In The Post – Mitchell comments on future

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

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Mitchell not concerned with future

South East Melbourne Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell is not worried about his future, as he comes out of contract this season with the club on the verge of potentially missing the finals.

“If we win enough games everything will be fine, if we don't, I know this is a performance-based industry. I'm not shying away from us underperforming to people's expectations, we certainly haven't performed to ours because ours would be higher than others. I'm not too concerned about all that, it will come out in the wash and that's part of the profession,” Mitchell told ESPN.

Loeliger comments on John Brown situation

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger has commented on the Perth Wildcats potentially signing import John Brown, despite the deadline for finals eligibility being passed.

“The rules do allow NBL discretion. Yes, it is possible. We have not yet received an application, mainly because the FIBA clearance letter has not yet been provided. That letter of clearance may not come, and he may not be cleared to play so there's no point asking at the moment. If we are asked, we'll take all of the factors into account at that point in time,” Loeliger told ESPN.

Hawks avoid danger game trap

Illawarra Hawks coach Brian Goorjian is proud of his side’s win over Brisbane last night, saying they knew it shaped as a danger game.

“We identified this as a dangerous game and our performance wasn’t perfect, but there were concerns coming in here tonight. Our match ups with them are difficult and they don't play with a true post player, so we were concerned coming in, but bottom line is I'm really pleased with the win,” Goorjian said.

Duncan challenges Digbeu to repeat strong effort

Brisbane Bullets coach James Duncan has praised NBL Next Star Tom Digbeu for bringing the energy in last night’s game against Illawarra, but he has challenged the youngster to do it more consistently.

“He gave us a huge boost off the bench. Tom is talented and capable…it is just a matter of coming in and working and giving the right effort every single day. He is learning that. Tonight, he gave us a good boost and now he has to repeat that come Sunday,” Duncan said.

Dogs inspire Kings

A college football coach’s speech demanding his players play like dogs, and not cats, has inspired the Sydney Kings to embrace the same mentality.

“That was our way of having a laugh but at the same time pushing a message of who we want to be as a team, and it has snowballed from there. We talked about being dogs up against Perth’s cats. Now it is the mentality of our team and how we want to play with that aggressive mindset,” Kings coach Chase Buford said via Newscorp.

JackJumpers could set up season’s “biggest game”

Sunday’s clash between the JackJumpers and Kings looms large, if Tasmania defeats Adelaide tonight, according to captain Clint Steindl.

“We just have to take care of business in Adelaide to essentially set up probably the biggest game of our season against Sydney on Sunday. That one won’t really mean too much if we don’t get (tonight) done in Adelaide,” Steindl said via Fox Sports.

Norton reveals injury frustrations

Perth Wildcats leader Mitch Norton has revealed the mental frustration of dealing with injuries, as he fights a lingering hamstring ailment.

“It’s more so mentally that it gets a bit draining. There’s no worse feeling to when you’re told you can’t go (back on) and that’s it, and you have to ice up at half-time. It’s not a lot of fun. More so because you feel like you’re letting the guys down. That’s probably the hardest part about the last few games,” Norton told The West Australian’s The Dribble Podcast.

Kings buy into system

Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks says a key to the club’s nine-game winning streak has been the players believing in the offensive system.

“It’s a mixture of people buying in. We know who our better ball handlers are, our slashers, we have players like Jaylen Adams who is MVP in the league in my opinion. He’s starting to read our game,” Cooks told the Sydney Morning Herald.

CJ trusts Harris

Adelaide 36ers youngster Hyrum Harris has thanked coach CJ Bruton for the belief he has shown in him during the season.

“I owe CJ a lot. He’s shown faith in my ability and given me the opportunity to prove myself,” Harris told the Adelaide Advertiser.