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40 Years Of Flashbacks: 1983 and 1984

The 2021 Sal's NBL season is the League's 40th year, a milestone that will be celebrated by all, but one that has only been made possible due to the enormous passion by so many across four decades.

Each Friday we Flashback to past seasons - this week we look back at 1983 and 1984!

 

1983 NBL CHAMPIONS: AUCKLAND

The 1983 season was the second year of the NBL. The two bottom teams from the 1982 season, Palmerston North and Hamilton, were relegated to the Conference Basketball League (CBL). 1982 CBL Champions Wellington, and fellow CBL team Napier were both promoted to the NBL. Auckland claimed consecutive titles, defeating Wellington in the in the Championship Final.

Teams:

8 teams contested the 1983 season (final standings): 

Auckland

Wellington Saints

Napier Sunhawks

Waitemata

Canterbury Rams

Centrals

Nelson Giants

Porirua

Grand Final:

Auckland (80) defeated Wellington Saints (77) (Referees: Keith Milligan & Robin Milligan)

Season Award Winners:

• Most Outstanding Guard (Keith Carr Trophy): Kenny McFadden (Wellington Saints)
• Most Outstanding Forward (Commissioners Cup): Ben Anthony (Auckland)
• Scoring Champion (Alan Bland Memorial Trophy): Kenny McFadden (Wellington Saints)
• Rebounding Champion (Garry Pettis Memorial Trophy): Robbie Robinson (Napier Sunhawks)
• Regular Season Winners: Auckland
• Best Team Free Throws (Nial Forsyth Trophy): Porirua

All-Star Five:

• Ben Anthony (Auckland
• Thomas DeMarcus (Napier Sunhawks)
• Stan Hill (Auckland)
• Clyde Huntley (Canterbury Rams)
• Kenny McFadden (Wellington Saints)

 

Step Back In Time - presented by  

The following images from 1983 have been made possible with thanks to www.lde.co.nz

 

 

1984 NBL CHAMPIONS: WELLINGTON SAINTS

Two new teams were promoted to the 1984 NBL season – Ponsonby and CBL champions from the previous year, Hamilton. Porirua and Waitemata, the bottom two sides from the 1983 NBL season, were relegated. In a repeat of the 1983 Grand Final, the Wellington Saints avenged their defeat to Auckland to claim their first NBL championship.

Teams:

8 teams contested the 1984 season (final standings): 

Wellington Saints

Auckland

Hamilton

Canterbury Rams

Ponsonby

Nelson Giants

Napier Sunhawks

Centrals

Grand Final:

Wellington Saints (96) defeated Auckland (83) (Referees: Keith Milligan & Robin Milligan)

Season Award Winners:

• NZ Most Valuable Player: John Rademakers (Canterbury Rams)
• Most Outstanding Guard (Keith Carr Trophy): Kenny McFadden (Wellington Saints)
• Most Outstanding Forward (Commissioners Cup): Ben Anthony (Auckland)
• Scoring Champion (Alan Bland Memorial Trophy): Kenny McFadden (Wellington Saints)
• Rebounding Champion (Garry Pettis Memorial Trophy): Mark Davis (Hamiton)
• Assist Champion (Dave Taylor Trophy): Clyde Huntley (Canterbury Rams)
• Regular Season Winners: Wellington Saints
• Best Team Free Throws (Nial Forsyth Trophy): Centrals

All-Star Five:

• Ben Anthony (Auckland)
• Clyde Huntley (Canterbury Rams)
• Zack Jones (Hamilton)
• Kenny McFadden (Wellington Saints)
• Jacques Tuz (Nelson Giants)

Step Back In Time - presented by  

The following images from 1984 have been made possible with thanks to www.lde.co.nz