Depth of the problem? Blowouts in East spark debate

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The East Got Game crew breaks down the NBL1 East finals race, debates whether the women's competition has a competitiveness problem, reacts to blockbuster late-season signings and relives Hornsby's epic 98-97 overtime win over Sutherland.

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Finals picture taking shape

• The women's finals race is beginning to crystallise with Norths (14-0), COE and Manly-Warringah already locking up playoff spots.
• The men's top five are starting to separate from the pack as well.

Is there a competitiveness problem in NBL1 East Women?

• A major discussion around the increase in blowouts in the women's competition.
• Comparisons to NBL1 South and North suggest East is producing more one-sided results and fewer close contests.
• Topics explored:
  • Should there be promotion and relegation?
  • Are there too many teams?
  • Is the Sydney talent pool spread too thin?
  • How much does NCAA recruitment hurt roster depth?

Big signings arriving late in the season

• Illawarra adds former college standout Audra Pasakarnis.
• Southern Sharks welcome back Courtney West after a devastating knee injury kept her sidelined for four years.
• Bankstown adds Bismarck Nsiah inside presence.
• Hornsby lands former NCAA guard Will Johnson, who immediately exploded for 40 points.
• Albury-Wodonga signs former LSU national champion and defensive star Last-Tear Poa in one of the biggest signings of the NBL1 East season.

Watch next

• Southern Sharks face COE next.
• Hornsby's championship hopes may hinge on how long stars Ruby Perkins and Lucy Mead remain before heading to college.
• Albury-Wodonga's addition of Last-Tear Poa adds another fascinating wrinkle to the finals race.

East Got Game Podcast Hosts

Jacinta Govind

Jacinta is a former pro-baller hustling to promote women's basketball and the NBL1 East. She is the co-creator, co-host and producer of East Got Game and the creator of Front Row Hustle podcast. Jacinta is also a leading female colour commentator in NBL1 having commentated NBL1 East, NBL1 North, was selected to commentate at three of the four NBL1 National Championships and has commentated the FIBA U17 and U19 World Cups for the last 3 years.

Jacinta aims to integrate her playing experience and inquisitive nature to peel back the layers of stats, athletes, coaches and associations to provide insightful content that showcases local talent and resonates with wider audiences.

Lachy France

A devotee of both NSW basketball and women’s basketball in general, Lachy France cut his teeth reporting on Aussies in college before covering the women’s game at every level from Waratah Youth League to World Cups. Now a play-by-play commentator for Sutherland Sharks and Sydney Comets, Lachy will take any chance to remind you, “Don’t sleep on the East!”