He's back! It was only a matter of time before a team called on John Rillie to re-enter the fray. Shooting skills and experience like that don't grow on trees. And so it is, that the New Zealand Breakers have called upon "JR, On Fire" to join their squad, which already calls three-point shooting one of its strengths. He joins the team as they sack import and former NBA satellite player, Awvee Storey.

Rillie's game will fit well with the team, which is struggling to cover for the loss of injured star, Kirk Penney. Both players offer a sharp-shooting game at the two spot. Importantly, he will arrive prior to Thursday's match against the Perth Wildcats, a team that JR scorched in his last NBL performance, with 10 three-pointers.

From the NZ Breakers' press release:

"John brings a great deal of experience and since being let go by Townsville has stayed physically fit and ready to step back on court should he be required," said Clarke.

"His role in the side is yet to be determined but will be discussed following training today. Our priority right now was just to get him on the plane; we are fortunate that at such short notice a player of his ability and experience was available."

The Breakers currently sit in fifth place -- an unexpected situation, given their strong performance last season and star-studded squad. Injuries have taken their toll however and they will be looking to avenge their 94-74 loss to the Wildcats, which occurred in Perth on Sunday night.

Stay tuned for word on Rillie's blog (johnrillie.com) about the move, once he's had a chance to unpack his laptop with the big move.

With the news that the Melbourne Tigers have signed the arch-nemesis of all of Adelaide, the 36ers have made an unprecedented contract offer to Chris Paul for one game and one game only: the December 5th matchup between the 36ers and Tigers. Said Sixers coach Scott Ninnis, "Things didn't end the way we wanted them to with Julius. We only know one man who knows how to take him down and Adam Ballinger is not that man. Chris Paul is. That's why we've offered him $20 million to play one game for the Sixers on 5 December. Game on."

You all know what satire is, right? If not, go and visit The Onion.

A new header image today for the Warnings. A few throwbacks to the former glory days of the NBL! Now, straight to the links.

The struggling Melbourne Tigers have finally placed that call for the cavalry to save the day -- and riding over the horizon is former Adelaide 36ers super-import, Julius Hodge. The versatile 6'7" swingman comes with a tonne of talent and plenty of controversy. In short, he's perfect for the Tigers.

This is a beautiful piece dating back to 1982, focussing on Cal Bruton Snr, aka The Black Pearl. If only the NBL still received the same type of attention on the television news in Australia. The graininess of this footage adds to its beauty, as the reportage details the rise of Bruton in Australia after making his way into the country from New York street ball.

Of course, Australian basketball fans will know that he went on to an illustrious playing and coaching career and that he raised his son Cal Jnr (aka CJ) to be starting point guard for the Boomers (a young CJ appears in this footage). Watch and enjoy.

Thanks go to the denizons of OzHoopsBoards for finding this video.