In The Post – Sydney’s door opens for Bronny James

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

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Sydney opens door for Bronny

Kings’ owner Paul Smith says Sydney will be the only city big enough to welcome LeBron James’ son, Bronny James, if he joins the NBL Next Stars program.

“There’s only one city that’s big enough for LeBron and Bronny, and that’s Sydney,” Smith told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Ware deal uncertain

Newscorp’s Matt Logue has reported Casper Ware’s deal with the Adelaide 36ers “is in doubt with his Russian club currently unwilling to release” him.

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Phoenix eye big extensions

Newscorp’s Matt Logue has reported the South East Melbourne Phoenix are in the process of extending coach Simon Mitchell’s contract, while the club is also talking to Zhou Qi about a new deal.

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Kings cheering for Cooks’ NBA dream

If Xavier Cooks earns an NBA contract, the Sydney Kings won’t be standing in his way according to owner Paul Smith.

“He deserves a chance, and I hope he gets a chance to play in the NBA. It would be ridiculous for us to encourage players to come here that want to go on that journey, and then, in some way, restrict what they’re doing. We will throw everything at Xavier to get him to that level,” Smith told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Wildcats ready for Cotton swarm

Perth Wildcats coach Scott Morrison expects Melbourne United to send multiple defenders at Bryce Cotton in tonight’s Grand Final rematch.

“Harass him, put Delly on him a bit, put Agada on him a bit, put Ili on him a bit and just try to keep fresh legs on him so he wears down…they’re the best defensive team in the league,” Morrison said via The West Australian.

McCall, Djeric updates

Cairns Taipans star guard Tahjere McCall is day-to-day with a hand injury, but sharpshooter Mirko Djeric is set to miss a further four weeks with a quad injury.

“It’s a frustrating thing for Mirk – he’s sat out more on the sideline than he has his entire career. His injury is one we don’t want to rush too soon – and unfortunately his timeline is a little longer than everyone else,” coach Adam Forde said of Djeric via the Cairns Post.

Bairstow rushed to hospital

Adelaide 36ers star Cam Bairstow was rushed to hospital due to a heart scare during last Friday’s game against South East Melbourne, 7 News has revealed.

Bairstow has been cleared to play this weekend.

Hickey’s fight

One of the NBL’s six Indigenous players, Melbourne United’s Davo Hickey, has opened up on his passion and fight for First Nations people.

“I spoke to the (United) boys about having those tough conversations, the conversations that have been swept under the rug, the conversations that really just make people feel uncomfortable. I’m not scared to speak on these matters because of my pride, the disparities I’ve seen and the poverty I’ve seen Indigenous kids grow up in. It’s still not where it needs to be,” Hickey said via the Herald Sun.

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Goorj still full of energy

Illawarra Hawks coach Brian Goorjian has declared he still has the energy to continue coaching at the age of 68.

“I love the Clint Eastwood quote: ‘you want to kick age’s arse’ and the best way to do that is to be around the youth, staying active and wanting to learn. That is attractive to me, and I enjoy it,” Goorjian said via Newscorp.

Lots to fix for JackJumpers 

Tasmania forward Jarred Bairstow says the club needs to clean up their game, after reviewing an ugly win against New Zealand last weekend.

“We’ve got a lot of things to fix and get ready for this weekend, but an ugly win is better than a good loss” Bairstow said via The Mercury.

Fouls off Tasmania’s agenda

JackJumpers sharpshooter Clint Steindl says Tasmania needs to do a better job of avoiding fouling while maintaining a physical game plan on defence.

“We've got to bring that same mentality of being physical and disruptive against Cairns and Illawarra this weekend but doing it in a smart way,” Steindl said via The Examiner.