11/5/00 - "Slammers hit ROCK Bottom"
The Slammers last night again failed to come through with the goods in the clutch, loosing a tight game by a measly 3 points. On the bright side new recruit David Harper fitted in well to the team and is certain to retain his place next week, despite a solid performance by Scott Molencamp in the reserves this week.
If Scotty's problems are concerned with passing ability and shooting ability (or lack there of), Harper brought a new passing level to the Slammers last night. Culminating with a lovely around the back pass in the second half. The only danger is that if some of the lesser skilled Slammers (yes, I'm implying you Staffy) take it upon themselves to attempt similar passes, it could lead to blood on the dance floor.
The game began at a hectic pace, with Staff beginning the proceedings with a sensational move to the basket and sweet lay in. The crowd was on their feet in a salute to the shakin and on the way to the basket. The much-maligned Staff, who has taken a fair degree of criticism throughout his career for being inadequate - in bed and ion the court, reacted to the crowd support and put on a fantastic show for the fans. There were threes, there were jumpers and even tears (when he found out that Ron De-liolio, his childhood idol had not made the Carlton team of the century) on the way to what has been widely described as his best game (15) for his thus far mediocre career.
Big men Block and Grenfell who each collected 12 and 8 points respectively ably assisted staff through the game. Grenfell also had three monster blocks in the first half has continued his solid form throughout the year, while block played a great game at power forward to collect his points and copious rebounds.
Teker and Nugara are the major concern for the Slammers at present and media commentators widely acknowledge that both have to start doing more if the Slammers are to recapture that winning feeling.
Nugara still struggling with his ankle injury struggled to make a contribution to the team, and Slammers coaching staff must be discussing his future in favour of the more versatile Molencamp. The crowd favourite who was having his best season this year in what has been a distinguished career has be ravaged by the injury. He today confirmed that he would be making the pilgrimage to that medical Mecca - Bendigo to be operated on by the esteemed Physiotherapist Justin Gately. "This is a last ditch effort to get my season back on track. If the amputation goes according to plan, I should get my hops back (yes it is a cheap gag) and be in a position to help the team.
Teker has at times made cameo appearances to hit the odd three, but his work in defence and doing the little 2%ers that made him the Warwick Giddy of Jordenville have not been sighted over the last few games. The big question is wether his heart is still in it, or have the many substances in his body effected his heart. For the sake of the team it is important that this key component of the jigsaw puzzle that is "Waverley Basketball" get back on the wagon that Vanessa obviously has Block on.
The crowd at Zagame's was horrified to see Block sipping a lemon squash at the bar pre-game. In a press release, his father Colin, was quick to squash rumours that the champ had quit drinking "His mother Ruth and I would like to unequivocally deny that Gavin has quit drinking, he is a good kid, but as you all know good kids some times come off the rails in the face of media publicity and a girlfriend who has him by the balls. Now if you all leave him alone I'm sure that he will be spewing his guts like we all know he can shortly". Slammer management had no comment when contacted.
Like many of the last few games, the Slammers were in it right to the end, stupid old referees and the fact that Staff (who is widely acknowledged as having the organisational capacity of a YAK) forgot the top for harper which cost the team 5 points. In a three-point game, his idiocy is inexcusable, as is his lack of patience for this masterpiece.
The biggest highlight for the crowd however was Grenfell's philosophical discussion with the referee after the game, when he explained some of the finer points of intelligence to the stupid old man.
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