NBL: Wortho's out, Blanch in; Greenwood to Perth?
Wortho out, Blanchfield in?
It has been an up and down week for the NBL, in particular the Melbourne United clan. Having just celebrated their first birthday under the new banner, the club ended the week on a sour note.
Mark Worthington, last season's club most valuable player and co-captain decided to call time on his current NBL career and move north, much further north in hope that he could ply his trade in Europe once again.
He joins Ben Madgen as the culprits hoping to make a little bit more coin in the Euro leagues after standout performances.
So out with the old, and in with the new they say. Well, with 'Wortho' packing his bags, it is Todd Blanchfield rumoured to join his assistant coach in Mike Kelly down to Port Phillip Bay and play inside Hisense, Margaret Court and the Cage. Gosh, who actually knows where they could play next season, wouldn't it be nice if United could just have one home!
Anyway, 'Blanch' or 'Vinnie' as many teammates would like to call him, looks like a perfect fit in a Melbourne team that needs to find its identity. An excellent, up and coming, always improving Australian talent swingman, Blanchfield can fill the role of what Jordan McRae did last season: score.
In addition to that, he can grab the decisive rebounds, always find an open man and hustle on both ends of the floor. Something similar to what the Melbourne crew just lost in Mark Worthington. Kudos to you Melbourne for working on your toes.
Now, we just await confirmation.
Hugh Greenwood linked with Perth
In other big news, possibly even bigger news; Hugh Greenwood has been rumoured to sign with the Perth Wildcats. View image | gettyimages.com The point guard has just finished his time with New Mexico, with the Tasmanian surely having his eyes set on the NBA one day.
A talented guard, Greenwood averaged 11.6ppg, 5.3rpg and 3.3apg in his senior year in Lobos colours and if his professional debut was in Wildcats colours, it would be a massive coup for the Western Australian side.
Known for picking up talented and big named players, the 'Cats would have an interesting conundrum on their hands if this was to go ahead. With Jermaine Beal just picking up his second year player option and Damian Martin contracted for season 2015/16, the signing of Greenwood would mean three highly talented point guards are on hand.
While Beal could easily step aside and play the shooter, does this leave enough minutes for captain Martin and the newest face on the roster? I'd think so.