Team-By-Team: Hooyah & Harden Up

By Damon Lowery.‍

Round 8 Edition

Author’s note: These opinions are mine and mine alone. It’s NEVER personal and always about the basketball.

A Hooyah is given for exemplary play and standout performances so if you get one - bask in the glory.

A Harden Up signifies an underwhelming effort or poor play so if you get one of these - cop it and just move on.

Defeated Illawarra

MASSIVE HOOYAH – Zylan Cheatham: You’ve had some seriously impactful games in your NBL career, but none have been more impactful than this one. You did as you pleased and made history, becoming the first player to record a triple-double in NBL27 with 21 points, 12 boards and 11 dimes.

HARDEN UP – Pass.

Defeated Perth, defeated by Melbourne

HOOYAH – Lat Mayen: This is your 5th year in the league and 4th team; this is the most comfortable you’ve looked in your career. The talent was never deniable; think you’ve found a home in Brisbane. You played against your old team Perth and gave ’em 14 points in 19 minutes, and that late 3 ball was the dagger that sent them home.

HARDEN UP – All of Tyrell Harrison's teammates: You guys have a 7-foot pterodactyl who was averaging 18 points a game until you guys all collectively decided to grossly neglect him. Tyrell finished with 5 points on 2/4 FG. You all owe him an apology.

‍Defeated by Illawarra, defeated Perth

DOUBLE HOOYAH ALERT

HOOYAH – Luke Paul: You got your first career start and gave further proof why you’re a lock to make the NBA. You play with the poise and composure of a seasoned veteran. You stuffed the stat sheet in your 18 minutes, scoring 12 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, dropping 2 dimes, and snatching 2 steals. Rumble, Young Man, Rumble.

HOOYAH – Jack McVeigh: You showed up in Perth in a serious mood. I haven’t seen a ‘Jack’ that dominant since Jack Reacher. You opened up a can of whoop ass, 36 points with 8 made triples and 6 rebounds and 4 assists to put you guys 1 game clear in 4th place.

HARDEN UP – Reyne Smith: Sorry not sorry man. Due to your insane shooting ability, I’m holding you to a higher standard. You came off the bench and went 0/Perth on 4 shot attempts in 13 minutes. I’m not gonna overreact though, and neither should you.

Defeated Cairns, defeated by Adelaide

HOOYAH – Makur Maker: 24 points, 9 boards and 2 blocks, but it was the way you scored the 24 and your overall skillset that’s got me giddy. You’re hitting 3 balls, making moves off the dribble, hitting mid-range jumpers, and dunking on folks. You’re a SHOT Maker, PLAY Maker, and was the DIFFERENCE Maker in that win against Cairns.

HARDEN UP – Sam Froling: You’re on a potent offensive team, and even though you’re capable of it, you obviously didn’t have to score big in order for you guys to beat Cairns. But only 2 points & 2 rebounds in 18 min? C’mon man.

Defeated Cairns

DOUBLE HOOYAH ALERT

HOOYAH – Cole Anthony: There’s a saying we have here in Australia called taking ‘The Piss’. That means you’re doing it way too easy and making a mockery of things. After picking up 2 quick fouls in the first 3 min of the game, you then activated domination mode. You barely played half a game and scored 32 points on 13/14 FG and dropped a team-high 6 dimes. #UNGUARDABLE

HOOYAH – Josh Oduro: You’re a junkyard dog, and I say that with the utmost respect for the way you go about your business. You have the work rate of 2 people. You had double-figure points and rebounds – in the first half – and finished with 28 points & 14 boards.

HARDEN UP – Turnovers: In that complete demolition job, the only hole I could find was the 17 turnovers. Your offensive was so potent that you overcame it, but be mindful because that’s not finals standard.

Defeated by Tasmania

HOOYAH – Sam Mennenga: You’re an NBA player who just happens to be playing in the NBL. You’re in the midst of a career year and it’s been a joy watching your dominant self dominate. You were at it again with 29 points, 17 boards and 2 blocks.

HARDEN UP – Nelson Weidemann: I know you’ve been here a short time and I love the intensity you play with, but you gotta learn to harness it better. You got your first start and fouled out with 4 points in 24 minutes. That’s the 2nd time you’ve been disqualified in 5 games & you’re only averaging 17 minutes a game. Figure it out, my man.

Defeated by Brisbane and Cairns

DOUBLE HARDEN UP ALERT

HOOYAH – Alex Higgins-Titsha: You’ve played a total of 24 minutes in the previous 7 games and scored only 2 points. Your number was called early against Brisbane and you responded with easily your best game of the season. 11 points and 5 rebounds in 15 minutes.

HARDEN UP – Angus Brandt: Right this way, sir. You’ve been doing a solid job filling in for the injured Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. Head coach John Rillie is frustrated with the team’s rebounding, and you added to his frustration against Brisbane with ZERO rebounds in 9 minutes.

HARDEN UP – Alex Higgins-Titsha: After your Hooyah-worthy game against Brisbane, you were injected into the starting lineup and I was excited. Then, you got yourself into foul trouble, managed only 10 minutes and finished with 1 point, 1 rebound & 4 fouls.

Defeated by Sydney

HOOYAH – Nathan Sobey: You’re a joy to watch when you catch fire like that. You attacking the ring like a demon, getting yourself to the stripe (9/10 FT). You had your 3 ball working too (6/11 3PT), 6 boards and 4 dimes rounded out an all-around sensational performance.

HARDEN UP – Defence: In the 2nd quarter, head coach Josh King asked you guys who wanted to step up and play defence, and I’m asking the same question. You guys blew a 21-point first-quarter lead to lose by 11, giving up 110 points in the process. You won’t win another game playing D like that.

Defeated South East Melbourne

DOUBLE HOOYAH ALERT

HOOYAH – Kendric Davis: Your point guard play has been stellar, and you’ve got your team tied for 1st on the Pajero ladder. 28 points, 9 assists was instrumental in that massive comeback win. PS. You’re still my pick to win MVP.

HOOYAH – Xavier Cooks: You’ve had a few games this season that were quiet for your high standards, but I never panic because your overall skillset is so good that I know it’s only a matter of time. 15 points, 14 boards, 4 assists and 2 blocks was a trademark ‘X’ game.

HARDEN UP – First quarter effort: What are the odds of the game you guys get Matthew Dellavedova back, you turn in your worst defensive quarter of the season on your home floor. You allowed a ridiculous 38 points in the 1st quarter. Full credit for knuckling down after that and you put the Phoenix to the sword.

Defeated New Zealand

HOOYAH – Josh Bannan: You’re just quietly stacking up rock-solid games and you’re a big reason why you’re tied for 1st on the ladder. 14 points, 11 boards, 7 dimes was big time. I think you’re going to be the tallest guy to record a triple-double in a very long time.

HARDEN UP – Free-throws: In another gritty trademark win, a 2-point win could’ve been a lil easier if you guys didn’t go 21/31 from the stripe. Concentrate, fellas.

HOOYAH – New faces on commentary: I've loved seeing and working with some of the League's newest commentators, including the likes of Matt Hickey and Sami Whitcomb, who bring a fresh new approach and energy to great code. Keep it up.

HARDEN UP – Mounting injury toll: I don't know it it's some sort of sorcery or someone has walked under a ladder, but too many of our stars are now on the sidelines. From PJC, Jaylin Galloway and JLA, to Flynn Cameron and Brandon Knight, too many of our top players are missing in action. Rest up soon fellas, as we want you all back ASAP!