In The Post – Frazier II's shock NBA admission

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

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Frazier II turns down NBA for NBL

New Perth Wildcats import Michael Frazier II has revealed he declined a contract from the Toronto Raptors to join the NBL’s most successful franchise.

“I was thinking about signing with the Raptors. They had offered me the contract. Everyone knew I was going to sign the Exhibit 10 with them and I was set on that,” Frazier told The West Australian.

“But then my agent rang and said Perth were interested in signing me. Danny (Mills) sent me a video of the fans and the city and I was taken aback by it. Talking to my agent, I said at this point in my career, I want to go to the place that is going to win. I know if I win, it opens up so many doors.”

I want DPOY: Zimmerman

Cairns Taipans import Stephen Zimmerman is not hiding from expectations, declaring he wants to win the Defensive Player of the Year award this season.

“I would like to win as much as possible and hopefully try to get the Defensive Player of the Year, that’s my personal goal,” he told Channel 7.

Coenraad welcomes Hawks expectations 

Illawarra Hawks veteran Tim Coenraad has welcomed the heightened expectations surrounding the club heading into the season, saying it is a privilege to be considered championship threats.

"It's a stigma we've wanted to change, no one's ever expected anything from the Hawks," Coenraad said via The Illawarra Mercury.

“This year, there's definitely an expectation around the team. That's an exciting challenge for us. When you've got a target on your back, can you perform the same way?”

NBL prepares Dover for NBA

Jacqui Dover believes refereeing in the NBL last season has helped her prepare for her golden NBA opportunity.

Dover is NBA bound, selected as one of six referees to participate in the NBA’s Referee Development Program.

“I think the NBL program has helped me definitely to be able to step out on the NBL court and then hopefully onto the NBA court one day,” Dover said.

Giddey heights

Last season’s NBL Rookie of the Year Josh Giddey has continued his stellar start to his NBA career, amassing 19 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and four steals against the 76ers yesterday.

"He had his foot on the gas tonight," Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said.