Team-By-Team: Hooyah & Harden Up (Round 6, NBL26)

By Damon Lowery.

Author’s note – “HOOYAH” is the battle cry of the Navy Seals and is given out to celebrate great efforts & achievements.

A “HARDEN UP” is given out when a performance has not been at the expected level.

This is STRICTLY about basketball – it is NEVER personal.

Defeated by Melbourne

HOOYAH – Zylan Cheatham: Wow, what a game. You did everything but drive the team bus to the game (which was 40-minutes late to the arena, so maybe you should have). You dunked, knocked down triples, and even wore the mic for “In the Zone”. Finishing one assist off a triple double; 21 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists was big-time.

HARDEN UP – Number 17: 17 is how many offensive rebounds you allowed, with the last one leading to United’s game winning shot, 17 is how many turnovers you had, and 17 is how many fouls you committed.

Defeated New Zealand and defeated by South East Melbourne

HOOYAH – All the Bullets: I could’ve given this to at least five players – and settled on ALL of you. On the road against NZ, without Mitch Norton, Sam McDaniel and rising star Alex Ducas, with a 20-year-old development player at point, and you erase a 24-point, second quarter deficit to win on the buzzer. You’re playing with so much resilience and heart. This is exactly the kind of performance that makes a wannabe Navy Seal proud. I’m saying this with my chest ... HOOYAH!

HARDEN UP – Poor rebounding: I was shocked to see you allow the Phoenix to grab 10 offensive rebounds … in the first quarter! You gave up 26 for the game and that might be a record. BOX OUT!

Defeated by Perth and Melbourne

HOOYAH – Reyne Smith: You’re quietly having a very solid rookie season. Even though your team is struggling, you’re averaging double figures. Scoring 13 in both games this round shows a level of consistency. Keep it going, my man.

HARDEN UP – Marcus Lee: You foul too much! This consistent fouling behaviour needs to stop. I feel like you’re fouling me right now as I write this. You’re the best all-round defender on the team, yet struggling to stay on the floor. You fouled out against Perth in 17 minutes with 4 points and 2 rebounds, then you fouled out again in only 26 minutes against Melbourne (at least you had 10 rebounds).

Defeated Perth

HOOYAH – Jackson Ball: JaVale McGee was awesome and Tyler Harvey was big-time. But I was more impressed with you, Jackson. I’m gonna need to see your birth certificate cause you can‘t be 17. Getting your first start on the road in front of the 12,000 strong Red Army in Perth, you more than held your own. You played hard-nosed, uncompromising defence, were on the floor in “crunch time”, and got a new fan in me.

HARDEN UP – Free-throws: In a great road win, your percentage from the stripe is a concern. The game wouldn’t have been that close had you not shot 9/16.

Defeated Cairns and Adelaide

HOOYAH – Jesse Edwards: What a dominant display against Adelaide. You were instrumental and made all 10 of your shots which is extremely rare, while grabbing 7 rebounds. Your 7^th rebound in the dying seconds and kick-pass to a wide-open Tyson Walker, who hit the game winner, was text-book. I’m glad you’re in the League, man.

HARDEN UP – Pass: New Rule Alert: If a team is 9-0, they can’t get a Harden Up

Defeated by Brisbane

HOOYAH – Sam Mennenga: I’ve been waiting for you to put it all together and you finally have. Your offensive scoring ability has taken such a quantum leap, that I don’t feel there’s a player in the League that can stop you. 25 points in the first half was a work of art.

HARDEN UP – All the Breakers: This is for blowing a 24-point lead at home against a depleted Brisbane. I don’t know how coach Koponen sleeps at night. You put yourselves in winning positions then get in your own way with poor shot selection, lackadaisical defence, and ridiculous fouls. You’ve turned losing into a habit.

Defeated Cairns and defeated by Illawarra.

HOOYAH – Elijah Pepper: You showed some of the scoring prowess that made you a household name in the NBL1. I knew it was only a matter of time.

HARDEN UP – Team shooting: What’s the deal with your 3 point shooting? It’s not good. Against the Hawks you shot enough “bricks” to build a shooting facility. 1/17 at the half and finishing 5/32. Go and watch YouTube videos of Jaron Rillie’s dad, John, shooting the ball and be inspired.

Defeated Sydney and Brisbane

HOOYAH – Nathan Sobey: You’re worth the price of admission, my man. Sydney came to town and you made sure they left with the blues. You made light work of all of their defenders giving them 33 points, 5 rebounds and 5 dimes in a big-time win. Then you went on the road and took care of Brisbane, giving them 29 points, 4 assists and 3 steals. Coach Josh King said you’re “underrated” … but not by me.

HARDEN UP – John Brown III: Regarding that tech that got you ejected: you need to stop showing subtle displeasure with the referees, by waving your hand when they make calls. Even though you’re playing an emotional game, you can’t display ANY kinds of so-called emotions. Be careful out there. (Said with my tongue firmly in my cheek and all the sarcasm I can muster)

Defeated by South East Melbourne and Tasmania

HOOYAH – Jaylin Galloway: It’s the signature game we’ve all been waiting for and you delivered against the JackJumpers. 20 points at 73% is what I’m talking about.

HARDEN UP – Xavier Cooks: I struggled to decide who deserved this more, Xavier Cooks for not taking a solitary shot in the first half against the Phoenix, finishing with 3 points and 3 rebounds, or all the other players for ignoring Xavier and not getting him a shot. But since there are no victims in my book, you gotta wear this one, Xavier. I don’t care if you’ve gotta snatch the ball out of one of your teammates hands or just get a rebound and dribble down and shoot it from half court - but as a former MVP and two-time Champion, you absolutely, positively cannot play a half of basketball without taking a shot again.

Defeated Sydney

HOOYAH – Nick Marshall: Looks like you’ve found a home in Tasmania. I’ve always admired your talent, you just needed more opportunity. In 27 minutes, you scored 14 including the game winner on the buzzer.

‍HARDEN UP – 3-point shooting: I’ve got good news and bad news: The good news is you’re in the top 10 for 3-point percentage, and the bad news is you’re 30% for the season - and 4/17 didn’t help.

HOOYAH – Indigenous Round: To all the artists who shared and showcased their unbelievable talent, designing the uniforms and to all the Indigenous leaders who shared their traditions and stories. To all the elders who welcomed us to country, and to all the Indigenous players who continue to set great examples and inspire this generation and the next.

HARDEN UP – Bad tech fouls: Casey Prather received one for being too demonstrative after clapping his hands in frustration, but John Brown III copped the softest of the season so far. He copped his second for the game and was ejected for waving his hand down by his side as if to say, “Get out of here” after a foul. The baseline referee saw it T’d hum up. The players are allowed to show some emotion, surely?