Each Friday we do things in fives and there’s no better way to tip-off Fast 5 for this year than with the five biggest moments we’d love to see during the Sal’s NBL 2021 season.
In no particular order, here’s what we’d love to see.
Triple Delight
Anticipation and expectation is quickly rising across all teams ahead of the 2021 season. For Sky Tower Auckland Huskies fans there is sure to be a queue heading out the door this season to get in and watch highly-touted import Armoni Brooks play. The red-hot shooter is sure to figure at the very top of 3pt shooting stats, which he just did in the NBA G League, and that’s why we’d love to see Brooks drop 10 triples in a game. There’s every chance, so strap yourself in!
A Pinch Of Salt
After missing the 2020 Showdown due to injury, there wouldn’t be a fan across the entire Sal’s NBL who doesn’t want to see Jack Salt back on court. The Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Ram’s star has battled a couple of injuries since his NCAA Championship season, but he looks on target to return and is sure to receive plenty of applause... even from opposition fans. We’d love to see a standing ovation from Rams members and fans when he steps on court for his first minutes at Cowles Stadium.
Local Legend
There is nothing better than a local legend gracing the court in the Sal’s NBL and that’s why we can’t wait to see Mike Pero Nelson Giants leader Sam Dempster back doing his thing. After missing the 2020 Showdown, Dempster, who is held in the highest regard across the League, is back and ready to lead the Giants into their 40th season (yes it’s their birthday too). And imagine if this largely homegrown team can make the playoffs with Dempster leading the way. We’d love to see that!
A Nuggets Sell-Out On Opening Night
After a fairy-tale return to the League in 2019, which culminated in winning their first piece of silverware, the Otago Nuggets finally return to the Edgar Centre for the first time in 2497 days to open the 2021 Sal’s NBL season against the Wellington Saints. A full house would be awesome, so no excuse Nuggets fans - circle Saturday April 24 in your calendar and do not miss this game for anything. We’d love to see the place packed to the rafters!
Fierce Northern Battles
Though the new Bulls-Huskies rivalry started during last year’s Showdown, the mouth-watering prospect of these battles now being back on home turf are events that are sure to fill their respective stadiums. Respecting each other is a must, but so too is forming a fierce determination to beat each other out on court. And we don’t have to wait long for our next ‘Battle Of The North’ clash with the EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls hosting the Sky Tower Auckland Huskies on Anzac Day (April 25). All roads lead to Franklin for a certain sell-out. We’d love to see a thriller that goes down to the last possession!
