The 2016-17 National Basketball League season is shaping to rank among the biggest and best campaigns that Australian basketball has seen, with as many as seven sides capable of capturing a place inside the top four.Trying to pick the side that will win the title is a task about as tough as trying to crack a Playfair cypher. The race for the MVP should be as hotly contested as the battle for ladder positions, with a plethora of impact players taking to the flr.The Sydney Kings finished last season glued to the bottom of the ladder, but youd be silly to have them finishing outside the top four this time around after they spent the off-season retling and bringing in NBL legend Andrew Gaze as a first-time coach and defending MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Lisch.The stakes were raised early and the rest of the league responded.Melbourne United, after winning the minor premiership last season, have reloaded with former NBA and European player David Andersen. Brisbane have returned to the league, headlined by another former NBA player, Cam Bairstow, while Casey Prather (Perth), Rotnei Clarke (Illawarra), Terrence Ferguson (Adelaide) are other notable players taking to the court this season.We break down every team in the NBL, and their chances heading into the season.Cairns TaipansWhen you add the most physically imposing big man in the competition, its always gd news. Nate Jawai joined the Snakes last season, when, while not always dominant, his presence forced opposing teams to structure their defensive structures around him. At the other end, Travis Trice isnt afraid to put his hand up when the light shines brightest having proved at Michigan State that he was more than capable of shutting down any player. Jarrad Weeks was the story of the season last year, with Illawarra Hawks, but can he show his new fan base what all the hype was about?Last season: 6th (12-16) Squad: Matt Burston, Fuquan Edwin, Travis Trice, Nathan Jawai, Cameron Gliddon (capt), Mark Worthington, Stephen Weigh, Alex Loughton, Jarrad Weeks, Mitch McCarron Gains: Nate Jawai, Travis Trice, Mitch McCarron, Nnanna Egwu, Fuquan Edwin, Jarrad Weeks Losses: Markel Starks, Torrey Craig, Matt Burston, Cam Tragardh, Shaun Bruce Key players: Nate Jawai, Cameron Gliddon.? One to watch: Travis Trice. Lockdown defender who shines in big moments. First game: Saturday, Oct. 8 @ Perth Wildcats? Prediction: One team has to finish last; unfortunately for Cairns, that honour belongs to the Taipains. Eighth. Illawarra Hawks The Hawks have lost the reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, Kevin Lisch, and star wing Kirk Penney, but they have got off on the right ft for this campaign by winning the Australian Basketball Challenge. Rebounding was a big talking point last season, with only AJ Ogilvy averaging more than four boards per game, but coach Rob Beveridge addressed that issue through the offseason by bringing in Nick Kay and Michael Holyfield.?Rotnei Clarke should make an immediate impact with his scoring prowess, and hence help to draw the crowds, while Ogilvy will be vital on both ends of the flr if the Hawks are to obtain any success.Last season: Lost semifinal 2-1 to Perth (finished regular season in 3rd spot with 17-11 record) Gains: Rotnei Clarke, Marvelle Harris, Mitch Norton, Nick Kay, Michael Holyfield Losses: Kevin Lisch, Kirk Penney, Jarrad Weeks, Larry Davidson Squad: Rotnei Clarke, Nick Kay, Mitch Norton, Marvelle Harris, Michael Holyfield, AJ Ogivly, Oscar Forman, Rhys Martin, Tim Coenraad, Cody Ellis Key players: Rotnei Clarke, AJ Ogilvy. One to watch: Nick Kay. Rkie of the Year lking to take the next big step. First game: Friday, Oct. 7 vs. Adelaide 36ers Prediction: Will be a tough out, but we dont expect them to secure a finals berth. Seventh.New Zealand BreakersThe 2015-16 runners-up to Perth Wildcats are all but Team New Zealand, having added Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare to the roster that include a total of nine NZ players. Corey Webster was near unstoppable at times last season, and he heads into this campaign after some impressive form overseas. The lack of a true point guard could prove costly for the Breakers, but the veteran presence within this team will hold them in gd stead.Last season: Lost grand final 2-1 to Perth (finished 4th during the regular season with a 16-12 record) Squad: Ben Wdside, Rob Loe, Akil Mitchell, Finn Delany, Shea Ili, Kirk Penney, Corey Webster, Tom Abercrombie, Mika Vukona Gains: Kirk Penney, Rob Loe, Ben Wdside, Akil Mitchell, Shea Ili, Finn Delany, Jordan Ngatai, Izzy Tueta (injury replacement) Losses: Cedric Jackson, Charles Jackson, Tai Wesley, Everard Bartlett, Reuben Te Rangi, Shane McDonald Key players: Kirk Penney, Thomas Abercrombie, Mika Vukona. One to watch: Corey Webster. Superstar with explosive scoring power. First game: Friday, Oct. 7 vs. Melbourne United Prediction: Three times champions and twice runners-up since 2010, they are forever contenders. Can they do it again this season? We say no. Sixth.Brisbane BulletsThe new kids on the block, making their first foray in the league since 2007-08, but theyve built a formidable roster that should have other teams a little rattled. Former NBA player Cam Bairstow will be a focal point for the Bullets, but coach Andrej Lemanis should warrant his fair share of the limelight. His coaching performance with Australias Bmers at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro was remarkable, and hell lk to add that same pizzazz to the NBL. Theyll be lking to make an early case that they belong among the contenders, and victory over the defending champion Perth Wildcats in game 1 could make a bold statement.Last season: First season back in the competition since folding in 2008 Squad: Jermaine Beal, Adam Gibson, Torrey Craig (import), Mitchell Young, Shaun Bruce, Tom Jervis, Daniel Kickert, Matt Kenyon, Anthony Petrie, Reuben Te Rangi, Cameron Bairstow Key players: Cam Bairstow, Jermaine Beal. One to watch: Daniel Kickert. Instrumental for United last season, he is a stretch big man. First game: Thursday, Oct. 6th vs. Perth Wildcats. Prediction: Big challenger for the title, but they will ultimately just fall short. Fifth.Sydney KingsEverything that could go wrong for the Kings last season, did. They had a season from hell and finished last, and they have gone all out to ensure this season doesnt go the same way. Josh Childress has been the best player in the league the past two seasons -- when he could get on the court - but the Kings should be able to cover his absence given the roster they now boast. Defense wasnt played in Sydney last year, and that was the No. 1 area of concern leading into the offseason. Enter defensive player of the year Kevin Lisch and veteran Brad Newley, who will lead the defensive charge.Last season: 8th (6-22) Squad: Greg Whittington, Michael Bryson, Aleks Maric, Kevin Lisch, Brad Newley, Julian Khazzouh, Tom Garlepp, Jason Cadee, Jeromie Hill Gains: Kevin Lisch, Brad Newley, Aleks Maric, Michael Bryson, Greg Whittington Losses: Josh Childress, Angus Brandt, Marcus Thornton, Rhys Carter, Jordan Vandenberg Key players: Kevin Lisch, Julian Kazzouh One to watch: Tom Garlepp adds firepower off the bench. First game: Saturday, Oct. 8 vs. Brisbane Bullets Prediction: A lot of fanfare after a whirlwind offseason, but expectations will be hard to meet. Fourth.Adelaide 36ersThe Sixers lked destined for the finals last season before the injury curse struck star point guard Jerome Randle, and the season plateaued. They have since added athletic bigs who can stretch the flr and run in the open court, and theyre loaded all over the flr; what they lack in experience, they more than make up for in talent. Terrence Ferguson has already proved that he is a highlight film, and he and running partner Randle as his are sure to give opposing coaches nightmares.Last season: 5th (14-14) Gains: Terrance Ferguson, Majok Deng, Anthony Drmic, Eric Jacobsen, Adam Doyle Losses: Adam Gibson, Anthony Petrie, Ebi Ere, Lucas Walker Squad: Eric Jacobson, Terrance Ferguson, Adam Doyle, Majok Deng, Anthony Drmic, Mitch Creek, Daniel Johnson, Brendan Teys, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sobey Key players: Jerome Randle, Terrence Ferguson One to watch: Jerome Randle is tipped to produce an MVP-worthy season. First game: Friday, Oct 7th @ Illawarra Hawks. Prediction: Adelaide always seem to be low on the list of contenders, but they will be big challengers. Third.Perth WildcatsThe reigning champions were a defensive juggernaut last season, and they rode that wave all the way to the title. They will feel the loss of Nate Jawai and Jermaine Beal, but replacements Jameel McKay and Jaron Johnson should open the Wildcats up to a free-flowing offensive scheme. There should be highlights aplenty in Perth this season, but the offence could stagnate at times; provided the team gels, however, lk for the Wildcats to make another big run.Last season: Champions. Won grand final 2-1 over NZ (2nd during regular season with a 18-10 record) Squad: Jaron Johnson, Greg Hire, Jarrod Kenny, Matt Knight, Dexter Kernich-Drew, Angus Brandt, Casey Prather, Jesse Wagstaff, Shawn Redhage, Damian Martin Gains: Jaron Johnson, Jameel McKay, Angus Brandt, Dexter Kernich-Drew Departures: Nate Jawai, Jermaine Beal, Tom Jervis Key players: Casey Prather, Jaron Johnson. One to watch: Damian Martin. Wants his title of best defensive player back. First game: Thursday, Oct 6 @ Brisbane Bullets Prediction: They are going to be so much fun to watch, and the wins will roll in. Second.Melbourne UnitedThe minor premiers last season before they were bounced in the first round of the finals by New Zealand. United have since ransacked the Breakers war chest and added Australia Bmers veteran David Andersen, and they will be a major threat all over again. Chris Goulding should go close to capturing his first NBL MVP award, we can expect big scoring numbers each and every week with the firepower they now possess. Falling short in the first round of the finals wont cut it for United; theyre lking to capture the title and it seems like the time is now for them. Can they stand up under the pressure?Last season: Lost semifinal 2-0 to NZ (finished regular season in 1st spot with 18-10 record) Squad: Cedric Jackson, David Andersen, Devin Williams, Ramone Mre, Tai Wesley, Chris Goulding, David Barlow, Majok Majok, Todd Blanchfield, Nate Tomlinson Gains: Cedric Jackson, David Andersen, Devin Williams, Ramone Mre, Tai Wesley Losses: Hakim Warrick, Daniel Kickert, Stephen Holt, Brad Hill, Igor Hadziomerovic, Chris Patton Key players: Chris Goulding, Cedric Jackson, David Andersen. One to watch: Majok Majok. Will be a double-double machine. First game: Friday, Oct. 7th @ New Zealand Breakers Prediction: They want redemption, and we tip they will get it this season. First. Cheap NFL Jerseys 2020 . As the crowd erupted, Davis knocked the ball off the glass and back into his hands. With 1:14 to go in overtime, Davis sixth block also became his 17th rebound. 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Williams scored 11 points in 10 minutes, Alan Anderson scored 17 points, and the Brklyn Nets finished the exhibition season with a 108-87 win over the Miami Heat on Friday night. WASHINGTON -- The Cincinnati Reds had squandered 4-1 lead late in Saturday nights game and it seemed just a matter of time before the Washington Nationals completed a comeback win.Instead the Reds pulled away.Tucker Barnhart singled home the tiebreaking run in the 10th inning to lead Cincinnati to a 9-4 victory over the Nationals, snapping the Reds five-game losing streak.Weve kind of struggled to get separation from teams late in games, but to be able to get that tonight and hold on for a win is big, said Barnhart, who has hit safely in 10 of his last 11 starts.Cincinnati scored on a fielding error and a wild pitch, and Jose Peraza and Jay Bruce also had RBI in the five-run 10th.Josh Smith (1-1) pitched 1 1/3 innings for his first career win.Its really fitting that Tucker gets that hit in the tenth because weve been together since 2010 (when) I got drafted, Smith said.Eugenio Saurez and Brandon Phillips opened the 10th with singles off Sammy Solis (1-3) and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman was unable to field Billy Hamiltons sacrifice attempt, loading the bases.Barnhart singled to right for his third hit of the game to drive in Suarez. Phillips also scored on the play when Bryce Harper bted the ball for an error. Hamilton later scored on a wild pitch, and Peraza had an RBI single and Bruce a run-scoring groundout.We really did show some resiliency for a team that could be packing it in, manager Bryan Price said. And they havent (packed it in), so Im really pleased with that.Danny Espinosa hit his 16th homer for the Nationals, who had won six straight after losing seven in a row.I think that was Harps first error of the year and Zims second, theyre usually sure-handed guys, Nationals manager Dusty Baker said. These things happen, they dont happen to us much, but especially (not) to guys who committed one error between them.Washington trailed 4-1 entering the eighth, but Espinosa had a two-run homer off starter Don Straily and Harper added an RBI single to tie the score.Zack Cozart had three hits for the Reds and Adam Duvall doubled twice.After allowing 17 runs in his last three staarts, Straily tk a one-hitter into the eighth.ddddddddddddWe were happy to see him leave to tell you the truth, Baker said.Washington starter Joe Ross was touched for four runs on 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings. He allowed three runs and two hits with four strikeouts and three walks.Ross, who gave up three runs in the first three innings before winning his last start, again struggled early.The first two Reds hitters reached base to open the game and came home on Duvalls double. Brandon Phillips, batting sixth for the first time this season, singled home Duvall.Cozarts double made it 4-0 in the second.Revere had an RBI triple in the third.TRAINERS RMReds: Price said 1B Joey Votto (sore right shoulder) is day-to-day after being a late scratch. He banged his shoulder diving into second base during Friday nights game. ... RHP Homer Bailey (elbow surgery) threw 38 pitches on Saturday night in his second rehab appearance with Triple-A Louisville, allowing a run and five hits in two innings.Nationals: Baker said after the game that RHP Stephen Strasburg (back, ribs) will come off the off the DL and take his turn Sunday. Strasburg hasnt started since June 15. ... RHP Jonathan Papelbon (right intercostal strain) threw a scoreless inning Saturday night in his second rehab appearance for Double-A Harrisburg.GD COMPANYDuvall is only the third Reds hitter with at least 19 doubles, 22 home runs and 58 RBI prior to the All-Star Game (since 1933), joining Gus Bell in 1953 and Johnny Bench in 1970.GLOVE STORYRevere saved at least two runs with a diving catch in short center to end the fifth and a leaping catch at the wall for the last out of the sixth.UP NEXTReds: LHP John Lamb (1-4, 4.60) has allowed two earned runs or less in four of his last six starts with only one win to show for it.Nationals: Strasburg (10-0, 2.90) returns from the disabled list to face the Reds. He got a no-decision June 4 in Cincinnati when he allowed three runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings. ' ' '