Taranaki Mountainairs Media Release
Taranaki Steelformers Mountainairs Head Coach David Bublitz couldn’t be happier with the week he has just had in confirming several more players for the upcoming 2019 Sal's NBL season.
Bublitz last week confirmed all of his local talent from the 2018 squad had agreed to once again don the Airs colours in 2019.
“As a region we are really lucky with the depth of talent we have at our disposal. Some teams need to go outside their region to source talent for their teams. We are now in a position to do it from within," said Coach Bublitz.
Houston O’Reilly, Dane Brooks, Thane O’Leary and Xavier Shaw will join the previously signed Aaron Bailey-Nowell and adopted local Alonzo Burton as the home grown unit.
“Over the past three years there has been some great work done with the younger guys in order for them to now play a significant role in the success of the team."
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of this group and filling the gaps with overseas players and one Tall Black should make for a very competitive unit. Development players from last year Oscar Robertson, Latrell Teka-Wall and Joe Reddish will also have crucial roles as they try and push for more significant roles this year.
“The younger guys have important roles in keeping the more experienced guys working hard, while also learning as much as they can from them. These three plus the addition of more development players this year means that there will hopefully be a pool of talent pushing for spots for the next five or so years.
"Having such a good number of players to select from will ensure practices remain very competitive and of high quality as players try and make their way into the first playing 12 of the season.
"There is a lot of work to be done before spots and rotations are finalised," Bublitz confirmed.
“After the series of events that happened last season with a disheartening and abnormal amount of injuries to the squad, having a pool of players to choose from is (with both hands firmly on a large piece of wood) a great problem to have!"
Photo: www.photosport.nz
