Hard Ball: The Official Podcast of the NBL - The National Basketball League

Episode 20 feat. Damian Martin, Trevor Gleeson, Nathan Jawai and Casey Prather

Mammoth Audio — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 12:46:12 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast Liam Santamaria, Tommy Greer and Brett Thomas break down the Grand Final series between the Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers and discuss Perth’s historic seventh NBL Championship. The boys also chat to Wildcats captain Damian Martin, head coach Trevor Gleeson, star centre Nathan Jawai and high-flying import Casey Prather about taking out the title.

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Episode 19 feat. Derek Rucker, Mika Vukona & Jesse Wagstaff

Mammoth Audio — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 02:04:41 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas are joined by Fox Sports broadcaster Derek Rucker to break down all the action from the Swisse NBL Finals and preview the Grand Final series between the Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers. The boys also chat to Wildcats sparkplug Jesse Wagstaff and Breakers captain Mika Vukona ahead of Grand Final Game One this Wednesday night in Perth.

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Episode 18 feat. Kevin Lisch & Damian Martin

Mammoth Audio — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 11:46:52 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast Tommy Greer, Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas break down all the action from the Swisse NBL Finals. The boys discuss New Zealand’s 2-0 Semi Final win over Melbourne, ask what lies ahead for United and look at all the news, notes and quotes from Illawarra and Perth’s thrilling matchup. The boys also chat to NBL MVP Kevin Lisch about his devastating ankle injury and get the latest from Perth Wildcats captain Damian Martin on his team’s adjustments heading into Game 3.

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Semi Final Preview feat. Dean Demopoulos, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson & Rob Beveridge

Mammoth Audio — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 13:28:01 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast Tommy Greer, Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas preview the upcoming Swisse NBL Finals. The boys chat to all four head coaches – Melbourne’s Dean Demopoulos, New Zealand’s Dean Vickerman, Perth’s Trevor Gleeson and Illawarra’s Rob Beveridge – to find out their thoughts on the Semi Final matchups. The boys also discuss some of the key aspects of each series, including the strengths and weaknesses of each team and some possible X-factors.

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Episode 16 feat. Cedric Jackson

Mammoth Audio — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 11:27:14 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast Tommy Greer, Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas recap all the major story-lines from Round 18 of the NBL. The boys discuss New Zealand’s season-saving wins over Adelaide and Cairns, Melbourne’s impressive win on the road and Illawarra’s remarkable single-season turnaround, locking in a Finals spot after taking out last year’s wooden spoon. The boys also chat the Perth Wildcats and their historic achievement in qualifying for their 30th consecutive post-season. New Zealand Breakers point god Cedric Jackson joins the boys to discuss his phenomenal shooting against the 36ers, keeping the Finals dream alive and those rumours of internal disharmony at the Breakers. All that plus this week’s Studs & Duds, your tweets and a ...

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Episode 15 feat. Daniel Kickert

Mammoth Audio — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 02:38:59 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast Tommy Greer, Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas recap all the major story-lines from Round 17 of the NBL. The boys discuss Melbourne’s dramatic win over Perth in the Jungle and the worrying knee injury suffered by MVP candidate Jerome Randle during Adelaide’s home win over Illawarra on Saturday night. They also chat to Melbourne United forward Daniel Kickert about Melbourne’s win over Perth, who he would like to play in the Semi Finals and why United keep being outscored in fourth quarters. All that plus this week’s Studs & Duds, your tweets and preview of the Round 18 games.

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Episode 14 feat. Jerome Randle

Mammoth Audio — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 02:40:59 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast Tommy Greer, Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas recap all the major story-lines from Round 16 of the NBL. The boys discuss Adelaide’s two home wins over Sydney and Melbourne, New Zealand’s disappointing 0-2 result from the Sunshine Swing and Perth’s dominant performance at home over Illawarra. They also chat to Adelaide 36ers import Jerome Randle Adelaide’s push towards the playoffs, the importance of winning the MVP and whether there is anybody in Australia who can guard him. All that plus this week’s Studs & Duds, your tweets and preview of the Round 17 games.

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Episode 13 feat. Greg Hire

Mammoth Audio — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 11:06:25 +0000

This week on a special live episode of the #HardBall Podcast Tommy Greer, Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas recap all the major story-lines from the NBL’s Chemist Warehouse Heritage Round. The boys discuss Melbourne’s two convincing wins over Cairns, Perth’s dominance at home over Sydney and Adelaide’s rise into the top 4. The boys also chat about Illawarra’s impressive 2-0 round against the New Zealand Breakers and what those losses mean for the defending champs. They also chat to Perth Wildcats forward Greg Hire about Perth’s bounce-back win at home, his admiration for import Casey Prather and who he would prefer to play in a Semi Final series. All that plus this week’s Studs & Duds, your tweets and preview ...

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Episode 12 feat Daniel Johnson

Mammoth Audio — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 02:31:07 +0000

This week on a special live episode of the #HardBall Podcast Tommy Greer, Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas recap all the major story-lines from Round 14 of the NBL. The boys discuss Adelaide’s massive win in New Zealand, the impressive 2-0 week from the Cairns Taipans and Melbourne’s one point victory over the high-flying Illawarra Hawks. They also chat to Adelaide 36ers star Daniel Johnson about his outstanding recent play, playing Dodge Ball at 36ers training, the likelihood of Adelaide making the finals and what it’s like to play with Jerome Randle. All that plus this week’s Studs & Duds, your tweets and a preview of the Chemist Warehouse Heritage Round.

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Episode 11 feat. Jason Cadee

Mammoth Audio — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 08:43:29 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast Tommy Greer, Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas recap all the major story-lines from Round 13 of the NBL. The boys discuss the return of Sydney’s Josh Childress, Daniel Kickert’s superb shooting night in Melbourne’s win over the Kings, Illawarra’s NYE massacre of the Townsville Crocs and the fluctuating form of the Cairns Taipans. They also chat to Sydney’s Jason Cadee about his impressive play, how it feels to be back in Homebush and his dream of once again wearing the green and gold. All that plus this week’s Studs & Duds, your tweets and a preview of the Round 14 slate of games.

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Episode 10 feat. Stephen Holt

Mammoth Audio — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 10:26:35 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast Tommy Greer, Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas recap all the major story-lines from Round 12 of the NBL. The boys discuss Adelaide’s home win over Melbourne, the phenomenal shooting display from New Zealand’s Corey Webster and the awesome spectacle that was the open air game at Hisense Arena. They also chat to Melbourne’s import point guard Stephen Holt about playing in the open air, his partnership with Chris Goulding and the St. Mary’s brotherhood that exists in the NBL. All that plus this week’s Studs & Duds, your tweets and a preview of the NYE round of games.

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Episode 9 feat. Joe Connelly

Mammoth Audio — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 09:27:00 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast Tommy Greer, Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas recap all the major story-lines from Round 11 of the NBL. The boys discuss the red hot Illawarra Hawks, Townsville’s upset win over Perth and what lies ahead for the Cairns Taipans. They also chat to new Sydney Kings head coach Joe Connelly about adjusting to the NBL, Julian Khazzouh’s season-ending injury and the infamous sweat towel. All that plus this week’s Studs & Duds, your tweets and a preview of the Christmas round of games.

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Episode 8 feat. Cam Gliddon

Mammoth Audio — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 08:48:20 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast, Tommy Greer, Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas recap all the major story-lines from Round 10 of the NBL. The boys discuss the remarkable double-overtime game between Cairns and Illawarra, Townsville’s amazing comeback win over Adelaide and Perth’s impressive 2-0 weekend. They also chat to Cairns guard Cam Gliddon about the Taipans’ topsy-turvy season, highlight this week’s Studs & Duds and preview the upcoming games.

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Episode 7 feat. Shawn Dennis

Mammoth Audio — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 11:03:32 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast, Tommy Greer and Liam Santamaria recap all the major story-lines from Round 9 of the NBL, discuss the teams who most impressed over the past week and debate the question ‘who is the hottest team in the competition?’ They also discuss the NBL debut of Sydney Kings head coach Joe Connelly, chat with Townsville Crocs head coach Shawn Dennis and outline the Round 9 Studs & Duds.

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Episode 6 feat. Derek Rucker & Kirk Penney

Mammoth Audio — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 11:22:49 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast, Derek Rucker joins Liam Santamaria to recap all the major story-lines from Round 8 of the NBL. The boys discuss the decision by the Townsville Crocodiles to release import Brian Conklin as well as the coaching change that has occurred this week at the Sydney Kings. They also break down the recent good form of the Perth Wildcats and Adelaide 36ers and whether the Cairns Taipans have what it takes to make a run at the top four.

Illawarra Hawks sharp-shooter Kirk Penney was a dominant force in Round 8, putting 24 points and 8 assists on the Sydney Kings before dropping 31 points in a big win over Townsville. Penney chats to Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas about his scintillating form and the Hawks’ 2-0 week. The former NBL MVP also offers his thoughts on the recent play of teammates A. J. Ogilvy and Jarrad Weeks, the disappointing injury news surrounding Tyson Demos and Illawarra’s upcoming game against Melbourne United.

With Round 9 of #HardBall tipping off this Wednesday, the boys preview the massive slate of games ahead. Wednesday’s double-header sees the season’s second Reptile Rumble between Cairns and Townsville and a re-match between Perth and New Zealand. Can the Breakers make enough adjustments to get the better of the Wildcats and remain undefeated at home? Melbourne travel to Illawarra to take on the suddenly confident Illawarra Hawks on Thursday night, can they contain the big three of Lisch, Penney and Ogilvy? Friday’s double-header sees Perth host Adelaide and American Joe Connelly make his NBL head coaching debut as the Sydney Kings host the Cairns Taipans. Townsville host the reigning champion New Zealand Breakers on Saturday night, can the Crocs cause another surprising upset? The final game of the round involves Joey Wright’s Adelaide 36ers taking on Melbourne United on Sunday afternoon. Can Chris Goulding regain his shooting touch in front of a raucous home crowd?

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Episode 5 feat. Andrew Gaze & Corey Webster

Mammoth Audio — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 12:05:23 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast, Andrew Gaze joins Liam Santamaria to recap all the major story-lines from Round 7 of the NBL. The boys break down Perth’s narrow victory over Cairns and the spectacular shooting performance by New Zealand’s Corey Webster. The also discuss Adelaide’s home win over Illawarra, Townsville’s massive upset victory over Melbourne and what United’s Dean Demopoulos would be most worried about with his team’s three-game losing streak.

New Zealand Breakers guard Corey Webster is the NBL’s leading scorer, having returned from the NBA in scintillating shooting form. Webster chats to Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas about his electrifying 39-point performance against Melbourne, how much he enjoys battling Chris Goulding and the current state of New Zealand’s championship defence. Webster also offers his thoughts on the recent play of team-mate Thomas Abercrombie, how he works through shooting slumps and the pride he feels representing the Breakers.

With Round 8 of #HardBall tipping off this Wednesday, the boys preview the five exciting games ahead. Illawarra Hawks are desperate for a win and host Sydney and Townsville in Round 8, can they come away with a 2-0 result? Josh Childress will be returning for the Kings this week, can he lead his team to a win over their NSW rivals? Melbourne United head to Townsville to seek revenge after losing to the Crocs in Round 7, can they regain their winning form? Friday’s double-header sees Cairns host Adelaide and Perth host New Zealand, which teams will step up under the bright Friday night lights?

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Episode 4 feat. Damian Martin

Mammoth Audio — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 01:14:05 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast, Tommy Greer and Liam Santamaria recap all the major story-lines from Round 6 of the NBL. The boys break down the impressive performances from Cairns guard Cameron Gliddon, Sydney forward Al Harrington and Perth guard Jermaine Beal in leading their teams to victory. The boys also discuss Illawarra coach Rob Beveridge calling his team “mentally soft” and Joey Wright turning the Adelaide 36ers into “track stars” and weigh in on the issue of Brian Conklin’s elbows.

Perth Wildcats captain Damian Martin has been dining out on a diet of ice-cream, milo and yoghurt since having his jaw broken in Round 5. Martin joins the boys to discuss his multiple surgeries, how he’s feeling and his road to recovery. Martin also offers his thoughts on the incident, including his reaction to the tribunal’s findings and when he was most scared after copping the hit. Finally, the Wildcats skipper chats about Perth’s up-and-down season and the impressive play of New Zealand point guard Jarrod Kenny.

There’s little time to relax and with Round 7 of #HardBall tipping off this Wednesday, the boys preview the six games ahead. Perth, Adelaide, New Zealand and Melbourne all play twice in Round 7 – which, if any, can come away with a 2-0 result? Adelaide host the Perth Wildcats to kick things off on Wednesday before Sydney host the reigning champion New Zealand Breakers on Thursday night – can the kings build some momentum with a second-straight win? Townsville then head to Melbourne where they were demolished by 30 points in Round 3 – what will they need to do to cause another big upset? Illawarra and Adelaide meet for the first time this season on Saturday night – which of these two high-paced teams can get the job done on the defensive end? The New Zealand Breakers host Melbourne United on Sunday in what is set to be a spicy encounter after the controversial finish to their most recent clash while Cairns and Perth do battle in Western Australia – can the Taipans get a much-needed win on the road?

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Episode 3 feat. Jeremy Loeliger

Mammoth Audio — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 11:22:49 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast, Tommy Greer and Liam Santamaria recap all the major story-lines from a massive NBL Round 5. The boys discuss Adelaide’s miraculous comeback win over Sydney, the incident between Townsville’s Brian Conklin and Perth point guard Damian Martin and the controversial finish to the Melbourne vs New Zealand clash. They also discuss Illawarra’s big win over the Cairns Taipans and the current state of play for last year’s minor premiers.

NBL General Manager Jeremy Loeliger has overseen an incredible overhaul of the league’s operations and he joins the podcast to discuss all that has been achieved as well as some exciting developments to come. Loeliger also touches on the relationship between the NBL and Fox Sports, what’s next for the NBL Live App and weighs in on some of the major talking points to have come out of Round 5.

There’s little time to relax and with Round 6 of #HardBall tipping off this Wednesday, the boys preview the five games ahead. Perth and Illawarra meet for the third time this season – can Rob Beveridge and Kevin Lisch finally get a win over their former club? The Adelaide 36ers head to Sydney for Part 2 of their battle from Round 5 – will the Kings bounce back? Perth plays their second game in three nights against the reigning champs in New Zealand – how will the Breakers handle the disappointment of their heart-breaking loss to Melbourne? Can either of the teams from Far North Queensland upset their more-favoured opponents, with the Taipans hosting Melbourne United and Townsville headed to Adelaide?

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Episode 2 feat. Markel Starks

Mammoth Audio — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 01:00:13 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast, Tommy Greer and Liam Santamaria recap all the major story-lines from NBL Round 4. The boys discuss the arrival of NBA veteran Al Harrington, Chris Goulding’s 16-point quarter and debate whether Perth @ Melbourne or Cairns @ Adelaide was the game of the round. The boys also discuss the controversial non-call on Jermaine Beal’s attempted game-winner, ask whether the New Zealand Breakers are flying under the radar and celebrate the gutsy shot knocked down by Cairns Taipans import Markel Starks.

Cairns Taipans import Markel Starks was under intense pressure heading into Round 3. After a disappointing loss in New Zealand, the point guard responded with a Ladbroke’s Player of the Game performance against Jerome Randle and the Adelaide 36ers, dropping 27 points and knocking down the clutch game-winner. Starks speaks on the #HardBall Podcast about settling into the NBL, filling the shoes of Scottie Wilbekin, and the Taipans’ championship credentials. He also discusses the differences between playing in the NBL and playing in Europe and touches on the plan for taking on former league MVP Kevin Lisch in Round 5.

There’s little time to relax and with Round 5 of #HardBall tipping off this Wednesday, the boys preview the seven games ahead. Perth and Townsville do battle twice in Round 5 – can reigning MVP Brian Conklin shake of the shackles? Cairns and Illawarra are both one win away from a .500 record and each play only once – against each other. Who can grab that crucial win? New Zealand take on Adelaide and Melbourne – how will Corey Webster fare against Boomers guards Adam Gibson and Chris Goulding? Can Al Harrington lead the Sydney Kings to victory over either Melbourne or Adelaide? We break it all down.

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Episode 1 feat. Jerome Randle

Mammoth Audio — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 04:30:57 +0000

This week on the #HardBall Podcast, Tommy Greer, Liam Santamaria and Brett Thomas recap all the major story-lines from NBL Round 3. They boys discuss the return of Corey Webster to the defending champion New Zealand Breakers, Townsville’s miraculous win in Perth and the Wildcats’ bounce-back win over Illawarra. They also break down the disappointing results from Sydney and Cairns, Melbourne’s undefeated start and Adelaide’s impressive back-to-back wins.

Jerome Randle stepped straight off the plane onto the court and had an immediate impact for the Adelaide 36ers, leading them to back-to-back wins over Cairns and Sydney in Round 3. Randle speaks on the #HardBall Podcast about his debut weekend, his time playing pro ball in Europe and his NBA aspirations. He also discusses the experience of playing for Ukraine in the 2015 FIBA EuroBasket, his backcourt combination with Australian Boomers guard Adam Gibson, playing for coach Joey Wright and how much he likes his new team. Who would win a foot race between NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook and Jerome Randle? Listen to find out!

There is plenty in store throughout Round 4 of #HardBall and the boys preview the massive slate of games ahead. Cairns continue their five-game road trip with stops in New Zealand and Adelaide – can they start making shots from the perimeter? Illawarra also play twice on the road, in Townsville on Wednesday night and in Perth on Saturday – how will former Wildcats Rob Beveridge and Kevin Lisch be received in Perth Arena? With two more games at home, can Melbourne stay undefeated? Can Sydney put the skids on their four-game losing streak? We break it all down.

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