The Splash: Did Ashton's visa really decline?

• The NBL might be on the verge of more import departure
• How badly do the Bullets want a WNBL license?
• Are NBL1 National Finals in need of a shake-up?

Australian basketball never sleeps. Rumours spread like wildfire and our community is always ripe for gossip.

basketball.com.au has sources everywhere, so we hear about signings, controversy, hard-hitting news.

We are here for it — the good, the fun, the funny and the bad.

Here are some of the things we're hearing.

HAGANS VISA ISSUES?

Dynamic point guard Ashton Hagans was set to be a key ingredient for the revamped Cairns Taipans but was a late withdrawal because of... visa issues?

We heard that it wasn't a visa issue - we heard that Hagans as well as his agent ghosted teammates, coaches and the front office at the Taipans despite having agreed to a deal for NBL26.

Our eyes and ears also heard that it may have been because of a big (or BIGGER) money offer in China. Expect to see Hagans in the CBA this upcoming season instead of wearing the best uniforms in the NBL with the Taipans. A title they've held for YEARS though, we might add.

IMPORT ON THE EDGE...

Which import around the NBL is rumoured to already want out? The birds are a chirpin' as we close in on one of the most anticipated seasons in league history. We've seen the South East Melbourne Phoenix already part ways with Vrenz Bleitjenberg, but that was THEIR decision, this one is the other way around.

Like any star import, this would be a disaster for the league and for this team.

Despite what we're hearing, everything could be smoothed over quite easily without resulting in a departure. We hope.

LEADERS BEHIND WNBL CHARGE

It's already been well documented from basketball.com.au that the Brisbane Bullets desperately want the 10^th WNBL license for next season, with Tasmania already securing a spot. We've also mentioned there is definitely another Brisbane group going head-to-head with the Bullets.

We've actually heard there's more than two groups from Brisbane who are interested but there are two main parties who look to be in a battle to secure the WNBL's return to Southeast Queensland.

The second group is believed to have started plans further back than the Bullets.

But which former WNBL administrator is leading the charge of this group? Someone who previously had a role helping basketball BOOM in Victoria. Also someone who has rolled on the beaches of the NBL and fired multiple shots with teams in the men's league.

The group also feastures a former WNBL coach... who might that be? We're told they want to stay hidden for the moment but there are some nuggets for readers and WNBL fans.

ANOTHER NBL RETURN?

How good was it to hear five-time MVP Bryce Cotton finally become an Aussie.

It's huge for the league, potentially huge for the Boomers but most of all - it's huge for the already star-studded Adelaide 36ers.

The news means Cotton plays for Adelaide as a local, giving the man who's already the frontrunner for GM of the Year in Matt Weston, a chance to add another import to their roster for NBL26.

Could an NBL champion and Grand Final MVP have been sussed out about a return to the league? Maybe, possibly... we're hearing it may have happened.

The point guard position is the area most pundits have already pointed out as an area of concern for the 36ers, so maybe this happens. Or maybe they stick with what they have, which is already a championship contender.

THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION

I know we have a large focus on potential signings and returns in The Splash but this adds another one. Could a former WNBL champion big be ready to make a comeback to the league? We're hearing a few teams are interested and it could happen. We'll wait and see.

STATE LEAGUE CHANGES

One state around Australia could be about to make some massive changes to their state league. These changes could have a huge impact on the pathways in this state. Rumours are, clubs are discussing the changes now.

LEGEND CALLS FOR NBL1 NATIONALS REVAMP

An Australian basketball legend recently contacted basketball.com.au to express his desire to make significant changes to the NBL1 Nationals.  This former NBL coach believes the current format should be scrapped because it's not a true representation of the quality of the champions due to imports, as well as NBL and WNBL players missing the tournament.

Instead, he wants to see an All-Star team from each conference full of locals compete to decide which conference is the best.

No imports, no WNBL/NBL players - just high-level local players going at it with state pride on the line, and maybe a bonus for that conference.

We don't mind it, what are your thoughts?

If you have a tip or a tidbit, email info@basketball.com.au or hit us up on any of our social channels — confidentiality is guaranteed.