Six games coming your way on the R8 Sal's NBL menu. Check out all the team selections, coach quotes and game previews.
Supercity Rangers vs Southland Sharks - Thursday May 30 @ 7:35pm
Note: This game has been moved to AUT Sport & Fitness Centre, Northcote.
Broadcast: live on SKY Sports and Prime TV from 7:30pm
Game Preview
A must-win game for the Sharks if they’re to keep their playoff hopes alive. The fourth-placed Sharks have played two more games than the fifth-placed Huskies and a loss for the aforementioned would give the Tasmanians the opportunity to draw even in the wins column. Todd Blanchfield and Jarrad Weeks both put in shifts last Thursday, but it wasn’t enough to take down the soaring Hawks. If the pair fails to fire the ramifications could be disastrous. As for the Rangers, they have been a one-man band as of late, with Tim Quarterman averaging 37 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3.5 steals over his last five outings. If the former Trailblazer is to receive some assistance on Thursday night from Venky Jois and co, an upset might well be on the cards. They do, however, play the Huskies three days later, where if they manage to win both it would brighten an otherwise gloomy weekend for their South Island foe.
RANGERS
Starting 5
1. Tim Quarterman (guard)
4. Daniel Green (guard)
5. Randall Bishop (guard)
55. Venky Jois (forward)
32. Nnanna Egwu (forward)
Bench
9. Lesae Coe (guard)
19. Denhym Brooke (forward)
20. Scott Telfer (forward)
6. Jaylen Gerrand (guard)
46. Reuben Fitzgerald (guard)
13. Mikaere Watene (guard/forward)
15. Nick Barrow (forward)
Coach: Jeff Green
Assistant: Anthony Keung
Assistant: Greg Elliott
Manager: Auatua Pamatatau
From The Coach – Jeff Green
After a positive display on the weekend versus the Hawks I am encouraged that our young team is accepting the challenge to execute on both ends of the court for 40 mins, not 25. The sharks have hit a rough patch of late but I am under no illusion they will be ready for us. The game will be intense with both teams being in the spotlight for a nationally televised encounter.
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
4. Roberto Nelson (guard)
11. Dom Kelman-Poto (forward)
14. Tai Wynyard (centre)
25. Andrew Wheeler (guard)
Coach: Judd Flavell
Assistant: Leyton Haddleton
Manager: Troy Paulin
From The Coach - Judd Flavell
This week we have worked to re-establish what we want to do and emphasise our team identity. Rangers three imports look like they carry a huge scoring load . When Quarterman has the green light he has shown he is going to be a real challenge – we won’t be able to rely on one guy defensively - it’s going to have to be by committee.
Taranaki Airs vs Southern Huskies - Friday May 1 @ 7pm
Broadcast: live on SKY Sports (pop-up), Stuff.co.nz, TribeSports App, pickandroll.com.au (Australia only)
Game Preview
Remarkably the Airs have recorded back-to-back wins, all after having parted ways with imports Kevin Foster and Daniel Gomis. Tall Black Derone Raukawa has shouldered the scoring load since and it’s fair to say it’s paid dividends. He’s scored 20+ pts in his last three games and has shown greater enthusiasm on the defensive end, all of which has resulted in greater showings by the Naki. The Huskies arrive in New Plymouth with another chance to close the gap on the fourth-placed Sharks, all while having two games in hand. Jalen Billups has been a force to be reckoned with all season, scoring more than 21 pts in all but one of his eight games played. Although, with his brute-force has been excessive fouls and his teams will need him to stay on the court if they’re to walk away from New Plymouth with the win. This is the first of two bouts for the Huskies in R8 and while it’s not the end of the world if they fall short, an extra four points are something that never goes amiss.
AIRS
Starting 5
14. Alonzo Burton (guard)
7. Houston O’Riley (guard)
5. Xavier Shaw (forward)
21. Chris Early (forward)
20. Thane O’Leary (forward)
Bench
3. Quintin Bailey (forward)
26. Morgan Trott (forward)
1. Mitch Dance (forward)
2. Oscar Roberston (guard)
10. Dane Brooks (guard)
6. Justin Cousin (guard)
8. Derone Raukawa (guard) *Questionable
Coach: David Bublitz
Assistant: Andrew Green
Assistant: Shay Haira
Manager: Bevan Seddon
Physio: Mick McBeth
From The Coach – David Bublitz
Two wins from the last two games and the boys need to be really proud of the fight they have showed in these games. Excellent defensive effort right across the team lead to a lot of pressure being put on the Giants which we were able to exploit and convert in valuable turnover points. This week we welcome the Southern Huskies to the TSB Stadium in New Plymouth for the first time, they will provide a different challenge with some real size mixed with fast paced guards that has them sitting at 4th spot going in to this round.
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
Failed to provide a quote.
Nelson Giants vs Wellington Saints - Saturday June 1 @ 7pm
Broadcast: live on SKY Sports (pop-up), Stuff.co.nz, TribeSports App, pickandroll.com.au (Australia only)
Game Preview
The Giants return to the Trafalgar Centre on Saturday after a less than desirable three-game stint away from home. It’s not impossible for them to make the playoffs, but they’re now reliant on the success of other teams to determine the length of their season. They will get up for their encounter with the Saints and they’re going to need to if they hope to throw a spanner in the works of the machine that they’re facing. As for the Wellingtonians, this weekend is the chance to bring their win streak to double-digits and bring them one step closer to assuring top spot. Their team runs seven-deep and so far it is almost certain that at least half of them finish with a positive plus/minus. It’s hard to see that being any different this weekend or anytime soon.
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)
14. Mika Vukona (forward)
42. Nic Trathen (forward)
Coach: Mike Fitchett
Assistant: Phill Jones
Manager: Andrew Stevens
Physio: Ashlee Lusty
From The Coach – Mike Fitchett
An exciting week for the Giants. We return to the Trafalgar Centre with the chance to play the undefeated Wellington Saints. We also welcome back club stalwart Mika Vukona.
SAINTS
Starting 5
55. Shae 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
Winning in Nelson on the road is still one of the league's greatest scalps. They have a great history of winning and even though their record may not suggest it, this will be a tough test for us. We felt like we played well in patches last week but giving up 100 points doesn’t sit well with us so well be looking for a more complete performance this time around.
Hawke's Bay Hawks vs Taranaki Mountainairs - Sunday June 2 @ 3pm
Broadcast: live on SKY Sports (pop-up), Stuff.co.nz, TribeSports App, pickandroll.com.au (Australia only)
Game Preview
It’s a busy weekend for the Airs, but it comes at a time when they are enjoying a good run. This trip across the nation to Napier to take on the Hawks looms as a tough task. The Hawks are in ripping form and arguably have the most dangerous shooting team in the competition - if you give them space they WILL punish you. A question mark looms over Derone Raukawa and his fitness, however in a close contest last week against the Giants let’s not forget that Raukawa watched on down the stretch as his team mustered a memorable win. The Hawks should and will start very warm favourites here, to go against them is not advised, but the Airs have clearly adopted a nothing-to-lose attitude in recent weeks and they will take another free swing at a fancied opponent once again.
HAWKS
Starting 5
6. Jarrod Kenny (guard)
15. Brandon Bowman (forward)
12. Ethan Rusbatch (guard)
25. EJ Singler (forward)
14. Daniel Kickert (forward) *questionable
Bench
19. Dominic McGovan (guard)
5. Everard Bartlett (guard)
13. Dion Prewster (guard)
7. Darryl Jones (forward) *questionable
11. Jamal Mikaio (forward) *questionable
9. James Levings (guard)
21. Geoff Heather (forward)
Coach: Zico Coronel
Assistant: Morgan Maskell
Assistant: Rob Hartley
Manager: Jordan Wise
Physio: Colin Tutchen
From The Coach – Zico Coronel
The accolades we’re receiving for our five game winning streak and the calibre of our play are appreciated, but it is imperative, we, as a team, do not pay them much heed. We’re capable of making further improvements. We’re still not yet the basketball team we aspire to be. We must continue to improve. This week, culminating in Sunday’s game with Taranaki provides us with ample opportunity to grow.
AIRS
Starting 5
14. Alonzo Burton (guard)
7. Houston O’Riley (guard)
5. Xavier Shaw (forward)
21. Chris Early (forward)
20. Thane O’Leary (forward)
Bench
3. Quintin Bailey (forward)
26. Morgan Trott (forward)
1. Mitch Dance (forward)
2. Oscar Roberston (guard)
10. Dane Brooks (guard)
6. Justin Cousin (guard)
8. Derone Raukawa (guard) *Questionable
Coach: David Bublitz
Assistant: Andrew Green
Manager: Bevan Seddon
From The Coach – David Bublitz
Two wins from the last two games and the boys need to be really proud of the fight they have showed in these games. We complete our double header with our third game against the Hawks in Napier on Sunday and defensive intensity will once again be the key to shutting down a very fast and accurate Hawks team.
Manawatu Jets vs Canterbury Rams - Sunday June 2 @ 4pm
Game Preview
The Jets face the tough task of coming home off the back of a long trip to Tasmania and they loom as the next team to suffer from the increasingly talked-about Tassie Curse. These two teams met last round and on that night the Rams hammered the Jets by 41pts. Given the Rams have been relaxing since then while the Jets have been, pardon the pun, jetting around, it’s hard to see the home team capable of halting the recent charge forward by the Rams. It should also be noted that last week’s big win came with many of the Rams top flight watching on for the best part of the last quarter.
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)
Coach: Tim McTamney
Assistant: Terry Tanoa
Assistant: Josh Reeves
Manager: Jason Pearn
From The Coach – Tim McTamney
Failed to provide a quote.
RAMS
Starting 5
4. Emmett Naar (guard)
3. Cam Gliddon (guard)
25. Tony Tolovae (guard)
17. Isaiah Wilkins (forward)
44. Mike Karena (forward)
Bench
1. Luke Aston (guard)
5. Taylor Britt (guard)
10. Sam Smith (guard)
30. Toby Gillooly (guard)
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
A new week, a new day and a new game. The old cliché is a week is a long time in basketball and that’s what it will be between our games against the Jets. Although they had the Tasmania trip between our games they will have plenty of lead-in time for the return match, as we will. We need to be in the fight right from the start and ready to go. The Jets have played well against the best teams in the league and have several guys that can really make plays so we will need to be on point defensively. We have reviewed the game and identified a few areas in which adjustments are needed as well as improvements.
Supercity Rangers vs Southern Huskies - Sunday June 2 @ 5pm
Broadcast: live on SKY Sports (pop-up), Stuff.co.nz, TribeSports App, pickandroll.com.au (Australia only)
Game Preview
After a five-game stretch at home, where they went an impressive 3-2 and arguably could have won all five games, the Huskies are back on the road, This is the second of a double that pits them against two teams they should beat and, to make the Final 4, must beat. This looms as a danger game if the Huskies cannot contain Tim Quarterman, who is in sparkling form and over the last few rounds is going at about 39pts per game. The Huskies cannot afford to slip-up here and need to make sure they board their flight back to Tasmania with another confident win. Will Craig Moller go to Quarterman? If so it will be an intriguing match-up that will go a long way to deciding this contest.
RANGERS
Starting 5
1. Tim Quarterman (guard)
4. Daniel Green (guard)
5. Randall Bishop (guard)
55. Venky Jois (forward)
32. Nnanna Egwu (forward)
Bench
9. Lesae Coe (guard)
19. Denhym Brooke (forward)
20. Scott Telfer (forward)
6. Jaylen Gerrand (guard)
46. Reuben Fitzgerald (guard)
13. Mikaere Watene (guard/forward)
15. Nick Barrow (forward)
Coach: Jeff Green
Assistant: Anthony Keung
Assistant: Greg Elliott
Manager: Auatua Pamatatau
From The Coach – Jeff Green
The second of another double header sees us playing our home game in Tauranga versus the Huskies. Our first encounter in Tasmania was a good contest which got away from us in the final 2 minutes. I expect it to be another encounter of swings for both teams. As always defence and shooting the 3 ball is a must if we are to win. Looking forward to giving the fans a taste of NBL basketball in the Bay of Plenty region.
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
Failed to provide a quote.
