Sydney Kings star import Steve Blake says the NBL ball has been partly to blame for the shooting slump that has critics questioning his move to Australia.The former NBA guard has struggled offensively through his first four games in the royal purple, shooting just 26 percent from the field and an even lower 18 from long range.The 36-year-old admits he hasnt been at his best so far, but he is enjoying being a part of the ladder-leading Kings resurgence as an NBL force.Its been quite a good experience in some respects and tough in others, he said.Personally my basketball hasnt been at its best. Im struggling shooting the ball but I know there was going to be an adjustment period as far as that goes.But the teams been having a lot of success which has been a lot of fun. Its been a great group of guys and great coaches. Ive enjoyed that team atmosphere and winning basketball.An NBA veteran of over 14 years across eight different franchises, including two stints at the powerhouse Los Angeles Lakers, Blake said getting used to the NBL ball was a major issue.The Australian league uses a 100 percent composite leather Wilson ball, while the American association uses a full-grain leather Spalding ball.If you could hold an NBA ball to this ball, youd be like, Wow thats a huge difference, he said.NBA balls are true leather thats a lot smoother and a bit harder, maybe feels a little bit heavier, whereas this ball is really spongy and has a really different feel.For 13 years, thats all Ive practised with; an NBA ball. Its an adjustment period, but its also me missing shots. Id love to blame everything on the ball but some of it has to do with me.Coach Andrew Gaze praised Blake for contributing on the boards and defensively, and he remained confident his big-name recruit would begin converting his shots.Hed been working out and hes in great shape but hasnt been playing in a team environment since the end of the last NBA season, Gaze said.It takes a little while to get your legs underneath you, new guys, different officiating rules, rules of the game, all those things come into play.But hes settling in and I see no problems with him. He starts making some of those shots and thats an absolute bonus for us, which he clearly has the capacity to do.The Kings continue their season with a blockbuster against Perth on Thursday night. Discount Hydro Flask . -- Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis was charged Thursday with driving while intoxicated, a day after he was suspended for an NFL substance-abuse policy violation. Hydro Flask For Cheap . -- Derrick Rose shook off poor shooting early to hit clutch shots late and Carlos Boozer had 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 104-95 preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. http://www.discounthydroflaskcheap.com/ . After a replay, the winner will meet Sunderland in the quarterfinals. Sagbo did well to control Sone Alukos right cross and fire past Brighton goalkeeper Peter Brezovan. Aluko was making his first start in four months after recovering from an Achilles injury. Hydro Flask Sale .5 seconds to play in the game, Kevin Love never stopped believing that they would come out of there with a win. Hydro Flask Clearance . Jane Virtanen scored two, and Alex Roach and Elliott Peterson rounded out the offence for the Hitmen (40-15-6). Brady Brassart chipped in with three assists. Colton McCarthy scored twice, Brayden Point had a goal and two assists, and Jack Rodewald also scored for the Warriors (15-35-9), who were 2 for 5 on the power play.WINNIPEG - Winnipeg Goldeyes manager Rick Forney announced today the signing of rookie right-handed pitcher Dan Martony to a contract for the 2013 season. Martony, 24, played three years of NCAA Division 1 baseball with the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles. In 2012 as a senior, he went 4-0 with a 3.08 ERA and a save in 16 games out of the bullpen. A year prior as a junior, the product of Goleta, Calif. went 4-0 with a save and a 2.74 ERA in 20 relief appearances. During his junior and senior seasons, Martony posted 43 strikeouts to just 12 walks. The Goldeyes have also released left-handed pitcher Edgar Osuna and placed right-handed pitcher Justin Garcia and left-handed pitcher Pete Gehle on the inactive list.ddddddddddddGarcia and Gehle will be activated for their scheduled start during the first week of the season. The Goldeyes now have 22 players on their active roster for Opening Day, including 11 pitchers and 11 position players. Winnipeg continues its exhibition schedule tonight on the road against the Kansas City T-Bones and finishes the slate tomorrow morning in Wichita against the Wingnuts. The Goldeyes begin their 20th season in Texas on Friday against the Grand Prairie AirHogs. ' ' '