HoopsFest is done and Cody Ellis on Hoops Heaven #BasketballHustle from TABtouch talks exciting Montrezl Harrell debut, crazy plus-minus Sydney Kings-Adelaide 36ers numbers, Perth Wildcats impress, NZ Breakers unreal, Brisbane Bullets couldn’t be worse and #NBL25 Round 2 preview.

Cody Ellis and Chris Pike are back after HoopsFest took place in Perth to open the NBL season and we look at what a great concept it is and why for the most part it was a great success, and is something that has to continue but maybe with a break from the Blitz to Round 1.

We then get stuck into the games from Round 1 including a cracking Sydney Kings-Adelaide 36ers match up where Montrezl Harrell shined for the Sixers even with being told by an over officious referee to not interact with the crowd.

There were some remarkable plus-minus numbers in that Sydney-Adelaide game too while the Perth Wildcats with Bryce Cotton and Keanu Pinder leading the way made a more than encouraging start to NBL25.

We discuss the gruelling schedule for the Tasmania JackJumpers coming into the season and also how tough of a start it is for the Cairns Taipans without the injured Taran Armstrong and Kyle Adnam, and suspended Jackson Makoi.

The Illawarra Hawks made a strong start led by big men Lachie Olbrich, Sam Froling and Darius Days along with the defence of Wani Swaka Lo Buluk.

The surprise of Round 1 was how good the New Zealand Breakers looked and how poor the Brisbane Bullets were, or pathetic in the words of coach Justin Schueller at least in the opening 34 minutes.

We then have a full preview of Round 2 including a Thursday night Throwdown between Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix, the Perth Wildcats hosting the Sydney Kings, and then the Kings backing up on Sunday against the Hawks with a big Sydney crowd expected.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).