Aussie Hoopla NBL & NBA Podcast

The Aussie Hoopla Team
  • 4.4 (91)
  • BASKETBALL
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Visit our website at www.aussiehoopla.com for in depth analysis of Aussie Basketball. Each episode features interviews with current Aussie basketball stars, Australian Boomers playing overseas and legends of the NBL.

  1. 22 APR

    Julius Hodge on Stepping on Brett Maher, NBL Pay Issues and NBA Stories

    We are doing everything we can to keep these podcasts going, but the costs to produce, host, and track down guests are adding up. If you enjoy the show and want to help keep it alive, you can support us in two ways: Buy a T shirt or Buy Me A Coffee Every contribution goes directly toward keeping aussiehoopla.com online and the podcast running. ---------- Former Adelaide 36ers star Julius Hodge joins the podcast to reflect on one of the most dominant short stints in NBL history, his journey from the NBA to Australia, and the impact he made during the 2007/08 season. Host Dan Boyce chats with Hodge about his incredible all-around performances, earning All-NBL Third Team honours, and what it was like adjusting to the Australian game mid-season. The episode also dives into his time playing alongside key 36ers teammates, his perspective on the league, and the circumstances around his time in Adelaide and beyond. Topics include: His coaching journey (2:00) New York basketball (8:00) Entering the NBA draft (16:00) Time in the NBA (22:00) Being shot (39:00) Arriving in Adelaide (44:00) Phil Smyth's surprise firing (53:00) Money issues with the 36ers (59:00) Stepping on Brett Mahers name (1:03:00) His career after leaving Melbourne (1:06:00) Highlights and hurdles from his career (1:10:00) All of this and a whole lot more...

    1hr 22min

  2. 3 APR

    Mick Downer on NBL Talent in Japan, NBL vs B.League, and Offensive Rebounding

    Support Aussie Hoopla: We are doing everything we can to keep these podcasts going, but the costs to produce, host, and track down guests are adding up. If you enjoy the show and want to help keep it alive, you can support us in two ways: Buy a T shirt or Buy Me A Coffee Every contribution goes directly toward keeping aussiehoopla.com online and the podcast running. ---------- Current head coach of the Akita Northern Happinets, Mick Downer joins the podcast to discuss the differences between coaching in Japan and the NBL, his stints with Perth, Cairns, Brisbane and Adelaide over the past 25 years, and his time with the Australian Boomers program. Host Dan Boyce chats with Downer about what he learnt stepping into the head coaching role in a non-English speaking country, as well as providing updates on NBL talent in Japan like Keanu Pinder, Yanni Wetzell, Trey Kell, Vic Law, DJ Newbill and plenty more. Topics include: Thoughts on the NBL Finals (4:00) Stepping into his first professional head coaching role in Japan (6:00) Learnings from coaches like Aaron Fearne, Andrej Lemanis and CJ Bruton (14:00) Helping create the 'Tagging System' for offensive rebounding and how it work (17:00) Differences between the Japanese league and the NBL (27:00) Why more Australians are heading to Japan, and whether that should concern the NBL (41:00) Mick's coaching future and plans (48:00) All of this and a whole lot more...

    55 min

  3. 19 MAR

    Remembering Ken Cole (Remastered Interview): The Invincibles, Early NBL Stories & Mitch Creek

    Originally recorded in 2018 — this episode has been remastered and re-released following the passing of Australian basketball legend Ken Cole. Ken Cole, a championship-winning coach of the Adelaide 36ers and architect of the iconic 1986 "Invincibles" season (24–2), left a lasting impact on basketball in Australia — as a coach, leader, and later President of the Sixers. In this interview, Ken reflects on his return to the Adelaide 36ers, his battle with multiple myeloma, and shares unforgettable stories from the early days of the NBL — from the birth of the game in Australia to the evolution of imports, trash talking, and player development. This episode also captures Ken's thoughts at the time on the Adelaide 36ers roster, the Mitch Creek NBA situation, and what it takes to build a winning culture. This remastered version features improved audio quality. Vale Ken Cole. In this episode: • Why Ken returned to the Adelaide 36ers (2:00) • Battling cancer and mindset for survival (9:30) • Thoughts on the 2018 Adelaide 36ers roster (19:30) • The 1986 championship "Invincibles" season (36:00) • Basketball in Australia in the 60s & 70s (54:00) • The origins of trash talking in Australia (1:43:00) • Classic NBL stories from the early days (1:47:00) • Imports in the NBL — should they be limited? (1:54:00) • Mitch Creek & the Brooklyn Nets situation (2:01:00) • Funding grassroots basketball development (2:06:00) • Eddie Palubinskas stories (2:14:00)

    1hr 42min

  4. 7 MAR

    Bring Back the Falcons: How former Kings & Hawks owner Dorry Kordahi is trying to bring an NBL team to Newcastle

    Support Aussie Hoopla: We are doing everything we can to keep these podcasts going, but the costs to produce, host, and track down guests are adding up. If you enjoy the show and want to help keep it alive, you can support us in two ways: Buy a T shirt or Buy Me A Coffee Every contribution goes directly toward keeping aussiehoopla.com online and the podcast running. ---------- Former Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks owner Dorry Kordahi takes us inside his latest venture — buying into the Lebanese Basketball League and becoming president of the NSA Falcons. Host Dan Boyce chats with Kordahi on why the LBL is one of the most powerful basketball markets in the world (and why the timing to invest is right now), how the opportunity came together through long-time connections, and what he's already doing on the ground. From there, the conversation shifts back home. Kordahi addresses ongoing talk around NBL expansion — including his interest in a second Sydney franchise and his long-running push to help bring the Newcastle Falcons back into the league. He explains why stadium infrastructure is the biggest barrier, why government support is essential, and how the NBL's growth over the past decade has changed the way "small market" clubs can recruit and compete. Topics include: Kordahi's move into Lebanese basketball and why the LBL market makes sense (0:30) How the NSA Falcons deal came together — and why he took a "rebuild" job again (2:30) His role as club president, early meetings in Beirut, and what he wants to change (4:30) Bridging Lebanon and Australia — exhibitions, coaching pathways, and NBL credibility overseas (5:30) Why the NBL is viewed as a premier league in Lebanon — and what that unlocks (6:30) Second Sydney team talk — and whether Lebanon closes the door on NBL ownership (7:00) Newcastle Falcons expansion push: history, market size, and what's holding it back (7:45) The stadium problem in Australia — and why it limits growth for the entire sport (10:00) Kings vs Hawks from the inside: big club vs small club realities (12:00) Rivalry mindset, "underdog fuel", and how the Hawks used the Kings as motivation (13:30) How the league has changed: balance, recruitment, and why the "small team stigma" is fading (15:30) What needs to happen for the NBL's 11th team to become real (18:00) Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms. Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring: Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Glen Saville, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

    31 min

  5. 25 FEB

    Kings vs Hawks: Ep. 7 — The Hawks' 2nd Title and The Rivalry Today

    We wrap up our seven-part deep dive into one of Aussie hoops' fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — as the modern era turns the heat all the way up and the Freeway Series swings wildly from season to season. Host Dan Boyce picks things up after the Hawks' rebirth under new ownership and Brian Goorjian, a fresh start that quickly turns into a brutal reality check — including the worst season in franchise history (3–25) — before the club pulls off one of the great turnarounds in recent NBL history, storming back to win their second NBL championship. From there, the rivalry doesn't cool off — it escalates. We track the on-court blowouts, the nail-biters, the flashpoints, and the personality clashes that only seem to grow when these two clubs share the same building. We also hit Goorjian's return to Sydney, and bring it right up to today, where the Kings and Hawks have traded sweeps in back-to-back seasons, and the balance of power has flipped yet again heading into the current finals series. Topics include: The Hawks v Kings semi-finals series in 2023 (2:00) The Kings' rise under Chase Buford and how their championship window re-opened (12:00) Illawarra's post-Goorjian transition, the roster drain, Hawks injuries woes, and the worst season ever (25:00) Hawks V Kings becomes must see Christmas viewing (45:00) The Hawks claim their 2nd championship (49:00) The rivalry today and what it means to many Hawks/Kings legends (108:00) Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms. Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring: Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Glen Saville, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

    1hr 48min

  6. 29 JAN

    Kings vs Hawks: Ep. 6 — LaMelo Ball, Spy-Gate and 'The Hawks' lose their Illawarra name

    We continue diving deeper into one of Aussie hoops' fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — picking things up as LaMelo Ball and his rookie of the year season in 2019 that propelled the Hawks into the global spotlight, setting NBL viewership and attendance records, while the Kings reload under Will Weaver and push for a championship in a season that ends in chaos. Host Dan Boyce breaks down LaMelo's viral debut, his back-to-back triple-doubles, and the impact of the injury to Aaron Brooks to Illawarra playoff hopes, before diving into the record-setting 17,514 crowd that packed Qudos Bank Arena for Hawks v Kings — and the off-court collapse that followed. Then it's onto Sydney's rise to the top of the ladder, a Grand Final showdown with Perth, and how COVID ended it all. Finally, we trace the fallout in Wollongong — including liquidation, $2 million in debt, and the NBL's intervention — as Dorry Kordahi steps in to rescue the franchise and rebuild from the ground up. Featuring game and stat breakdowns from across the season, this episode blends rivalry flashpoints, behind-the-scenes turmoil, and the moment the rivalry took centre stage for the entire basketball world. Topics include: 2018 see's the arrival of Andrew Bogut (3:30) LaMelo Ball makes his NBL debut drives millions of eyeballs to the NBL (10:30) The record-breaking Qudos Bank Arena game (12:30) The Kings reload with Ware, Tate, Bogut and dominate the regular season at 20–8 (29:00) Sydney forfeit the Grand Final to Perth with COVID looming (29:00) Illawarra collapse due to over $2 million in debt and Dorry Kordahi and Brian Goorjian rebuild the Hawks (32:30) The NBL removes 'Illawarra' from the Hawks name (34:30) Brian Goorjian on swapping sides from the Kings to the Hawks (55:00) Spy-Gate - The Kings point the finger at Sydney for spying on their practices (1:13:00) Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms. Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring: Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Glen Saville, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

    1hr 26min

  7. 23/12/2025

    Kings vs Hawks: Ep. 5 — Firepower Kings, Saville heads to Sydney and The "Resurrection Squad"

    We continue diving deeper into one of Aussie hoops' fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — picking things up right after the Kings' 2005 three-peat sweep of the Hawks and tracking how the "Freeway Series" evolved through the chaos of Firepower, the Kings' disappearance, the rivalry's rebirth in 2010, and the Hawks' huge 2015/16 rebrand and recruiting spree. Host Dan Boyce breaks down the 2005/06 shootouts (and that bizarre Roland Roberts dunk contest injury), the Hawks' underrated 2006 campaign, and the Kings' near-miss 4-peat that ended at the hands of Chris Anstey and Melbourne, before shifting into the biggest off-court implosion in Sydney hoops history — the Firepower Kings era — and how Glen Saville's move north became a "kick in the guts" moment for Wollongong fans (including a young Xavier Cooks). Featuring first-hand accounts from Glen Saville, Brian Goorjian, Tim Coenraad and Greg Hubbard, this episode blends rivalry game recaps, locker-room stories, and the behind-the-scenes reality of the NBL's wildest period — from bounced cheques and broken promises, to the Hawks' "three-headed monster" era and the viral beer tipping incident as we approach the modern day rivalry between the two clubs. Topics include: How the rivalry reset in 2005/06 — opening night at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and two more Kings nail-biters (04:25) Roland Roberts' bizarre slam dunk contest injury, the import swap to Sedric Webber, and monster seasons from CJ Bruton and Cortez Groves (05:52) The Kings falling short against Chris Anstey's Tigers in the Grand Final (07:46) Glen Saville joins Sydney (10:26) The Firepower Kings and Sydney's 2008 collapse (17:08) The rivalry returns in 2010 with the "Resurrection" Kings and Gary Ervin's MVP season for the Hawks (33:25) 2015/16: The Hawks become Illawarra again and the Marcus Thornton beer incident goes viral (52:06) 2016/17: Hawks lose Lisch to Sydney and the Kings welcome Andrew Gaze (59:17) 2017/18: NBLxNBA games and the Kings begin to rise (1:08:32)   Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms. Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring: Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Glen Saville, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

    1hr 15min

  8. 08/12/2025

    Kings vs Hawks: Ep. 4 — Sydney's Three-Peat Response To Wollongong's 2001 Title

    We continue diving deeper dive into one of Aussie hoops' fiercest rivalries — Sydney vs Illawarra — picking things up from the Wollongong Hawks' historic 2001 championship and tracking how the Kings and Hawks battled for New South Wales bragging rights through the mid-2000s. Host Dan Boyce revisits Wollongong's underdog run to become the first NSW club to win an NBL title, then jumps into Sydney's response — the arrival of Brian Goorjian, the recruitment of Chris Williams and Kavossy Franklin, and the three-year stretch that saw the Kings finally shed the "Violet Crumbles" tag and dominate the league. Featuring first-hand accounts from Glenn Saville, Shane Heal, Bill Tomlinson and Brian Goorjian, this episode blends locker-room stories, X-and-O breakdowns and playoff memories to show how the "Freeway Series" evolved from a regional feud into a clash between genuine title contenders. Topics include: How the 2001 Hawks title changed the rivalry and put a target on Wollongong's back (02:00) Glenn Saville on trying to defend the crown in 2001–02 and suddenly becoming the hunted (05:00) Brett Brown to the Spurs, the Titans folding and how Brian Goorjian ended up in Sydney (13:50) Bill Tomlinson on recruiting Chris Williams, early doubts about the Kings' chemistry and fixing the "Violet Crumbles" reputation (16:00) Shane Heal's version of the 2003 title run — ownership drama, Chris Williams' rise and finally delivering a championship to Sydney (21:30) Goorjian breaks down the 2003 finals, the comeback vs Perth and how the Kings' culture flipped overnight (27:00) Inside the 2003–04 repeat: Nielsen's MVP breakout, CJ Bruton's arrival and losing Jason Smith mid-season (32:30) 2004–05 sees both clubs become true championship at the same time and culminate with an all-NSW grand final (38:30) Goorjian on the 1–1–3 zone that Wollongong "had no answer for" and how the Kings swept the 2005 series (48:00) Glenn Saville's memories of facing that Kings juggernaut and what the 2005 grand final meant to Hawks players and fans (54:00) Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms. Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring: Australian Basketball Legends: Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, Glen Saville, Sam MacKinnon, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley Current NBL Stars: Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Xavier Cooks, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Flynn Cameron, Keli Leaupepe, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers, Sam Froling, Jesse Wagstaff Our Finest Coaching Minds: Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Adam Forde, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer NBA Stars Past & Present: Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Jack McVeigh, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton The NBL's Greatest Imports: Leroy Loggins, Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch The Men In Control: Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at info@aussiehoopla.com

    1hr 2min
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4.4
out of 5
91 Ratings

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Visit our website at www.aussiehoopla.com for in depth analysis of Aussie Basketball. Each episode features interviews with current Aussie basketball stars, Australian Boomers playing overseas and legends of the NBL.

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