with his son Jacob's autism.
• Patty Mills heats up
• Aron Baynes injury update
• Thon Maker settles in at the Pistons
• Utah Jazz refuse to trade Dante Exum for Memphis Grizzlies Mike Conley
• Ryan Broekhoff scores career high
• Deng Adel and Mitch Creek achieve their dream of playing in the NBA

Get 20% off custom designed uniforms with promo code HOOPLA20 from CA Sports

Get 5% off NBA tickets with promo code HOOPLA5 from US Sports Tickets

Sign up for Ian Stacker's All-Star Shooting Program

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring;

Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Brad Newley

Current NBL Stars - Kevin Lisch, Rotnei Clark, AJ Ogilvy, Damian Martin, Daniel Kickert, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Stephen Holt, Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Mitch McCarron, Cam Gliddon

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Phil Smyth, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti

Aussie Basketballers Abroad - Ryan Broekhoff, Brock Motum, Jack White, Ben Madgen, Clint Stiendl, Ater Majok, Rhys Carter, Clint Stiendl

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Terry Dozier, Isaac Burton, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more. Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and email at [email protected]

NBL Hall of Famer, former head coach of the Newcastle Falcons, Canberra Cannons and Sydney Kings who also part of ownership groups at Canberra, Sydney and the Singapore Slingers also joins us on the show to discuss some of the important topics bubbling underneath the excitement that is the NBL Finals.

While NBL awards are given out and Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane prepare for the post-season we talk about the growth of the game, rumours of financial issues at Illawarra, the possibility of Rob Beveridge coaching the Sydney Kings next season and what NBL1 can do to improve the future of Australian hoops.

Get 20% off custom designed uniforms with promo code HOOPLA20 from CA Sports

Get 5% off NBA tickets with promo code HOOPLA5 from US Sports Tickets

Sign up for Ian Stacker's All-Star Shooting Program

Topics discussed on the podcast include;

• Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane finish top four and move on to the NBL Finals (2:00)

• Is having these four teams the best case finish for the NBL's marketing efforts (5:00)

• NBL conspiracy theories (7:00)

• Is Andrew Gaze out of a job in Sydney and Rob Beveridge moving in? (8:30)

• Are the Illawarra Hawks in financial turmoil and will they be in the league next season (12:00)

• Can the NBL make a profit without achieving success outside of Australia and how could USA betting legalities fit into that? (19:30)

• How will the NBL1 competition improve basketball in Australia (36:00)

All of this and a whole lot more...

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring;

Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Brad Newley

Current NBL Stars - Kevin Lisch, Rotnei Clark, AJ Ogilvy, Damian Martin, Daniel Kickert, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Stephen Holt, Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Mitch McCarron, Cam Gliddon

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Phil Smyth, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti

Aussie Basketballers Abroad - Ryan Broekhoff, Brock Motum, Jack White, Ben Madgen, Clint Stiendl, Ater Majok, Rhys Carter, Clint Stiendl

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Terry Dozier, Isaac Burton, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more. Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and email at [email protected]

We take a look at every Aussie playing in the NBA this season.

• Can Ben Simmons make the NBA All-Star game?
• Why Matthew Dellavedova is better than 90% of the guards in the NBA
• Jonah Bolden explodes for Philly
• Aron Baynes injury update
• Joe Ingles shooting at the worst clip since his rookie season
• Dante Exum getting more minutes
• Patty Mills continues to win in San Antonio
• Ryan Broekhoff fights for court time.

Plus a quick round-up of former NBL imports doing well in the NBA.

Get 20% off custom designed uniforms with promo code HOOPLA20 from CA Sports

Get 5% off NBA tickets with promo code HOOPLA5 from US Sports Tickets

Sign up for Ian Stacker's All-Star Shooting Program

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring;

Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Brad Newley

Current NBL Stars - Kevin Lisch, Rotnei Clark, AJ Ogilvy, Damian Martin, Daniel Kickert, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Stephen Holt, Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Mitch McCarron, Cam Gliddon

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Phil Smyth, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti

Aussie Basketballers Abroad - Ryan Broekhoff, Brock Motum, Jack White, Ben Madgen, Clint Stiendl, Ater Majok, Rhys Carter, Clint Stiendl

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Terry Dozier, Isaac Burton, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more. Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and email at [email protected]

"The Birdman" Larry Abney played 122 NBL games with Townsville and Cairns where he averaged 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.

Born in Nyack, New York he attended Fresno State and played beside cult basketball figures Rafer "Skip To My Lou" of AND1 basketball fame and Chris Herren, as well as NBL star Willie Farley.

He also played professionally in Korea, France, Venezuela, Cyprus, Netherlands, Argentina, Mexico, Ukraine, Kosovo and New Zealand.

In 2017, Abney joined the staff of the Los Angeles Clippers as a player development coach and basketball operations assistant under head coach Glenn "Doc" Rivers

In 2018 alongside childhood friends, former teammates, and fellow Rockland, NY natives Steve Canal and Chester Felts, Abney co-founded Rockland Legacy, an organization that provides support and mentorship to help Rockland County's youth achieve their dreams.

Get 20% off custom designed uniforms with promo code HOOPLA20 from CA Sports

Get 5% off NBA tickets with promo code HOOPLA5 from US Sports Tickets

Sign up for Ian Stacker's All-Star Shooting Program

Topics discussed on the podcast include;

• Is the Cairns Taipans season finished this season? (2:00)

• Why Mitch Creek won't play for the South East Melbourne Phoenix (4:30)

• Matthew Dellavedova's resurgence in Cleveland (6:30)

• How did Larry Abney become part of the LA Clippers coaching staff? (13:00)

• The LA Clippers long-term plans to become the #1 basketball team in Los Angeles (14:30)

• Working with NBA legends like Doc Rivers and Jerry West (17:00)

• Playing basketball at Fresno State with Rafer Alston aka "Skip To My Lou", Chris Herren, Willie Farley and Coach Jerry Tarkanian (19:00)

• The night Larry hauled in 35 rebounds in a college game, still the current NCAA record (27:00)

• NBA attention after college (29:00)

• Scary moments playing overseas in countries like Korea, Argentina, Syria and Kosovo (31:00)

• Arriving in the NBL with the Townsville Crocodiles (33:00)

• NBLxNBA when the Clippers faced the Sydney Kings (37:30)

• Returning to the NBL in 2012 and retiring from basketball (40:00)

• Playing for the Cairns Taipans and the untold story about why he left Townsville despite them offering him "the biggest contract" ever to Townsville player (41:00)

All of this and a whole lot more...

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring;

Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Brad Newley

Current NBL Stars - Kevin Lisch, Rotnei Clark, AJ Ogilvy, Damian Martin, Daniel Kickert, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Stephen Holt, Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Mitch McCarron, Cam Gliddon

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Phil Smyth, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti

Aussie Basketballers Abroad - Ryan Broekhoff, Brock Motum, Jack White, Ben Madgen, Clint Stiendl, Ater Majok, Rhys Carter, Clint Stiendl

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Terry Dozier, Isaac Burton, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore, Steve Woodberry

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner

All that and much more. Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and email at [email protected]