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EGG Lite: Instagram Live!
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Unfortunately Lachy was unavailable this week, so we hosted a spontaneous Instagram live with a couple of our best EGGS - Caleb Fogarty and Hamish Salburg.
We cover Round 7, possible records set by @jaz_shelley and @will_cranston, the fire power of @northern_suburbs_basketball and @bankstownbruins women and giving our flowers to @em_lytle24 @nathaniel.477.
We also gently hint that @lochlan.hutch and @alexdelaney have a career in broadcasting and their is always a seat for you 😏
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Transcript
Introduction and Caleb's Arrival
00:00:00
Speaker
our regular episode but unfortunately our good friend Lockie France is unwell and is unable to attend the episode tonight so instead we're going to have Caleb Fogarty for a light live session where we'll be just be chatting about some ah highlights of the NBL 1 East from the last round with Caleb so let's see if he is ready to jump on
00:00:32
Speaker
Gotta bear with me, this internet connection's not very...
00:00:40
Speaker
For Caleb to join very quickly. in the meantime, I've got a request. Bet you that's him. He's very prompt, Caleb.
00:00:52
Speaker
Yes, here he is. Look at him, always on time. Caleb Foggety, how are you, mate? Oh, good, Jacinta. How are you, mate? Very good. Very formal with Jacinta.
00:01:04
Speaker
i'm Sorry, Squid. in In a whole other world right now, had a mad rush to get on the ah to make time. So we're locked in. we're ready to go now. What's been happening? Yes. Unfortunately, Lockie is unwell tonight and to join East Golf Games. So thank you for slotting in at last.
00:01:22
Speaker
We thought we'd just do a very quick 30 minute episode on Instagram Live, just to recap some of the highlights from round seven of MBL One East. So, Karen, are feeling after the of One East?
00:01:36
Speaker
Pardon, sorry, you broke up there, my friend.
00:01:40
Speaker
Oh, sorry, how are you feeling after the week of MBL One East?
NBL 1 East Overview and Growth
00:01:44
Speaker
Oh, mate, had to do a lot of catching up. I actually um got a rare weekend off on my end. So we, no, caught up on a bunch of games, saw the Maitland-Newcastle, of course, Bankstown-Canberra was another one we slotted in for, got cosy on the Sunday other and rewatched a couple of those. And yeah, it was really, really cool watching Penrith play COE as well. So um yeah, no, it it was good. The league is just continuing to grow and grow as you guys speak on here all the time about it. And we hammer on socials on NBL One East. So yeah, no, the basketball's coming good. It doesn't feel like we've hit a mid-season lull yet, if I'm completely honest.
00:02:25
Speaker
Oh, I don't think there's ever been such thing in NBL One East, to be fair. ah Yeah, I'll take that. I'll take that for sure. Yeah. So we certainly still have that underdog mentality in the East, still feeling like we're looked down upon from the other conferences.
Impact of Recent Signings
00:02:42
Speaker
But with the signings of Tyler Robertson and a couple of others in the last few weeks, the East just keeps growing and growing.
00:02:49
Speaker
Oh, absolutely, mate. Like, yeah, it was Wani Swakala-Bullock and Tyler Robertson, Saffron Shields. Like, it just, the list goes on and on. You think that we've hit that chill point where, okay, there's no so signs. But again, I think it just speaks to, yeah, the growth of the league. Like, even the Sutherland-Bankstown game, I called the other week Tyler Robertson i was fortunate enough he jumped on for I think the third quarter of the women's game and he said himself like it's it's a top two conference now like there's no doubt about it it's us and at least on the court at the very least in terms of the quality of the competition ah it's put us in south and that's awesome when a player of his caliber he's been to the south he knows exactly what it is and
00:03:31
Speaker
I know he only got it announced as a Sutherland Sharks player recently, but he's been on that bench a lot. And I've got a feeling that it's obviously been a long time coming for that announcement. So he's definitely well versed. He saw him last year, so he knows what he's talking about. And I think that speaks to the quality of competition coming to the league.
00:03:50
Speaker
Yeah, he's a Victorian born and bred. I remember seeing him many years ago at the under-20s Nationals in Terrigal where he suited up next to Sean McDonald and Matthew Johns and coached by Chris Anstey. So he comes from a good pedigree. So we're more than happy to have him in the East.
00:04:06
Speaker
Oh, we'll take any. We'll take them. We'll take them all. yeah Well, I know that you are strict on time. So let's get stuck into a couple of discussion points tonight. Firstly, now, you were a very patient man, Caleb, especially when it comes to my flurry of text messages about random facts and BL1 East. The first thing I wanted to check with you, Jazz Shelley had 12 steals against the Central Coast Crusaders recently. And my initial reaction was that that had to be a game record across NBL one. Have you been able to confirm that at all?
00:04:41
Speaker
So I've spent the day liaising with the NBL1 team. So we are chatting because of how the stats have kind of petered out over the last, have been divvied up the last couple of years. There's nothing, it takes a lot of digging. For example, North really had to go searching for that ah threes record. So shout out to Emma Donnelly. She did a lot of digging on that one.
Potential Record-Breaking Performances
00:05:01
Speaker
um to discover that. So I have been chatting and unfortunately it isn't an NBL1 record, but we ah maybe have something in the East. We have to wait and see, hopefully to get confirmation in the next 24 hours.
00:05:15
Speaker
That would be awesome. I really got my fingers and toes crossed that Jazmerely has reached the record. yeah Because 12 steals is huge. I can't think of anyone getting that close. I mean, of any kind of record in East like that. I think who comes to mind is maybe Nicole Mung has had the most triple doubles in NBL1 East.
00:05:36
Speaker
um or to that to that effect. But yeah, so let keep us posted with Jazz Shelley and ah potentially setting the record for most steals in a game. The other thing that I wanted to ask you about actually was Will Cranston Lowne.
00:05:54
Speaker
The Maitland Mustangs, again, doing a great job on socials. They're probably one of our favorites, but generally in the East, the social media teams for our clubs have been doing great work this season. They posted a lovely reel celebrating his 500th assist in MBL1. And again, my brain went to, that's got to be a record.
00:06:17
Speaker
Yeah, ah that is a great question. I haven't heard anything as of yet. I will say we are in a league where Lockie Hutch has been around and played a bunch of games and hasn't missed a year. Unfortunately, Cranston went to the South last year, so there's a decent chunk that he missed. So um that is worth the question. I do think that there's potentially some point guards that have been around now for a little while that maybe has exceeded that 500 mark. I'd I'm not allowed to bet on basketball anymore, Swin. But if I was betting man, I think Lockie Hutch may have potentially cracked that already.
00:06:52
Speaker
Yeah, Lucky Hutch we spoke about a few episodes ago when he was celebrating, I think, his 100th NBL1 game. And in my mind, I thought he was closer to 200. But that was in my mind. Yeah, it feels like it, right? But then um I think I was also counting championship, you know, went before NBL1 and it was considered Waratah League or Championship League or whatever other iterations
Team Strategies and Styles
00:07:17
Speaker
that went through. And I was counting from way back then.
00:07:21
Speaker
Oh, mate, look, it wouldn't surprise him It definitely does feel like 200 games with Lockie Hutch. He also made his commentary debut with me in that Sutherland-Bankstown game. like keep telling him me I keep telling him now he needs to ah start doing it a little bit more, get Lockie, jump on with Lockie for the women's game at least. I think he's depriving the world of his ah commentary talent.
00:07:39
Speaker
That is, you're doing a great job recruiting some players to give them a taste of broadcasting. And I have to also mention one of our current NBL One East athletes, Alex Delaney, has joined the Instagram Live. And she also jumped in the commentary box, I think, this week with Lockie France and Gemma over at Alexandria with the Comets game.
00:07:59
Speaker
Oh, mate. Alex is the ultimate glue player. Like, she noses her X's nose, like the back of her hand, and got tons of personality. haven't had a chance to listen back on that one, but I guarantee it would have been worth the watch, that's for sure.
00:08:11
Speaker
Yeah, so Alex, if you're still watching, we are both, the two of us, and I'm confident Lachie will also agree with us to encourage you into broadcasting when you're ready because you have a lot to offer. And look, use your MBL one as your pathway to broadcasting as well. It's not just for athletes, right, Caleb?
00:08:30
Speaker
That's what they tell us. that's what they tell us ah
00:08:39
Speaker
So, okay, so two potential records to confirm, but again, congratulations to Jay Shelley for that 12 steals against the Crusaders. And of course, Will Cranston Lowne coming back to East where he belongs with his 500 assists.
00:08:55
Speaker
Oh, mate. How good does he look, though, coming back? I know Maitland didn't get the chocolates against Newey, but that team's obviously looking a little bit more comfortable with the new style. like They've completely changed their style. like they used to The run-and-gun attack, the paint, now it's very guard-heavy. Probably will become more guard-heavy even when Mason Bragg comes back, but they seem to have finally started clicking into gear a little bit.
00:09:20
Speaker
Yeah, I'm hoping so as well because they have a lot of exciting pieces and we kind of knew coming into this season that that Maitland-Mustang squad, we're going to have to learn to share the load a little bit and be comfortable with not shooting as many shots as they would have liked to per game. But it certainly seems like it doesn't hasn't been causing the team any friction at all. They just got to start getting some wins on the board. ah if If it was only that easy, we we thought we'd have championships. Yeah.
00:09:49
Speaker
But oftentimes, Lockie and I will say, just win. just win into it Just win. Just win. Just win. Just just just just do it. Just Just do it.
00:10:00
Speaker
Now in preparation for our regular episode, we were going to review the Hornspeak-Ringai Spiders versus the Inner West Bulls men's game. And a couple of the highlights from my round came from that one, particularly performances from Jack from the Inner West Bulls who was crowned the Player of the Week this week.
00:10:20
Speaker
And also Nate Chappell from the Hornsby Keringai Spiders. He had a huge game. He had four threes from yeah just in the fourth quarter alone. So have you got some of um some of the highlights at the front of your mind from the most recent round, Caleb?
00:10:37
Speaker
ah Yeah, just as I said, ive watched a couple of bits and pieces. um watch Obviously, when we ah talk about players of the week, the highlights come around. So, yeah, no, watching SWAT dewey's do business 6-3s against the ah Hornsby Kringa Spiders, it was a well-deserved player of the round. I think um he's been there abouts in the MVP conversation. Like, obviously, i think what Toddy Blanchfield is doing right now in the men's division is quite unprecedented for what we've seen as an MVP player. player um so no what's what's done was great Nate Chappell I think is also someone that is a very like he's an exciting prospect isn't he like I feel like whenever you talk to someone about Hornsby it's always Nate comes into that conversation about what he can be and I think he's still slow because he's such a young player he's still figuring out who he is as a player and how he fits and you got the Daniel Titus you got the uh Davo Hickey's of the world you got Mortez Brown now there So he's got really good plays to learn off. and And so I think it's a little bit unsurprising that he's probably had his best NBL One East game to date when those plays have all kind of come in and A, it's freed him up, but he's also learning. But that's at least from that aspect. um To answer your question in a long form. Yeah.
00:11:54
Speaker
I thought, again, I've been really impressed by Penrith. I know that they have only won one game, but God damn, they are plucky. They just like, and I mean that in the best possible way, like going down against Canberra, really tight game. Glenn Morrison obviously took um home took Canberra home that game. They are lost by 10 to Illawarra, and that was actually Todd Blanchfield's lowest scoring game of the year. Simon Krepez has been one of the biggest gets in the NBL One East this year. Nugget, Kieran, he's been so good. And they're doing it without Jonah Perez as well. So, um yeah, Penrith really, really in the men's division. ah
00:12:33
Speaker
Perez really impressed me, I guess. Penrith did, sorry. Yes, Penrith, certainly. We reviewed Penrith versus Comets a couple of rounds ago as well. I did see that.
00:12:46
Speaker
Yeah, and Plucky, I know you did. i know you did.
00:12:52
Speaker
um and yeah plucky is the perfect way to describe that panthers group they have their own brand of basketball they're very disruptive on the defensive end they're able to pick pockets um it's really hard to pick what they're going to do on the offensive end as well and it just works really well for them so they look like a team that can be a little bit hard to scout sometimes because they've got a lot of tricks up their sleeve Well, that's a good point because like I actually lo he think they sometimes don't know what they're going to do on offense because you've got Nugget there and he can just absolutely like throw behind-the-back dime or we know what he can do. like i actually genuinely think they run down the court sometimes and it's just like, coach like, let's wing it. let's like Let's just do something. and like ah there is I know they're not winning, but...
00:13:35
Speaker
like when you watch them the eye test they're always trying which is sounds like a bit like a backhanded compliment but I mean in the best possible way like they are really really giving it a crack yeah I totally agree I cannot fault their efforts at all hence why they snatched the win against the Comets as well a couple of rounds ago uh any
Player Highlights and Recognitions
00:13:56
Speaker
highlights from the women's competition that you got to see in round seven Yeah, look, Emily Lytle.
00:14:02
Speaker
My God, she is very, very, very good at basketball, isn't she? Coming from the big V, again, i ah looking at the player of the week, like I know Jazz Shelley got the 12 steals, but I guess from a league perspective, we also taken a take into consideration the competition that they're doing that on as well. And Emily Lytle, like, she's just bawling right now. i think there's been a couple of weeks she's been there abouts you're just like, we got she's got to do what she's got to do. And like, speaking to Sammy Mac here and there, like on Messenger and just like chatting to him, because obviously can't just see him down the road because he's so far down the road. When you get to talk to him, he's just like really, it's really cool to hear how he talks about his team. And like, knowing that they've only got like seven of their 11 players are under 20 years old.
00:14:49
Speaker
Like that's a young team. Like that is such a young team. And it's easy to look at the roster and go unique Thompson. Like she is MVP level Sydney flame. Like she's done everything you can pretty much. um Having Emily Lytle come in and just kind of be able to play this big guard. I think it really shows against certain opposition. Like, they've got, they're probably the team that did the best work on Norths, I feel, probably. For most I know, OT happened with Newcastle the start a year, but I think watching what Aubrey did there in that game, they they really gave trouble, and i think it's the size.
00:15:24
Speaker
And I also think that they're going to have a nice little run now. Like, they've got, i think, Sydney, Inner West, Illawarra, and Manly. And Manly's really good, but again, watching them play against Bankstown a couple of weeks ago,
00:15:37
Speaker
They struggle with Margot DeFreitas. Unique Thompson is another beast. And I think that'll be really interesting as well. So yeah, Emily Lytle in the women's division absolutely lit it up.
00:15:48
Speaker
Yeah, and as we posted in our stories today when she was announced as Player of the Week, it was just a matter of time until yeah she got her flowers. And I think, like you said, there were probably a couple of times she could have been awarded Player of the Week, but perhaps there were performances in a game that they've lost. So with that in mind, it always goes to someone else.
00:16:09
Speaker
yeah Yeah, no, winning winning is a massive thing. And I think especially with how the MVP kind of runs these days as well with how it's explained, like I think as a league, it's going to be interesting where that happens because I do think winning is probably the the biggest, like ah probably should be the biggest measurement as well in terms of MVP stature. And unfortunately, yeah, Emily has gotten some really big and unique, have gotten really big performances and just haven't resulted in wins. And I i do think that's probably impacted that player of the week.
00:16:36
Speaker
accolade but she deserves her flowers and then some. And I'm giving a little Eastcott game tidbit. Keep an eye out for next question tomorrow night because there may be an Emily Lytle feature tomorrow night.
00:16:48
Speaker
Oh, that is very exciting. You heard it here first on EGG. Thanks for the scoop, Caleb. So we'll have to make sure we tune into that. So before you head off tonight, remind we will have to remind the viewers of when to tune in tomorrow. um But that's awesome for Emily and like you said, it's a good reminder as well for the league in general that when it comes down to picking those players of the week, wins are important because I know even in WNBL, there'll be lots of times where the likes of Jade Melbourne will have a triple-double and not be named player of the week and people in the comments get upset without the understanding of, well, the Caps then off also lost by 25,
00:17:29
Speaker
Yeah, yeah it's um yeah i think I think sometimes like it's such an easy sport, isn't it, to get wrapped up in the stats of it all? like I think it's a running joke in the WNBA and NBA how like they go like, this is the highest scoring game on a Tuesday, the 5th of May, or something like that. So i think um yeah I think ultimately we play for fun, but we play to win. and we I don't play, but...
00:17:51
Speaker
people play to win. And I think that's probably a really, yeah, I think you said said it best. It's a good good thing to remember that winning matters as well. Yeah, absolutely. And, you know, me and Lockie, we love a good stat, but we also love providing stats when it actually adds value to the analysis or the commentary of of a game or a conversation about a game and not so much the, like you said, the highest scoring game on a Tuesday at 8pm. Yeah.
00:18:21
Speaker
Oh, mate, I've seen a couple on the in NBA, that's for sure. I remember Jokic at a press conference was just like, is this a real stat? Like, what's going on? Oh, completely understand what you mean. I've definitely watched some and NBA and WNBA games before where they've come up with that stuff, and then I'm like, should I i be doing that? No, that's ridiculous. is more, guys. Less is more. 100% agree.
00:18:47
Speaker
And now coming into this weekend, ah can you believe it? We're going to be at the halfway point of the NBL one season with round eight. i I feel like I'm only just getting into it and it's already half done. Can you believe it Mate, it has been a big year. ah Look, yeah, I can't believe it's halfway. i actually speaking to Chanel Bailey, who's, I will say her and Liz Mills are a commissioners of the league. And I just was sitting there the other day. I'm like, i can't believe we're halfway. It's both gone so quick and so slow at the same time in the best possible way. Like, it's just, yeah, it's been such a busy year. And I just, yeah, the East again keeps growing. And like, it's just crazy that it's halfway through the year. My God.
00:19:32
Speaker
Yeah, I couldn't believe it either. In preparation for tonight, i was like, oh, let me look at the fixtures. And i was like, oh, yeah, damn, next week we'll be halfway of the regular season.
Team Performances and Dynamics
00:19:41
Speaker
But coming into the halfway point, though, what us have been some of your surprises so far or some of the things you're most looking forward to for the rest of the season?
00:19:52
Speaker
uh north north's bears in general um i think both in the men's and the women's division i've been so impressed with how that association has kind of handled business this year um both on the court and off the court i was very fortunate to be asked uh by josh fellows who runs their game day uh to go and commentate their game against bankstown and like they've got a if they're not the best like how like the best actual product in terms of what the fan experience can be they're Man, it's their 1B or 1A. Like, they're very good. Eric, on the mic, and King of Sydney basketball announcing, he's he's got it right running awesome. Like, that men's team is so, so good. Aaron Kamua on camera, so good. The women's team is just like – I was there on that 25 threes night and just was
00:20:43
Speaker
I was in awe of that team. It just felt like this is probably one of the best, like I was, we were there at nationals when watched Knox play. um And I sat there and I was like, this is probably the closest I've felt to like a team that's,
00:20:58
Speaker
like as good as that Knox team I watched because they were just, they were so fun. They were so happy. Renee Gallup is amazing. And then yeah, on the men's team, like you got players like Lockie Boffinger, who's just gone ah to another level. You've got one, he's Fakula Bullock now coming. Bailey Hanson is just like the biggest out of nowhere player. I know i'd say that sounds so incorrect when he was literally one under-20s MVP at Nationals this year. But when you sign Hunter Madden and Bailey Hanson is not meant to be a starting point guard, and then he's just thrown into the fire and he's like Ghost Rider right now, walking out of the flames, just like, nah, that was nothing. I'm sweet. So yeah, no, North as a whole have just been so impressive and surprising in terms of just like...
00:21:42
Speaker
how much that ball has continued to roll. Like they haven't hit a and haven't hit a ah bump, haven't they? um And then I'm excited to see what they do in the final half of a year.
00:21:53
Speaker
Yeah, me too. Those North women are still 11 and 0, like undefeated at the halfway point of this season. But you're so right. Their playing style, the way that they obviously care about each other on and off the court, the way they enjoy playing with the, r playing together as a group,
00:22:10
Speaker
their ball movement, their execution, their decision making. It is such, I keep saying to people, it is a basketball nerd's dream watching them. It gets almost overstimulating. It's like going to watch your favorite band in like a intimate venue kind of thing. Like it's a, you just feel like you're watching something really, really special.
00:22:31
Speaker
And I think if you could like put into like what game out of all the ones coming up that I'm most keen to see. One, as a as a Maitland commentator, I'm so keen for this Maitland-Mainley game this weekend in the men's. um Hopefully Mason Bragg returns, not sure yet, but that was always going to be the KO game, let's be completely honest. Like, I think any East fan knew that that was going to happen. ah But the other one is North's Bankstown. Like, Bankstown now are just so fun to watch, like, um commentating out there and seeing that they had Manly and Sutherland, and that was such a measuring se stick weekend. And Lockie Hutch said on the call that night, um that game against Sutherland, he said that this may be the best pick and roll I've ever seen in the East.
00:23:14
Speaker
And um yours you know ball better than anyone, Squinn. Like, it's unstoppable what they're doing right now on that pick and roll. And I'm interested to see how that goes against Norse after they got 25 threes put on them.
00:23:27
Speaker
And that's Lockie Hutch saying that. Like, hopefully he's still online watching for us to mention this. That's coming from him to praise their pick and roll. And that's that's like when Paul McCartney said that Neil Finn was the best songwriter in the world. Like, that's a huge compliment.
00:23:44
Speaker
Oh, absolutely. And like you guys have done a couple of Bankstown games now. Like the way that you've got Bankstown have got their point like playmakers, they're spoiled for choice with two pyre on one left foot on one 45. And you've got Shiloh Hill on the other 45. So Freitas just needs to come up and set a screen or set a seal underneath the hoop. And the way that she can roll to her left and finish with her right or roll to her right and finish with her left, there's not many players in the East. That's her size that can do that right now.
00:24:14
Speaker
Oh, absolutely not. Like she's such an unassuming talent. And you know me, I love a true centre, particularly in the women's game. But I think as well, adding to that pick and roll is the way that Shailah Hill is able to create such great space to make her decisions and her passing placement is exceptional.
00:24:31
Speaker
Oh, they balance it so well because then you've they've usually got the Dunlop sisters loaded up in the corner as well. So it literally is hit the roller or skip through the free throw line and either create space or just go kick, kick, kick to a shooter. It's just Coach Lauren Curtin has done wonders. She like deserves her flowers and then some this year.
00:24:51
Speaker
Yes, yeah we're big fans of Lauren Curtin on EGG. We've been following her for a while because she's been with a lot of successful under 18 Metro's women's teams over the years. So like the timing is perfect for her to be a head coach of this team. And it shows with the with the roster she's been able to recruit how much respect she has in this league too.
00:25:11
Speaker
Oh, it's it's so well balanced, isn't it? like And she's spoken openly about how much she respects Manly and how they've built their team and how, like last year, core group of players. And then you add, obviously, i know Alex Delaney's been there for a while now, but she's a Sydney Comets junior. You had Taylor Wirtz come in. You've just kind of added the cherries to the cake. And that's what resulted in that championship. And you can just feel it in Bankstown that that's a similar vibe of what they've kind of created.
00:25:39
Speaker
We love a sustainable NBL 1A team that are fostering their local talent to build the core group and stay at the club for a long time and just adding those pieces to it. Coach Miko von Ludus from Central Coast Crusaders men would 100% agree with you, Caleb. Yes, Miko's the GOAT. He's so good. Love that guy. miss that guy. Miss that guy. and also Yeah.
00:26:03
Speaker
Quick shout out to Josh Fellows you mentioned before. He also very kindly offered for me to commentate the Norse games. But unfortunately, he didn't realise that I actually live now in the state.
00:26:14
Speaker
But I'm working on
'Next Question' Show Discussion
00:26:15
Speaker
it. I'm working on it. There is a game in July. I'm hoping to get down there and maybe jam my way in there, make a ah three panel of commentators. But we'll see. Oh, wait, we're all for that. Sounds good. Let's go. Let's go. And now I know that you need to log off very soon. So before we go, just remind the viewers that we have online at the moment, Caleb, about your show tomorrow um that you've got on Instagram Live as well.
00:26:41
Speaker
Yep, so we got Next Question Live going at 7.30pm tomorrow night. We'll have Emily Lytle from the Aubrey Wodonga Bandits jumping on and a surprise men's player. Hint, he hasn't yet played this year, but he has something to do with the KO Freebie game, and i'm sure we'll have plenty of good chats with him come 7.45pm.
00:27:04
Speaker
I'm picking up what you're putting down with the surprise men's player. And I'm very excited to hear him because he was someone we've had briefly on EGG, but unfortunately that would particular episode, I wasn't able to make it. So I need to make up for that somehow, hopefully this season. That sounds awesome. Very good. And so Jacob says, so subtle, Kate. I'm a commentator. I'm never going to be subtle about it.
00:27:33
Speaker
And can we expect our next question to continue for the rest of the season at a regular time too? That's the plan. The plan is meant to keep it rolling for this year. Obviously, it's just it allows us to... like ah Obviously, a lot was made last year with Will Mayfield, Tradie, Reppany City. like That was such huge content for us. That was actually our most popular piece of content for the entire year last year.
00:27:57
Speaker
And that was obviously off the back of doing these interviews. And i think viewers, you would know better than anyone, like people are just so engaged with, like, it's amazing that we give these players exposure and like on the weekends, they're absolutely superstars. But aside from a very select few, a lot of them have a nine to five throughout the week. And I think from at least from the content that, from the East that we've put out and seeing the return, a lot of that is,
00:28:22
Speaker
engagement and interest stems from what are these players like outside of basketball who are they when they're not on the court and uh that's what next question really is meant to be about like i'd love to talk about the games and i love to talk about the the stuff going on behind the scenes but like obviously talking to lochie boffinger last week about his time in montverde and how he played with kade cunningham and his coach said kade cunningham didn't have it like What? And then you got ah Taylor Levy, dual athlete that plays for Greater Western Sydney Giants in the AFL. Like being able to talk to these players outside of their, bus just outside of basketball and doesn't have to be that is something that we want to continue doing. And that's what Next Question allows us to do.
00:29:05
Speaker
Love that a lot. That's especially the reason why we also wanted to start East Scott game was to help celebrate and highlight so many of these athletes that have been around NBL One East before it was even NBL One East. And we love to learn about the people behind the player. So we love next question, especially because it's on a Wednesday when most teams don't have their training sessions, which is...
00:29:30
Speaker
Part of a barrier for us here at NCG when we're trying to get some interviews going, but we're working on it. We're working on it. Mate, I got thrown one and the other. I think Sutherland Sharks right now are doing a Wednesday, Thursday training session, which I'd never heard of that kind of training block before. So, yeah, I know. It made sense when they explained the yeah the logic behind it. So that that made sense. But, yeah, wasn't expecting it to say I got training i got training Wednesday. i was like, oh, we're doing Thursday shows. like I got training then as well.
00:29:58
Speaker
Damn it. Yeah. no one We can't do it on a Friday because Friday is sacred. Friday night is sacred. Yeah. No one wants to be on their phones on Friday. No, definitely not. Definitely not. I was going to say, so grab something else from you, but now I can't remember. So I'll just have to bother you and your DMs again another day. caleb oh ma It's okay. for Thank you. Thank you so much again for jumping on last minute tonight to cover some of NBL 1E's content while luck Lockie is unfortunately unwell. But I'm sure we'll talk again very soon. And everyone, make sure you tune in to Next Question tomorrow night.
00:30:37
Speaker
Thank you very much. Thanks for having me, Squin. Thank you. I'll talk to you soon. See you, mate.
00:30:45
Speaker
All right, that was Caleb. Everyone knows Caleb, the guy that needs no introduction in NBL1. He's the social media goat of NBL1 in general. Make sure you give his page personal page a follow as well on Instagram. He started to upload some really great original content, documenting what it's like for him being a commentator. across across the state, like I think everyone's probably seen the video he made where he was commentating Bankstown and Maitland in one weekend. He's an absolute madman. i don't know how he gets any sleep.
00:31:19
Speaker
But like I said, if you've just joined us, unfortunately our regular episode was unable to go forward today due to Lockie being a little bit unwell.
00:31:30
Speaker
So we just jumped on an Instagram Live. had Caleb on for half an hour, which we're very grateful for. We just covered things like Jazz Shelley potentially setting the record for most steals per game when she had 12 steals against the Central Coast Crusaders a couple of weeks ago.
00:31:47
Speaker
and also celebrating Will Cranston Lounge from the make Maitland Mustangs with his 500 assists in his NBL1 career. We were due to review the Hornsby Keringai Spiders Men and the Inner West Bulls game for this week. That was going to be our EGG game of the week. So if anyone else is out there that wants to join live and have a chat about NBL One East, you are welcome to do so. Otherwise, let me see who I can pull in.
00:32:28
Speaker
Let's I've put out a request. Let's see if this guy is going to jump on.
00:32:41
Speaker
Oh, here he yeah Here he is. Hello, Squin, how are you? Hello, mate, how are you? Very good, very good. I thought I'd just try and and grab you online. And because I want to hear more about your commentating gig in round seven of NBL One East. You commentated the Newcastle-Maitland grudge match at Hamilton. Tell all about it, Hamish. I'd say it well. ah you know And first of all, but thanks for having me on. And Egg, by far the greatest podcast going around. um
00:33:14
Speaker
I don't think you realise, and obviously not being from Newcastle or from Maitland, you don't understand the intense rivalry that goes on between those two clubs. And obviously there was a lot on social media like in the week leading up to the game from players about, you know, say something nice about the opposition and there was nothing said. There's nothing that they have anything nice to say about each other. um And then when you get to Newcastle basketball stadium and then you feel, oh, yeah, this is this is real, you know. um
00:33:45
Speaker
But I've got to say the other thing, too, is Newcastle do a really good job of their player intros. They do the lighting show. Shout out to Doogie Marks, who does the audio and the sound and everything and the lights. It was really, really cool.
00:33:59
Speaker
um But then, i mean, breaking down the game on from from the women's side, I mean, Nicole Munger, just phenomenal. I mean, we've watched her, you know, and we were we talked about in the call, you know, three-time MVP.
00:34:15
Speaker
um Why they haven't renamed the trophy after her? I don't know um she's just She's just amazing, you know, and obviously Newcastle, full of jubilation with the signing of Saffron Shields. um She wasn't able to play, wasn't able to suit up, but just even having the presence of her there was pretty cool. They've got another player, Mia Heidi, who wasn't able to play, but some again, adding to their roster.
00:34:41
Speaker
um So Newcastle, but going into that game with six and two, um they are looking like a really, really strong
Rivalries and Game Excitement
00:34:50
Speaker
team. I know Norths, I know Manly on the women's side, but Yeah, you can't write off Newcastle. I really think that they're looking good and we'll be there at the pointy end, no question at all.
00:35:02
Speaker
um And then on the men's side, well, it was the Mandrell Worthy Show and i and I enjoyed the interview that you and Lockie had with Mandrell earlier this year. Just a great, great guy and he delivered big time on Saturday night.
00:35:18
Speaker
um Just was able to get to his spot. And you talked about Will Cranston Lowne. um it's It's amazing when you watch players who are at that next level that have time and space.
00:35:32
Speaker
And when you're watching them and when you're commentating them, it's like when times kind of stand still, you know, when you're watching those elite players, it's very much like that. It's like, they've just got more time to make the right decision than to make the right play.
00:35:47
Speaker
He was phenomenal. um Billy Parsons, so good to see him back on the floor, given the the captain's duties this season.
00:35:59
Speaker
Just heart and soul of Maitland. um It was a great game to watch. It was so good. It was so cool. So, yeah, it was a privilege. And so thanks to Caleb for organising that. I know he took a well-deserved weekend off.
00:36:14
Speaker
um But you know shout out to Caleb as well. he He's doing it a magnificent job just lifting the profile of NBL One East. and um And between Egg and Caleb, we're in good hands.
00:36:25
Speaker
We've got it covered. We've got it covered. I reckon you do. um And I really hope you get to go down and and commentate in North's games. The NBL East misses you, Squim, on the commentary. Oh, my word.
00:36:39
Speaker
me Listen, Hamish, you know, I was saying to Caleb earlier that Josh Fellows from North very kindly reached out to me to commentate some games for North without realising that I have been a Queenslander for two years, but I still appreciated the offer. It was very nice of him. yeah um And now, obviously, we are the central, you know, we cemented our careers at Central Coast Crusaders together, and they're probably some of the best times of my life, Hamish. Oh, okay. I still dream about it. Oh, and you you know, you speak of Newcastle and how good Newcastle are going to be. there's And there just may be a chance that I may be in town when Crusaders take on Newcastle at GYG Stadium.
00:37:25
Speaker
Well, you know that there is a seat always ready and we'll make sure that we have the red carpet lined up, ready to go because the Queen will be in the building.
00:37:36
Speaker
Absolutely. ah So keep that in the back of your mind. I may be in town for that game. Just got to finalize a couple of things, but i'm hoping to make it there. And no red carpet is necessary, please. As long as if we can get some kind of red blanket or scarf or beanie. Cause I remember how cold it It's still the the central heating still needs to be worked on.
00:38:02
Speaker
So any sponsors, please get up. Yep, Central Coast basketball. um So I don't know, and this might not be in the the realm of what you're doing, but have you got your predictions lined up for the women's and the men's? um Are you able to do that now? Like, ah you ah you have you got a and ah team on both women's and the men's side that you're going, I can't see them losing?
00:38:27
Speaker
You know, that's a fair question. And I did plan to reach out to our peers this year, again, to do our predictions like we have done for ESCOT game over the last couple of years. And normally what what we started to do is to allow the first three or four rounds go, to allow for late signings, to allow for late arrivals, to allow for those things. Because, you know, we got kind of pinged last year with picking one team or last year or the year before picking one team to win the men's competition and call what Noy is not is announced the next week so yeah um but Hamish I just realized that next round is round eight and it'll be halfway of the seat of the regular season so it's probably too late for for us to do those predictions but as as it As I see it now, um I was talking to Tristan Prentice from SA Shot Clock about this yesterday. North Bears women are still 11-0 and are just playing the most beautiful, purest brand of basketball. And
00:39:35
Speaker
i I can't imagine a way or it's going to be hard to to tear them down. thought I agree. I did get to call the Norths game when they came to the Central Coast. um And I think I may have messaged you and said, Jazz Shelley is, I think, one of those generational players. Again, a bit like Will Cranston Lowne, just time and space. like she's She's operating at a different level than everyone else around her. and
00:40:06
Speaker
But again, Renee Gallup, just incredible the way that she coaches that team, um how they move the ball. And yeah, i agree. I think they're going to be tough to beat. And they're just beautiful to watch. They really are.
00:40:22
Speaker
Great team. Absolutely agree. And I think, you know, typically in a women's competition, the likes of North, Manly, COE, Newcastle, always going to be flirting with that top four or five.
00:40:34
Speaker
Then here come the Bankstown Bruins. They are not only loaded in talent, but they've been able to balance their strength and skillset in their style of play. and then they go and beat Manly. And in that game, we because we reviewed it a a couple of episodes ago for EGG or maybe last episode, but just the way they were able to slowly get ah their 20 point lead and then keep it there.
00:41:02
Speaker
for nearly three, but like more than half of the game was really impressive. So people cannot count out the Bankstown Bruins. Not at all. Not at all. They've been really impressive this season and, um, and maybe a surprise packet for a lot of people, but, uh, they've just been playing consistent basketball and, uh, yeah, you've got to dip your hats to them. They just played so well, so well. It's a really good, um, standard, like the standard, and you and Caden talked about this, but, um,
00:41:32
Speaker
In terms of the conferences, you know, South is always going to be probably seen as the strongest in in the country. But I reckon East is, again, when you listen to and talk to people who go, we are, if not at that same level, we're pretty close in terms of the standard.
00:41:51
Speaker
um And that the players want to come and play in the East. It's fantastic. So we're doing well. We certainly are. I mean, we've got now, speaking of the men's competition, the Norse Bears are also, I think they're 10-1.
Men's Division Challenges and Successes
00:42:05
Speaker
Yes. We've got the Gunners still on top. I think they're 8-0. Yeah, they're lost. The Norse Bears men have just added now Wani Swakala Bullock. They're still waiting for Hunter Goodrick to take the court, which he probably needs to do soon if he wants to qualify for finals. but they're going to look tough. Again, that's going to be about balancing minutes and shots taken and, and people's strengths and things like that. um But the Warriors is another one. But obviously, Rob Blanchfield's injury, wait and see how long he's going to be out. But again, they looked, um looked really, really good. And just again, being able to move the ball. And when you've got some veterans on the inside who just know how to play basketball, they're another strong looking team as well. But,
00:42:53
Speaker
Yeah, Gunnar's one of your favourite players. I'll never forget, I always know him now as the Brindabella beacon because the amount of times you would call him that in commentary, it was just so brilliant. But it it is, it's so such a perfect name for a player, for Glenn Morrison. He's wonderful. He really is fantastic.
00:43:15
Speaker
Yeah, and tell me a bit more about Blancheville's injury or how much do you know? Because I don't know. I haven't got much detail other than I think it was it could be an ankle injury.
00:43:27
Speaker
Hopefully he's going to be back for for the next round, but someone might be able to fact check that. I think oh Jimmy Mullins on the call, so he knows everything. So he'll probably be able fact find that for us. um But yeah, again, you watched Todd Blanchfield play. its It's crazy to think he's he played over 400 NBL games and he still looks as fresh as an 18-year-old. He's just phenomenal.
00:43:53
Speaker
we're so blessed to have players of his stature and in this league, that's for sure. Of course, and then, you know, Matt Mims is having an outstanding season now for the Hawks. I mean, um he spent too much time on the bench last season, in my opinion. And then obviously Mason Peatling made the decision to stick around too. So that also just strengthens the league and also strengthens their club because some of their local kids that are coming up through their program are able to be able to... um learn a lot from them firsthand.
00:44:23
Speaker
Yeah, step up. Well, that's the thing. And look, ah even with, them you know, the Newcastle-Mailen game, um when you see these young players, like Elias Cato was another one that's come up through the ranks and that made his debut for Newcastle on Saturday night.
00:44:39
Speaker
um He was immense, you know, um along with him worthy and and obviously Ryan Beastie, the the beast from the East. He was fantastic, i think, 14 points and probably like seven rebounds. But for his debut performance, um wasn't scared of the occasion at all and just played really, really well. So it's just wonderful to see these juniors come through and then under the spotlight of the NBL One East, and it was a game of the week on KO,
00:45:07
Speaker
No problems at all. you know It was fantastic. So yeah, it's just it's just wonderful to watch these athletes go about doing what they do um you know and we're entertained and and enthralled at the same time.
00:45:19
Speaker
It's fantastic. Absolutely. 100% agree. And so from that, can I pencil in your predictions for the championship this year as North women and Illawarra men?
00:45:31
Speaker
I, yeah, it like you said, for every reason you listed, I don't think North's, um I don't see them relinquishing their standing as is the number one team. um And I, yeah, I do like, look, last time I did a prediction that you asked for, I was, actually, I remember, I did pick Illawarra to win, and they ended up maybe somewhere like,
00:46:01
Speaker
14th. So um this time I'm thinking, of ah no, no, this is the year. This is the Villawarra. I'm going to get right behind them. I'm going to stick with my pick. um I reckon they'll get they'll go close.
00:46:12
Speaker
But look, it's a tight season. As you say, we're only halfway through. um We've got another eight games or so to to to play. It's so exciting.
Future Plans and Audience Engagement
00:46:21
Speaker
Yeah, we do. We do. That's right. ah I think I'm going to try and see if old mate James from Waratah on VCR is ready and available to join.
00:46:34
Speaker
oh good. You've actually got someone who knows about something about basketball. I've just been killing time in this whole, this whole, this I've just been wasting space. That's all I've been doing, squint. Oh, absolutely not. I wanted to hear a little ah lot more about your experience um commentating up there at Newcastle. So I appreciate you jumping on. god pleasure, my love. Anytime.
00:46:58
Speaker
But hopefully I'll see you in July for that game for Crusaders versus Newcastle and I'll keep you posted. i look forward to it. Again, you are doing a magnificent job. You and Lockie, wonderful with this egg podcast. Long may it continue. You are number one in every way.
00:47:13
Speaker
Thank you. Too kind. I'll see you soon.
00:47:19
Speaker
All right, that was Hamish. For those who don't know, Hamish Salzberg, commentator for the Central Coast Crusaders, who is now spreading his wings across the East and commentating games as well for Newcastle and hopefully North Bears. But if you're a club out there that need a comment a great play-by-play commentator, someone who has experience of commentating at the NBL1 Nationals level as well, make sure you hit up Hamish if you need some help getting in contact with him.
00:47:48
Speaker
send us a DM on EGG. So again, if you're just joining us, unfortunately, Lockie was unavailable today due to illness. So we just thought we'd jump on and do an Instagram Live instead. We've had Caleb,
00:48:05
Speaker
foggedy ever everyone knows Caleb earlier in the show giving us a a little bit of insights into perhaps some question mark whether some NBL One East players have broken some records.
00:48:18
Speaker
ah So we that is all TBC. Also talked about our what we're looking forward to in the next back half of this season because apparently we're already reaching the halfway point. But if you are online right now and you'd like to join for the Instagram live, you're welcome to request.
00:48:37
Speaker
Even if you want to chat for five minutes before we close up for today, close up. I say that like I'm a shop. That's a little bit silly. But yeah, if anyone feels so inclined to jump on, you're welcome to
00:48:52
Speaker
Otherwise, i will perhaps have to wrap up for the day myself.
00:49:06
Speaker
But in the meantime, remember all of our other episodes are still available on most of the streaming platforms, including the likes of Apple, Spotify, and Google Play.
00:49:17
Speaker
um We'll be back next week with our regular episodes. Actually, the next two weeks are gonna be Lockie and two very special guest co-hosts while i go on a two week holiday.
00:49:29
Speaker
But they'll be back again to review some games from around the the East. Remember if you have any discussion points that you'd like us to cover on a regular East Scott game episode, our DMs are always open and we'll always consider some of the feedback and questions that we get. But otherwise, but check us out on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
00:49:53
Speaker
And as always guys, don't sleep on the East.