Davo Delight For Tuatara
We may have just witnessed the best ever Southern Swing debut, not to mention one of the best League debuts, with Jadcup Auckland Tuatara Australian recruit Will 'Davo' Hickey dropping back-to-back triple-doubles to help his team master the deep south roadtrip and score two wins. Fresh off his masterful Aussie NBL grand final series heroics, Hickey did the mercurial time and time again against the Sharks (after arriving in NZ he day prior), before dominating the second half against the Nuggets like a wrecking ball. If the Tuatara can hold onto Hickey for the full season, based on his opening two games, he is going to be an MVP favourite.
Turnovers Hurting Bulls
Another 20 turnovers for the Logik Franklin Bulls, this time against the Mills Albert Wellington Saints, ended with a loss for the hard-nosed visitors to the capital. Not for the first time, the Bulls are dealing with committing too many turnovers and too many fouls, these are issues that have plagued them in previous seasons. Despite a strong 4-2 start to the season, the errors need to be cleaned up and Coach Gleim is astute enough to know if his team can look after the ball better and lower the foul count a touch, he has a team capable of another deep playoffs run.
Headaches Looming For The Rams
The Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams, the Sal's NBL champs of 2023 and 2024, are arguably in the midst of the organisation's most successful run in history. Armed with a squad that resembles an embarrassment of riches, the Rams rightfully deserve every accolade when it comes to the player production line they have built and mastered. In the coming weeks the Rams will welcome imports Sean Macdonald and CJ Penha, leading to the question - how will they fit them in? Given imports can't play in Rapid League, the Rams could find themselves bringing close to a starting line-up off the bench.
Giants With Work To Do
The NBS Nelson Giants have ended a tough run of five games (where they played last season's top 5 teams) with a handful of losses. An added blow was the decision to part ways with import guard Jaylen Forbes, who just couldn't get going and proved to be the wrong fit. The Giants now face a huge mountain to climb if they hope to make the Final 6 this year.
Hayden Jones Must Start
Sticking with the Giants, the mid-week departure of Jaylen Forbes opened up an opportunity for Hayden Jones to start and given his return of 20 points @ 58% in 23 minutes, the star teenager simply has to hold his spot in the starting unit until national duties come up in the near future.
Panthers Confidence Is Growing
It looks and feels like with each game the Indian Panthers are adding a few minutes of competitiveness, from 12 to 15 to 18 to 25 minutes, but last quarters in particular are hurting them. Coach Jonno Goodman has incoming players to add, and it will make a difference, but there is simply no substitute for time on court together. At 0-6, the Panthers will be hoping an inaugural win isn't too far away.
