In The Post – Machado return near

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

The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBL, its Clubs or partners.

Machado and Djeric set to return

The Cairns Taipans are set to receive a major boost ahead of Round 11, with Scott Machado and Mirko Djeric back on the practice court.

Cairns assistant coach Sam Gruggen says the duo will be monitored during practice before facing physicals ahead of Saturday’s clash with Illawarra.

“Fingers crossed they’re playing this weekend and we start getting some wins together,” Gruggen said via the Cairns Post.

Reinforcements coming for Phoenix

The Herald Sun is reporting the South East Melbourne Phoenix will welcome back Dane Pineau and Reuben Te Rangi in tomorrow night’s clash with the Sydney Kings.

However, the newspaper believes coach Simon Mitchell, Kyle Adnam and Cam Gliddon will remain in COVID protocols.

Hawks haven’t played like a team: Ogilvy 

Illawarra Hawks captain AJ Ogilvy has admitted the club hasn’t played like a team this season as they look to turn their campaign around.

“We are a group of extremely talented individuals, but we haven't played like a great team this season. There's no denying that. We've had flashes of brilliance where the ball is zinging around the court and we're up and in on defence. But there's also been too many times when the opposite happens,” Ogilvy wrote in the Illawarra Mercury.

Hatred of losing drives Wagstaff

Ahead of his 400^th game this weekend, Perth Wildcats veteran Jesse Wagstaff has revealed he almost hates losing as much as he loves winning.

“It’s not that I love winning so much, it’s that I hate losing. I think it’s a fine distinction,” Wagstaff told The West Australian’s The Dribble podcast.

Key to JackJumpers’ success 

Tasmania guard Sam McDaniel has revealed accountability has been the key element to the JackJumpers’ success this season.

“Accountability. From everyone involved. He (coach Scott Roth) holds every player and person accountable and it's something that United did and all successful clubs do well,” McDaniel told ESPN.

Broekhoff back on Boomers radar

Australian Boomers coach Brian Goorjian has praised Ryan Broekhoff’s expanded skillset, despite his poor shooting numbers in the NBL season.

“I like the direction he’s going. Let’s say, from a national standpoint, I like what he’s doing. Last year, I though it was just he shoots the ball, if it doesn’t go in, he’s not really that effective. He’s become more rounded. You’ve seen him over the course of the year, he’s an effective guy defensively and offensively, (even if) he’s not shooting the ball well,” Goorjian said via the Herald Sun.