GAME PREVIEW: BULLS (0-1) v JETS (0-1)
The EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls thrilled in their home opener, before falling to a Jeremy Kendle game winner in the dying seconds. They’ll be primed and ready to go after 5 nights of training and rest. The Property Brokers Manawatu Jets on the other hand, have to back up after going down the Huskies in the fourth quarter just last night.
TEAM NEWS – ENVIRONZ FRANKLIN BULLS
The big news for the Bulls is that import power forward Zane Waterman is making his debut tonight. He’ll slot into the starting line-up alongside Josh Selby, Nick Fee, Dane Brooks, and Denhym Brooke. This means the Bulls are almost at full strength, they’re just waiting for Matt Freeman to finish his quarantining and get to training.
TEAM NEWS – PROPERTY BROKERS MANAWATU JETS
Ashton McQueen will definitely miss tonight's game, having been suspended for striking in last night's game.
Neither import started last night, but that could change tonight. My guess would be Daishon Knight, Jayden Bezzant, Nikau McCullough, DeAndre Daniels, and Shane Temara.
WHAT THE COACHES ARE SAYING
Jamie Reddish (Bulls) - The team are excited to be playing at home in front of our fans, partners and sponsors again this week, especially after such a good turn out last week. I’m looking forward to competing against a well-coached Jets team. Tim is very experienced and will have the boys playing a high tempo brand of basketball. This will be an awesome challenge for us and one I know the boys are ready for. We are also excited to officially welcome Zane Waterman into the team as he gets out of quarantine this week.
Tim McTamney (Jets) – “The pre-season has proven to be successful in terms of developing a positive team culture and has promoted a great deal of quiet optimism regarding our potential for success in 2021. We have assembled a very good group of talented young men, all willing to do what is necessary to ensure the Manawatu Jets produce performances that we, and our supporters, can be proud of. The team has prepared well, and with the recent addition of Daishon Knight and DeAndre Daniels, the enthusiasm to play has reached fever pitch. We thank the people of the Manawatu and in particular Property Brokers, for their support and good wishes as we head to Auckland to play the Huskies this Friday evening, then again the following night as we take on the Franklin Bulls.”
WHERE IT WILL BE WON
So much of this game depends on how fatigued the Jets are after last night. If Sunday night is anything to go by, then the Bulls might just play the fastest brand of basketball in the league, which will test the already tired legs of the Jets. Remember, Daishon Knight and DeAndre Daniels haven’t played basketball for a year, and now have to back-up their first game just 24 hours later. Of course, that didn’t seem to effect Daishon too much, as he dropped a cool 30 points.
Josh Selby showed glimpses of his talent last week despite admitting he hadn’t played a game in nearly 2 years. Expect him to be a difference maker tonight.
Even with Waterman, the Bulls are small. Shane Temara was good last night, and the Jets will look to him again.
WHERE TO WATCH
Sky Sport POP-UP 1 – 7:30pm
GAME PREVIEW: NUGGETS (0-1) v AIRS (0-1)
Two teams coming off vastly different losses go at it in Dunedin tonight. The Go Media Otago Nuggets copped a heavy one in their homecoming game against the Saints on opening night, while the Taranaki Steelformers Mountainairs went down in the dying seconds to the Sharks on Thursday night. It’s a tight turnaround for the Airs, especially so early in the season, while the Nuggets have had exactly a week to lick the wounds inflicted by the Saints.
TEAM NEWS – GO MEDIA OTAGO NUGGETS
The Nuggets have listed Josh Aitcheson as questionable with an ankle injury. Mitchell Hughan is also listed as questionable with an ankle injury, while Matt Bardsley remains side-lined for around another 4 weeks with an ankle sprain.
If Aitcheson is out, expect one of Darcy Knox or Pafe Momoisea to slot into the starting line-up in his place, alongside Richie Rodger, Isaiah Moss, Geremy McKay and Sam Timmins.
TEAM NEWS – TARANAKI STEELFORMERS MOUNTAINAIRS
No chances from two nights ago to the Airs status report. Aaron Bailey-Nowell and Riley Putt both remain out with ankle sprains.
Expect the same starting line-up as in Thursday’s 2 point loss – Francis Mulvihill, Haize Walker, Marcel Jones, Baxter Fenwick and Tai Wynyard.
WHAT THE COACHES ARE SAYING
Brent Matehaere (Nuggets) – “The school holidays have brought a tonne of kids to holiday programmes throughout the country! The Nuggets and the Goldrush have had a fantastic week putting smiles on the faces of the youngsters in Otago. These enthusiastic young ballers also remind us of why we play the game! It’s fun and playing with your friends is the best! Looking forward to playing my good friend Trent Adam!”
Trent Adam (Airs) - “Having an away double header has provided a great opportunity for our group to continue to gel in the early part of the season. Last year's Coach of the year, Brent Matehaere will have his team really well prepared, after their first home game last Saturday, which will provide a great test for us.”
WHERE IT WILL BE WON
Both these teams would have circled this one as a gettable early win on their schedule. Of course, only one of them can win it. The most important player on the court for the Nuggets tonight will likely be whomever has to guard Marcel Jones. The mercurial star was phenomenal the other night, and that was without his legs and lungs.
The Sam Timmins – Tai Wynyard battle will be fascinating, with Timmins preferring to say around the perimeter in game one. Meanwhile, both coaches will hope to see more from their imports. Nelson Kirksey (Airs), and Isaiah Moss and Geremy McKay (Nuggets) could play a huge part in deciding who wins this game
WHERE TO WATCH
Tickets - Individual Games — Otago Nuggets
Sky Sport 9 – 7:30pm
