In front of a packed house at Cowles Stadium, Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams made it back-to back Sal’s NBL Championships with a 102-87 victory over Auckland Tuatara.
Having previously endured a 31-year wait the Rams have now won titles in successive years although this, the club’s sixth NBL championship, will rank as extra special having been played in front of the Canterbury faithful.
In a repeat of the 2023 final when the Rams prevailed 93-82 this year’s championship game was also decided in the final five minutes.
When Tuatara guard Corey Webster made a fade-away jumper the Tuatara trailed by just 5 points (86-81) and a late charge was on the cards.
However from there, despite a couple of Tom Vodanovich scores it was all Canterbury as, in front of an increasingly delirious crowd, they polished off the challengers with a 16-6 blitz in the closing minutes.
Grand Final MVP Lachlan Olbrich was once again a standout for the Rams. The 20-year old Australian centre backed up his semi-final haul of 22 points and 16 rebounds and 6 assists to record an even bigger double-double of 29 points and 18 rebounds with another 6 assists and was naturally delighted when interviewed after the game.
“It’s fantastic, I’m stoked. It’s such a great group of guys to play with – we deserve it every one of us.
“So much work has gone in, every training Judd (Flavell) has us going, pushing each other and that’s how we got here. I guarantee amongst every team in this league we work the hardest – it’s a great group.”
Rams Head Coach Judd Flavell praised the contribution Olbrich had made.
“I’ve said it before, over the last few weeks, when there has been talk about him. He had a difficult situation to come back to (after a family tragedy) when leaving family.
“He has the world in front of him. As good a player as he is on the floor he’s an even better human being. We run a lot of our stuff through him and he’s a tough match up for people.
“We’ll be in his corner moving forward but he’s a special kid.”
Flavell also had praise for Rams captain Taylor Britt who tallied 11 points and 8 assists.
“He’s been the leader the whole season. Since I got down here a couple of years ago his confidence, ability and self-belief has grown and that has transferred into the team.
“We go whenever Taylor goes and I think he drives this vehicle as well as anyone in the league.”
In addition to Olbrich and Britt the American duo of Kenyon Buffen Jr and James Walker Jr played major roles, finishing with 21 points and 11 respectively.
Walter Brown finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds and now has the distinction of winning three championships in 12 months. Either side of the Rams titles he was also a member of the Tasmanian Jack Jumpers team that claimed the 2023-24 Australian NBL title.
It wasn’t to be for the Tuatara as they were consigned to a third straight Grand-Final loss. Tom Vodanovich led the way for the Aucklander’s with 20 points, Corey Webster had 19 points and 8 assists, Cam Gliddon 13 and Charlie Dalton 12.
Rob Loe scored 17 points to go with 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks but when the former Tall Black fouled out early in the final term the Tuatara’s chances took a term for the worse.
Webster had made the opening basket of the contest before Olbrich and Buffen Jr scored 7 points each as the reigning champions closed the opening quarter 27-18 ahead.
When Kaia Isaac became the fifth Ram to make a triple the home side had a 37-25 lead and the Tuatara needed a timeout 3:30 into the second period.
The response came in the form of triples – twice from Dalton and once from Webster – as the Rams advantage was trimmed to 41-34.
The closing stages of the first half became something of an individual dual between 2024 MVP Olbrich and previous season’s MVP Loe.
That contest was pretty even as was the overall score – Tuatara ahead 51-50 ahead at the interval.
The Tuatara scored the first 6 points of the third but when Buffen Jnr drained his third shot from beyond the arc the Rams had bounced back into the lead.
Worse was to follow for the Tuatara as Loe was forced to the bench after picking up a fourth foul. With the Defensive Player of the Year missing the Rams took advantage – closing the period with a 75-69 lead.
One of the biggest cheers of the night from the partisan crowd came 73 seconds into the final quarter when Loe exited the game after picking up his fifth foul. The Rams led 80-75 at that stage but the Tuatara weren’t finished as they closed to 81-79 after a Dalton put back.
However from there, to the delight of the home supporters, the Rams charged to the finishing line – a brace of Walker Jr triples putting the finishing touches to the triumph.
For NBL Coach of the Year Judd Flavell it’s a fourth championship following successful campaigns with Auckland Pirates (2012), Southland Sharks (2018) and the Rams in the past two years.
Flavell was full of praise for the Rams front office support.
“Leadership always starts at the top. It’s a great organisation with a great culture led by the Harrison family who have been instrumental in the Rams over the years.
“They play a massive role down here not just with the Rams but also the Pouākai, the Eagles programme and the whole Canterbury basketball scene is in a fantastic place, I think it is a great model. But it starts with those guys and we are just reaping the rewards.”
The Tuatara finish the season with the disappointment of another grand final defeat and the unenviable record of being the first club in the 43-year history of the NBL to have lost three straight championship games.
Result: Canterbury Rams (102) defeated Auckland Tuatara (87)
Leading Players:
Rams 102: Olbrich 29pts & 18rebs, Buffen Jnr 21pts, Britt 13pts & 8 assists, Walker Jr 11pts, Brown Jr 10pts, K Isaac 9pts, Darling 9pts
Tuatara 78: Vodanovich 20pts, Webster 19pts & 8assists, Loe 17pts, Gliddon 13pts, Dalton 10pts
MVP – Lachlan Olbrich (Rams)
Defensive Player of the Year – Rob Loe (Tuatara)
Youth Player of the Year – Lachlan Olbrich (Rams)
Most Improved Player – Taylor Britt (Rams)
All Star Five – Rob Loe (Tuatara), Lachlan Olbrich (Rams), Luther Muhammad (Bulls), Taylor Britt (Rams), Isaiah Moore (Hawks)
Steve McKean Coach of the Year – Judd Flavell (Rams)
Most Outstanding Guard (Keith Carr Trophy) – Luther Muhammad (Bulls)
Most Outstanding NZ Guard (John Macdonald Trophy) – Taylor Britt (Rams)
Most Outstanding Forward (Commissioners Cup) – Lachlan Olbrich (Rams)
Most Outstanding NZ Forward/Centre (Stan Hill Trophy) – Rob Loe (Tuatara)
Scoring Champion (Alan Bland Memorial Trophy) – Luther Muhammad (Bulls)
Rebounding Champion (Garry Pettis Memorial Trophy) – Josh Roberts (Hawks)
Assist Champion (Dave Taylor Trophy) – Corey Webster (Tuatara)
Best Team Free Throws (Nial Forsyth Trophy) – Taranaki Airs
Referee of the Year – Callum Welch
Rapid League MVP – Kaia Isaac (Rams)
Rapid League All-Star Five – Kazlo Evans Jr. (Saints), Kaia Isaac (Rams), Nick Davidson (Giants), Hayden Jones (Giants), Josh Aitcheson (Nuggets)
Club of the Year- Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams
General Manager of the Year- Jordan Mills Mills Albert Wellington Saints
Best Fan Engagement– Auckland Tuatara
Best Social Media- NBS Nelson Giants
Best Game Presentation– Taranaki Steelformers Airs
Video Content Creator of the Year – Danielle Eagle- NBS Nelson Giants
Best Media Coverage– Southland Times/Stuff
Journalist of the Year- Adrian Seconi (Otago Daily Times)
Photo of the Year – Richard Connelly – GameFaceNZ- Taylor Britt Fadeaway
Best Digital Team Creative- Mills Albert Wellington Saints – Sharks Game Day – Paddy Martin Design
Photo credit: Render Creative NZ
In a night filled with highlight plays and superlative efforts, the Champion Wheeler Motor Company Rams electrified the crowd and etched their names in the annals of New Zealand basketball history.
With a gripping 93-82 victory over the Auckland Tuatara, the Rams broke a 31-year title drought and emerged as the undisputed champions of the 2023 Sal’s NBL season.
The Rams’ triumphant journey to the title was defined by exceptional performances from both seasoned veterans and rising stars. Led by the dynamic duo of Corey Webster and Finals MVP Tevin Brown, the Rams exhibited unmatched prowess on both ends of the court.
Corey Webster’s outstanding 25-point display, complemented by seven assists and four rebounds, showcased his Tall Blacks’ seasoned skills as a creator and shooter.
Meanwhile, Tevin Brown was electric with his performance of 23 points and 12 rebounds, the highest total in the game, and five assists in a dominant second half performance.
The Rams’ talented roster proved their depth once again, with impressive contributions from Walter Brown, who demonstrated his two-way versatility with 10 points and nine rebounds and pesky defence on the ball and at the rim.
American forward Troy Baxter Jr. added a 17 crucial, and often timely, points off the bench, further solidifying the Rams attack with his athleticism.
Coach Judd Flavell, who has now secured his third NBL title, spoke of the significance of this win.
“This one is special. For a club who’s been a great part of this league for a very long time, it’s been a long time coming for them,” Flavell said.
He highlighted the Rams’ youthful lineup, with most players born after the team’s last championship victory in 1992.
The Rams’ exceptional season culminated in a remarkable comeback in the fourth quarter of the final, showcasing their resilience and ability to thrive under pressure.
For the Tuatara, this loss was undoubtedly disappointing, having come up short of the finish line in the title game for the second year in a row. Despite their benchmark season, finishing with a top of the table 13-5 record, they were unable to stop the Rams in their push down the stretch in the title-winning match.
Reuben Te Rangi’s offence was on full display for the Tuatara, with 16 points in the first half alone. Te Rangi’s driving layups and 3-point shooting posed challenges for the Rams’ defence ending the night with 27 points.
Regular season MVP Rob Loe hauled in 11 rebounds and dished seven assists.
With the 2023 Sal’s NBL season coming to a close, the Canterbury region rejoices in the Rams’ well-deserved victory as they bring the trophy back to Cowles Stadium.
Full List of 2023 Award Winners:
MVP – Rob Loe (Tuatara)
Defensive Player of the Year – Rob Loe (Tuatara)
Youth Player of the Year – Walter Brown (Rams)
Most Improved Player – Charlie Dalton (Tuatara)
All Star Five – Jeremy Kendle (Sharks), Jarrad Weeks (Tuatara), Tevin Brown (Rams), Todd Withers (Nuggets), Rob Loe (Tuatara)
Steve McKean Coach of the Year – To be Announced on Hoop Heads
Historic Awards
Most Outstanding Guard (Keith Carr Trophy) – Jarrad Weeks (Tuatara)
Most Outstanding NZ Guard (John Macdonald Trophy) – Derone Raukawa (Hawks)
Most Outstanding Forward (Commissioners Cup) – Rob Loe (Tuatara)
Most Outstanding NZ Forward/Centre (Stan Hill Trophy) – Rob Loe (Tuatara)
Scoring Champion (Alan Bland Memorial Trophy) – Jeremy Kendle (Sharks)
Rebounding Champion (Garry Pettis Memorial Trophy) – Rob Loe (Tuatara)
Assist Champion (Dave Taylor Trophy) – Jeremy Kendle (Sharks)
Best Team Free Throws (Nial Forsyth Trophy) – Manawatu Jets
Club Awards
Team GM of the Year – Angela Ruske (Otago Nuggets)
Club of the Year – Otago Nuggets
Best Game Presentation – Wellington Saints
Best Fan Engagement – Manawatu Jets
Best Social Media – Nelson Giants
Officials Awards
Referee of the Year – Callum Welch
The Night ‘n Day Otago Nuggets are the 2022 Sal’s National Basketball League (NBL) Champions defeating the Auckland Tuatara 81-73 at a packed Eventfinda Stadium on Saturday night .
The NBL was guaranteed a first-time champion before the game began. The Nuggets won the Covid restricted NBL Showdown in 2020 but had never previously contested a full season NBL Grand Final.
In contrast to the Nuggets 30-year association with the NBL the Tuatara are in their rookie NBL season having emerged from the ashes of the extinct Huskies.
In a hugely entertaining Final it was the Nuggets that prevailed thanks to a Grand Final MVP performance from American Keith Williams. The rookie pro out of the University of Cincinnati amassed 34 points on 13 from 23 from the field and 6 from 7 at the free throw line.
Whenever the Nuggets needed a basket it was Williams, the least heralded of the three Nuggets imports, that delivered – 14 of his points coming in the all-important fourth quarter.
Williams received fine support from Tray Boyd III (19 points) and Nikau McCullough (9pts) but particularly the front court duo of Todd Withers and Sam Timmins the pair performing with distinction at both ends of the court.
The Tuatara enjoyed double figure contributions from Siler Schneider (16 points), Rob Loe (13 points and 12 rebounds), Chris Johnson (13 points), Dontae Russo-Nance (11 points and Taki Fahrensohn (10 points) but couldn’t quite replicate their outstanding performances that saw off the wellington Saints and Taranaki Airs.
Teams:
10 teams took part in 2022 (regular season standings): Taranaki Airs, Nelson Giants, Otago Nuggets, Wellington Saints, Auckland Tuatara, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Canterbury Rams, Franklin Bulls, Southland Sharks, Manawatu Jets.
Full List of Award Winners
Stuff MVP – Xavier Cooks (Saints)
Defensive Player of the Year – Jarrod West (Giants)
Youth Player of the Year – Dontae Russo-Nance (Tuatara)
Most Improved Player – Sam Dempster (Giants)
All Star Five – Jarrod West (Giants), Anthony Hilliard (Airs), Javonte Douglas (Airs), Xavier Cooks (Saints), Chris Johnson (Tuatara)
Coach of the Year – Mike Fitchett (Giants)
Historic Awards
Most Outstanding Guard (Keith Carr Trophy) – Jarrod West
Most Outstanding NZ Guard (John Macdonald Trophy) – Corey Webster
Most Outstanding Forward (Commissioners Cup) – Xavier Cooks
Most Outstanding NZ Forward/Centre (Stan Hill Trophy) – Rob Loe
Scoring Champion (Alan Bland Memorial Trophy) – Anthony Hilliard
Rebounding Champion (Garry Pettis Memorial Trophy) – John Bohannon
Assist Champion (Dave Taylor Trophy) – Jarrod West
Best Team Free Throws (Nial Forsyth Trophy) – Nelson Giants
Club Awards
Team GM of the Year – Mitchell Langton
Club of the Year – Nelson Giants
Best Game Presentation – Wellington Saints
Best Fan Engagement – Canterbury Rams
Best Social Media – Franklin Bulls
Officials Awards
Referee of the Year – Melony O’Connor
Photo by Render Creative.
The Wellington Saints added title number 12 to their illustrious trophy cabinet this evening after hanging tough in a nail-biter and pipping the Taylor Hawke’s Bay Hawks 77-75 in the 2021 Sal’s NBL grand final.
All those in attendance at a packed out Te Rauparaha Arena were on the edge of their seats as the final few moments took place.
Only four points separated the League’s top-two seeds as the clocked entered the last minute and when Rhys Vague converted underneath it meant the game was going to come down to a stop or make.
The Hawks ended up getting the stop they needed thanks to great read by Devondrick Walker, but with less than a handful of seconds remaining the forward was in a hurry to drop what would have been a game-winning or game-tying basket.
Unfortunately, neither the Hawks or the crowd were treated to a clutch shot and it was the League’s most consistent team from this season who walked away with the spoils.
10 teams contested the 2021 (regular season standings): Wellington Saints, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Southland Sharks, Auckland Huskies, Canterbury Rams, Otago Nuggets, Nelson Giants, Franklin Bulls, Manawatu Jets & Taranaki Mountainairs.
Wellington Saints (77) defeated Hawke’s Bay Hawks (75) (Referees: Melony O’Connor, Marty Davison & Matt Bathurst)
Photo: www.photosport.nz
The 2020 Sal’s NBL headed into uncharted territory. Due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic the seven participating teams in the Sal’s NBL headed to Auckland to stay in one central city location. The 56 ensuing games were played at Trusts Arena, Waitakere over 40 days before Fluid Recruitment Otago Nuggets were eventually crowned NBL champions, for the very first time, after a narrow 79-77 victory against the Manawatu Jets.
Before the competition commenced an inaugural NBL Draft took place with each team making 12 picks from a player pool that totaled over 400. The No1 pick was Jordan Ngatai who linked up with Jarrod Kenny at the Nuggets. The second pick went to the Steelformers Taranaki Mountainairs who selected Derone Rauwkawa whilst Property Brokers, See Me Media Manawatu Jets inked the eventual League MVP Tom Vodanovich. As expected Mika Vukona went to Mike Pero Nelson Giants but the Giants suffered the ill luck of having the Tall Blacks captain sidelined for most of the competition after having to undergo an appendix operation.
The Giants and the Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams were the teams worst hit by injuries. The Rams lost their No1 pick Jack Salt before arriving in Auckland and an injury also removed their third pick Joe Cook-Green. Further injuries affected both teams although the Rams did benefit from the mid-season acquisition of Reuben Te Rangi. The other two teams were the new Auckland franchises, EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls and Auckland Huskies. The Bulls picked Dominique Kelman-Poto and Sam Timmins as their top two selections whilst the Huskies went for Izayah Mauriahoohoo-Le’afa and Tohi Smith-Milner.
The Taranaki Mountainairs had the distinction of winning the opening game of the season not only screened live on Sky Tv but also in the USA on ESPN. Viewers outside of New Zealand and the USA were able to watch games by subscribing to the NZNBLpass.com. Having every game televised live was a first for the NBL as was the unprecedented interest from overseas.
The regular season saw form fluctuate but the overall evenness of the competition was highlighted by the fact that the regular season champions Otago Nuggets lost 5 of their 14 games whilst bottom placed Giants won 4 games and of their 10 losses 5 were by less than ten points.
In the semi-finals the Jets beat the Airs 105-95 with the Nuggets proving too good for the Rams winning 97-79.
A near capacity crowd witnessed Otago, returning to the NBL for the first time since 2014, claim it’s first ever title with a 79-77 win in a terrific contest that remained undecided until the final possession – Jordan Hunt was named Grand Final MVP.
7 teams contested the 2020 NBL Showdown (regular season standings): Otago Nuggets, Manawatu Jets, Auckland Huskies, Taranaki Mountainairs, Franklin Bulls, Nelson Giants & Canterbury Rams.
Otago Nuggets (79) defeated Manawatu Jets (77) (Referees: Tim Brown, Melony Wealleans & Marty Davison)
Photo: www.photosport.nz
The 2019 season had nine teams vying to become Sal’s NBL champions, with the Southern Huskies joining the competition as the first ever Australian sports team competing in a New Zealand national sports league.
9 teams contested the 2019 season (final standings): Wellington Saints, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Canterbury Rams, Southland Sharks, Southern Huskies, Nelson Giants, Taranaki Mountainairs, Supercity Rangers and Manawatu Jets.
Wellington Saints (78) defeated Hawke’s Bay Hawks (68) (Referees: Dallas Pickering, Melony Wealleans & Marty Davison)
Photo: www.photosport.nz
The 2018 season had eight teams vying to become Sal’s NBL champions, with the Manawatu Jets returning after a two year hiatus. In a season of twists and turns, one that saw the Wellington Saints unbeaten run come to an end in the first week of the season, it was the Southland Sharks who ultimately prevailed. The Sharks, who were without star playmaker Jarrad Weeks for much of the decider, gained revenge over the Saints for their 2017 Grand Final heartbreak. Defeat for the Saints also dashed any hopes of an historic 3-peat.
8 teams contested the 2018 season (final standings): Southland Sharks, Wellington Saints, Nelson Giants, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Canterbury Rams, Super City Rangers, Taranaki Mountainairs and Manawatu Jets.
Southland Sharks (98) defeated Wellington Saints (96) (Referees: Dallas Pickering, Melony Wealleans & Ryan Jones)
Photo: www.photosport.nz
Ten teams contested the 2014 season with the Canterbury Rams reentering the league following a five year hiatus. The Wellington Saints, led by Tall Blacks guard Corey Webster, secured their eighth NBL title as they defeated the minor premier Hawke’s Bay Hawks in the decider.
10 teams contested the 2014 season (final standings): Wellington Saints, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Nelson Giants, Southland Sharks, Manawatu Jets, Waikato Pistons, Super City Rangers, Otago Nuggets, Canterbury Rams and Taranaki Mountainairs.
Wellington Saints (85) defeated Hawke’s Bay Hawks (69) (Referees: Tim Brown, Dallas Pickering & Gavin Zimmerman)
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
Nine teams contested the 2013 NBL season although there were several team changes from the year prior. The Waikato Pistons and Super City Rangers reentered the league with the Auckland Pirates and Harbour Heat both dropping out. Despite finishing fourth, the Southland Sharks claimed their maiden title, upsetting title favourite and minor premiers Wellington in the semifinals, before defeating the Nelson Giants in the decider. NBL legend Lindsay Tait had another stellar season for the Saints, being named the leagues MVP as well as securing several other season awards.
9 teams contested the 2013 season (final standings): Southland Sharks, Nelson Giants, Wellington Saints, OceanaGold Nuggets, Manawatu Jets, Taranaki Mountainairs, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Waikato Pistons, Super City Rangers.
Southland Sharks (92) defeated Nelson Giants (81) (Referees: Tim Brown, Melony Wealleans & Dallas Pickering)
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
Nine teams contested the 2012 NBL season – the Harbour Heat reentered the competition whilst the Waikato Pistons dropped out. Despite a great year from the Minor Premier Hawkes’s Bay Hawks, they were unable to secure a spot in the final dance, eliminated in the semifinals by the Wellington Saints. In only their second year in the competition, the Auckland Pirates claimed their first NBL championship, defeating the Saints in a closely fought Grand Final. The 2012 season will also be remembered fondly for the standout performances of Manawatu Jets big man Nick Horvath. Horvath would go on to claim league MVP honours alongside several other awards.
9 teams contested the 2012 season (final standings): Auckland Pirates, Wellington Saints, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Manawatu Jets, Taranaki Mountainairs, Nelson Giants, Otago Nuggets, Southland Sharks, Harbour Heat.
Auckland Pirates (89) defeated Wellington Saints (83) (Referees: Dallas Pickering, Gavin Whiu & Yalla Edwards)
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
Nine teams contested the 2011 NBL season, the 30th running of the league. A new franchise, the Auckland Pirates, entered the league for the first time. The Christchurch Cougars were an unfortunate withdrawal due to the effects of the 2011 Canterbury earthquake. Led by Lindsay Tait, the Wellington Saints backed up their 2010 title, defeating the Hawke’s Bay Hawks in the Grand Final to claim their seventh championship. 2011 will also be remembered for being Steven Adams one and only season in the NBL, which saw him collect the Rookie of the Year award and a championship with the Saints.
9 teams contested the 2011 season (final standings): Wellington Saints, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Waikato Pistons, Nelson Giants, Manawatu Jets, Southland Sharks, Auckland Pirates, Taranaki Mountainairs and Otago Nuggets.
Wellington Saints (106) defeated Hawke’s Bay Hawks (97) (Referees: Tim Brown, Dallas Pickering & Raewyn Willocks)
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
The 2010 season was the 29th running of the NBL. Several team changes took place – the Otago Nuggets re-entered the competition following their one year absence, the Southland Sharks entered the league for the first time and the Auckland Stars dropped out. The Wellington Saints secured their sixth title, defeating Waikato in the best-of-three finals series. This also denied the Pistons the opportunity to claim a rare three-peat after their titles in ’08 and ’09.
10 teams contested the 2010 season (final standings): Wellngton Saints, Waikato Pistons, Nelson Giants, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Harbour Heat, Southland Sharks, Christchurch Cougars, Taranaki Mountainairs, Manawatu Jets and Otago Nuggets.
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
The Waikato Pistons followed up their 2008 league triumph by going back-to-back to claim their fourth NBL championship. Only nine teams contested the league with the Otago Nuggets dropping out after several disappointing seasons. The Canterbury Rams also withdrew from the competition in late 2008, replaced by new franchise the Christchurch Cougars. 2009 will also be remembered for the breakout season had by teenage rookie and future star Thomas Abercrombie, collecting rookie and forward of the year gongs plus all-star five selection.
9 teams contested the 2009 season (final standings): Waikato Pistons, Nelson Giants, Wellington Saints, Christchurch Cougars, Harbour Heat, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Manawatu Jets, Auckland Stars and Taranaki Mountainairs.
Photo: www.photosport.nz
The Waikato Pistons claimed their third league title, defeating the Wellington Saints 2-0 in the best-of-three Finals Series. Pistons guard Jason Crowe was named the leagues MVP after a dominant season.
10 teams contested the 2008 season (final standings): Waikato Pistons, Wellington Saints, Nelson Giants, Auckland Stars, Harbour Heat, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Taranaki Mountainairs, Canterbury Rams, Manawatu Jets and Otago Nuggets.
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
The Nelson Giants, led by league MVP Josh Pace, secured their third NBL title after defeating the Hawke’s Bay Hawks 2-0 in the best-of-three Finals Series. This was the Giants first title since the 1998 season.
10 teams contested the 2007 season (final standings): Nelson Giants, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Harbour Heat, Waikato Pistons, Auckland Stars, Wellington Saints, Taranaki Mountainairs, Canterbury Rams, Manawatu Jets and Otago Nuggets.
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
After the heartbreak of being on the wrong end of a thrilling Grand Final encounter the year prior, the Hawke’s Bay Hawks didn’t have to wait long to claim their first NBL championship. The Hawks, led by league MVP Paora Winitana, defeated the Auckland Stars in the Grand Final – exacting revenge after losing to the same team in the ’05 decider. This denied the Stars a chance to claim what would have been a record tenth title.
10 teams contested the 2006 season (final standings): Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Auckland Stars, Nelson Giants, Wellington Saints, Manawatu Jets, Harbour Heat, Canterbury Rams, Taranaki Mountainairs, Waikato Pistons (previously Waikato Titans) and Otago Nuggets.
Hawke’s Bay Hawks (85) defeated Auckland Stars (69) (Referees: Alan Godden, Gavin Whiu & Tim Brown)
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
The 2005 season saw the Auckland Stars collect a record ninth NBL title which would also be their last. The Stars pipped the Hawke’s Bay Hawks in a one-point thriller, cruelly denying the Hawks a maiden NBL championship.
10 teams contested the 2005 season (final standings): Auckland Stars, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Nelson Giants, Waikato Titans, Canterbury Rams, Taranaki Mountainairs, Harbour Heat, Wellington Saints, Manawatu Jets and Otago Nuggets.
Auckland Stars (69) defeated Hawke’s Bay Hawks (68) (Referees: Alan Godden, Dallas Pickering & Gavin Whiu)
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
The Auckland Stars prevailed in the 2004 season to claim their eighth league title. Led by Tall Blacks legends Dillon Boucher and Lindsay Tait, the Stars went on to defeat the Nelson Giants in the championship decider.
10 teams contested the 2004 season (final standings): Auckland Stars, Nelson Giants, Wellington Saints, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Manawatu Jets, Waikato Titans, Canterbury Rams, Taranaki Mountainairs, Otago Nuggets and Harbour Heat.
Auckland Stars (80) defeated Nelson Giants (68) (Referees: Alan Godden, Stan Battock & Gavin Whiu)
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
The Wellington Saints broke a 15 year drought as they claimed the 2003 NBL championship, their fifth on total. The 2003 season will also be remembered for the introduction of a league-wide MVP award winner, thus allowing imports the opportunity to be recognised. David Cooper of the Manawatu Jets was the first recipient of the award. Ten teams contested the ’03 season, with the Taranaki Mountainairs re-entering the league after a three year hiatus.
10 teams contested the 2003 season (final standings): Wellington Saints, Waikato Titans, Manawatu Jets, Auckland Stars, Nelson Giants, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Otago Nuggets, Taranaki Mountainairs (previously Taranaki Oilers & Stormers), Canterbury Rams and Harbour Heat (previously Harbour Kings).
Wellington Saints (97) defeated Waikato Titans (88) (Referees: Stan Battock, Ken Coulson & Gavin Whiu)
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
The Waikato Titans followed up their ’01 maiden title by going back-to-back as they secured their second NBL championship. Led by Tall Blacks star Dillon Boucher, the Titans went on to defeat the Nelson Giants in an end-to-end encounter played in front of a boisterous Nelson crowd.
9 teams contested the 2002 season (final standings): Waikato Titans, Nelson Giants, Canterbury Rams, Manawatu Jets (previously Palmerston North Jets), Wellington Saints, Auckland Stars, Harbour Kings (previously North Harbour), Hawke’s Bay Hawks and Otago Nuggets.
Waikato Titans (85) defeated Nelson Giants (83) (Referees: Ken Coulson, Dallas Pickering & Gavin Whiu)
