Tag: NZNBL

February 24, 2022February 23, 2022

Albertsen ready to soar with Hawks

Versatile guard Derek Albertsen will bring his talents and leadership to the Taylor Hawks in 2022 and will re-unite with coach, and several team mates after playing last year for the Rams. “DA” as he is known throughout the NBL, is a popular, hard-working, sharp shooting guard who will add depth to the Hawks back court this season.

Derek Albertsen HIGHLIGHTS

The 27 year old dipped his toes in the water a decade ago as a teenager training with the Airs, then Nuggets before playing a few seasons back in home town Taranaki. DA then relocated to Christchurch to concentrate on a flourishing personal training career, while continuing to play in the strong Canterbury club scene. Strong performances in the 3×3 format also sees him highly ranked on the national stage. A return to the NBL was halted due to Covid in 2020 but Albertsen returned in 2021 for the Rams and played a key role off the bench, with great impact leading the reserve squad. It this leadership, mixed with a hard-work, talent and a great understanding of the game which was a big part of the recruitment process for the Hawks coach.

“Derek is one of those guys that you’re just happy to go in to battle with. He brings an infectious energy, is a great motivator and leader for all players, and in the community with our rangatahi. He has a great understanding of the game and plays like a coach on the floor.”

Albersten shares his passion for wanting to come to Bay by stating, “I’m super excited for this opportunity to come to this successful franchise and have my input in the team. To be playing alongside old team mates and friends while also playing for Mick again, let’s get to work.”

February 18, 2022

Taylor’s lead the way in their 6th Hawks season

Century old local business leads booming sport into the future.”

A cold call from Bay Hawks basketball Chair Keith Price six years ago to Taylor Corporation Director Kelvin Taylor has led to one of sports more unique, but extremely strong bonds that continues to see the clubs performance grow, both on and off the court.

Article by Hawkes Bay Today Journalist Doug Laing has been published today. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/

Price elaborates further on what un-folded six years ago when he made the SOS call to Taylor during what was then some dark times for the club, “it was introduction from a former Hawks GM to Kelvin that lead to a simple but unbelievably positive response. I said (to Kelvin) we’re in trouble right now but I have a plan, and this thing could be great, are you in?”

In response to the call to arms, the award winning Apple exporting business has continued to support the basketball club with their philanthropic and family first philosophy. Taylor comments on the reasons why his family continues their journey with the Hawks. “Taylor Corp has enjoyed supporting the Taylor Hawks and watching the sport grow. We joined in the tough times and are proud of how our support has helped the club continue to grow. As we export apples all around the world we are pleased to be able to give back to the local community by supporting a great club.”

The Taylor Hawks naming rights partnership in the Sal’s National Basketball League is rivalled by others as one of the most stable and strong connections. The merging of an industry leading, innovative, and forward thinking local business, with a growing club who continues to improve on court results and off court capabilities is one that sees a great outlook for the future. With stability and great support, championship success in the country’s most booming sport is in the eyes of the Taylor Hawks.

January 19, 2022January 19, 2022

Bailey bolsters Hawks frontcourt

The man they call Q, Quintin Bailey will bolster the Hawks this season specifically battling alongside Jordan Hunt in the front court. The athletic big man is a welcome addition to Hawks and like Hunt was highly sort after by multiple teams during free agency before agreeing to terms with the Hawks.

Bailey, from Stratford, Taranaki has played the past two seasons with the Canterbury Rams after completing a successful collegiate career. First starting at highly regarded Californian Junior College Citrus, before finishing his college career as a key starter for NAIA powerhouse , John Brown Golden Eagles. Going 28-5 in his senior year.

Known as a hard-working, tough, and great culture guy the versatile forward / post shares his reasons for joining the Taylor Hawks for this season.

“I’m stoked to sign with the Taylor Hawks for the upcoming NZNBL season and I’m looking forward to getting to work with Mick and fellas. I felt the Hawks provided a great environment for me to further grow as a player both on and off the court; ultimately, helping me to get one step closer to my potential. Can’t wait to get started!”

Quintin is an exciting part of the next wave of young kiwi talent and is the fourth signing for the Taylor Hawks in what so far has been a prosperous free agency. We have also just released Season Memberships at “Early Bird” prices. Head to our website to secure your tickets to all nine home games and support Quintin and the boys in season 2022.

2022 SEASON MEMBERSHIPS

January 5, 2022January 4, 2022

Hawks secure buzzer beating guard Raukawa for 2022

Explosive excitement machine Derone Raukawa is back for the Taylor Hawks in season 2022. Raukawa re-connects with recently announced team mates Ethan Rusbatch and Jordan Hunt as the trio of core players who will look to run it back for the Hawke’s Bay faithful.

Derone Raukawa Highlight Video

Always smiling, upbeat, chatty and playing with an amazing combination of speed, excitement but smoothness the crowd favourite is back for the Taylor Hawks and looking to help lead the team take that next step towards a Sal’s NBL championship. When asked about his motivations for returning Raukawa made things crystal clear:

“RUN IT BAAAACK! After last year there was no doubt in my mind I was coming back to the Taylor Hawks to help take one step further and lift that trophy in 2022. With the city as appealing as the potential line-up of this team, tip-off can’t come soon enough. I’ll bring the energy once again! You guys just make sure it’s loud in Pettigrew Arena. Let’s go Hawks,” Derone Raukawa.

After gaining experience with a couple clubs early in his career Derone and his partner Alivia have recently settled in Hawke’s Bay and love the region, the club and his team. One of New Zealand’s premier play making guards, and with NBL experience with the NZ Breakers the extremely talented player will look to help drive a successful run at the 2022 championship.

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