Club-By-Club: Hooyah & Harden Up (Round 15, NBL25)

Author disclaimer: To all the players, coaches and administrators, the following opinions are mine and mine alone. It’s ALWAYS business – and NEVER personal. So, if I name you, shame you, offend you or slap you on the back and put your name up in lights, just accept it for what it is and move on.

By Damon Lowery.

Defeated Melbourne

HOOYAH – All of you! Since you all got together and “hashed it out”, you’re 2-0 and playing spirited basketball. Holding a full-strength Melbourne United to 81 points is impressive.

HARDEN UP – It’s great you guys are up and about again, and your 6 rebounds and 2 blocks were cool, but Jarell Martin - can you never take only 1 shot again, please?

Defeated by Sydney

HOOYAH – This goes to Josh Bannan. Not only do you wear No.13, but it was your 13th game of the season and you got 13 points and 13 rebounds. What are the odds?

HARDEN UP – All shooters go through this, Keandre Cook. 10 points on 3/15 FG including 1/10 from downtown. Keep the faith.

Defeated Illawarra

HOOYAH – Coach Adam Forde, the staff, players, mascot and frankly anybody wearing orange. For not only ending a 15-game losing streak, but doing it on the road against the top side and championship favourites.

HARDEN UP – I commend you for playing sick and battling your backside off, but you keep fouling out, Tanner Groves. That’s 4 games in a row and a total of 6 for the season. Cut it out!

Defeated by Cairns

HOOYAH – Extremely productive and efficient in 20 minutes with 15 points on 7/8 FG, adding 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Way to ball, Lachlan Olbrich.

HARDEN UP – This is a double-banger. Will Hickey - you’re up 3 with 12 seconds left. What in the Seven hells possessed you to throw a 50ft pass directly to Rob Edwards, who then hit the game-tying 3? Then, Hyunjung Lee, with 2 seconds left and scores tied, what made you contest Taran Armstrong’s 75ft shot and foul him? I am still flabbergasted!

Defeated by Adelaide

HOOYAH – Bench players are vitally important. Tanner Krebs, you only average 5 points in 13 minutes, but in front of a sold-out Adelaide crowd, you produced 13 points. Way to step up!

HARDEN UP – It’s been a while since you channeled your inner “Walter White” and “Broke Bad”, Jack White. I acknowledge 9 boards, but your team needs more than 3 points and 4 fouls. 

Defeated by Perth

HOOYAH – We have a cheat code and global mismatch in you, Tacko Fall. You were at your dominant best and racked up a season-high 28 points at 77%, plus 9 boards, and 4 blocks.

HARDEN UP – With Parker Jackson-Cartwright suspended, you absolutely positively cannot only take 5 shots, Jonah Bolden. 4 points and 2 rebounds doesn’t come close to cutting it from a guy of your ability and talent.

Defeated New Zealand

HOOYAH – Last time you played New Zealand, you gave them 59 points. This time they “held” you to 41. When Perth comes to town, do yourself a big favour and buy a ticket to watch Bryce Cotton. #GREATNESS

HARDEN UP – Happy New Year.

Defeated by Sydney, defeated Tasmania

HOOYAH – It’s so good to see you involve yourself in the offence, Jordi Hunter. Josh King would be rapt with your 17 points and 8 rebounds. With your level of play, a championship is realistic.

HARDEN UP – You had Sydney on toast and you blew an 18-point second-half lead? Bad offensive decision making, a lack of foul discipline, missed free throws, and turnovers. Yep, that’ll do it.

Defeated South East Melbourne & Brisbane

HOOYAH – I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: when you’re healthy, Jaylen Adams, you can do whatever you want. You torched the Phoenix with 32 points, 5 rebounds, 9 dimes, and 3 blocks. Did I mention 17/18 from the foul line? Ridiculous!

HARDEN UP – I understand you’re a vertically challenged team, but I struggle to understand how you allowed Brisbane to get 22 offensive rebounds. That’s an effort thing. Fix it.

Defeated by South East Melbourne

HOOYAH – The 6th man of the year award just got very interesting with Jordon Crawford coming off the bench. President of the “Lil Big Man Society”, you were productive again with 16 points, 5 assists and 2 steals.

HARDEN UP – Foul discipline is still a major issue. You put the Phoenix to the line 33 times. The loss would’ve been worse had they converted more than 24. Get it together.

HOOYAH – The JackJumpers have sold out MyState Bank Arena 51 times in a row. The joint needs more room to fit in more loyal ants! Tasmania State Government - Make it happen, please!

HARDEN UP – I watch every single game, and some are starting to drag on - and I know why. The referees are handing out “soft” calls, which lead to challenges. Then we gotta sit around and wait for a decision. If successful, they keep the timeout which adds to the tally. I’ve had enough. Basketball has an element of physicality which needs to be maintained, so stop blowing the soft whistle.