2001 NBL Champions: Waikato Titans

The 2001 season was the 20th running of the NBL. A new champion was crowned in 2001, with the newly named Waikato Titans securing their first NBL championship. Clifton Bush was a mainstay for the Titans, finishing the season as the leagues top point scorer, as the team went on a record 15-game winning streak on their way to the title.

Teams:

9 teams contested the 2001 season (final standings): Waikato Titans (previously Waikato Warriors), Wellington Saints, Nelson Giants, Auckland Stars (previously Auckland Rebels), Palmerston North Jets, Canterbury Rams, North Harbour Kings, Hawke’s Bay Hawks and Otago Nuggets.

Grand Final:

Waikato Titans (112) defeated Wellington Saints (97) (Referees: Stan Battock & Ken Coulson)

Season Award Winners:

Regular Season Winners: Waikato Titans (15-1)

NZ Most Valuable Player: Phill Jones (Nelson Giants)

Most Outstanding Guard (Keith Carr Trophy): Phill Jones (Nelson Giants)

Most Outstanding NZ Guard (John Macdonald Trophy): Phill Jones (Nelson Giants)

Most Outstanding Forward (Commissioners Cup): Clifton Bush (Waikato Titans)

Most Outstanding NZ Forward/Centre (Stan Hill Trophy): Terrence Lewis (Canterbury Rams)

Scoring Champion (Alan Bland Memorial Trophy): Clifton Bush (24.4) (Waikato Titans)

Rebounding Champion (Garry Pettis Memorial Trophy): Brian Gomes (14.4) (North Harbour Kings)

Assist Champion (Dave Taylor Trophy): Paul Henare (5.1) (Auckland Stars)

Best Team Free Throws (Nial Forsyth Trophy): Wellington Saints

Rookie of the Year: Damon Rampton (Nelson Giants)

Coach of the Year: Nenad Vucinic (Nelson Giants)

Administrator of the Year: Janie Granger (Nelson Giants)

All-Star Five:

G: Hayden Allen (Otago Nuggets)

G: Phill Jones (Nelson Giants)

F: Clifton Bush (Waikato Titans)

F: Brian Gomes (North Harbour Kings)

C: Pero Cameron (Waikato Titans)

Photo: www.photosport.co.nz