COLLEGE basketballer Nate Tomlinson, a former Endeavour Sports High student, led his University of Colorado Buffaloes team to a dramatic victory last week. Tomlinson beat the clock, sinking the first of two free throws with one second remaining to push Colorado to a 72-71 win against University of Oregon. With four seconds to play Tomlinson, a guard, dribbled the length of the court and was fouled as he went for a lay-up. "I have had an unbelievable experience and it has made me into the man I am," Tomlinson told the Leader when he was featured on our back page last month.
No nonsense Miller
AFTER playing 113 first grade games for the Raiders before being squeezed out, one could sympathise if St George Illawarra recruit Josh Miller felt some anger towards his former club. But Miller went to great lengths to distance himself from any potential slanging match with Canberra. "It's hard to compare clubs," Miller said. "I had a great time at Canberra. Every club is going to be different. I'm not going to say one club is better than the other. I think that's disrespectful to Canberra. I had a good time there." Miller's jovial attitude has made him an instant hit with teammates. He sung the praises of coach Steve Price. "Pricey is really enthusiastic which rubs off on players," Miller, 29, said. Meantime, fellow new recruit Atelea Vea has ditched his trademark headgear.
Sharks draw first blood
SUTHERLAND had an impressive 3-0 win against St George in their friendly match at Seymour Shaw last week. In the under-20s the clubs drew 1-all. The clubs will have another hit-out prior to their respective seasons when they compete for the Leader Cup next month.
Miss out on IPL
DESPITE one winning man of the match honours in the final and the other captaining the inaugural Big Bash Champions, Steve Smith and Moises Henriques have missed out on lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts. The Sydney Sixers pair were on top of the world earlier this month, both playing starring roles in Australia's Twenty20 competition, but they missed the boat when the IPL auction happened last week. Smith's asking price was $185,000 while Henriques starting price was $46,000. A host of Australian-based players including Peter Siddle, Steve O'Keefe, Xavier Doherty and Ben Laughlin were overlooked.
Trekko's new opponent
BERNARDO "Trekko" Magalhaes's UFC debut has suffered its first hiccup with his opponent Yoislandy Izquierdo, of the US, pulling out. He will now face Tim "The Dirty Bird" Means (16-3-1). Means is unbeaten in his past nine bouts. Trekko, who runs the TP Gym in Cronulla, signed a one-year, four-fight deal with the UFC. The February 15 fight card is headlined by Diego Sanchez and Jake Ellenberger.
Top stars lend a hand
ST GEORGE senior Aussie Rules players will help coach the coaches at Olds Park, Penshurst, on Tuesday. The clinic is aimed at junior coaches and the transition of young footballers from the individual skills to teamwork and team strategies. St George first grade coach Terry Mudge praised the initiative. "The days in which team performance was the aggregation of individual talent available are rapidly passing into history," Mudge said. "Team plans are gaining greater traction in success." The free clinic starts at 6pm. Details: 0409 307 650.
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