In The Post – Dieng, Besson Feature in NBA Mock Draft

Catch up on all the latest headlines from around the basketball world in today’s edition of In the Post.

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Breakers French pair first round prospects

New Zealand Breakers duo Ousmane Dieng and Hugo Besson remain first round prospects in ESPN’s latest NBA mock draft.

Dieng is predicted to be selected with the 18^th pick while Besson’s stock has risen to the 24^th pick.

Hawks/Phoenix game postponed 

Tonight’s game between the Illawarra Hawks and South East Melbourne Phoenix has been postponed after positive COVID cases were returned from the Hawks.

All Illawarra players and staff are double vaccinated.

The decision to postpone the game at the WIN Entertainment Centre has been made in line with the NBL’s COVID health and safety protocols.

Buford proud of Kings fight

Sydney Kings coach Chase Buford is proud of how his team kept grinding in last night’s win over the Tasmania JackJumpers. After an inconsistent first three periods, the Kings stormed home with a 29-8 last quarter to secure the 83-71 win.

“I am proud of the fightback, the guts from the team to stay together when it wasn't going our way for the full four quarters,” Buford said.

JackJumpers see signs

Despite the JackJumpers failing to find their second win of the season, coach Scott Roth says he saw some positive signs from the offence in last night’s loss to Sydney.

“I take complete responsibility for having our offence behind our defence, but for three quarters we played very well - what I envisaged this group to be,” Roth said.

Jawai working on physical adjustment

Cairns Taipans veteran Nate Jawai admits he needs “to do a better job of controlling” his physicality to remain out of foul trouble.

Click here for the full story via Newscorp.  

Phoenix’s odd couple

South East Melbourne Phoenix duo Mitch Creek and Zhou Qi have developed a strong friendship, with the Herald Sun labelling them the NBL’s “odd couple”.

Click here for the full story.

Gleeson speaks on NBA experience  

Former Perth Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson has lifted the lid on his “full on” new lifestyle as Toronto Raptors assistant coach.

Gleeson spoke to thewest.com.au’s The Dribble Podcast. Click here for the full story.