The 2020 Sal's NBL Showdown is underway and the first three nights have delivered so many highlights!
Let's take a look at the big plays so far.
1. OTAGO NUGGETS
What a start for the Fluid Recruitment Otago Nuggets! Two games for two wins and now they have a break through to next Wednesday. The opportunity in having experienced duo in Jordan Ngatai and Jarrod Kenny is already paying massive dividends, while behind them they have some fantastic rising talent - Jordan Hunt, Benoit Hayman, Josh Aitcheson, Richie Rodger, and more. It's been a long time since everyone across Otago was going mad for NBL basketball, but here we are - the news coverage across New Zealand's goldmining territory right now is sky-high and all about the Nuggets.
2. ISAAC DAVIDSON
Look out - this kid can seriously play. The EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls might be 0-2, but there are some growing signs that this team will soon settle. The standout performer over the first two outings has been Isaac Davidson, he looks a genuine star and no doubt has turned some heads. His ability to mix up his game, shoot from range and also put the ball on the floor are all attributes that have people sitting up and taking notice.
3. THE AIRS DYNAMIC DUO
Season 2020 is looking very bright for the Steelformers Taranaki Mountainairs and their rise to the top is being led by a dynamic duo - Derone Raukawa and Marcel Jones. The two have an ability to score, push the tempo, bring their teammates into the game, and adapt the game plan on the run. If you're an Airs fan you will be very happy with what you've seen so far.
4. POINT GUARD POWER
Taylor Britt (Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams), Jayden Bezzant (Property Brokers, See Me Media Manawatu Jets), Derone Raukawa (Steelformers Taranaki Mountainairs), Tysxun Aiolupotea (Mike Pero Nelson Giants) and Jarrod Kenny (Fluid Recruitment Otago Nuggets) all enjoyed some massive performances over the first few nights of action. Young Kiwis, boys and girls, need to get along and see these stars in action. Our Tall Blacks stocks are growing all the time. And let's not forget we still have Izayah Le'afa (Auckland Huskies) about to join the action as well.
5. LEAGUE GROWTH - ESPN DEAL
We've saved the best for last - what a week! Day one of action on Tuesday started with the news ESPN across the United States was picking up the coverage of all 56 Sal's NBL games. The Sal's NBL is going global and the reaction was breathtaking with media and basketball fans responding with a big thumbs up.
"It's an amazing opportunity for us to showcase Kiwi basketball to the most basketball-mad nation in the world! Every corporate, decision-maker, funder and supporter across New Zealand needs to see what we are capable of doing in basketball. Get on board, this game can and will deliver!" - Justin Nelson, NBL General Manager.
