The Season
The Crocs
were very similar to the Taipans throughout the season, finishing with the same
record of 15-13. They didn’t have any
big winning or losing streaks with their biggest losing streak of the season being
the bare minimum of two losses on three occasions. Luckily for Townsville they had the season
split with Cairns and were the last team to clinch a playoff spot. In the playoffs they flogged the eventual
premiers, New Zealand in the first semi final game which was a great sign but unfortunately
they couldn’t get another win and were bundled out of the playoffs in the first
round.
What went
right?
They had
next to no injuries for their major components.
Sure Luke Schenscher started the season on the injury list but eight of
their twelve players that played during the season suited up in every regular
season game. Now that’s
consistency. Jacob Holmes blew up (but
faded at the end) which is great news for the team for the future while their
two imports, Elvin Mims and especially Eddie Gill had some great games. Peter Crawford had some blinders and there
was talk of him being an Olympian and was selected in the 25 man squad.
What went
wrong?
There was
some slow down of their better players during the end of the season with Jacob
Holmes totalling 13 ER points in the last four rounds which just isn’t good
enough. Eddie Gill was extremely
inconsistent as he scored -2 one week and 33 the next and taking home the
Dabster Award (the only Townsville player to win one). Also, Luke Schenscher was alright but for
someone of that height and talent he was a bit of a disappointment and Elvin
Mims just wasn’t good enough for the majority of the season and will not be
back.
Most
Valuable Player
Jacob
Holmes. Even though he did fade he was
explosive with his rebounding and his mid range shooting. He was a welcomed addition to this blog’s All
NBL Third Team and was second in the league for rebounding. His time has finally come after slogging away
with Adelaide and the South Dragons so hopefully he can continue with his form
next season.
Targets
The team
has done well so far, re-signing seven of last season’s roster in Ben Allen,
the two Cedar boys, Jacob Holmes, Peter Crawford, Russell Hinder and Todd
Blanchfield but unfortunately Luke Schenscher has gone home to Adelaide. That leaves a massive gap at their centre
position as Allen isn’t good enough play big minutes, let alone start. That means that the team will have to focus
on getting a centre first and foremost and in an interview coach Paul Woolpert
will be looking for “a point guard capable of shifting into the shooting
guard role” for his imports. Hmm, kinda
sounds like Eddie Gill a little, no? It
would be good to see Gill back in the green uniform again but a centre is needed
for the team to compete with the best.
Next Season
They have a
good foundation so far with Holmes at PF, Peter Crawford at SF, the Cedars
playing more minutes and Russell Hinder giving big minutes they just need that
extra ‘oomph’ to get to that next level of Perth and New Zealand. Hopefully their imports can be leaders, not
only of the team but in the league statistical categories and if that happens
they will be a lock for the playoffs once again.
Grade
B
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