Team-By-Team: Hooyah & Harden Up (Round 21, NBL26)

By Damon Lowery.

Author’s note – “HOOYAH” is the battle cry of the Navy Seals and is given out to celebrate great efforts & achievements.

A “HARDEN UP” is given out when a performance has not been at the expected level.

This is STRICTLY about basketball – it is NEVER personal.

Defeated New Zealand

HOOYAH – Bryce Cotton: For the umpteenth time, you saved the day. You already had 29 points heading into the last quarter and facing a 14 points deficit you said, “Aw, Hell no! We ain’t losing”. You proceeded to score 13 points including the dagger three-ball to finish with 42.

HARDEN UP – John Jenkins: Owner of one of the best jump-shots in the League, to say I’m shocked that you finished the game with a big fat donut on 0/5 shooting would be a grotesque understatement. This is the definition of an aberration.

Defeated by Perth

HOOYAH – Hunter Maldonado: From Colorado Springs, you had a spring in your step. 18 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists,3 steals and a block - no one can say you’re not leaving it all out on the floor.

HARDEN UP – Turnovers and rebounds: These categories hurt you guys. 15 TOs is too many against the better teams and allowing 15 offensive rebounds is always gonna bite you.

Defeated by Melbourne United

HOOYAH – Marcus Lee: You came off the bench and were impactful in 28 minutes with 10 points, 8 boards and 3 blocks. Hopefully permanent residency isn’t too far away for you.

HARDEN UP – Andrew Andrews: You came into this game leading the League in turnovers and you had back-to-back TOs in the last minute to finish with 7.

Defeated by Sydney, defeated Melbourne

HOOYAH – JaVale McGee: Your game against Melbourne was a reminder of how dominant you can be in limited time. 24 minutes was all you needed to get 22 points, 13 boards, 4 assists and 2 blocks.

HARDEN UP – Will Hickey: As if getting blown out by the Kings wasn’t enough, you came off the bench, played 19 minutes and managed to turn the ball over 7 times. That was a tough one from you, my man.

Defeated Cairns, defeated by Illawarra

DOUBLE HOOYAH ALERT

HOOYAH – Milton Doyle: Against Cairns you came off the bench (which I’m not big fan of) and heated up like a microwave and dropped 25 points in 29 minutes to get over the line.

HOOYAH – Rhys Carter: Stepping up in the absence of Dean Vickerman to coach the team, and you clawed your way to a tough road win in Cairns.

HARDEN UP - Shea Ili's hamstring: I could’ve sworn we’ve had this conversation already. This is the fourth time this season you’ve kept Shea from playing. The finals are coming up, so you and your soft tissues need to Harden Up and let this man play.

Defeated by Adelaide

HOOYAH – Jack Andrews: This is another prime example of what a HOOYAH represents. You’re a 6’10 development player that’s rarely played. With your team hit hard by injuries, your name is called. You show no signs of being intimidated and have 6 points and 3 boards in 13 solid minutes which was crucial in almost knocking off Adelaide.

HARDEN UP – All of you: This has been the theme of your season, losing another close one. “Close” only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Blowing a 14-point lead in the last quarter just adds to the list.

Defeated Brisbane, defeated by Sydney

HOOYAH – Kristian Doolittle: You were a man against boys versus the Bullets. You toyed with them on your way to 28 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.

HARDEN UP – Free-throws: Playoffs are around the corner and the little things will be vital. 13/23 from the foul line against Brisbane was your only blemish. That’ll be 10 full court sprints, thanks.

Defeated Tasmania

HOOYAH – Angus Glover: That lefty stroke was stroking. You made 7 shots and they were all 3-balls. And you grabbed a board for every 3 you made. 21 points and 7 rebounds. Great game, my man.

HARDEN UP – Defence: Allowing 104 points to an undermanned Tassie team makes me firmly believe your defence is all smoke & mirrors.

Defeated Illawarra and Perth

HOOYAH – Kendric Davis: The“Little Big Man” from Houston – you’ve been a problem for opposition teams all season. You were audacious against the Hawks, racking up 24 points, 5 boards, 9 assists and 3 steals in only 26 minutes. The audacity continued against Perth with a big time double-double 30 points and 10 assists.

HARDEN UP – Pass.

Defeated by South East Melbourne

HOOYAH – Majok Deng: I’ve always believed you are one of the few “unguardable” dudes in the League. 20 points in the first quarter was unreal. You hit 4 triples, made all 10 free throws, grabbed 9 boards to finish with a career high 36 points.

HARDEN UP – Defending the three: I’m fully aware the Phoenix are a bunch of wild cowboys that blaze away from three like there’s no tomorrow, but I’m also aware that if you allow a team, any team, to make 20, you’re gonna lose.

HOOYAH – Coaches' mics: We are 100% in the entertainment business, and hearing from the coaches live, unfiltered and in-game is all part of the drama, spectacle and theatre. The NBL has something other sports would kill to have – unbelievable access. If they hand it back – it’s probably gone forever and we the fans miss out.

HARDEN UP – Complaining about coaches' mics: To those “anonymous” voices talking to the media and calling for the League to change the rules for coaches wearing the mics – Harden Up. Firstly, put your name to your quotes. Secondly, you get paid to be in the spotlight. If you don’t like it, there are plenty of other associations “off Broadway” you can coach in.