The Taylor Hawke's Bay Hawks have laid down the challenge to all opponents and are flying high ahead of the Schick 3X3 Cup with news they have signed one of the strongest line-ups for the November 12-14 event.
Hawks favourites Ethan Rusbatch and Everard Bartlett have joined forces with Derone Raukawa and Taane Samuel to form a formidable unit that will take some beating.
Loaded with scoring prowess, Rusbatch, Bartlett, Raukawa and Samuel will provide endless highlights at ILT Stadium Southland.
For Rusbatch, who has been rehabbing from a foot injury since last ANBL season, his return to play is sure to attract plenty of viewers with his ability to score from the arc a favourable attribute that will have him well placed to be a major threat at this event.
Raukawa comes in off the back of an excellent Sal's NBL Showdown campaign with the Taranaki Mountainairs where he made the All-Star 5, was amongst the top three in the MVP votes and delivered per game averages of 23.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.7 treys.
Bartlett also delivered the goods at the Showdown, representing the Franklin Bulls as co-captain and delivering 10 points, 2.6 treys, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Bartlett's playmaking ability and long-range shooting will be a key to the Hawks' chances in Invercargill.
An exciting addition for the Hawks is Samuel, the talented big man was a real highlight at the Showdown where he helped the Manawatu Jets reach the Grand Final, his 17.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 treys per game making him one of the premier power forwards.
With this line-up the Hawks mean business as they chase the national 3X3 title.
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Taylor HAWKE'S BAY HAWKS
Ethan Rusbatch
Everard Bartlett
Derone Raukawa
Taane Samuel
Photo credit: PhotosportNZ
Schick 3X3 Cup Teams - Men
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Schick 3X3 Cup Teams - Women
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