The Wellington Saints and James Blond Supercity Rangers had both grinded out tough road wins.

It was always going to be a tight affair between the Saints and the SIT Zerofees Sharks who faced each other for the first time since last season’s semi-final. Tonight, the result was similar to the 79-75 semi-final with the Saints edging the home side 88-86.

After trailing 84-75 with three and a half minutes to play, the Sharks made a late rally which saw the scores tied at 86 with under a minute remaining. Southland had a chance to take the lead but a turnover from the home side forced them to foul Leon Henry. Henry would miss both free throws as the Sharks quickly gathered the rebound and drove it up the floor. But they were unable to get a shot as Corey Webster stripped the ball and quickly threw it down the other end as Henry made amends with a dunk with 1.5 seconds left.

Sharks still had a chance to win or tie the game and after a timeout they elected to give it inside to Nick Kay who had took a contested baby hook on the baseline which went astray.

It was a result Head Coach Kevin Braswell will be pleased with after winning in Canterbury the night before and now making it three wins to start the season. Braswell relied heavily on his starters who all played at 32 minutes or more. Corey Webster scored a team high 22 and added six assists and five rebounds. Leon Henry had 21 points, Tai Wesley had 17 and Shea Ili nearly had a double-double of 13 points and nine assists.

Southland will be disappointed they could not build on their eight-point lead as they attacked the paint scoring 44 points thanks to the aggressive play of Reuben Te Rangi who had a game high 27. Point guard Mitch Norton and Kay each added 16. Coach Judd Flavell will take solace that they were without start player Alex Pledger.

In New Plymouth the Rangers made it two from two defeating the Taranaki Mountainairs 85-81. Mitch McCarron scored 23 and Lindsay Tait added 19 for the visitors who after trailing by one at the end of three quarters, won the fourth 20-15.

Rebounds were in favour of the Rangers 43-35 thanks double-double of 19 points and ten rebounds from Nnanna Egwu, and 10 rebounds from veteran Dillon Boucher.

It was not the start to Round Two that the Airs would have liked as they now have lost seven of their last ten at home and travel to the Hawkes Bay where they will play a hungry Taylor Hawks who will be desperate to end their 22-game losing streak.

Alonzo Burton continued his bright start to the season with 19 points on 6/8 shooting. Tylor Ongwae collected 20 points and nine rebounds and Aaron Bailey-Nowell had 10.

Tomorrow the NBL continues when the Mike Pero Nelson Giants try to get their first win of the season when they host the Canterbury Rams.

 

Friday, March 24

At ILT Stadium, New Plymouth

SIT Zerofees Sharks 86 (Reuben Te Rangi 27, Mitch Norton 16, Nick Kay 16)

Wellington Saints 88 (Corey Webster 22, Leon Henry 21, Tai Wesley 18)

Live Stats

 

At TSB Stadium, New Plymouth

Taranaki Mountainairs 81 (Tylor Ongwae 20, Alonzo Burton 19, Aaron Bailey-Nowell 10)

James Blond Supercity Rangers 85 (Mitch McCarron 23, Nnanna Egwu 19, Lindsay Tait 19)

Live Stats

 

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The Wellington Saints have got their southern road trip off to a good start with a 94-85 win over the Canterbury Rams. It was another collective effort from the defending champions, led by Tai Wesley who had a double-double of 23 points and 14 rebounds and Corey Webster who tallied 25 points, eight assists and six rebounds.

Wellington got off to a hot start outscoring the home side 28-18 in the opening period, but three straight three’s from Marcus Alipate helped put the Rams within distance. Canterbury got to within five in the second period, but Wellington would manage to push their lead up to 12 at halftime.

After the break the Rams had moments where they might make a run, but every time the home side got to within striking distance Wellington were able to reply and push their lead back up in the double-digits.

After averaging 35 in his first two games, Rams point guard Jeremy Kendle was unable to find a rhythm tonight as his counterpart Shea Ili made it tough for him. Kendle ended the game with 10 points on 4/13 shooting. Ili was good on both ends tonight tallying 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Alipate top scored for the Rams with 19 points off the bench, Marcel Jones and Ethan Rusbatch both added 16, and forward Marques Whippy bruised his way 10 points and eight rebounds. Canterbury now drop to 1-2 but have a chance to move back up to .500 when they travel to Nelson to play the Mike Pero Giants on Saturday night.

Wellington meanwhile will have the tough task of playing the Zerofees Sharks tomorrow night in rematch of last year’s semi-final in Invercargill.

Tomorrow the streamed game will feature the Taranaki Mountainairs as they host the James Blond Supercity Rangers, both teams beginning their season with a win.

Thursday, March 23

At Cowles Stadium, Christchurch

Canterbury Rams 85 (Marcus Alipate 19, Ethan Rusbatch 16, Marcel Jones 16)

Wellington Saints 94 (Corey Webster 25, Tai Wesley 23, Josh Duinker 17)

Live Stats Link

 

The Canterbury Rams have had to go to overtime holding off the gutsy Taylor Hawks 99-87.

Canterbury point guard Jeremy Kendle took over in the extra period ending the game with 31 points, while Marcel Jones added a double-double of 33 points and 10 rebounds as last year’s regular season champions go 1-1 for the weekend.

As for the Taylor Hawks the loss now puts their losing streak to 22, but it is only a matter of time before they get a win, especially when point guard Jarrod Kenny returns.

After trailing by as many as 10, veteran Everard Bartlett nearly took the game away from the Rams when he hit a three and was fouled by Kendle with 24 seconds left, tying the game at 83 all. But Bartlett was unable to convert the free throw, allowing the Rams to go for a game winner.

Marcel Jones was able to break free of Tony Tolovae to get an open look at the top of the three-point line, but it went stray, setting up the first overtime of the season.

Canterbury quickly gained momentum thanks to 11 straight points from Kendle in overtime, preventing any possibility of another Hawks comeback.

Hawks head coach Kirsten Daly was not afraid to bench her import Lamar Roberson who had three early fouls, playing only nine minutes in total. Daly opted for interim forward Grant Fiorentinos who brought energy off the bench, scoring a team high 25 points on 12-16 shooting.

Hawks forward Joshua Fox also added 10 off the bench as him and Fiorentinos, alongside Bartlett were able to cut a 10-point deficit in the third quarter.

Head coach Mark Dickel will be relieved that his side survived today especially without key starter Ethan Rusbatch and only an 18-hour turnaround from the loss to the Rangers last night. One concern for Dickel will be trying to keep import Will Neighbour on the court as the 6’11” centre fouled out in 19 minutes with nine points and only one field goal.

It will be another relatively speedy turnaround for the Rams when they host the Wellington Saints in four days’ time. Hawks will again play at home on Sunday against the Taranaki Mountainairs.

Sunday, March 19

At Pettigrew Green Arena, Taradale

Taylor Hawks 87 (Grant Fiorentinos 25, Everard Bartlett 23, Joshua Fox 12)

Canterbury Rams 99 (Marcel Jones 33, Jeremy Kendle 31, Tohi Smith-Milner 10), OT

Live Stats Link

 

29 points from former league MVP Lindsay Tait has propelled the James Blond Supercity Rangers to a 114-107 win over the Canterbury Rams.

Tait was helped by Cairns Taipan guard Mitch McCarron (28 points) and Brook Ruscoe (22 points) in a contest that was fast paced which favoured the Jeff Green coached Rangers who flourish in transition.

Rams allowed the Rangers to score far too easily and the game looked like it was heading for a blowout before their new import guard Jeremy Kendle led a fourth quarter comeback which cut a 17 point deficit to only five with still one minute left.

But the Rangers were able to withstand the run making it a repeat of last year’s semi-final.

Kendle looks like a far than able replacement for last year’s MVP McKenzie Moore, scoring 39 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Marcel Jones had 22, but him alongside guard Marcus Alipate fouled out which did not help the Rams who were without key starter Ethan Rusbatch (ankle)

The Rangers led by eight after the first half, but it was the third quarter which was key for the home side winning the period 32-24. In particular, the energy of bench player Hyrum Harris was crucial, ending the game with 17 points and +/- of plus 18.

Canterbury will have to quickly regroup tomorrow when they travel the Hawkes Bay to play the Taylor Hawks.

In Nelson, the Taranaki Mountainairs have given the Mike Pero Giants their second loss to start the season with 93-76 win.

Taranaki import Tylor Ongwae scored a game high 28 points and point guard Houston O’Riley tallied 17 points, five assists and five rebounds.

It was another tough loss for the Giants who came out firing in the first quarter with 31 points, but it was clear that fatigue had set in the second half as the home side managed only 28 points.

Nelson led 29-20 in first quarter and 47-38 during the second period, but ten points from Ongwae in the last four minutes propelled the Airs to take 54-48 lead at halftime.

Giants were not helped when guard Dion Prewster had three fouls in the first eight minutes and then committing his fourth early in the third, eventually only playing 10 minutes in total.

Finn Delany shouldered the burden with 40 minutes, scoring a team high 26 points, 19 of which came in the first half. Curtis Washing had 16 and Bronson Beri added 11 off the bench.

It was an ideal start for returning coach Trent Adams, who came into the game with three new starters, including shooting guard Alonzo Burton who scored 14.

The Airs’ other import Daniel Gomis was the only starter not to score over double digits, but did grab 16 rebounds.

Saturday, 18 March

At Trusts Arena, Waitakere

James Blond Supercity Rangers 114 (Lindsay Tait 29, Mitch McCarron 28, Brook Ruscoe 22)

Canterbury Rams 107 (Jeremy Kendle 29, Marcel Jones 22, Will Neighbour 14)

Live Stats Link

 

At Trafalgar Centre, Nelson

Mike Pero Nelson Giants 76 (Finn Delany 26, Curtis Washington 16, Bronson Beri 11)

Taranaki Mountainairs 93 (Tylor Ongwae 28, Houston O’Riley 17, Alonzo Burton 14)

Live Stats Link

 

The defending champion Wellington Saints have cruised to a 107-84 win over the Taylor Hawks.

All five Saints starters scored over double-digits and were led by Corey Webster who scored 29 points in under 25 minutes of action.

After playing last year overseas, former Nelson Giant and 2015 Unrestricted forward of the year, Josh Duinker was impressive in his first outing for the Saints tallying 18 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Tai Wesley added 17 on 8-10 shooting and small forward Leon Henry scored 15.

It was not a start the Taylor Hawks would have liked, and sorely lacked leadership in the point guard position with Jarrod Kenny not yet with the side.

But the Kirsten Daly coached Hawks looked far better than the 0-18 squad of last season and the additions of Everard Bartlett (19 points), Tony Tolovae (18) and Anamata Haku (11) will help the 2006 champions to be more competitive.

Much like the Sharks versus Giants game last night, the home side gained ascendancy from the beginning opening the game with a 19-2 run. The Hawks managed to close within 10 at the first quarter, but Wellington dominated the second and early part of the third quarter extending their lead 70-38.

Wellington head coach Kevin Braswell had the luxury of rotating his squad, as the Hawks avoided at thirty-point blowout winning the final quarter 26-21.

The loss now takes the Hawks losing streak to 21, their last win on June 21, 2015 against the Canterbury Rams who they will be hosting this coming Sunday afternoon.

Tomorrow night should feature the game of the round when Rams travel to Auckland to seek redemption against last season’s runners up James Blond Supercity Rangers who defeated them in last years semi-finals. (Live Stream via NZ Herald)

The Mike Pero Nelson Giants will try to brush off their first loss when they host the Taranaki Mountainairs.

Friday, March 17

At TSB Banks Arena, Wellington

Wellington Saints 107 (Corey Webster 29, Josh Duinker 18, Tai Wesley 17)

Taylor Hawks 84 (Everard Bartlett 19, Tony Tolovae 18, Lamar Roberson 13)

Live Stats Link

 

All comments below for each team come from the Head Coach.
Predictions are provided by basketball journalists Niall Anderson, NZME (NA), and Marc Hinton, Fairfax (MH), and are the expressed opinions of those two individuals.

Taylor Hawke’s Bay Hawks

TAB ODDS: $12:00

2016 result: 7th regular season

Head Coach: Kirstin Daly-Taylor

Imports: Grant Fiorentinos, centre (GBR); Lamar Roberson, forward (USA); Amir Williams, centre (USA). Note that Williams replaces Fiorentinos from April 3

Roster: Everard Bartlett, guard; Anamata Haku, forward; Darryl Jones, forward; Isaia Jones, guard; Mataeus Marsh, guard; Dominic McGovan, guard; Tony Tolovae, guard; Tamakari Kameta, forward; Amir Fox, forward; Jarrod Kenny, guard;

On keys to success this year: It is all about chemistry and five-man basketball. If we implement our defensive systems we will have a successful year in comparison to last year. We have upped the ante on our personnel with a couple of higher level players in Jarrod and Everard. Jarrod is huge for us to have running the point and leading our defensive effort and Everard Bartlett as a two guard is a coup – to have a starting one and two of their calibre will lead the way, they are both great leaders.

On imports: Thanks to Taylor Corporate and our Hawks board we are financial enough to have two imports this season. They are true ‘bigs’. We won’t have Amir until April but he is a true centre and a defensive specialist in the key. Lamar has been in Uruguay, he is 6’9”, a total stretch four and can shake and bake, if he hits we will be quite strong if he can nail the outside stuff. But we also need him rebounding. Grant will fill Amir’s shoes until he gets here.

On goals for the season: Our plan is to be competitive, we have the roster and system to win some games. Make the playoffs for us is the goal, once you have made the post season you give yourself a shot at a championship.

Predictions:
NA: 5th.  Poised for a big bounce back after their 0-18 season, the Hawks have recruited stronger imports and brought back experienced locals Jarrod Kenny and Everard Bartlett. Look for a career-best season from Tony Tolovae as the Hawks fight for the playoffs.

MH: 7th. Will win more games in ’17 than they did in ’16. But that’s not exactly going out on a limb

Home Venue: Pettigrew Green Arena

 

Canterbury Rams

TAB ODDS: $5:50

2016 result: 1st regular season, beaten in semifinals by Super City Rangers

Head Coach: Mark Dickel

Imports: Jeremy Kendle, guard (USA); William Neighbour, forward (GBR)

Roster: Derek Albertsen, guard; Quinn Clinton, guard; Maxwell Darling, forward; Max de Geest, guard; Jordan Lindbom, guard; Hamish McDonald, guard; Joshua Petermann, guard; Ethan Rusbatch, guard; Tohiraukura Smith-Milner, forward;  Marcus Alipate, guard: Hayden Collier, forward; Marcel Jones, forward; Marques Whippy, forward.

On key players this season: There’s no reason Marcel (Jones) couldn’t be the best rebounder in the league if he wanted to be. The way we’re going to play is going to give him more and more room to be able to attack the basket. You just can’t guard him when he drives to the basket. He can take the ball off the glass and bring it up and initiate the offence [like a point guard]. I see him being interchangeable all over the court.

I think Marques Whippy is in the best shape I’ve ever seen him. I’m sure he’s going to play as well as he’s ever played this year.  I really anticipate him playing well because he’s done the work and got himself in great shape.

On imports: (Neighbour): He’d be a surprise for people on this side of the world, but if you speak to people in America about him, they could tell you who he was. If he comes out here and plays the way he’s capable of, he can play anywhere (in the world). You’re either a big man, who can post up, or you’re a perimeter player that can guard the other big men. I think he can do a little bit of everything.

Key Losses: McKenzie Moore

Predictions:

NA: 3rd.  The Rams should be an elite offensive side, and the best shooting team in the competition. They have plenty of productive players, but will miss departing MVP McKenzie Moore and could be short of rebounding and rim protection against the other top sides.

MH: 3rd. Mark Dickel has assembled a deep roster that should win a lot more than it loses in 2017. Expect Ethan Rusbatch’s level to go up after his full season with the Breakers.

Home Venue: Cowles Stadium

 

Wellington Saints

TAB ODDS: $2:40

2016 result: Champions. 2nd regular season, def Southland in semifinals, def Super City Rangers in final

Head Coach: Kevin Braswell

Imports: Aaron Valdes, guard (USA)

Roster:  Benny Anthony, forward; Nico Buckrell, guard; Joshua Duinker, forward; Damien Ekenasio, forward; Leon Henry, forward; Shea Ili, guard; Isaac Letoa, guard; Jordan Mills, forward; Jordan Ngatai, forward; Elliott Stubbins, guard; Jackson Stubbins, guard; Corey Webster, guard; Tai Wesley, forward;

On keys to success this year: First key is the togetherness of the group, getting on the same page and understanding it is a ‘we’ not a ‘me’ attitude. We have talent, I don’t think scoring will be a problem for us, but we need a strong defensive approach and guard against any complacency. We have to focus at all times, and make sure we are following all of our rules and instructions.

On import: Aaron is a freakish athlete, at University of Hawaii he had great numbers. This is his first year out of school so he is learning a lot. Having players like Corey and Leon and Jordan around – he is learning from those guys who have been there and done that, he is a quality young athlete, but he is learning for sure.

On goals for the season: We take things week by week. The goal of the club is obviously to win a championship – and for me. But for me it is a weekly process to get to that championship, build good habits week by week. I want all of these guys to stay healthy and for all of them to grow as players and young men during the season.

Key Losses: Torrey Craig (USA), Deon Prewster (to Nelson)

Predictions:
NA: 1st.  The defending champions are reloaded with ANBL talent, possessing eight players of starting calibre. They are favourites to be top qualifiers for the Final Four, but unlike last year there will be no guaranteed wins.

MH: 1st. With a loaded roster, championship pedigree and a hungry young coach. The prize signature of Corey Webster completes another winning equation in the capital.

Home Venue: TSB Arena

 

SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks

TAB ODDS: $3:00

2016 result: 3rd regular season, beaten in semifinals by Wellington Saints

Head Coach: Judd Flavell

Imports: Mitch Norton (AUS), Nick Kay (AUS)

Roster: Hayden Allen, guard; Luke Aston, guard; Duane Bailey, forward; Connor Coll, forward; Tom Cowie, guard; James Hunter, forward; Jordan Murphy, forward; Alex Pledger, centre: Derone Raukawa, guard; Oliver Smith, guard; Reuben Te Rangi, guard; Andrew Wheeler, guard.

On the keys to success this year: The backbone of the team is our defence. The players we have enjoy playing defence and that will be a key for us, our constant. We have size in the group – you have that anytime you have Alex Pledger, but across the board with our guards Reuben and Duane – both are big guards.  Add in Hunter and Kaay it gives us good size across the floor. Rebounding will be huge for us too. Strength in these areas give you a great base to work from. Shots will be made at times, but if you are working hard on defence and getting the boards it gives you a shot at winning.

On Imports Norton and Kaay: Most think of imports getting points per game or carrying a heavy scoring load, but for us these two are guys that can do multiple things on the floor. They have a super high work rate and enjoy getting stuck in on the defensive end. They have a skillset on the offensive end when needed to get us baskets, but both are known for being part of a team and being unselfish in their approach. In that way we are perhaps going against the grain with imports, but these two will lead us from the front in key areas.

On goals for the season: We are here to win this league, we have recruited a team that ere here last year, we are looking to build on that continuity in what are short seasons. The challenge is finding consistency quickly, having the majority back again has us already working on a strong foundation.

Key Losses: Everard Bartlett (Hawks), James Parangitai, Jordair Jett (USA)

Predictions:
NA: 2nd.  Southland are the only team who can match Wellington for depth, and they have a huge frontline. Expect them to dominate points in the paint and the rebounding battle, and be right in the mix throughout the campaign.

MH: 2nd. With a good coach, continuity with (Aussie) imports and a quality big man to base their game round in Alex Pledger should have the Sharks there or thereabouts this season.

Home Venue: ILT Stadium Southland

 

James Blond Super City Rangers

TAB ODDS: $7:50

2016 Result: 4th in regular season, def Canterbury semifinals, lost to Wellington Saints in final

Head Coach: Jeff Green

Imports: Nnanna Egwu (USA/NIG), Mitch McCarran (AUS)

Roster: Nicholas Barrow, centre;  Dillon Boucher, forward;  Samuel Everitt, guard; Hyrum Harris, forward; Linus Jakszt, forward; Brook Ruscoe-Taiaroa, guard;  Judson Seumanu, guard;  Lindsay Tait, guard;  Rhys Tupe, guard;  Earnest Ross Jr, forward; Christopher McIntosh, guard

On keys to success this year: We must be able to play some defence, we have to stop people. Offensively we can foot it with the best of them, at the end of the day it is about whether we can stop anyone. That means we have to rebound as we are quite small. The responsibility falls on everyone, play good ‘D’ and box out and offensively everyone knows what we want to do, run and negate other teams height.

On imports: Both will bring defence, Egwu is a true 6’11”, a true centre, he can rebound and block shots which is what we want first and foremost. With Mitch he is a great defender, a typical Australian guard with a defensively mentality about him, he is tough and hardnosed.

On goals for the season: The way the league is set up, we are not too concerned about where we finish as long as we are in the playoffs. Once you get there it is two games to win the title, you can finish fourth as we did last year and beat the top seed and find yourself fin a one off-game to win the championship. It is having good wins at home and picking up the odd road game here and there, the regular season is not the priority though, it is making that top four.

Key Losses: Eric Devendorf (USA), Mika Vukona, Reuben Te Rangi (Southland), Corey Webster (Saints)

Predictions:
NA: 4th.  Super City possess a very strong starting five, all with ANBL experience. Under Jeff Green they will play their usual up-tempo, high-scoring style, but there are questions about their bench depth.

MH: 4th. Mika Vukona’s decision to rest up during the NBL hurts. So too does Webster’s to head back to Saints. But still enough experience to make the top four.

Home Venue: Trusts Stadium, Henderson, with two games in Te Awamutu

 

Mike Pero Nelson Giants

TAB ODDS: $16:00

2016 result: 5th regular season

Head Coach: Alan McAughtry

Imports: Joseph Slocum, forward, (USA), Curtis Owen (USA)

Roster: Riley Bensemann, guard; Bronson Beri, forward; Finn Delany, forward; Samuel Dempster, forward; Alistair Granger, guard; Thomas Ingham, guard; Tyler Marsh, guard; Dion Prewster, guard; Samuel Seelen, forward; Nicolas Trathen, forward.

On keys to success this year: A concerted effort of being able to defend in the full and half court. A lot of ball movement to go inside and out. We have a good shooting team and depth and youth and we have to utilize the bench strength as well, playing deeper than we did in the last two years. We will be looking to all of our roster to play a role, from the imports, to the higher profile guys, but to the local players as well, everyone has their role to play.

On imports: Joe is a tough up the floor defender and can be physical when the need be and stay in front of layers, good facilities in half court on the offensive end, set up or score in open court if needs be, good range and can get to the basket. Curtis has an undertated three-point shot, he is mobile and agile in the post as well, he can go anywhere from three-point line, to low block to foul line.

On goals for the season: To put ourselves in a position to contest the finals, that is a flat-out goal from the team, club and myself. But also, to continue to develop younger players and to work with the likes of Finn and Deon to mprove their game as well and make sure they are in good shape to return to the NBL and their next contract. But definitely we want to contest a final, and to do that you first must be in the top four. I want to see us get better each day and have anyone on the bench come in at any time in the game, rather than just junk minutes.

Key Losses: Phil Jones (retired)

Predictions:
NA: 7th.  Nelson have two of the best local players in Finn Delany and Dion Prewster, but lack scoring on their roster. Their imports aren’t at the level of the rest of the competition, and they significantly lack bench depth. A playoff threat if their starting five fire, but one significant injury scuppers their chances.

MH: 5th. Yes, this will be the year Finn Delany comes of age in the NBL, but the supporting cast might just be lacking to get them into that top four. Could go close though.

Home Venue: Trafalgar Centre

 

Augusta Taranaki Mountain Airs

TAB ODDS: $26:00

2016 result: 6th regular season

Head Coach: Trent Adam

Imports: Daniel Gomis, centre (USA/SEN), Tylor Ongwae, forward (KEN).

Roster: Brad Anderson, guard; Aaron Bailey-Nowell, forward; Dane Brooks, forward; Alonzo Burton, guard; Baxter Fenwich, forward; Lachlan Fenwick, forward; Xavier Garnett-Shaw, forward; Jaylen Gerrand, guard; Beauden Giddy, guard; Brayden Inger, forward;  Matthew O’Connell, guard; Thane O’Leary, centre;  Houston O’Riley, guard; Oscar Robertson, guard; Cameron Trethewey, forward; Morgan Trott, forward.

On keys to success this year: We are looking to build on last year, we were the top ranked defensive team in the league, it is important to continue on those lines. A lot of work went into building that team and a defence that can be effective at NBL level, it is important to carry that on. We must have players that can defend their positions at a high level, we are probably a little bit longer this year, so hopefully our wings can continue with that disruptive vein.

On imports: Daniel comes from Oregon State, he is a rebounder and defender, he will protect the lane and be a big presence there and rebound the ball at a high level to limit teams to one opportunity and not have multiple possessions. His aim is to be one of the better defensive players in the league. Tylor has length, we think that will be very productive, he has a 6’11” wingspan. He can put pressure on the rim at both ends of the floor, and take on a key scoring component for us as well. But his length and athleticism will be great at the defensive end, he can defend smaller guards and has good strength, he brings us versatility at both ends of the floor, that is important for our local players to be able to work around.

On goals for the season: We need to reach our potential, that is important, for us to be the best team we can be. We need our New Zealand players to reach their potential as individuals and for that to flow on to the group, last year we had Jordan play for the Tall Blacks and a few were selected in the NZ Select team to tour overseas, that would be cool to continue that development of players, that is important for us as an organization.

Key Losses: Jordan Ngatai (Saints), Tony Toloave (Hawks)

Predictions:
NA: 6th.  The Airs have had plenty of roster turnover after an impressive season in 2016, but have made smart recruits. They lack the top-level stars of some opponents but should be a good defensive unit once more, and have an excellent coaching staff who will maximize their playoff chances.

MH: 6th.  Made big improvements last year, but will struggle to take a similar giant stride in 2017

Home Venue: TSB Stadium, Taranaki

 

2016 NBL Summary

Champions: Wellington Saints

Minor Premiers: Canterbury Rams

Statistics leaders:

• Points per game: Eric Devendorf, Super City Rangers, 25.8
• Rebounds per game: Alex Pledger, Southland Sharks, 11.4
• Assists per game: McKenzie Moore, Canterbury Rams, 8.2
• Steals per game: McKenzie Moore, Canterbury Rams, 3.4
• Blocks per game: Daniel Miller, Taranaki Mountainairs, 1.9

Regular season Awards:

• Most Valuable Player: McKenzie Moore (Canterbury Rams)
• NZ Most Valuable Player: Marcel Jones (Canterbury Rams)
• Regular Season Winners: Canterbury Rams (13–5)
• Keith Carr Trophy – Most Outstanding Guard: McKenzie Moore (Canterbury Rams)
• John Macdonald Trophy – Most Outstanding NZ Guard: Shea Ili (Wellington Saints)
• Commissioners Cup – Most Outstanding Forward: Marcel Jones (Canterbury Rams)
• Stan Hill Trophy – Most Outstanding NZ Forward/Centre: Marcel Jones (Canterbury Rams)
• Garry Pettis Memorial Trophy – Leading Individual Rebounder: Alex Pledger (11.4) (Southland Sharks)
• Dave Taylor Trophy – Leading Assists: McKenzie Moore (8.2) (Canterbury Rams)
• Leading Scorer: Eric Devendorf (25.8) (Super City Rangers)
• Nial Forsyth Trophy – Best Team Free Throws: Nelson Giants
• Rookie of the Year: Logan Elers (Taranaki Mountainairs)
• Coach of the Year: Ross McMains (Taranaki Mountainairs)
• Referee of the Year: Matt Bathurst (Canterbury)
• Media Award: Logan Savory (Southland Times)
• Administrator of the Year: Bernie Smith (Taranaki Mountainairs)

All-Star Five:

• G: McKenzie Moore (Canterbury Rams)
• G: Raymond Cowels (Nelson Giants)
• F: Torrey Craig (Wellington Saints)
• F: Marcel Jones (Canterbury Rams)
• C: Alex Pledger (Southland Sharks)

Final Four MVP:

Tai Wesley (Wellington Saints)

The New Zealand National Basketball League (NBL) tips off this week, with the promise of another great season of high quality basketball, with increased coverage and media interest reflecting the surge in the interest in all levels of the game from New Zealanders.

The NBL sees the same seven teams return for a tilt at the title, with Basketball New Zealand resisting (for now) overtures for further teams to be added, something that is however clearly on the table for future seasons, with Tauranga putting a strong case for inclusion over the off-season and increasing talk out of both the Manawatu and Otago that they too might be keen to return to the fold at some time in the future.

All eyes for now however are on the 2017 NBL and the seven contenders, beginning this Thursday night with two of the traditional powerhouse in the game going head to head at one of the league’s best all round venues, with the Southland Sharks hosting the Nelson Giants at ILT Stadium Southland. The game will be live streamed via the NZ Herald website, with delayed coverage on Maori Television going to air on Saturday.

That coverage reflects the plan for the entire season, with at least two games per week live streamed by The NZ Herald on BasketballTV.co.nz and one game shown live on Maori Television on Sunday afternoon at 3pm, as well as one game replayed on Saturday afternoon at 3pm.

The hugely popular Final Four Weekend will be broadcast live in both formats, giving fans around the country the chance to see the best teams in the league battle to find the 2017 champion.

Chief Executive of Basketball New Zealand, Iain Potter, says this unique media partnership recognises the growth of basketball in New Zealand, as more participants and fans are tuning their televisions and devices to the game.

“It’s an exciting agreement to have two strong media partners with big audiences recognising that their viewers are increasingly tuning into basketball. It’s sensational for the NBL and Basketball New Zealand, as our players, teams and brands are building on the increasing upsurge of Kiwi fanaticism in basketball.” says Potter.

The quality of the teams is also a reflection of the growth in the league in recent years, with a number of teams boasting rosters that would not be out of place in the Australian League.

As always imports will be a talking point, with players coming from Great Britain, Kenya, Australia and the usual supply line out of the United States. Their ability to lift those around them and lead their teams at both ends of the floor will likely be critical to the outcome of many games.

But so too will the locals as experienced players like Dillon Boucher (Super City Rangers), Lindsay Tait (Super City Rangers), Everard Bartlett (Bay Hawks), and Hayden Allen (Southland Sharks) keeping the younger brigade honest while imparting their years of experience and knowledge on team mates, and perhaps at times, schooling the opposition with their wily ways.

Look too for that next generation to make their mark. After a breakout campaign with the SKYCITY Breakers, Finn Delany (Nelson Giants) will look to light up the league with his high energy game, while Derone Raukawa (Southland Sharks), Ethan Rusbatch (Canterbury Rams), Shea Ili (Wellington Saints), Sam Dempster (Nelson Giants) and Jordan Ngatai (Wellington Saints) were amongst those to gain selection to the New Zealand Select and Tall Blacks teams last year after superb NBL campaigns.

The 2017 NBL season will run for 14 weeks and finish with the Final Four weekend, 15-17 June, with the venue yet to be confirmed for that weekend of finals action. The opening game will tip off this Thursday, 16 March, between perennial powerhouses the Nelson Giants and the Southland Sharks in Invercargill.

NBL Round One

Thursday March 16
SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks v Mike Pero Nelson Giants, ILT Stadium Southland 7.00pm, live streaming, delayed Maori TV (Saturday)

Friday March 17
Wellington Saints v Taylor Hawks, TSB Arena 7.00pm, live streaming

Saturday March 18
James Blond Supercity Rangers v Canterbury Rams, Trusts Arena 7.00pm, live streaming
Mike Pero Nelson Giants v Taranaki Mountainairs, Trafalgar Centre 7.00pm

Sunday March 19
Taylor Hawks v Canterbury Rams, Pettigrew Green Arena 3.00pm, live streaming, live Maori Television

NZHerald: New Hawks general manager Kevin Wagg is totally outside his comfort zone of a radio station and he’s loving every minute of it.

Read the full article.

Article by Hawkes Bay Today Anendra Singh

 Charity, they say, begins at home and it seems point guard Aidan Daly has been doing his fair share of it for the hapless Hawks so far this season.
The veteran Indigo-sponsored Hawks captain is the king of the free-throw line in the National Basketball League (NBL) going into round five of matches tonight.

“It’s the good old free-throw percentages,” says Daly before leading the winless Hawks on to their first game (and double header) on the road in a 7pm tip off against the Wellington Saints at the TSB Arena today and then across the Cook Strait to the den of the Mike Pero Nelson Giants tomorrow for another 7pm start.

“I’m shooting something like 16 out of 17 times I stepped up on the free-throw line so it’s the highest percentage … but I’m definitely not looking for any individual accolades because we have to make sure the team goes well and gets ‘Ws’,” he said of his 94.1 per cent success from the charity line.

Giants player Ben Strong is second on 86.8 per cent, Taranaki’s Aron Bailey-Nowell is third (86.7), Nelson’s Ray Cowells is fourth (85.1) while ex-Hawk and current Saint Dion Prewster puts it in a vice with 80 per cent for the top five.

“Look, a couple of boys mentioned it to me in training and Jay [Bratschi] dropped me an email so it’s good to achieve a few goals like that every season,” says Daly although he feels there is no reason why every basketballer shouldn’t be in the 90-plus percentage bracket of the free-throw department.

“We train to do that every time. They are easy buckets and there’s no pressure so we should be getting 20 out of 30 rather than 10,” he says, impressing how in the glamour NBA teams “even the bigs” are capable of dropping them

That, he says, negates the need for a team to worry about how the opposition are likely to foul weaker shooters in the dying minutes of the game to ensure points are kept at a minimal and opportunities arise for them to regain possession from missed baskets. 

 “It looks like a very small part of the game but it can be quite important in the long run.”

The Kevin Braswell-coached Saints beat the Hawks 89-74 at the Pettigrew-Green Arena, Napier, in the opening round but Daly likes to think the Hawks will be wiser for it.

Hawks coach Kirstin Daly-Taylor will be without import Chris Porter who has returned to the United States after a season-ending hamstring injury but the other American, Kareem Johnson, has pushed his way into the NBL player of the week charts in at No 8 after scoring 28 points against the SIT Zerofees Sharks last round.

“We’re under some injury cloud and Chris has gone but it’s a good time for others to step up,” Daly says delighted with the PG Arena faithful’s support at home but believing playing away will ease some of the home-turf pressure.

Ominously history isn’t on the Hawks’ side. They last beat the Saints on May 10, 2014, with the hosts prevailing seven times after that.

A jovial Daly says tomorrow they will try to convince ex-Hawks captain Jarrod Kenny, now a Tall Black point guard for the table-topping Giants, to return to the Bay nest.

Basketball: Win proves elusive for Hawks at home

 

 
By Anendra Singh

The Indigo Hawks will have to see if their luck changes on the road in the next round after coming up shy against the Southland Sharks in Napier tonight.
The SIT Zerofees Sharks beat the Hawks 101-87 to claim their second victory over the hosts in the NBL this season.
The Hawks remain winless and will have to see if the league is kinder to them on the road.
The visitors brought some hustle in the third quarter to lead the Hawks 77-58 in what proved to be decisive in the game although the Hawks won the final spell 29-24.
The hosts came back from 25-14 first-quarter deficit to trail by 47-40 to the at halftime.
However, in the third spell the visitors went into overdrive with a 30-18 statement that the Hawks had few answers for.
US import forward Kareem Johnson top scored for the Hawks with 21 points while Hawks Bay-born forward Arthur Trousdell offered 18 points and collected six rebounds.
Trousdell gave the Pettigrew-Green Arena faithful something to cheer about when he turned around to drop a basket under pressure from the Sharks defenders on the halftime buzzer.
Matt Te Huna scored 14 points and made three assists while fellow guard Willie Stinnett added seven.
The Hawks won the second quarter 36-22.
For the Southerners, Australian import swingman Nick Kay has registered a double-double 29 points and a dozen rebounds, seven defensively.
Point guard Derone Raukawa offered 24 points, Bay-born Everard Bartlett added 20 points and provided seven assists while imposing centre Alex Pledger added 13pts and 8 rebs.
The Hawks started the spell slowly but coach Kirstin Daly-Taylor made some changes from the bench to provide some movement and impetus to their cause as they trailed 11-15 deep into the spell.
However, Sharks coach Judd Flavell had a chat with Raukawa to run away with a 25-14 lead at the buzzer.
Sharks import guard Jordair Jett is out injured but watching from the bench and so is Hawks counterpart and co-captain Chris Porter.
Hawks guard Paora Winitana, again, didn’t play because of his religious beliefs.