1987 NBL Champions: Wellington Saints

The 1987 season served up a replay of the ’86 final with the Rams and Saints meeting for the second straight year in the championship decider. The Saints would go on to claim their third title, becoming the most successful team in the leagues short history to date.

Teams:

10 teams contested the 1987 season (final standings):: Wellington Saints, Canterbury Rams, North Shore, New Plymouth Bulls, Auckland, Ponsonby, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Waikato Warriors (previously Hamilton), Nelson Giants and Palmerston North Jets.

Grand Final:

Wellington Saints (100) defeated Canterbury Rams (87) (Referees: Stan Battock & Keith Milligan)

Season Award Winners:

Most Outstanding Guard (Keith Carr Trophy): Tony Webster (North Shore)

Most Outstanding NZ Guard (John Macdonald Trophy): Tony Smith (North Shore)

Most Outstanding Forward (Commissioners Cup): Frank Smith (Nelson Giants)

Most Outstanding NZ Forward/Centre (Stan Hill Trophy): Glen Denham (Waikato Warriors)

Scoring Champion (Alan Bland Memorial Trophy): Ronnie Joyner (41.47) (Ponsonby)

Rebounding Champion (Garry Pettis Memorial Trophy): Willie Burton (14.89) (Hawke’s Bay Hawks)

Assist Champion (Dave Taylor Trophy): Kenny McFadden (Wellington Saints)

Regular Season Winners: Canterbury Rams (13-5)

Best Team Free Throws (Nial Forsyth Trophy): New Plymouth Bulls

Young Player of the Year: Glen Denham (Waikato Warriors)

All-Star Five:

Willie Burton (Hawke’s Bay Hawks)

Keith Colbert (Auckland)

Clyde Huntley (Canterbury Rams)

Frank Smith (Nelson Giants)

Tony Webster (North Shore)