Andrew Vlahov - Perth Wildcats

Today's feature Perth Wildcats legend is Andrew Vlahov.
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/perth-C163762

Andrew Vlahov attended Stanford University in the U.S. before being signed by the Perth Wildcats where he played his entire NBL career (12 seasons). A stellar first season with the Wildcats saw Vlahov earn the NBL Rookie of the Year award. Vlahov replaced Mike Ellis as the captain of the club in 1993 after only two seasons in the NBL and remained so until his retirement.

Vlahov enjoyed a successful NBL career, making the finals series every year he played in the league. He won three NBL championships and was a staple NBL All Star selection every season. Andrew was one of the most feared players of all time, even though he barely stood at 6 foot 7 (undersized for a power forward) he made up for it with his power and strength. He was one of the leagues best rebounders and arguably the best Australian power forward of all time.

One of Andrew’s best seasons was in 1992 when he averaged 22.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.3 steals, 1 block while shooting over 52% from the field and 79% from the line.

Ricky Grace - Perth Wildcats

Today's feature Perth Wildcats legend is Ricky Grace.
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/perth-C163762

Ricky "Amazing" Grace was selected in the 1988 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz in the third round (67th overall) but failed to make the active roster of an NBA team. Soon after, Grace was invited by then Perth Wildcats GM Cal Bruton to play for the Australian club, where he played his entire professional career (16 seasons), and captained the club from 2002/03 until his retirement in 2006. During his time with the club Grace played an integral part in six grand finals appearances and four championships, twice being award Grand Final MVP.

One of Ricky’s best seasons was in 1991 when he averaged 22.2 points, 8.2 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.8 triples while shooting almost 50% from the field and 80% from the line. 

James Crawford - Perth Wildcats

Our first feature Perth Wildcats legend is James Crawford.
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/perth-C163762

The "Alabama Slamma" left the Canberra Cannons to join the Perth Wildcats in 1987 where he remained for the next 13 seasons. He played in a total of 504 NBL games, 371 of them for the Wildcats and currently sits third on the list of all time NBL scorers with 11,121 points, scoring at an average of 22 per game. He also sits third on the NBL all time rebound list with 4,794 (9.5 per game) and second in blocked shots with 788 (1.5 per game).

Relatively small for a starting centre, the 6'8" Crawford was an integral part of the Perth Wildcats three NBL Championships during the 1990's (90, 91 & 95) combining with team mates Tiny Pinder, Ricky Grace and Andrew Vlahov to be part of the most successful team of the decade. He was also selected to the NBL’s All First Team four times (1982, 83, 84 and 87) and was selected to the NBL’s 20th Anniversary Team in 1998 and the NBL's 25th Anniversary Team in 2004.

One of Crawford’s best seasons was in 1987 when he averaged 33.4 points, 11.8 boards, 2.3 blocks, 1.9 steals and shot over 60% from the field!

Perth Wildcats t-shirts

Gather round and let me tell you about a time when the Perth Wildcats were one of the best teams in the league! Oh wait …

Ok, so let’s instead pay tribute to the recently crowned champions of the NBL by paying homage to their forefathers! Back in the 90’s when the league was booming, the Perth Wildcats were definitely the team to beat. They won their first championship in 1990, backed it up in 91 and again in 95.

The big five we’ve chosen to represent Perth are all true legends from that era: Ricky “Amazing” Grace, James “The Alabama Slamma”, Andrew Vlahov, Scott Fisher & Mike Ellis.

Check out our store for team ten of the "Legends" range:
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/

The 2003/4 Sydney Kings - legendary team

C. J. Bruton was recruited to take the place of the retired Shane Heal and Jason Smith was signed after returning to the NBL after playing in Europe. The Kings started the 2003/04 season with 12 successive wins, and would eventually win their second championship after their best-of-five grand final series with cross-town rivals West Sydney went down to the deciding fifth game. Kings player Matt Nielsen would win the regular season and finals MVP this year before leaving to play overseas. Sydney’s outstanding depth was also a key that season, with Brad Sheridan, Brett Wheeler, David Stiff, Luke Martin and BJ Carter all contributing quality minutes.


http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/sydney-2003-2004-A14760838/customize/color/506

The 2002/3 Sydney Kings - legendary team

Our next legendary team was the start of a three-peat dynasty, the 2002/2003 Sydney Kings.
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/
(See pic below, for the Kings you have the choice of the purple or gold tees)

For the 2002/03 season, Shane Heal was joined by talented imports Chris Williams and Kavossy Franklin. The team also welcomed the NBL's all-time leader in coaching victories, Brian Goorjian. The Kings finished on top of the ladder with a 22-8 record and swept the Perth Wildcats in the grand final series to claim their first-ever championship.

With Goorijan able to implement his defensive tactics which were so successful with the Magic and Titans, in addition to finally being able to purchase high quality superstar imports he was unable to attain due to financial constraints on the team in Melbourne, there seemed to be no stopping the Kings ...

The 2007 Brisbane Bullets - legendary team

Following on from the 1985 team yesterday, this morning's feature legendary team is one of the greatest ever assembled, the 2007 Brisbane Bullets.
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/brisbane-2007-A14751173/customize/color/4

Whether you consider them the best NBL team ever (or the best that money could buy), you can’t argue with how great the Brisbane Bullets team was that won the 2006/2007 championship. They were so good their bench players would have likely beaten most rival teams. “G-Unit” as they named themselves featured Adam Gibson, Dillon Boucher, Mark Bradtke (Dusty Rychart was the starter I believe), Mick Hill & Brad Williamson.

The Bullets won the pre-season title and then easily won the minor premiership, claiming an end of season record of 28 wins and only 5 losses. This included an all-time NBL record-breaking 21-game winning streak, marking the Bullets' most successful season since 1979. Brisbane went on to make their first NBL grand final since 1990 and took out the finals series 3-1 over defending champions the Melbourne Tigers to be crowned NBL champions for the third and last time (for now).

In The Game Tees - $10 off sale on now

Whether you’re Irish or Irish-ish… we’ve got a deal for you! To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (next month), our partners at Spreadshirt are offering $10 off any order of $50 or more. Simply enter the coupon code POTOFGOLD at check out to receive the discount. 

So if you’ve been eyeing off one of our recent Melbourne Tigers or South East Melbourne Magic tees, now is the time to grab yourself a bargain:
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•           $10 off orders of $50 or more
•           Coupon code: POTOFGOLD
•           Run time: February 25th – March 4th, 2014 (US EST Time)

Andrew Gaze - Melbourne Tigers

The one, the only ... Andrew Gaze
(pic below, who said he couldn't jump?)

Andrew Gaze is considered the greatest player in the history of the NBL and is a seven time winner of the league's MVP award, which is now named after him.

Gaze began his career in the NBL at age 18, being named Rookie of the year in 1984. He was the top scorer in the league for a total of 14 seasons. Not an outstanding athlete, Gaze's heavy scoring was due to exceptional shooting, including from three-point range. A crowd favourite, one of Gaze's trademark plays for the Tigers was the alley-oop pass to Lanard Copeland. Playing under his father with the Tigers, Gaze played in 612 NBL matches and led the team to two titles (’93 & ’97).

One of Andrew’s best seasons was in 1987 when he averaged 44.1 points (that’s not a typo), 8.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.5 steals & 3.4 triples.

Check out the Andrew Gaze Legends tees here:
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/melbourne-C157175

Melbourne Tigers t-shirts

Gather round and let me tell you about a time when the league was booming, so much so, NBL players were household names!

Back in the 90’s when the league was booming, one of the teams to beat was the Melbourne Tigers who took out their first championship in ’93 and then won it again in ’97. Lindsay Gaze prowled the sidelines while his son Andrew was the superstar. He wasn’t alone as he was joined by two of the legends of the league, Lanard Copeland and Mark Bradtke.

Fast forward to the 2000’s when the big three had moved on, a new superstar emerged for the Tigers in the form of Chris Anstey who returned from several years in Europe. Anstey dominated the league helping Melbourne to another two titles in ’06 and ’08.    

As you can see from the pic below, we’ve come up with two different styles for this team, based on the team’s classic uniforms from back in the day.

Check out our store for team nine of the "Legends" range:
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/

Herb McEachin - Canberra Cannons

Herb “The Snake” McEachin earned his nickname because of his ability to slip through opposition defences. McEachin played for the Canberra Cannons for 14 seasons winning three championships in ’83, ’84 & ’88. He retired as the all-time leader in games played with 341, all with the Cannons.

One of Herb’s best seasons was in ’84 when he averaged 22 points, 7.2 boards and 2.3 steals while shooting 57% from the field.

Check out one of the two types of Herb McEachin tees:
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/herb-mceachin-cannon-A13920742/customize/color/5

 

 

Phil Smyth - Canberra Cannons

Our feature Canberra Cannons legend today is "The General", Phil Smyth.

Phil Smyth signed with the Canberra Cannons for the 1983 season and stayed for 10 seasons. During that time he enhanced his reputation as one of the best ever Australian basketball players and helped transform the Cannons into a championship winning team. Smyth would win three championships with Canberra in ‘83, ‘84 and ’88. The latter would also see him named Grand Final MVP.

Phil’s best season was 1998 when he averaged 23 points, 5.4 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 2.9 steals, 3 triples per game and shot 47% from the field, 47% from deep and 87% from the line.
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/phil-smyth-cannon-A13920754/customize/color/5

 

 

Tad Dufelmeier - Canberra Cannons

Our first Canberra Cannons feature Legend is Tad Dufelmeier (snr).

Dufelmeier played six seasons for the Canberra Cannons helping them win the title in ’88. The name may soon be better known for his son, Tad Jnr, who is one of the best up...-and-coming point guards in the country.

Tad’s best season was in ’87 when he averaged almost 17 points per game, 4.5 assists and shot over 50% from the field.
 

To grab your very own Tad Dufelmeier t-shirt:
 http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/tad-dufelmeier-logo-A13920764/customize/color/5

 

 

 

In The Game Tees on Twitter

My day has been made ... randomly just received the tick of approval for our Legends t-shirts from the greatest Australian basketballer ever!

You can now follow In The Game Tees on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/InTheGameTees

Canberra Cannons t-shirts

Gather round and let me tell you about a time when the NBL was booming, so much so there was a team in (almost) every capital city, even Canberra! That’s right kids, at one time it wasn’t just politicians, porn and fireworks in our capital.

The Cannons were one of the original ten NBL clubs competing in the league's very first season in 1979. Canberra dominated the league in the 80’s winning the championship in ’83, ’84 and ’88.

Representing Canberra in our “Legends” series are Phil “The General” Smyth, Herb “The Snake” McEachin, Emery Atkinson, Tad Dufelmeier, Simon Dwight, Rob Rose and Willie Simmons.

For the Cannons range we have two different styles. The white early style logo tee and the black later style pirate version (both pictured below). 

Canberra, its time to represent and show your support for your once great team. Like, share and shop!

Check out our store for team seven of the "Legends" range:

http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/

In The Game Tees - 20% off sale!

Seven weeks until Christmas, what do you get for the NBL fan that has everything? Well our partners at Spreadshirt have just announced a TWENTY percent off sale to answer that question for you! Loggins, Rucker, Rillie, D-Mac tees all now 20% off!
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/

Use coupon code: EARLY20.

(Run time Nov 5 - 12 US EST time)

Derek Rucker - Townsville Suns

Our final Townsville Suns legend is Derek Rucker. (Yes, this is now the third team we have Rucker in!)

In a shock move in 1995, Derek Rucker left a promising team in Newcastle to join the Townsville Suns which was a huge coup for the club... in just its third year. Derek teamed up with Clarence Tyson to make one of the most exciting duos in the 90s.

Rucker’s best season for the Suns was ’95 where he averaged 30.3 points, 8.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 3.6 triples while shooting 47% from the line and 89% at the line.

To grab your Derek Rucker Townsville Suns tee, follow the link:
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/derek-rucker-classic-A13670833/customize/color/135

Clarence Tyson - Townsville Suns

Next up on our list of Townsville Suns legends is "The Elevator", Clarence Tyson.

Clarence Tyson was one of the NBL's best and most exciting imports of the mid 90s. He signed with the Townsville Suns in 1995, playing for them for three ...seasons and earning the nickname "The Elevator". He was rated as one of the leagues best rebounders during his time as a Sun and still holds the team record for 25 rebounds in a game.

His best season was ’95 when he averaged 24.6 points, 14.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 blocks, 1.5 steals and shot over 62% from the field!

Grab your very own Clarence Tyson t-shirt here:
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/clarence-tyson-classic-A13670838/customize/color/135

Rimas Kurtinaitis - Townsville Suns

Next up on our list of Townsville Suns legends is the first non-US import in the NBL, Rimas Kurtinaitis.

Rimas Kurtinaitis signed with the Townsville Suns in 1993, already known as one of the best European 3-point shooters of all time. During his short time in Australia, Rimas hit 5 or more threes in 6 of his 21 NBL games, including a game against the Adelaide 36ers when he scored a career high 41 points. Kurtinaitis averaged 24.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 2.7 triples per game.

To grab your very own Rimas t-shirt:
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/rimas-kurtinaitis-classic-A13670835/customize/color/135

 

Ricky Jones - Townsville Suns

We'll start off our Townsville Suns legends features with Ricky "Rainman" Jones.

Ricky made an immediate impact on the league scoring 47 points in his NBL debut against the Newcastle Falcons. He still holds the Townsville record for most points scored in a game with 53.

Jones was known for his high flying dunks, shot blocking ability and unorthodox shooting style. Ricky scored 30 or more points 20 times in his short NBL career (52games). His best season was in ’93 where he averaged 28 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 2.5 triples and shot 48% from the field. ...

To get your very own Ricky Jones t-shirt:
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/ricky-jones-classic-A13670832/customize/color/135

 

(Side note: When I was looking for pics of Ricky Jones, I think I found three and they were all of him dunking on Brisbane Bullets players!)