Here's what caught on eye during Round 2 of the 2021 #SalsNBL season.
JEREMY KENDLE
It will be remembered as one of the most incredible 3-game stints witnessed in the Sal’s NBL, and it led to three wins, including two clutch threes. Of course we are talking about Jeremy Kendle and his exploits with the Sky Tower Auckland Huskies. While we still have a long way to go before we reach the Final 4, let's not forget what Kendle delivered because it could end up being the difference between the Huskies making or missing the playoffs. If the Huskies haven't started talking to Kendle about a return in 2022 we would be very surprised.
(Photo credit: PhotosportNZ)
TRIBUTES FOR COACH
Across all seven games in R2 the players, coaches and officials paid their respects to Coach Steve McKean. It was a fitting tribute for a giant of the game who delivered a near five-decade stint to New Zealand basketball. Tears were shed, heads were bowed and memories of ‘Coach’ were bandied about as the League remembered and celebrated the life of Steve McKean. He would have been damn proud to see the respect being shown.
HUNTER HALE
After a quiet opening game of the season against the Sharks, Hunter Hale came to play in R2 for the Mike Pero Nelson Giants. A 26-point, 9-rebound, 9-assist haul against the EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls was enough for his team to celebrate a win, while he did all he could (32 points) to try and get them over the line against the Huskies.
(Photo credit: PhotosportNZ)
DERONE RAUKAWA
The Taylor Hawke’s Bay Hawks point guard has started the season in amazing form, so much so that it will be interesting to see whether or not Jarrod Kenny starts when he returns from Cairns? Raukawa torched the Sharks for 28 points and has picked up right where he left off at last year's Showdown.
(Photo credit: PhotosportNZ)
ISAIAH MOSS
The Go Media Otago Nuggets import is proving to be one of the best two-way players in the competition. Moss racked up 33pts against the Jets and landed seven triples, and looked like he well and truly now has his legs under him (33 minutes). It hasn't taken long for Moss to become the elite import the Nuggets were hoping to see this season.
CHRIS JOHNSON
Well, we were given plenty of advance notice that Chris Johnson was likely to rip it up for the Sky Tower Auckland Huskies, and he didn’t disappoint against the Giants. The former NBA forward finished with 30 points, 12 rebounds and a number of thunderous dunks. You can only imagine what's ahead as he starts to settle in.
WELLINGTON SAINTS - TAANE SAMUEL
The Saints steamrolled the SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks, fighting back from an early 7-point margin to wipe the floor with a 32-point win. Central to the comprehensive victory was Taane Samuel, the 2020 Youth Player of the Year helping himself to 26 points and five triples.
EJ SINGLER
There wasn't too much fanfare about Singler's performance against the Property Brokers Manawatu Jets, but maybe a second look will tell you that the American swingman is right of taregt to start leading the Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams to plenty of wins this season. After a quietish opening round, Singler bounced back with a haul of 20 points, 8 rebound, 7 assists and 5 treys.
