Photo credit: GameFace NZ
Before the season began we asked a chunk of the Sky Sport commentary crew for the Sal's NBL to go out on a limb and share their predictions across a slew of topics for the upcoming Sal's NBL season. Now that we have reached the halfway mark of the season we revisit those picks to see whose prognostication skills are worthy Nostradamus and those that should have been left in the crystal ball. We come back for part two where we see if our thoughts on the individual silverware stacks up at the midpoint of the season. (Editors note-Article was written prior to round 8)
Huw Beynon:
Prediction: Hayden Jones (Giants)
Now: I opted for Hayden Jones here, and he's had a solid season so far, however Nick Davidson's play has earned him some of the minutes that would otherwise have fallen to the Richmond Kid. Lachie Olbrich has been outstanding when around, as has Carlin Davison.
Tom Abercrombie:
Prediction: Carlin Davidson (Airs), Kaia Isaac (Rams), James Moors (Jets)
Now: Carlin Davison had my pick and he is quietly having a solid campaign if not the break out I thought it may be. I believe he will continue to get better and better however so I’m sticking with him.
Justin Nelson:
Prediction: Ben Henshall (Otago Nuggets)
Now: I went with Ben Henshall and if the voting panel finds its way to show an Aussie a bit of love (he’ll get at least one vote!), then this kid wins it narrowly from another Aussie in Lachie Olbrich. On the Kiwi front you must consider Keanu Rasmussen. But I’m sticking fat with Henshall.
Phill Jones:
Prediction: Hayden Jones (slight bias here..)
Now: H-dog still has my bias vote but given I understand more who is eligible for this award now it is hard to look past Ben Henshall but then there is also Lachlan Olbrich, wait what are the rules here… can an import get young player of the year and what is the cut off age for this award?
Maia Williamson:
Prediction: Lachlan Olbrich (Canterbury Rams), (Non-Import)Dontae-Russo Nance (Otago Nuggets)
Now: Excuse my slight one-eyed Cantab bias, I'm sticking with Lachie Olbrich. He's playing as if he's been a pro for years, and now teams are beginning to double him on catches... Once you start adjusting your defence purely on the catch of a player, you know he's he's serious damage!
Brook Ruscoe:
Prediction: Hayden Jones, Dontae Russso-Nance and Carlin Davison (Taranaki Airs)
Now: I've seen Ben Henshall fits the criteria so it'd be hard to pick anyone over what he's doing at the moment
Taylah Johnson:
Prediction: Kaia Isaac (Rams) or Dontae Russo-Nance (Nuggets)
Now: I still can’t pick so Imma just keep to my super ambiguous answer from pre the season
Andrew Mulligan:
Prediction: Te Tuhi Lewis (Whai)
Now: Still staying with Te Tuhi Lewis.
Casey Frank:
Prediction: Carlin Davison (Airs)
Now: Carlin has been playing great and would have a worthy case, but if these young Aussie boys Ben Henshall, Lachie Olbrich and Aussie based Kiwi Keanu Rasmussen are allowed on the list then I don't see how they won't sit at the top of the list at the end of the year. That said I'm sticking with my og pick because I'm stubborn and will always stay that way.
Miles Pearce:
Prediction: Max Darling (Rams) and Rangimarie Dougall-Mita (was unsure of age cut-off)
Now: This award could end up in the hands of Davidson or Jones from the Giants although I do like the work that Tommy Ferguson is putting in down low for the Hawks.
Nick Bewley:
Prediction: Carlin Davison.
Now: I had Carlin Davison. He’s shown flashes (26 points v Nelson) but hasn’t had to ball out every night given the depth and experience of the Airs roster. I’ll switch to Keanu Rasmussen – 20 years old, eight games for the Hawks who is averaging a tick over 22 points and a couple of stocks.
Huw Beynon:
Prediction: Hyrum Harris (Wellington Saints)
Now: Hyrum Harris has had a but of injury trouble, but when he's on the court he's an unbelievable defender. Kobe Langley has been a thieving revelation since arriving late at the Giants, but Harris does his defending on and off the stat sheet.
Tom Abercrombie:
Prediction: Izayah Le’afa (Wellington Saints)
Now: I went with Izayah Le’afa and nothing I’ve seen suggests he can’t be the DPOY. Currently leading the league with 4 steals per game (when written), he’s an absolute menace for opposition ball guards.
Justin Nelson:
Prediction: Hyrum Harris (Saints)
Now: I went with Hyrum Harris and I’m prepared to stick with him (if he doesn’t miss too much time). If Hyrum sits for a while with his knee injury than it’s Kobe Langley all day long. An absolute thief.
Phill Jones:
Prediction: Alex McNaught (Nelson Giants)
Now: Kobe Langley, Izayah Le’afa, Mitch McCarron…… I cant choose but it will be one of these three!
Maia Williamson:
Prediction: Izayah Le'afa (Saints)
Now: My pick was Izayah Le'afa, and seeing as he's currently sitting 2nd in league leaders for steals (3.5/game), I think I'm gonna run with it. The pickpocket king!
Brooke Ruscoe:
Prediction: Rob Loe (Tuatara)
Now: Gonna go with Kobe Langley. it feels like heaverages 1838 steals a game
Taylah Johnson:
Troy Baxter Jr. (Manawatū Jets)
Now: Look, I want to say Rob Loe because the man has stats on stats, but Hyrum Harris has been a menace on defence this year!
Casey Frank:
Prediction: Rob Loe (Tuatara)
Now: Rob's been very solid and will be there at the end but one whose gotten no love is Sam Timmins, his shot blocking and rebounding might give him a chance. That said, sticking with Robbie again.
Andrew Mulligan:
Prediction: Rob Loe (Tuatara)
Now; It’ll be Rob with his ‘stocks’ averaging 5 per game. He probably won’t be but Jamal Brantley is my favourite defensive player.
Miles Pearce:
Prediction: Alex McNaught (Giants), Le'afa and Carlin Davison and Rob Loe all got a mention.
Now: I feel like I may start sounding like a broken record the further we go but Loe is doing a great job locking down the defensive end of the floor for the Tuatara. I know there are some great names up for this award (I threw many out last time) but it looks like Loe could be up for a repeat in '24.
Nick Bewley:
Prediction: Walter Brown (Rams)
Now: It's taken a little bit of time but my pick Walter Brown is starting to find his groove again defensively. He picks up the oppositions biggest offensive threat each night, and his output is rarely reflected on the box score. Elite defender in this league, but it would take something special from here to pick up DPOY. I’ll switch it to Kobe Langley who is leading the league in steals with a shade under four a game.
Huw Beynon:
Prediction: Rob Loe, Hyrum Harris, mentioned Tom Vodanovich Dan Fotu
Now:I said Big Bad Bobby Loe, but I gave a mention to Dan Fotu, in pre-season. Both have had good seasons to date. Loe is an absolute game-changer, so I'm doubling down here.
Tom Abercrombie:
Prediction: Hyrum Harris.
Now: Hyrum Harris. Health is the only thing stopping Hyrum from winning this. That, and maybe Rob Loe…
Justin Nelson:
Prediction: Rob Loe (Auckland Tuatara)
Now: I went with Rob Loe. Zero reason to change, the guy is in a league of his own.
Phill Jones:
Prediction: Dan Fotu (Giants)
Now: Rob Loe – Could easily take Sam Froling for his award as well but hard to pick between these two guys.
Maia Williamson:
Prediction: Rob Loe
Now: Robby Loe is running it back for sure, I'm confident with that
Brook Ruscoe:
Prediction: Rob Loe
Now:Big Rob. Double down on this one as well
Taylah Johnson:
Prediction: Dan Fotu
Now: I’ll stick with Dan Fotu because right now I am changing almost every answer but Rob Loe is hot on the mans heels
Casey Frank:
Prediction: Rob Loe (Auckland Tuatara)
Now: Some quality bigs hooping on the weekly, but Rob still looks like the man to beat.
Andrew Mulligan:
Prediction: Rob Loe (Auckland Tuatara)
Now: Rob again.
Miles Pearce:
Prediction Andrew (Nuggets), Sammy Timmins, Callum Mcrae, Hyrum Harris and Rob Loe all got mentions.
Now: I think this is a battle between Harris and Loe right now. Other guys are playing well but those two are at another level!
Nick Bewley:
Prediction: Rob Loe (Auckalnd Tuatara)
Now: Rob Loe is him.
Huw Beynon:
Prediction: Tai Webster (Otago), maybe Corey Auckland)
Now: If Tai Webster could keep his behaviour in check I think I'd be onto another winner here! So good when he's on the court and dialled in. Discipline issues may hamper his bid for this award though.
Tom Abercrombie:
Prediction: Flynn Cameron (Airs)
Now: I went with Flynn Cameron. He’s been solid since joining the Airs but not spectacular. I back Flynn to get better but Corey Webster is having an incredible campaign so far for the Tuatara and has one hand on this award.
Justin Nelson:
Prediction: Tai Webster (Otago Nuggets)
Now: I went with Tai Webster. I’m going to stay in the Webster household, but I’m sending my vote over to big brother. It’s Corey’s award. Special mention to Keanu Rasmussen, a quality signing by the Hawks.
Phill Jones:
Prediction: Alex McNaught (Nelson Giants)
Now: Izayah Le’Afa – plays both ends of the floor and a leader for the Saints.
Maia Williamson:
Prediction: Corey Webster (Auckland Tuatara)
Now: As much as Tai Webster is an offensive weapon, his big bro still got something on him! Corey is unstoppable in the NZNBL
Brook Ruscoe:
Prediction: Tai Webster (Otago Nuggets)
Now: One of the Webster brothers but can't pick which one so happy with either
Taylah Johnson:
Prediction: Izayah Le'Afa (Wellington Saints)
Now: Sticking with Zay but only because Tai gets overall guard!
Andrew Mulligan:
Prediction: Tai Webster
Now: Corey Webster
Casey Frank:
Prediction: Tai Webster
Now: Tai's been great and would be able to make a case if the Nugs found some form late, but he's bouncing and across the season it's been Corey Webster whose raised his hand to be selected in this category.
Miles Pearce:
Prediction: Izayah Le'afa, Tai and Corey Webster, Flynn and Tobias Cameron, Alex McNaught, and Jordan Ngatai all mentioned
Now: Izayah Le'afa or Corey Webster would be my picks at this stage. Both are playing well and helping their team get wins.
Nick Bewley:
Prediction: Tai Webster (Otago Nuggets)
Now: I went with Tai Webster and sheesh that 40 point game I was lucky enough to call against the Rams was special. But for the reasons outlined below Corey has to be frontrunner from here. It is worth noting though – Corey’s set to miss the Tuatara’s final three regular season games with the Tall Blacks and Tai now has an unknown amount of time out with daddy duties impending.
Huw Beynon:
Prediction: Sam Froling (Airs), Honourable mention Rob Loe, Hyrum Harris, and Tom Vodanovich
Now: I went Froling, and I stand by that pick.
Tom Abercrombie:
Prediction: Sam Froling (Airs)
Now: Sam Froling is looking good to lock this one in.
Justin Nelson:
Prediction: Sam Froling (Taranaki Airs)
Now: I went with Sam Froling. Got a feeling I nailed this one as well. Froling all day long.
Phill Jones:
Prediction: Dan Fotu (Nelson Giants)
Now: Sam Froling – legit big with all the tools and makes the difference to his team.
Maia Williamson:
Prediction: Sam Froling
Now: Sam Froling. Can you tell I'm a fan?
Brook Ruscoe:
Prediction: Rob Loe
Now: Big Rob. Double down on this one as well
Taylah Johnson:
Prediction: Troy Baxter Jr. (Manawatū Jets)
Now: Don’t get me wrong, Troy Baxter Jnr has been good, but I’ve shifted my MVP vote and I’ll shift this one too, it’s going to Froling! (Also Troy's gone...)
Casey Frank:
Prediction: Sam Froling (Airs) Honourable mention to Rob Loe.
Now: My picks are looking good here for the most part. I think Sam Timmins has a small case and Lachie Olbrich has a big one. Rob will probably get it if the Tuatara stay in this form but I'll stay with my preseason pick an go with Sam Froling whose been a double double machine and I think has another gear to reach down the stretch.
Andrew Mulligan:
Prediction: Rob Loe (Auckland Tuatara)
Now: Rob Loe
Miles Pearce:
Prediction: Sam Froling
Now: Froling and Loe are leading this race while Harris is out injured. One name to keep an eye on is Olbrich, He is putting his hand up to be in the conversation for this award.
Nick Bewley:
Prediction: Rob Loe (Auckland Tuatara)
Now: (Spoiler Alert, but by virtue of putting Rob Loe as my MVP, he also had to be my most outstanding big. This is a pretty tough field but I’m sticking strong here with the big Kiwi ahead of Sam Froling and Lachie Olbrich.
Huw Beynon:
Prediction: Tai Webster
Now: Again, I went Webster, and again his naughtiness could cost him!
Tom Abercrombie:
Prediction: Izayah Le’afa (Wellington Saints)
Now: I had Izayah Le’afa here. Whilst he’s putting a really solid campaign together its going to be very hard to beat out Corey Webster for this one.
Justin Nelson:
Prediction: Mustapha Heron (Manawatū Jets)
Now: I went with Mustapha Heron. That’s a fail on my behalf (sorry Mustapha). Such a tough choice, I really like what Corey Webster is doing right now, Isaiah Moore is legit, MJ Walker is a gun, Luther Muhammad is in the mix, Ben Henshall must be in contention, and both Ben Ayre and Izayah Le’Afa deserve a mention. But I’m moving over to Corey – add another trophy to the cabinet.
Phill Jones:
Prediction: Alex McNaught (Nelson Giants)
Now: Mitch McCarron - man crush here as I think he is a heck of a player!!!
Maia Williamson:
Prediction: Isaiah Moore (Hawke's Bay) or Ben Ayre (Saints).
Now: Initially I picked Ben Ayre or Isaiah Moore. I believe Isaiah could still be in contention... however, Corey is in a league of his own at the moment, and I doubt we'll see this drop off anytime soon.
Brook Ruscoe:
Prediction: Tai Webster
Now: I had Tai and even though he's already had 40 this year I'm going to go with Isaiah Moore from the Hawks if he can continue to play the way he is.
Taylah Johnson:
Prediction: Tai Webster (Otago Nuggets)
Now: Still sticking with Tai Webster,
Andrew Mulligan:
Prediction: Tai Webster (Otago Nuggets)
Now: I had Tai Webster but it’s Corey Webster for me now.
Casey Frank:
Prediction: Mustapha Heron or Mitch McCarron
Now: Mitch has been good, but not best in the comp good Mustapha is on the Jets so his personal contributions are overshadowed by team form. As of now Isaiah Moore and Corey Webster have the strongest cases to make. Moore's given the Hawks a motor that is tough to match when they have their starting 5 and probably has a tougher job getting them into the winners circle, but as of right now Corey is once again on top of this category.
Miles Pearce:
Prediction: Mustapha Heron, the Webster brothers and Dontae Russo-Nance mentioned with no pick
Now: While sitting on the fence did I put the Webster brothers' names out there. Corey has come to play this season and if his form continues it would be hard pushed to see this award going elsewhere.
Nick Bewley:
Prediction: Mitch McCarron (Taranaki Airs)
Now: I had Mitch McCarron who is such a great floor marshal and glue guy for Taranaki. He’s second in the league for assists with 7.6 per game. But this is most outstanding and you can’t go past the contributions of Corey Webster at both ends of the floor. He’s a massive reason Tuatara occupy top sot.
Huw Beynon:
Prediction: Sam Froling
Now: I went with Sam Froling of the Airs, and I'm sticking with that at this juncture!
Tom Abercrombie:
Prediction: Sam Froling, or Rob Loe
Now: Sam Froling was my pick and I think the big man will be right in the mix come seasons end.
Justin Nelson:
Prediction: Sam Froling (Taranaki Airs)
Now: I went with Sam Froling and I remain very confident. I’ll be leading the MVP chants in the commentary box in the very near future.
Phill Jones:
Prediction: Dan Fotu (Nelson Giants)
Now:
Maia Williamson:
Prediction: Sam Froling
Now: I don't see another correct answer besides Sam Froling
Brook Ruscoe:
Prediction: Sam Froling and Tai Webster a close second equal but if I was a betting man i think Rob Loe could go back to back!
Now: Staying with Rob Loe but Hyrum Harris and Sam Froling will be there or thereabouts
Taylah Johnson:
Prediction: Troy Baxter Jr. (Manawatū Jets)
Now: Fro-down Froling! (I’m hoping the name sticks)
Casey Frank:
Prediction: Sam Froling
Now: Quite a few players have put themselves into contention. Hyrum Harris was the best of the early season but his campaign has slowed with injury. Rob Loe and Corey Webster would each have a hand on the trophy for how they have competed to bring Auckland to the top of the table. Luther Muhammad will have a case if he stays at this level and the Bulls keep winning while Lachie Olbrich is undefeated when he suits up for the Rams. But I'm still stubborn I'll stick with Sam and count on the Airs climbing the ranks late.
Andrew Mulligan:
Prediction: Rob Loe (Auckland Tuatara)
Now: Either Sam Froling or Rob Loe. I’m taking Loe for his shooting.
Miles Pearce:
Prediction: Sam Froling, Rob Loe, Tyrell Harrison (Jets), Callum McRae, Hyrum Harris, Lachlan Olbrich all mentioned without an actual pick
Now: I had big guys on the list. Harris was in great form until his injury and hopefully he is back soon. Corey Webster is staking a claim but I still like the looks of Froling and Loe for this one.
Nick Bewley:
Prediction: Rob Loe (Auckland Tuatara)
Now: I stuck with Rob Loe and he hasn’t disappointed on the back of last season. He’s two points behind Luther Muhammad as things stand in the MVP rankings. The only concern here is Loe’s team-mate Corey Webster is building his own MVP case on the back off 22 points and a league leading 8.2 assists.
