Adam Carter was relishing the opportunity to revive his basketball career in the Sal's NBL last year as a member of the returning 2018 Manawatu Jets. But what turned out to be a problematic back injury made his return an impossibility, a source of great disappointment for himself and Coach Tim McTamney.
“Adam had been working extremely well in the pre-season and was going to be an integral piece in the rebuilding of the Manawatu Jets on-court presence. His absence really left a hole as he was not only a likely starter at shooting guard but also provided good local leadership. I am really pleased for Adam, he is fit and strong again and I expect him to be a fantastic leader for our young men.”
While experienced by Manawatu Jets standards, Carter is still only 25 years old, so the added responsibility of being captain and leader is relatively new to him.
“Coach and I have talked a great deal over the last year and I am learning all the time about playing the game better and of new ways to develop my leadership skills. I am honoured that Tim thought I could do this job and excited to be leading these young guys. We are committed to building an organisation and a team the Manawatu community will be proud of.”
McTamney has no doubts over the qualities that Adam brings to the team.
“First and foremost, Adam is a very skilled player, he has a good understanding of how I want the game played, has a high basketball IQ and is deceptively athletic. While there is no doubt that his leadership skills will continue to develop, some guys have a natural ability to lead and I see that in Adam. Experience is not a pre-requisite for good character.”
Adam Carter signing as captain of the 2019 Manawatu Jets signifies one of many changes from last years’ campaign. With the announcement in recent weeks of the addition of the Temara brothers and Jackson Stubbins, the Jets are showing they are continuing their commitment to developing young, promising players with a clear view for the future.
Rangimarie Mita, Haize Walker and Jake McKinlay all return to the squad after a very promising introduction to the NBL in 2018. All three will be better for the experience and have added strength and athleticism to their games in the off-season. McTamney will be more confident in what his youngsters can offer this year but with that comes greater expectations.
“I sometimes need to remind myself that these young guys are barely out of high school and are being asked to compete against full-time professionals. But I wouldn’t expect great things from them if I didn’t think they had it in them.”
McTamney says he still has another couple of announcements to make regarding the signing of New Zealand players and also has three import players, all from the US, signed and ready to make their way here in the next few weeks.
The Sal's NBL season begins on Thursday April 11 when the Jets face off against the 2 Cheap Cars Supercity Rangers in Palmerston North.
