Check out all the team selections, coach quotes and game previews for Round 6 of the Sal's NBL.
NELSON GIANTS vs HAWKE'S BAY HAWKS / THURSDAY MAY 16 @ 7:35PM
Game Preview
After a long run on their home deck to start the season the Giants came undone last round when they hit the road for the first time, suffering losses to the Rams and Sharks. It won’t get any easier this round with a home game here against the Hawks, before they head to Tasmania to play the Huskies. The Hawks looked sharp last week in a thumping win against the Airs and they will be tough to beat with their full squad finally together. Brandon Bowman immediately proved his worth against the Airs, and when any team has the flexibility to bring the likes of Ethan Rusbatch off the pine, you know you are dealing with a very good outfit. Back at home the Giants will be very eager to bounce back, and given the way the season is panning out this game carries great weight. For the home team to win they will need to stop Kickert and Bowman, especially on the boards, while Dan Grida is due for a big game and there would be no better timing for that than right now. Either way, expect another exciting dose of Thursday Night Lights.
GIANTS
Starting 5
2. Jordair Jett (guard)
11. Daniel Grida (guard)
24. Tyrell Harrison (centre)
25. Rhys Vague (forward)
10. Samuel Dempster (forward)
Bench
6. Ali Granger (guard)
7. Riley Bensemann (guard)
9. Tom Ingham (guard)
26. Bronson Beri (forward)
55. Kruz Perrott-Hunt (guard)
42. Tysxun Aiolupotea (guard)
43. Nic Trathen (forward)
Coach: Mike Fitchett
Assistant: Phil Jones
Manager: Andrew Stevens
Physio: Ashlee Lusty
From The Coach – Mike Fitchett
After a tough road double to the deep south it is great to be home again. We learnt a lot about ourselves this past week and we are looking forward to putting on a better performance against Hawkes Bay.
HAWKS
Starting 5
6. Jarrod Kenny (guard)
13. Dion Prewster (guard)
25. EJ Singler (forward)
14. Daniel Kickert (forward)
15. Brandon Bowman (forward)
Bench
3. Nick Fee (guard)
5. Everard Bartlett (guard)
12. Ethan Rusbatch (guard)
21. Clifton Bush III (forward)
7. Darryl Jones (forward)
11. Jamal Mikaio (forward)
9. James Levings (guard) *Questionable
21. Geoff Heather (forward) *Questionable
Coach: Zico Coronel
Assistant: Morgan Maskell
Assistant: Rob Hartley
Manager: Jordan Wise
Physio: Kerry Raynor
From The Coach – Zico Coronel
It was enjoyable to finally have our full team suit up versus Taranaki. It was even more pleasing for the bench players, who toil so hard at training away from the public eye, to perform well and show why they’re so valuable to our collective endeavour. Even the squad members who do not suit up play an unseen but integral part in the preparation. Everyone’s best effort is needed to play basketball at a high level if you hope to get a positive result against a high level team like the Giants. This is a big game in terms of the standings for sure.
CANTERBURY RAMS vs SOUTHLAND SHARKS / FRIDAY MAY 17 @ 7PM
Game Preview
A cracking game on offer between two teams that delivered a ripping game to open the season, on that occasion the Sharks found enough down the stretch to claim a dramatic win. The Rams return to Horncastle Arena for this game and having been humbled by the Saints a few weeks ago at this venue, they will be super keen to chalk-up a win this time around. Both teams are starting to emerge as serious contenders this season and with so much on the line this promises to be another very close contest. Jarrad Weeks was in perfect form last week, leading the Sharks to dual wins and collecting 20 TAB MVP votes along the way. Emmett Naar will have the job of stopping Weeks, but don’t be surprised if Tony Tolovae gets an opportunity to lock him down at some stage as well. Mike Karena and Alex Pledger will battle it out in the paint, while Hyrum Harris looms as a bit of a wildcard for the visitors. All going to plan, new import Roberto Nelson will hopefully step on court for the first time in orange. Get set for an epic battle between two very good teams.
RAMS
Starting 5
4. Emmett Naar (guard)
3. Cam Gliddon (guard)
25. Tony Tolovae (guard)
17. Isaiah Wilkins (forward)
44. Mike Karena (forward)
Bench
5. Taylor Britt (guard)
1. Luke Aston (guard)
10. Sam Smith (guard)
30. Toby Gillooly (guard) *Questionable
9. Jonathan Janssen (forward)
45. Brent Fisher (forward)
24. Alex Talma (forward)
Coach: Mick Downer
Assistant: Terry Brunel
Assistant: Piet Van Hasselt
Manager: Raewyn Britt
Physio: Lidia Belles
From The Coach – Mick Downer
Another week and another great challenge for our team as we look for redemption after our narrow Rd 1 defeat to the Sharks. A lot of basketball has been played since then with both teams making changes to their respective rosters. Australian Boomer Cameron Gliddon has replaced Adam Gibson and we have seen the return of exciting wing Tony Tolovae after his successful stint in Europe. Both teams are in form after recent wins and will be riding high with confidence as we battle it out at Horncastle Arena.
SHARKS
Starting 5
35. Alex Pledger (centre)
97. Jarrad Weeks (guard)
22. Hyrum Harris (guard/forward)
24 . Todd Blanchfield (guard)
15. Tom Vodanovich (forward)
Bench
3. Roberto Nelson (guard) *Questionable
11. Dom Kelman-Poto (forward)
14. Tai Wynyard (centre)
45. Tinashe Matambanadzo (guard)
Coach: Judd Flavell
Assistant: Leyton Haddleton
Manager: Troy Paulin
From The Coach – Judd Flavell
The Rams have steadily improved and added some real quality players to their roster since we last played in round one. We are really looking forward to playing at Horncastle and I am sure the atmosphere will be great. It will be great to get our full squad on the court if we can in what’s going to be another fantastic match up.
WELLINGTON SAINTS vs SUPERCITY RANGERS / SATURDAY MAY 18 @ 7PM
Game Preview
While some may think this game will amount to another win for the Saints, the last fortnight has proven nothing is a sure thing in the league this season. The Saints have been pushed all the way in their last two games against the Huskies and Jets, but they have scraped through and remain unbeaten. Though they will start favourites once again here, the home team will need to be mindful of Tim Quarterman and Venky Jois in particular as the two Rangers studs continue to deliver big numbers. Look to the guards for the mismatch in this game, the home team duo of Shea Ili and Reuben Te Rangi winning both the battle in size, speed and scoring. Quarterman has been on a scoring blitz in recent weeks, but this time around he’ll face his toughest test with some of the league’s very best defenders waiting for him. The Rangers aren’t without a shot of hanging around the mark, but they’ll need a huge amount to go right for them if they hope to cause any sort of an upset. Look for Nick Kay and Rob Loe to stretch Venky Jois and Nnanna Egwu.
SAINTS
Starting 5
55. Shea Ili (guard)
11. Jordan Ngatai (guard/forward)
7. Reuben Te Rangi (forward)
2. Nick Kay (forward)
14. Rob Loe (centre)
Bench
15. Leon Henry (forward)
3. Sunday Dech (guard)
13. Anzac Rissetto (centre)
9. Theo Johnson (forward)
21. James Cawthorn (guard)
8. Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (guard)
33. Jacob Walsh (guard)
Coach: Paul Henare
Assistant: Kenny McFadden
Assistant: Troy McLean
Manager: Phil Hartley
Physio: Jamie Beleski
From The Coach – Paul Henare
We are looking forward to hitting the floor this weekend after a lacklustre defensive effort against a very dangerous Jets side. The Rangers come in with some talented imports playing very well, so for us itll be about defending at a higher level and limiting their opportunities. After being on the road for a couple of weeks we are really looking forward to being back in front of our home fans.
RANGERS
Starting 5
1. Tim Quarterman (guard)
5. Randall Bishop (guard)
55. Venky Jois (forward)
32. Nnanna Egwu (forward)
4. Daniel Green (guard)
Bench
8. Nicholas Brophy (guard)
9. Lesae Coe (guard)
20. Scott Telfer (forward)
6. Jaylen Gerrand (guard)
46. Reuben Fitzgerald (guard)
2. Hyrum Hippolite (guard)
13. Mikaere Watene (guard/forward)
Coach: Jeff Green
Assistant: Anthony Keung
Assistant: Greg Elliott
Manager: Auatua Pamatatau
From The Coach – Jeff Green
This week we travel to the number one team in the country, The Wellington Saints, on their home court. They have started the season well 6-0 and i suspect it’s going to be a huge task. We are not going into it with a defeatist attitude however we understand the task ahead is going to be great. If we play like we have been of late both offensively and defensively I give ourselves a chance but we have to shoot the ball better then we have the last few games. If we don’t shoot the ball we will be blown out and if we do shoot the ball we will be competitive and you never know. I think the jets showed last week that anything can happen but the Saints on their home court are very tough to beat.
SOUTHERN HUSKIES vs NELSON GIANTS / SATURDAY MAY 18 @ 7PM (9PM NZ)
Game Preview
The Huskies continue their run of games at home and though they have been in winning positions against both the Saints and Sharks in the last fortnight, the fact remains that when each of those games went up a notch down the stretch the Huskies fell way. No doubt the Giants will have had a good look at the Sharks’ 1-3-1 zone defence in last week’s final quarter and will have this (or something similar) ready to roll out when needed. The match-up of Vague and Billups will be a ripper, Jordair Jett and Dan Grida will probably go to Tre Nichols and Mason Bragg, while Sam Dempster might get the lock-down role on Craig Moller. That leaves Tyrell Harrison on Marcel Jones, if t plays out that way. Either way it isn’t a perfect fit
HUSKIES
Starting 5
3. Tre Nichols (guard)
6. Mason Bragg (guard)
9. Craig Moller (forward)
22. Jalen Billups (forward)
62. Marcel Jones (forward)
Bench
14. Jordan Vandenburg (centre)
8. Bryan Michaels (guard)
12. Tiri Masunda (guard)
23. Lochlan Cummings (guard)
Coach: Anthony Stewart
Assistant: Corey Davie
Assistant: Dwain Davie
Manager: Andrew Downie
Physio: Revive Health
From The Coach – Anthony Stewart
Nelson are a difficult team to beat and we’re going to need to be on our game if we’re going to take it to them. We’ve been training hard and working on the inconsistencies we’ve seen in the last couple of weeks. We’ll bounce back and hopefully come away with the result. We’re all very much looking forward to hosting the Giants for the first time.
GIANTS
Starting 5
2. Jordair Jett (guard)
11. Daniel Grida (guard)
24. Tyrell Harrison (centre)
25. Rhys Vague (forward)
10. Samuel Dempster (forward)
Bench
6. Ali Granger (guard)
7. Riley Bensemann (guard)
9. Tom Ingham (guard)
26. Bronson Beri (forward)
55. Kruz Perrott-Hunt (guard)
Coach: Mike Fitchett
Assistant: Phil Jones
Manager: Andrew Stevens
Physio: Ashlee Lusty
From The Coach – Mike Fitchett
We are looking forward to making the trip to Launceston to play the Huskies. This is a historic match for the Giants, our first NZNBL game in Australia. The Huskies have been unlucky in the last couple of weeks so we are expecting them to be playing with a huge amount of desperation, as will we. I’m sure this will be a great game.
MANAWATU JETS vs HAWKE'S BAY HAWKS / SUNDAY MAY 19 @ 3PM
Game Preview
The Jets came ever so close last week of causing a consecutive upset with the top-of-the-ladder Saints escaping with a 2pt win. This came just a week after the Jets toppled the Sharks. Right now, with Knight, Ellerson and Iverson forming arguably the best in-form trio in the league right now, the Jets are flying high and capable of upsetting any team. The Hawks will be well aware of their opponent’s current form and will come in well planned. Like a couple of other teams this round, the Hawks are on the double and will hopefully come through a trip to Nelson unscathed. Don’t be surprised if the Jets hit the floor with a run-and-gun approach and look to play this one, especially early, at a frantic pace. A big test for the home team will be inside the paint where Bowman and Kickert will test the Jets. If they can’t at least break even inside, the home team will struggle to hold the Hawks. Interestingly, shooting star Ethan Rusbatch has for the second week running been named to come off the bench.
JETS
Starting 5
10. Jackson Stubbins (guard)
40. Daishon Knight (guard)
3. Wally Ellenson (guard/forward)
31. Kuran Iverson (forward)
50. Shane Temara (forward/centre)
Bench
5. Taane Samuel (forward)
15. Troy Temara (forward/centre)
30. Adam Carter (guard)
4. Haize Walker (guard)
12. Rangimarie Mita (guard)
8. Phil Borota (guard)
7. Tia Temata-Frost (forward)
Coach: Tim McTamney
Assistant: Terry Tanoa
Assistant: Josh Reeves
Manager: Jason Pearn
From The Coach – Tim McTamney
We are looking to making further progress this Sunday against the Hawks. There is no question they are quite a different team from the one that started the season, and considerably better as well. We are under no illusion as to how difficult this game will be, they play the game at extreme pace and we like to do the same...should make for a fun game to watch.
HAWKS
Starting 5
6. Jarrod Kenny (guard)
13. Dion Prewster (guard)
25. EJ Singler (forward)
14. Daniel Kickert (forward)
15. Brandon Bowman (forward)
Bench
3. Nick Fee (guard)
5. Everard Bartlett (guard)
12. Ethan Rusbatch (guard)
21. Clifton Bush III (forward)
7. Darryl Jones (forward)
11. Jamal Mikaio (forward)
9. James Levings (guard) *Questionable
21. Geoff Heather (forward) *Questionable
Coach: Zico Coronel
Assistant: Morgan Maskell
Assistant: Rob Hartley
Manager: Jordan Wise
Physio: Kerry Raynor
From The Coach – Zico Coronel
The Jets’ ability far exceeds their record, especially since the addition of the outstanding Daishon Knight returning from the high-level ABA League in the Balkans. They’ve shown this versus the Sharks and Saints. Coach Tim McTamney is sure to have some “David” strategies up his sleeve. It all adds up to a great and informative challenge for us as we continue to grow as a team as we navigate a tough 5 games in 14 days.
TARANAKI MOUNTAINAIRS vs SUPERCITY RANGERS / SUNDAY MAY 19 @ 3PM
Game Preview
Interesting match-up with the Airs licking their wounds after a tough trip last week, however this game presents a fresh opportunity. The Rangers are on the double having played the Saints the previous night, so a quick turnaround here is a tough ask and they’ll be tested physically. Recent changes at the Airs have thrown opportunities to others and this is a game where they can really grasp their chance. The biggest challenge here for the home team will be trying to contain the Rangers’ big guns, Tim Quarterman and Venky Jois, who are both putting up big numbers each week. Hard to know whether this game will be a defensive struggle of if both coaches will open the floor and let their teams freelance a bit. Either way this clash could be a lot closer than some may think. A must-win for the Rangers to stay in touch with the top-four, while the Airs will be desperate to get their first win of the season and celebrate accordingly.
MOUNTAINAIRS
Starting 5
14. Alonzo Burton (guard)
8. Derone Raukawa (guard)
5. Xavier Shaw (forward)
21. Chris Early (forward)
22. Aaron Bailey-Nowell (forward)
Bench
7. Houston O’Riley (guard)
2. Oscar Robertson (guard)
10. Dane Brooks (guard)
16. Latrell Teka-Wall (guard)
26. Morgan Trott (forward)
6. Justin Cousin (guard)
20. Thane O’Leary (forward)
Coach: David Bublitz
Assistant: Andrew Green
Assistant: Shay Haira
Manager: Bevan Seddon
Physio: Mick McBeth
From The Coach – David Bublitz
After a turbulent week, the final quarter of the game against The Rangers typified the level of effort that will be required for the remainder of the season. The team showed real character and played positive basketball at both ends of the floor to set the new bench mark for this team as we move forward.
RANGERS
Starting 5
1. Tim Quarterman (guard)
5. Randall Bishop (guard)
55. Venky Jois (forward)
32. Nnanna Egwu (forward)
4. Daniel Green (guard)
Bench
8. Nicholas Brophy (guard)
9. Lesae Coe (guard)
20. Scott Telfer (forward)
6. Jaylen Gerrand (guard)
46. Reuben Fitzgerald (guard)
2. Hyrum Hippolite (guard)
13. Mikaere Watene (guard/forward)
Coach: Jeff Green
Assistant: Anthony Keung
Assistant: Greg Elliott
Manager: Auatua Pamatatau
From The Coach – Jeff Green
The second time we play the Airs within a week but it’s on the back of a very tough road game in Wellington so the boys may be a little jaded from the hectic travel schedule the past few weeks and this is no easier to travel and to recover in less than 24 hours is not ideal. We did have a healthy lead against the airs at home in Te Awamutu last week, The Airs are very good at home and their results don’t show that but they are a dangerous team and I don’t expect us to romp in there and get a 26 point lead like we did last week, I believe it’s going to be a tough game and it will come down to how we recover from the Wellington trip and how we shoot the basketball. Looking forward to the weekend and an opportunity to get another two points on the table.
SOUTHLAND SHARKS vs WELLINGTON SAINTS / SUNDAY MAY 19 @ 7PM
Game Preview
Both teams are on the double this round and will complete the weekend with another blockbuster match-up expected. There was plenty of hype heading into their recent meeting on ANZAC Day in Wellington, which was a clash comfortably won by the Saints, a fact that won’t have been lost on the Sharks at training during the week. The Saints have scraped through with narrow wins over the Huskies and Jets in recent weeks, but they remain unbeaten and atop the ladder, seemingly already looking likely to finish in the top couple of spots ahead of another title chase. While those recent wins haven’t been convincing, experience counts down the stretch and again the Saints have shown their class when the pressure is on. For the Sharks, a memorable round last week with a win at home over Nelson and a magical comeback in Tasmania to defeat the Huskies. The Sharks should be strengthened for this one with the inclusion of Roberto Nelson, while the continued form of Jarrad Weeks is another huge plus. Lots of great individual battles will take place as two of the league’s heavyweights lock horns once again.
SHARKS
Starting 5
35. Alex Pledger (centre)
97. Jarrad Weeks (guard)
22. Hyrum Harris (guard/forward)
24 . Todd Blanchfield (guard)
15. Tom Vodanovich (forward)
Bench
3. Roberto Nelson (guard) *Questionable
11. Dom Kelman-Poto (forward)
14. Tai Wynyard (centre)
25. Andrew Wheeler (guard)
34. Connor Coll (forward)
2. Tom Cowie (guard)
45. Tinashe Matambanadzo (guard)
Coach: Judd Flavell
Assistant: Leyton Haddleton
Manager: Troy Paulin
Physio: Hayden Sproat
From The Coach – Judd Flavell
This game will be a great measuring stick to see where we are at against league leaders. In particular our rebounding count will be crucial to how the game goes. Obviously, we know some of the Saints players well and it should be exciting watching some of the matchups unfold. Home crowd advantage will help us.
SAINTS
Starting 5
55. Shea Ili (guard)
11. Jordan Ngatai (guard/forward)
7. Reuben Te Rangi (forward)
2. Nick Kay (forward)
14. Rob Loe (centre)
Bench
15. Leon Henry (forward)
3. Sunday Dech (guard)
13. Anzac Rissetto (centre)
9. Theo Johnson (forward)
8. Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (guard)
Coach: Paul Henare
Assistant: Kenny McFadden
Assistant: Troy McLean
Manager: Phil Hartley
Physio: Jamie Beleski
From The Coach – Paul Henare
The Sharks have really hit some form with some good wins since we last played them. I'm looking forward to this challenge more than any other game because its a true test of character and resilience travelling down to the Deep South after playing the night before. The Sharks are always tough at home so coming away with a win in this one will have to be earned.
