The Latest Breaking News from Alan Williams

Jamie Lloyd’s revival takes home seven awards including for Nicole Scherzinger but film and TV stars in other productions miss out

American centre Alan Williams will not return to the South East Melbourne Phoenix next season after he and the NBL club agreed to a release.

The Adelaide 36ers have ended their road woes and kept their faint NBL finals hopes alive after crushing the Phoenix by 25 points in Melbourne.

The Bears are still talking to Arlington Heights officials to try to drive down their property tax assessment there. They’ve discussed staying on the Lakefront, including building on a parking lot south of Soldier Field.

The Bears’ meetings to plan the direction of the franchise at the start of a meaningful offseason produced that verdict just days after he finished his second season 7-10. There will be changes, though: The Bears are firing most of their offensive staff, including coordinator Luke Getsy.

Going from 3-14 to 7-10 reflects progress, but the details and detours along the way make the Eberflus decision more complicated.

After coming into the season thinking big, but getting humbled in a 38-10 loss in Week 1 at Soldier Field, the season finale against the Packers at Lambeau Field gives the Bears’ defense a chance to show just how it’s come and just how real its second-half progress is.

With all signs pointing toward his return, Eberflus accounts for the missteps and points to the accomplishments of his tenure.

South East Melbourne captain Mitch Creek has found positives despite the Illawarra Hawks replacing Phoenix in the NBL top six with their 38-point annihilation.