Author: Taylor Hawks

Think Tank: Regular Season Wrap

AUCKLAND TUATARA

If you THINK the Tuatara will be worried about losing to the Hawks in R16 THEN it will probably come a distant second to contemplating how they now deal with an extended break until their Semi-Final clash on July 24? Due to venue availability, the 14-day break between games is the most any team has faced this season and could be an unwanted distraction for coach Aaron Young and his star-studded team.

FRANKLIN BULLS

If you THINK the Bulls wanted to find some confidence heading into the Final 6 THEN there was never going to be a better way to find it than by taking down the Canterbury Rams. The Bulls were locked-in and unified at Cowles Stadium and returned one of their best, if not the best, wins of the season. While it won’t be easy winning it all from fifth place, this is a team that simply won’t back down. And while all eyes are always on Luther Muhammad, plenty of his teammates found good form in R16. Could this be the Year of the Bulls?

TAURANGA WHAI

If you THINK the Whai were hopeful of finishing their inaugural season with a bang THEN they couldn’t have imagined a better send-off than another thrilling home win, this time against the Jets. Though they sat well behind sixth-placed Giants on points percentage, they did amass the same number of wins (8). It’s a pass mark for the Whai in 2024 and a good result to build on.

TARANAKI STEELFORMERS AIRS

If you THINK the Airs were satisfied with a R16 win over the Giants on Sunday evening THEN they will be the first to acknowledge that it all means very little come Wednesday night when they host the Giants again in a knock-out final. With the regular season done and dusted it’s a whole new ball game and the Airs will be expecting a fierce fight from the Giants.

TAYLOR HAWKE’S BAY HAWKS

If you THINK the Hawks might be looking for some good news from season 2024 THEN it might come in the shape of star guard Isaiah Moore claiming a spot in the All-Star 5. The voting for all league awards is underway and Moore will absolutely be in the mix after averaging 25.7 points at 48%, 7.5 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.4 triples per game.

PROPERTY BROKERS MANAWATU JETS

If you THINK the Jets were hoping to end the season on a high THEN they might need to look beyond the losses to the Whai and Sharks to find some nuggets of gold. Despite the defeats, which left the Jets with a miserable 1-19 record, they did find some joy in the form of young Kiwis Lukah Richards, Campbell Scott and Liam Judd who all playing well in R16.

MILLS ALBERT WELLINGTON SAINTS

If you THINK the Saints are well placed for a 13th championship THEN they will need to get back to full strength in a hurry. Ben Ayre (sick) was a noticeable absentee against the Sharks in what turned into a tough battle, with Sharks guards Cooper Robb and Caleb Asberry both getting off the leash. A healthy Ayre is at the very top of the wish list for the Saints this week as they prepare to enter another finals series.

NBS NELSON GIANTS

If you THINK the Giants will be swinging free and easy during the Final 6 THEN their 8-12 record this season is all you need to think about when considering their approach. The Giants finished a staggering five wins behind the fifth-placed Bulls, that’s one quarter of the season (20 games), which highlights a clear gap from the top five teams down to the rest. However, it’s a Final 6 and the Giants are in the mix and have literally nothing to lose and everything to gain. Beware the rank outsider.

WHEELER MOTOR COMPANY CANTERBURY RAMS
If you THINK the Rams will consider their loss to the Bulls as nothing more than a slip-up THEN you can leave the room right now. The Rams will be picking film of the game apart meticulously, as will opposition coaches, because the Bulls found something that worked against a team that had previously won 16 straight games. And what exactly was it? The work the Bulls put into Taylor Britt was telling, the star Rams guard just had no room to operate at his normal level, which limited the Rams elsewhere. Is it a strategy that can be replicated by upcoming opposition (Airs or Giants)?

NIGHT ‘n DAY OTAGO NUGGETS

If you THINK the Nuggets fell off the pace this season THEN no doubt a lack of team stability played a big part. Finishing with seven wins, just one shy of the Giants in sixth, the Nuggets endured a horrible run with their star guards – Tai Webster, Dontae Russo-Nance and (more recently) Ben Henshall. The three-guard front would have been a handful to deal with if they actually played more games together. Enjoy the off-season Nugs, see you in 2025.

SOUTHLAND SHARKS

If you THINK the Sharks will already be thinking about next season THEN it might start with asking Caleb Asberry and Cooper Robb if they are interested in returning? The Sharks have looked a far better team since Asberry and Robb joined forces and a return to the deep south in 2025 wouldn’t be the craziest idea. Throw in Cal McRae and all of a sudden the skies will be blue on the horizon once more for the southerners.

 

Link to original article: https://nznbl.basketball/think-tank-regular-season-wrap/

Breaking New Ground: Indian NBL Seeks Entry into NBL and Tauihi Leagues

The Sal’s NBL and G.J. Gardner Homes Tauihi are set to add new teams in 2025, backed by the owners of the Indian National Basketball League (INBL).

The proposed expansion, which is now under negotiation, would see each new team filled with the best players from India, while roster spots will also be open to international imports and Kiwi players.

The outside-the-square idea was hatched by Justin Nelson, who heads up Sky’s NZ Basketball League Management team.

“India is the most populated country in the world, so the chance to take New Zealand basketball to more than 1.4 billion new fans is an incredible opportunity,” said Nelson.

“Basing the INBL-owned franchises in New Zealand would also open our leagues to new fans in Aotearoa NZ where more than 300,000 people of Indian ethnicity live.”

BBNZ chief executive Dillon Boucher is excited by the benefits for basketball in New Zealand that would come with the addition of the new INBL-backed teams.

“This will open up opportunities to expose both our local leagues – G.J. Gardner Homes Tauihi for women’s basketball and Sal’s NBL for men’s basketball – to global markets,” said Boucher.

Basketball in India is booming, particularly amongst its youth and in schools. The INBL is making rapid progress in harnessing and expanding India’s love for the game – and INBL chief executive Parveen Batish views the potential move into New Zealand as the perfect next step to advance the game in India.

“Playing in these two strong New Zealand leagues will help create aspirational pathways for Indian players, which will drive participation and engagement across India,” said Batish.

“Indian ballers need increased opportunities to play in high-quality leagues. By operating teams in New Zealand in partnership with BBNZ, we will give our athletes and coaches the chance to learn modern skills of game preparation, scouting, game adjustment and individual skills. It will also give them a platform to demonstrate their skills to a wider international audience.

Sky’s Chief Content and Commercial Officer, Jonny Errington, is also a big fan of BBNZ’s initiative to look to broaden the global fan connection to its Leagues.

“Sky is proud to be involved and leading another innovative sport project” said Errington, adding, “Two of our great assets in Aotearoa NZ are our ability to welcome people from around the world and to roll our sleeves up and give things a go, and this project does both.”

With a memorandum of understanding between BBNZ and INBL in place, the two parties are now in the process of finalising participation agreements with the INBL-owned teams, which both parties are optimistic will be able to be concluded in the next 3-4 weeks.

The 2025 competitions are due to commence in March for the men and October for the women, with all games broadcast live on Sky Sport in New Zealand, and via a number of partners internationally.

 

Link to original article: https://nznbl.basketball/breaking-new-ground-indian-nbl-seeks-entry-into-nbl-and-tauihi-leagues/

Sutherland, final piece to the puzzle

The Taylor Hawks are thrilled to announce the last member of their 2024 roster, Luke Sutherland. From Syracuse, New York, Sutherland showcased his exceptional talent as a standout player for Le Moyne College throughout the 2023/24 season. Sutherland will bring a formidable scoring prowess to the Hawks, shooting close to a 50/40/90 stat line last season..

 

Taylor Hawks Head Coach Sam Gruggen expressed his excitement about Luke, saying “We are really excited to have Luke for this upcoming season. He just finished off a great year at Le Moyne and the coach and staff had excellent reviews on his work ethic and character. We feel Luke will be a great fit for our Hawks organisation and the fans will love him.”

 

As an elite shooter, Sutherland possesses the ability to score effectively from all areas of the court. During his time at Le Moyne College, he boasted an impressive shooting percentage of 48.9% from the field, 39.6% from beyond the arc, and 85.5% from the free-throw line. The Hawks have high expectations for Sutherland to maintain these exceptional percentages throughout the upcoming 2024 Sals National Basketball League.

 

Taylor Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny said “It’s awesome to have Luke here with the team and confirm our decision. He is the result of a numerous number of hours of film watched by Sam. He shoots the ball so effortlessly and with such consistency that it is a pleasure to watch. Luke’s skill set compliments the rest of the team we have assembled and I’m looking forward to him having a big impact this season.”

 

Notably, Sutherland comes from a family deeply rooted in sports excellence. His mother, Sandy, played soccer at Le Moyne College, while his father, Russ, achieved All-American status as a wrestler at Buffalo. Additionally, his sister, Alyssa, excelled in basketball at Loyola Maryland, and his brother, Jake, earned the title of All-American in soccer at Oneonta NY.

 

The Taylor Hawks organisation warmly welcomes Luke Sutherland and looks forward to witnessing his exceptional abilities contribute to their success in the 2024 season.

 

Sutherland joins teammates Balin Casson, Clifton Bush lll, George Stent, Harry Keighley, Isaac Cox, Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Ryder Moore, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler.

Dual roles for Cox

We are excited to announce the signing of Isaac Cox. Cox, a dynamic shooting guard, is making a big impression on the Taylor Hawks having proven himself on both ends of the court, showcasing his versatility and commitment to excellence.

A product of Hawke’s Bay, Cox has a strong foundation in basketball having played for the U19 Hawke’s Bay Reps team where he contributed to their commendable 5th place finish in 2021. He continued to excel, earning a spot on the U23 Hawke’s Bay Reps team in 2021, 2022, and 2023, further solidifying his reputation as a standout player.

Taylor Hawks Head Coach Sam Gruggen said “Isaac is a tough and competitive player who is extremely committed to the Hawks. He has a great work ethic and will always put the team first. We are excited to have him in our squad this season.”

In addition to his on-court achievements, Isaac is also making strides off the court. He currently serves as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Taylor Hawks, a role that allows him to apply his passion for sports science and enhance the performance of the team. Isaac is pursuing his studies in Sport Science at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), demonstrating his commitment to both his athletic and academic pursuits.

“I love having Isaac as part of the team, he is an outstanding person. Not only has he been great on the court, he has more than earned his spot off it. I’m glad we’ve also been able to provide him with an opportunity to experience training professional athletes working alongside our strength and conditioning coach Chris. Through the preseason Isaac has already led a number of sessions both on court and in the weight room”, said Taylor Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny.  

Cox’s dedication to basketball, coupled with his determination to continuously improve, makes him a standout talent to watch. As he continues to hone his skills and expand his knowledge, Isaac is poised to make a significant impact on the basketball scene in Hawke’s Bay, not only on it but off it also.

Cox joins teammates Balin Casson, Clifton Bush lll, George Stent, Harry Keighley, Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Ryder Moore, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler with more signings to be announced shortly.

Moore local talent for the Hawks 

We are excited to announce the signing of Ryder Moore as our newest guard. Standing at 186cm, Moore brings an advanced and dynamic offensive presence to the Taylor Hawks. With his speed and shot making ability Moore will soon become a fan favourite. 

Moore’s basketball journey began in Hawke’s Bay, where he showcased his skills playing for Napier Boys High School. In 2022, he led his team to victory in the Hawke’s Bay Secondary Schools competition, averaging an impressive 18.3 points per game. 

“We are excited to sign Ryder, another Hawke’s Bay local, into the squad this upcoming season. He has a unique way of scoring the ball and getting two feet into the key. We hope he continues to develop his game and take it to another level this season,” said Taylor Hawks Head Coach Sam Gruggen.

Moore made the move to Wellington during his final year of high school, to represent St Bernard’s College. He helped them secure a 3rd place finish in the local Wellington competition which gained them qualification for the New Zealand Secondary Schools National tournament. 

Taylor Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny was thrilled that Moore is a Hawk, stating, “Ryder did have options to go elsewhere this year, so I’m really pleased that he saw the value in what we’re able to provide and what we’re creating here. Retaining local players is something we have identified as a club that is really important, and Ryder is a big part of that. I’m looking forward to seeing Ryder make the most of his opportunities this season.”

Moore joins teammates Balin Cason,Cifton Bush lll, George Stent, Harry Keighley, Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler with more signings to be announced shortly.

Taylor Hawks Announce Signing of Rising Star Harry Keighley

The Taylor Hawks are excited to announce the signing of 6’8 Harry Keighley. Having begun his basketball journey again a little over 18 months ago, Keighley has already made his mark in the game. 

Keighley’s basketball journey first began in intermediate, but after several years away from the game it was in 2022 with Basketball Hawke’s Bay, where he refound his passion for the game. A student at Napier Boys High School, he played a pivotal role in their success last year. As a result of his dominance in the middle, the team secured the Hawke’s Bay secondary school title and achieved an impressive 2nd place finish in the Super 8 competition. Additionally, they clinched 3rd place in the zone 3 regionals, showcasing Keighley’s talent and determination.

Taylor Hawks Head Coach Sam Gruggen said, “Harry is another Hawke’s Bay junior who has an impressive future ahead of him. He has a thirst for knowledge and developing his game and we are very excited to see his development over this season and beyond.”

His exceptional performance caught the attention of the basketball community, earning him the position of non-travelling reserve for the U16 New Zealand team in 2023. This year, Keighley has been selected to trial for the New Zealand U17 team, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport.

The Taylor Hawks organisation is excited to welcome Keighley to the team. His skillset, attitude and dedication to the game make him a valuable addition to the roster. Fans can look forward to witnessing his growth and impact on the court.

I think Harry has a really bright future in the game! His skillset is really developed, he has great touch around the rim and shoots the three at an impressive rate. Having Harry apart of the team this season will be awesome for his development but will also make the Hawks environment more competitive,” said Taylor Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny.  

Keighley joins teammates Balin Cason,Cifton Bush lll, George Stent, Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler with more signings to be announced shortly.

Stent, talented rising star joins Hawks

The Taylor Hawks are thrilled to announce the signing of George Stent, a 16-year-old student from St. John’s College in Hastings. George is a familiar name in the Hawke’s Bay basketball, having begun his journey with the Paul Henare and Paora Winitana Basketball Academy, where he honed his skills before moving on to represent Basketball Hawke’s Bay at all age groups.

“Another member of our aspiring athlete kaupapa, George has worked hard over the summer to develop his skill set and level of fitness. The St John’s College Hastings student consistently works hard in everything he does, making him a welcome addition to the Taylor Hawks in 2024,” said Taylor Hawks Assistant Coach Kaine Hokianga.

One of George’s standout moments came when he led his St. John’s Senior A team to a remarkable victory against Wellington College, the reigning national champions at the time. This achievement showcased George’s leadership and skill on the court, earning him recognition as a rising star in the basketball community.

In addition to basketball, George is also an accomplished canoe polo player, representing St. John’s College and preparing for his fourth nationals this year. His dedication to both sports demonstrates his commitment to excellence and passion for athletics.

George’s determination, skill and commitment make him a valuable asset to the Taylor Hawks and his future in sports looks promising as he continues to excel in both basketball and canoe polo.

Taylor Hawks General Manager said, “It’s been great having George with us, he’s a great young man who plays the game the right way. His competitiveness is a point of difference that’s seen him be successful not only in basketball but also at the recent Canoe Polo Secondary School Nationals where he finished third with St John’s College.” 

Stent joins teammates Balin Cason,Cifton Bush lll, Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler with more signings to be announced shortly.

Overcoming Adversity to Soar with Hawks

The Taylor Hawks are thrilled to announce the signing of Clifton Bush III for the upcoming 2024 Sals National Basketball League.

A standout basketball talent from Hawkes Bay, known for his natural scoring ability and exciting and dynamic style of play. Despite a challenging knee injury and health setbacks along the way, Bush lll has demonstrated unwavering determination to earn his place on the team. Now, he is more motivated than ever to return to full match fitness and make a significant impact for the Taylor Hawks.

“Clifton has been with the Hawks for a number of years now and we hope he is ready to take on a bigger role this upcoming season. He has a desire to play professionally and we want to provide that environment and platform for him, as well as all our athletes”, state Taylor Hawks Head Coach Sam Gruggen.

Another proud Napier Boys alumni, Bush lll has already made a significant impact in the basketball community. Having represented Hawke’s Bay at all age groups, his exceptional skills earned him the opportunity to represent New Zealand as part of the Junior Tall Blacks. Additionally, he was invited to showcase his talent at the NBA Basketball Without Borders camp in Tokyo, where he was selected in the prestigious all-star five.

General Manager Jarrod Kenny eagerly anticipates Bush’s return stating “Clifton has faced challenges with injuries and setbacks recently, but he remains optimistic and committed to his goals. I believe in his ability to make a strong impact on the court when he fully recovers, and I’m looking forward to seeing him make the most of that opportunity. I know how much it means to him to represent the Hawks and the Hawke’s Bay community”.

Bush lll joins teammates Balin Cason, Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler with more signings to be announced shortly.

Casson, a constant threat 

The Taylor Hawks are excited to announce the signing of Balin Casson for the 2024 Sals National Basketball League. At just 16 years old Casson, a student at Napier Boys High brings a raw dynamic and aggressive playing style to the team.

Known for his athleticism and ability to score, Casson poses a constant threat on offence. He fearlessly attacks the rim and excels in offensive transitions. A good physical rebounder and with a willingness to take on challenges and do the dirty work make him a valuable asset to the team.

Taylor Hawks Head Coach Sam Gruggen said, “Balin brings a good level of intensity and hustle every time he steps on the floor. We are excited to welcome Balin, another young Hawke’s Bay local, into our program and look forward to watching his development over the season.”

Casson’s raw talent and natural athleticism make him a player to watch out for. As he continues to develop and receive coaching at higher levels, his potential for growth is limitless. Having represented Hawke’s Bay throughout the age group’s, Casson now has the opportunity to take the next step and play National League Basketball. 

“We are thrilled to have Balin a part of our team,” said Taylor Hawks General Manager, Jarrod Kenny. “Balin is a really good athlete with good size at the wing position. He is a young raw talent, and being in this environment on a daily basis is exactly what he needs for his development. I’m looking forward to seeing Balin make the most of his opportunities, especially during the Sky Broadband Rapid League where I think that format will see him excel”. 

Casson joins teammates Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler with more signings to be announced shortly.

Smiler, getting goals

Zoram Smiler, a skilled basketballer with a bright future, has achieved a childhood dream. Having represented Hawke’s Bay at all age group levels, he has now fulfilled a goal by joining the Taylor Hawks for the 2024 Sals National Basketball League.

After recently starting at a new school, Smiler is setting new goals for 2024 and beyond. Born and raised in Flaxmere, he is a point guard known for his lightning-fast speed, strength, and shifty ball-handling skills. He excels at getting into the paint and finishing with finesse, using both hands off jump stop moves. 

Assistant Coach Kaine Hokianga expressed, “Zoram has represented Hawkes Bay in every age group, continuously developing his skill set and understanding to higher levels each year. His selection into the Hawks team for the 2023 3×3 Cup demonstrated his ability to apply what he has developed over his age group representative years at the SalsNBL level. We look forward to seeing him make the most of his opportunities as part of the Taylor Hawks this year.”

In 2023, Smiler was selected for the Taylor Hawks 3×3 team that finished 7th at the New Zealand 3×3 Cup in Invercargill. A strong performance in this competition boosted his confidence and growth, showing his ability to play top level basketball. Despite a recent rolled ankle, Smiler is determined to get back on the court and continue showcasing his skills.

It has been a pleasure to have Zoram a part of the team this preseason. Despite recent setbacks with injury he continues to come in and work hard at the things he can do and take control of his own development. After playing with Zoram at the 3×3 Cup, I know he is capable of playing at this level. Going up against quality teammates at practice will only give him more confidence for when his opportunity presents itself”, says Taylor Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny.

Smiler joins teammates Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Tanae Lavery and Tommy Fergusson with more signings to be announced soon.