This center on the Sydney Kings (of the top level league in Australia I gather) put on 57 points, plus nearly a triple double and 4 blocks on the University of Arizona team in an exhibition (the UA won in overtime anyway). This included fouling out Channing Frye who had been tearing up all the other Aussie centers on an exhibition tour. This is the same guy who was an all pac 10 fresh last year, and he and his back-up (Isiah Fox--who was also fouled out by Neilson) had all played Bordchardt, Gadzuric and Christonfferson adequately last year. Luke Walton also played heavy minutes so most of the top inside guys for Arizona were there. So what is the story with Neilson?? Was it a fluke game, were the refs cheating (Neilson shot like 25 FTs), or is he really, really good? If he is good does he have an inside and outside game, is he young, and old vet, NBA pot., etc. Just curious.
I am doing this from memory after logging on to an Asian basketball web site a while ago but I am pretty sure I am correct. In addition to the World Games, Australia and China both compete in the Asian Basketball Championships (ABC). For the past 12 years China has been the champion 10 times and Australia twice. As Americans, we seem to pay alot of attention to the NBA and the NCAA but the majority of us aren't "fan"atical enough to be aware of world basketball affairs. Heck, how many posters can name more than 2 players in the NBDL or which team won the innagural season championship? If you can, you are the exception not the rule. I don't want to turn this into a "Yao-rant" but the players in arenas other than US pros and colleges are often quite good. This was probably a career game for Neilson. But if the Aussies are touring the US as part of a prep for the World games, it may be worth noting his progress.
Must have been his career game. His bio is below. BTW UA won 8 of 10 against Australian professionals including 2 of 3 against the Sydney Kings--among the top level teams there. Granted it is hard to tell on 3 exhibition games, but I suspect the caliber of play in the top league there is probably similar to the play of elite NCAA teams. By the way his ht and weight estimates convert to 6' 10" and 263 lbs. BIO Nickname: Nitro Born: February 3, 1978 Birthplace: Penrith, NSW Height: 208cm Weight: 98kg Position: Forward First Played in NBL: 1995 with Sydney Kings Key career stats: 16.2ppg@53%, 7.5rpg Junior Association: Penrith (NSW) Clubs: Sydney Kings 1997 - current, Sydney Kings 1995 Career notes: All-NBL Second Team 2001…NBL Rookie of the Year 1997…NBL Future Forces Game 1997…finished third in NBL Best Sixth Man 1997…ABA All-Star 1995-96…ABA Youth Player of the Year 1995-96…Australian Institute of Sport 1996…Under-23 World Championships 1997…2001 East Asian Games…2001 Goodwill Games…played for San Antonio in the 2001 Shaw's Pro Summer League -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The third King on display during the East Asian and Goodwill Games tournaments, Nielsen is an integral part of the Sydney line-up. A member of the Kings in each of his six seasons in the league, the 1997 Rookie of the Year has developed into one of the top forwards in the game. Nielsen had an excellent 2000/01 season, finishing with an average of 20.4 points and 9.7 boards and a deserving selection in the All-NBL second team. Matt joined James Smith in the NBA Summer League during the off-season, and will be looking for a big 2001/02 as Sydney chases that elusive title.
There is no way in Hell that Matt Nielson gets to the NBA. I've seen this guy play in the NBL (Aussie League) and he's pretty decent. BUT he definetly is not NBA material. He just doesn't have the physical toughness to compete in the big leagues. Oh, and he looks like a goofball....pic here
