The Auckland Tuatara have built solid early-season momentum, stacking up results across their opening run and showing they’ll be a genuine threat in 2026.
But the Big Barrel Hawks aren’t far off.
Through the first stretch of the season, the Big Barrel Hawks have been in tantalisingly close contests, right in the fight and building with every outing. With the roster now close to complete, combinations are clicking. Locals and imports alike are finding their rhythm, responding well to the coaching group and settling into the system.
That sets up a huge Saturday night clash.
Get along, back the boys, and be part of the push as we turn those narrow margins into wins and protect the nest.
Big Barrel Hawks add centre Chase Jeter to bolster backcourt
The Big Barrel Hawks have strengthened their roster with the addition of American Forward Chase Jeter, who brings defensive prowess and professional experience into the lineup.
A natural big with guard-like skills, Jeter is known for his ability to lock down the paint, run the floor and play with pace. His athleticism and defensive instincts make him a genuine rim protector in the half court and in transition, while his offensive presence adds balance at the other end.
Jeter has built a solid career across multiple international leagues, consistently delivering on both ends. His ability to step into different systems and produce has made him a valuable addition wherever he’s played, and the Big Barrel Hawks expect that trend to continue in Hawke’s Bay.
Head Coach Will Lopez says the signing addresses a key need.
“Chase gives us genuine size in the frontcourt. He can score and defend, and he plays with a competitive edge that suits how we want to play.”
General Manager Jarrod Kenny says the timing is important.
“We’ve been deliberate with this addition. Chase strengthens our group and complements the mix we’ve built between local talent and experienced imports. He raises our ceiling.”
Jeter is expected to integrate quickly as the Big Barrel Hawks continue to build momentum through the season, with fans set to see his impact at The Nest.
Did you know?
Did you know… how the Hawks era in Napier really got started?
Answer: It began when a former East Coast (USA) college basketball player was invited to Napier as a player-coach and director of coaching, tasked not just with playing, but with building a basketball program from the ground up in the mid-1970s. His name was Ed Donohue.
Young Innovators. Real Impact. GETAGRIP
At the Big Barrel Hawks, we are proud to back the next generation of Hawke’s Bay leaders and creators. Supporting young entrepreneurs who are prepared to step up, solve problems and give back to the game is what community sport is all about.
GETAGRIP embodies that spirit. Not only have they built something innovative from the ground up, they are also right there on game days and at our events, contributing in a way that lifts the experience for everyone.
Their energy, initiative and willingness to give back is something we value highly.
Here’s their story, in their words.
GETAGRIP was born from a simple truth young athletes understood better than anyone: slippery courts and shaky footing shouldn’t be part of the game. Instead of accepting it, we decided to fix it. What started as frustration turned into innovation as we developed our own grip‑enhancing solution — created by athletes, for athletes. We proved that real progress doesn’t come from having a big company behind you, it comes from determination, creativity and the courage to solve problems yourself.
From day one, GETAGRIP has been more than a product. It’s a mission to play bold, lead loud and raise the standard for every athlete who steps onto the court. We believe young people can drive change, set new expectations and inspire others simply by taking action.
Because our journey began on basketball courts, supporting our local NBL team felt like the most natural next step. We wanted to contribute in a way that truly mattered — so we offered a premium courtside floor service to help keep the court dry, safe and game‑ready. That commitment led us to the Big Barrel Hawks, where we now stand proudly as the GRIP SQUAD.
As the official floor team, we keep the court clean, action‑ready and elevated like never before. For our kids, this partnership is a dream come true — a chance to stand beside the athletes they admire while showcasing what young innovators can achieve.
Our story has sparked creativity in other young athletes, strengthened our community and shown that leadership has no age limit. We didn’t wait for change. We created it.
Colourcraft: A Decade Plus in the Big Barrel Hawks’ Corner
For 13 years, Colourcraft has backed the Big Barrel Hawks, and for owner Peter Gerbes, it’s a long-standing connection to the game. He played through his teens and early 20s, representing Hawke’s Bay Under 20s, with strong family ties through his father Ray Gerbes an ex-President of Hawke’s Bay Basketball Foundation and links to figures like Ed Donohue and John Diddick. What started with sponsoring a table in 2013, a poster from that first year still on the wall, has carried on ever since.
Established in 1990, Colourcraft has more than 30 years’ experience delivering painting and wall covering projects across residential and commercial builds of all sizes, with a focus on reliable, stress-free delivery for clients. Recently, the team completed 40 new homes in Flaxmere, reflecting their scale and consistency.
