In The Post – Goorjian wants Kings in Finals

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

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Goorjian wants NSW Derby series 

Illawarra Hawks coach Brian Goorjian has made it clear – he wants to face New South Wales rivals the Sydney Kings in the NBL Finals.

“I expect it, I hope it happens. I was involved in the Magic and Tigers battles in the 90s and they still talk about that rivalry. These two teams want to be playing for a championship and in the semi-final and it will add to the fireworks and the rivalry, the media coverage, the energy, if we meet each other again,” Goorjian said via the Illawarra Mercury.

Walsh opens up on Wetzell departure

New Zealand Breakers owner Matt Walsh has described why the club allowed superstar Yanni Wetzell to leave early to join Spanish giants Baskonia.

“His performances dictated he got an amazing offer that will change his future, and we can’t compete with that. No team in this league can compete with the kind of money he’s going to make. I called him and said we’re going to make this work, that we were thankful for everything he’d done, and he was very grateful. We left it on such terms that if Yanni wants to return to the NBL, it most certainly will be for the Breakers,” Walsh said via Stuff.

Kuol earns Heal’s tick of approval

Bul Kuol has earned the respect of NBL legend Shane Heal, after the Cairns Taipans rookie broke Heal’s record for most three-pointers made by a rookie.

“Records are there for people to break them, so the fact that no one’s done it until now is impressive by his part to come in, have that confidence, and knock those shots down. I’ve got no doubt he’s going to springboard from here,” Heal told the Cairns Post.

Roth promises McVeigh’s spot

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth has promised fan favourite Jack McVeigh won’t be leaving Tasmania while he is coaching the team.

“We knew what he was capable of and as long as I’m in the JackJumpers seat coaching him he ain’t going nowhere,” Roth said via The Mercury.

Kordahi steps down

Illawarra Hawks president Dorry Kordahi has stepped down from his role, the club announced yesterday.

“The move comes after Kordahi cited the need to focus more time and attention on his other business endeavours. Despite relinquishing his duties from the operational side of the business, Kordahi will remain part of the Hawks ownership group,” the Hawks’ statement read.

Giddey returns to Adelaide

2021 NBL Rookie of the Year Josh Giddey is back in Adelaide after his stunning rookie NBA season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, running clinics for young basketballers.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aussie NBA rising star <a href="https://twitter.com/joshgiddey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@joshgiddey</a> has returned to Adelaide to host a basketball camp for the next generation of young ballers.<br><br>The former <a href="https://twitter.com/Adelaide36ers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Adelaide36ers</a> guard is fresh off an incredible rookie season with the <a href="https://twitter.com/okcthunder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@okcthunder</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/mkfburford?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mkfburford</a> <a href="https://t.co/4iZ6ojFQpY">pic.twitter.com/4iZ6ojFQpY</a></p>&mdash; 10 News First Adelaide (@10NewsFirstAdl) <a href="https://twitter.com/10NewsFirstAdl/status/1516543057654874112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>