Righto basketball junkies, here we go...

Between racing cane toads, wrestling massive saltwater crocs, and playing with my three ‘boys’ at home, I’ve finally found five minutes to check in on round one of the National Basketball League (NBL) and scrutinise our Cairns Taipans. The weekly article will start Monday and I’m excited!

For all you punters, here’s how the ladder will unfold (Muffy: Yes, you can get out of North America and bet locally), but, as always everyone, gamble responsibly! Last place will probably only be one or two wins out of playoffs. It will be close and injuries will play a factor, as always.

Here’s my rankings for the season, starting from last place:

8. Wollongong – Sorry, as I love you coach Gordie McLeod, but early injuries to imports and no Sav mean a hard year for you! You are great coach, but need cattle. Will probably make a late run.

7. Townsville – With my main man, Mike Kelly, back in the fold (assistant coach) many punters would be surprised with this call. Mike doesn’t know how to lose and will help them play hard, but the jury is out on Sean Dennis (head coach). Expect Mike to take over if they start bad and that will rattle some cages.

6.  Melbourne Tigers – I liked what they have put together early, but injuries have already caused coach Chris Anstey a seven foot headache.  They will challenge late, but needed luck now.

5.  Sydney Kings – As much as I like, Mike Kelly I’m a massive fan of Shane Heal. He backs it up every time and will get the best of his talent. I almost had them in fourth, but his bench is too thin. I’m expecting ‘Hammer’ to prove me wrong!!

4. NZ Breakers – Three-peat champs, but a changing of the guard as head coach. Former coach, Andre Lemanis, is another one of my boys and now coaching the Aussie Boomers. Dean Vickerman (head coach and long serving assistant) will be tested in the big man’s shoes.

3. Adelaide 36ers – Joey Wright is a proven coach and half of his Gold Coast squad are already in the City of Churches. He loves full court defence: if the odds are good, pop $50 on.  

2.  Cairns Taipans – read Monday for full details. In a nutshell I like the depth and scoring power of this squad! They had a great start to the season with a high scoring win over Townsville last week.

1. Perth Wildcats - They’ve got the massive stadium, money, sponsorship and, in my opinion, they now have the coach. Trevor Gleeson is perfect for this situation as they’ve only just fallen short in the last few years and he is due, and so are they. Miami Heat import James Ennis looks the real deal and he needs to stay healthy. Damian Martin is also back fully fit, he is a great defender and crucial to this franchise.

A Wildcat versus Taipans grand final would make all blood move to the wrong areas of my body, but I’m prepared to deal with it!

Go Snakes!

Check out The Newsport Sport on Monday for Nicky G's NBL Wrap-Up.