IN summing up the Taipans' predicament this season, Cameron Tragardh borrowed a phrase from his father.

"We can't get a kick in a street fight at the moment," he said.
The moral of the story is that the in-form centre wants the side's poor run of luck to turn  and quickly  against the Wollongong Hawks on Sunday afternoon.
"We need the hoop gods on our side, because I know we haven't been losing because of a lack of effort," he said.
"In saying that, the intensity at training has certainly lifted again this weekend."
Tragardh, who looks certain to compete in the December 22 All Stars clash in Adelaide, believes the Taipans' 3-6 record this season has come because of a lack of game smarts and execution.
"We need to learn how to win and that comes from the veterans like myself fast-tracking the young guys," he said.
"We certainly have a game plan that works.
"I've been around a long time and I think it's a fantastic game plan, we just need to stick to it."
Averaging about 15 points a game this season, Tragardh looks likely to be named in the Northern All Star front court.
But he missed out when the NBL shortlisted their slam-dunk competition entrants yesterday.
Adelaide's Mitch Creek, Melbourne's Lucas Walker, Breaker Tom Abercrombie and Kings pair Darnell Lazare and Lance Hurdle will contest the challenge.
"It's an outrage I wasn't selected, I'm lodging an official protest," Tragardh joked.
"But seriously, if Shane Edwards isn't the most athletic man in the league I'm not here, so hopefully he shows us that against the Hawks on Sunday."To vote for your All Stars team, visit nbl.com.au

 

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