Three games came our way in week one of the 2021 Sal's NBL season and there were plenty of highlights.
Each week we'll take a deep breath and look back on the Eye Catchers who stepped up and delivered the goods.
Here's our opening week EYE CATCHERS.
Dion Prewster (Wellington Saints)
The Saints veteran started the season in style, torching the Go Media Otago Nuggets for 31pts @ 58%, 5rbs, 7ast and 3 treys. Prewster did as he pleased across 29 minutes and led the Nuggets a merry dance, while reminding the rest of us that he can be the go-to player for the Saints this season.
Jeremy Kendle (Sky Tower Auckland Huskies)
Wow! The American is only here for a 3-game stint, but boy did he make his opening game count. Kendle had the rock on a string against the Bulls, dominating from start to finish with 32pts, 6rbs, 3ast, 2stl and 7 treys (including the game winner). It was a stellar performance, that not only delivered a win, but also showed his younger teammates what it takes to become a stud in the Sal's NBL.
Brayden Inger (SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks)
We were all told to keep an eye out for Inger, the wraps on him coming in were certainly high and he didn't disappoint on Monday against the Mike Pero Nelson Giants. Athletic and silky, Inger netted 15pts to go with 4rbs, 4ast and 3 triples. Best of all, in his debut, he looked like he'd been out there in the Sal's NBL for years.
Dontae Russo-Nance (Sky Tower Auckland Huskies)
This was an eye-catching debut from a young gun who turned 16yrs old just three months ago! All up, the composed youngster dropped 18pts, 4rbs, 3ast and 2 triples in a display that stunned the opposition. The Huskies have found a star here and must be over the moon about his eye catching first-up performance.
Josh Selby (EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls)
Coming into the season there was a lot of hope that Selby was here to do his thing and show the qualities that led him to an NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies. Though the Bulls fell just short, Selby showed us a glimpse of what's to come with his haul of 26pts, 6rbs, 2ast, 2stl and 3 treys. And make no mistake, he was literally getting his feet back underneath him. Watch what happens next!
