Who Is In YOUR 2013 NBL All-Star Teams?
Unfortunately, the NBL has chosen not to hold an All-Star weekend which was once scheduled to be a possibility this weekend (Dec 20-22). The great news is that it certainly doesn't stop Pick and Roll NBL experts Dean Zardo and Steve Chalmers selecting their All-Star teams to show the players the recognition they deserve.
Below you will see two sets of teams, sorted in the traditional North vs South match-up. Steve will have chosen his team, followed by Dean's All-Star selections. You will then have a chance to select your NBL All-Star teams.
As a reminder, the North All-Stars consist of players from Cairns, Townsville, Sydney and Wollongong; South All-Stars consist of players from Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and New Zealand.
Photo Credit: SEABL (Fan Designed)
Steve's Teams
North
Starters:
- A.J. Ogilvy (Sydney, PF)
A tough inside presence leading the league in rebounds per game (10.3) and blocks (35). Although has been hindered with the addition of Sam Young, Ogilvy sure has claims as one of the top three players in the league.
- Alex Loughton (Cairns, PF/C)
Loughton can provide a stretch four kind of play for the North All-Stars while Ogilvy causes trouble inside. As he can hit such a large amount of triples throughout any contest, plus his great season so far, he seems the easy fit into the All-Star starters.
- Sam Young (Sydney SF)
A simple pick really as he is one of two most hyped players this season (The other a little later on). With only a few games under his belt, Young has already shown his intentions on how he wants to dominate the NBL.
- Josh Pace (Townsville, SG)
An under-rated hard worker, Pace does a bit of everything for his Townsville Crocs. Averaging 15.6ppg and 2apg, he can be a real threat as the off-the-ball guard in any sort of squad.
- Rotnei Clarke (Wollongong, SG/PG)
While Clarke isn't really seen as a true point guard, we all want to see some streaky shooting in an All-Star game. That's exactly what the Wollongong import brings, a great shooting stroke. While he may have even featured in the three point shoot-out, Clarke is fourth in the league in scoring at 20.4ppg.
Bench:
- Jamar Wilson (Cairns, PG)
- Ben Madgen (Sydney, SG)
- Steven Markovic (Townsville, PG)
- Kevin Tiggs (Wollongong, SF)
- Cameron Tragadh (Cairns, PF)
South
Starters:
- Daniel Johnson (Adelaide, PF/C)
The big man for the Sixers has had a standout season providing a much needed, consistent inside game which has really shown on both his personal stat sheet and his team's win/loss record. At 17.8ppg and 6.6rpg, an easy decision to include him as first choice centre.
- Mika Vukona (New Zealand, PF)
The Breakers captain looms to be the X-Factor in this fantasy All-Star match-up as he would clean up everything that comes his way, plus the fact that he could do the dirty work in a pretty man's game. Could we give him another 17 rebound game?
- James Ennis (Perth, SF)
The easiest choice of the contest. Must this be explained? 22.4ppg, 6.7rpg and 2.2apg plus the fact that he is the most exciting player on any roster, probably hand him the All-Star MVP as well!
- Chris Goulding (Melbourne, SG)
Another streaky shooter that could light up the game in a couple of minutes. The reigning All-Star game MVP would have a lot of hype to live up to as he's been the Tigers' best offensive player this season by a mile.
- Gary Ervin (Adelaide, PG)
The best players hands to have the ball in on the big stage is this man right here. A facilitator who could easily rack up 20 assists in a game like this.
Bench:
- Thomas Abercrombie (New Zealand, SF)
- Shawn Redhage (Perth, PF)
- Mark Worthington (Melbourne, SF)
- Jermaine Beal (Perth, PG)
- Damian Martin (Perth, PG)
Photo Credit: SEABL (Fan Designed)
Dean's Teams
North
Starters:
- A.J. Ogilvy (Sydney, PF)
The Kings big man has been very impressive all season, averaging a double-double with 14 and 10.3 as well as swatting 35 blocks this season.
- Alex Loughton (Cairns, PF/C)
Despite his side struggling, the big Snake has been in career best form. His 13.6ppg have come consistently and at 49.2% from the field, with an 18-10-5 night his best effort to date
- Sam Young (Sydney, SF)
Despite only playing 4 games this season so far, Young is an excitement machine and his averages of 21.3ppg and 6.3rpg are set to grow as the season wears on.
- Josh Pace (Townsville, SG)
The Crocs swingman is perhaps the most underrated import in the comp, with solid numbers (15.6ppg and 5.3rpg at 51% from the floor) to show for his efforts so far
- Rotnei Clarke (Wollongong, SG/PG)
Clarke is a flat out shooter and his 20.4ppg have come in some huge performances, with the star guard able to light up at any moment.
Bench:
- Jamar Wilson (Cairns, PG)
- Brian Conklin (Townsville, SG)
- Charles Carmouche (Sydney, SG)
- Steven Markovic (Townsville, PG)
- Cameron Tragadh (Cairns, PF)
South
Starters:
- Daniel Johnson (Adelaide, PF/C)
The Sixers big man has enjoyed a stellar season to date, consistently getting numbers and averaging 17.8ppg and 6.6rpg to lead his side to a strong start.
- Shawn Redhage (Perth, PF)
Redhage consistently gets it done despite being surrounded by superstars, polling 15.7ppg and 5.7rpg throughout the start of this season.
- James Ennis (Perth, SF)
Ennis has been the star of the league's show, delivering on the pre-season hype in spades with numbers of 22.4ppg and 6.7rpg in exhilarating performances that have entertained every arena
- Chris Goulding (Melbourne, SG)
Goulding started the season off on fire and despite cooling off lately is still posting a league leading 23.6ppg, delivering on his promise and exceptional talent.
- Gary Ervin (Adelaide, PG)
The former league MVP has been a star, running the floor in the Sixers' run-and-gun style and putting up 17.4ppg to go with 4.7apg littered with clutch plays.
Bench:
- Thomas Abercrombie (New Zealand, SF)
- Scott Morison (Melbourne, SF)
- Jermaine Beal (Perth, PG)
- Mika Vukona (New Zealand, PF)
- Kerron Johnson (New Zealand, PG)
Your Turn!
Who do think is deserving to be named a 2013 Pick and Roll NBL All-Star. Let your voice be heard!
Comment on the piece below giving your best 10 players from either or both conferences, or hit us up on our various Social Media outlets:
Facebook: The Pick and Roll - Everything NBA
Twitter: The Pick and Roll (@PickandRollAU)
Twitter: Steve Chalmers (@cp_chalmers) & Dean Zardo (@Dean_Zardo)