In The Post – Wildcats’ import rumours increase

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

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No comment on new Wildcats import 

Perth Wildcats coach Scott Morrison has refused to comment on rumours the club is set to sign import John Brown to replace Michael Frazier II.

“No comment. In the words of Bill Belichick, we are on to Tasmania,” Morrison said via The West Australian.

Goorjian defends Cleveland 

Illawarra coach Brian Goorjian has defended Antonius Cleveland’s celebration in front of Tasmania coach Scott Roth after the Hawks defeated the JackJumpers on Saturday.

“Nothing but respect for the JackJumpers, for the season they're having and for Scott Roth. I love my kid (Cleveland) and understand our guys have had their face rubbed in this thing a bit too along the way,” Goorjian said via The Illawarra Mercury.

“After every team beats us, they jump up and dance around. We're finally getting a little bit of momentum and coming in the dressing room, hugging each other, jumping up and down. I don't want to take that away from them.”

Celtic eyes on NBL

The Herald Sun has revealed Boston Celtics assistant GM Austin Ainge was at the Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers game yesterday.

Several NBA hopefuls, including Ariel Hukporti and Kai Sotto, played in the match.

Next Star starting to shine for Kings 

NBL Next Star Makur Maker is beginning to make an impact for the Sydney Kings, much to the delight of his coach Chase Buford.

“I’m really proud of him. He is so talented with the ball, he can do everything. He’s growing all the time, he’s super talented, he’s physical, he’s athletic. If we can get this type of MK for the rest of the season, it’s going to help us big time,” Buford said via Newscorp.

Creek demands better from himself

South East Melbourne Phoenix star Mitch Creek has put himself under fire, saying he needs to play better as the club tries to arrest a four-game losing streak.

“I have to be so much better. That edge we had, be a little bit more resilient, a little bit more mentally tough — and that starts with me,” Creek said via the Herald Sun.

Deans to star in college

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth has confidence development player Sejr Deans will have a successful college career with Jacksonville University.

“The guys have really enjoyed having him around and we know that he's going to have a successful college career but he epitomises everything I think Tasmanian players should be,” Roth said via The Advocate.