Hawks vs Rams - Thursday 7:35pm @ Pettigrew Green Arena
Broadcast: Live on SKY Sports and Prime TV from 7:30pm
Game Preview
In a preview to their Semi Final clash just over a week later, it will be very interesting to see how both teams approach this clash. Outside of the injured Daniel Kickert, everyone from both teams is expected to be available for this game, the question is just how many minutes will the stars play? Possibly the biggest prize on the line is the winner will finish outright second on the ladder and get the opportunity to wear their home coloured uniform in the SF at Christchurch Arena on July 20. Look for some early match-ups and maybe a few wrinkles just to test some things, but outside of that we should be prepared for a bruise-free and largely freelance sort of game.
HAWKS
Starting 5
6. Jarrod Kenny (guard)
13. Dion Prewster (guard)
12. Ethan Rusbatch (forward)
7. Darryl Jones (forward) *questionable
15. Brandon Bowman (forward)
Bench
3. Nick Fee (guard)
5. Everard Bartlett (guard)
27. Jamal Mikaio (forward)
18. Clifton Bush III (forward)
25. EJ Singler (forward) *questionable
19. Dominic McGovan (guard)
11. Ryan Laumatia (guard)
Coach: Zico Coronel
Assistant Coach: Morgan Maskell
Assistant Coach: Rob Hartley
Manager: Jordan Wise
Physio: Colin Tutchen
From The Coach - Zico Coronel
With this match up also being the semi-final a week later, I’m sure you’ll see both teams do their best to serve up the finest vanilla they can, but the goody goody gum drops and chocolate sprinkles will be reserved for Horncastle Arena.
RAMS
Starting 5
4. Emmett Naar (guard)
3. Cam Gliddon (guard)
25. Tony Tolovae (guard)
17. Isaiah Wilkins (forward)
44. Mike Karena (centre)
Bench
5. Taylor Britt (guard)
10. Sam Smith (guard)
1. Luke Aston (guard)
9. Jonathan Janssen (forward)
24. Alex Talma (forward)
30. Toby Gillooly (guard)
45. Brent Fisher (forward)
Coach: Mick Downer
Assistant Coach: Terry Brunel
Assistant Coach: Piet Van Hasselt
Manager: Raewyn Britt
Physio: Lidia Belles
From The Coach - Mick Downer
What can we expect in the Semi Final preview tonight. Who knows? We can’t predict what our counterparts will do in preparation for this game. We hope it’s their best group but either way we’ll play what’s in front of us and play our style of basketball. We are looking forward to having a few of the guys returning off injury getting more minutes and their rhythm back leading into the F4 weekend. I wish I could inspire the audience with an articulate and inspiring left field thought provoking quote but unfortunately the best I can come up with is Austin Powers “that’s not my bag baby”. Here’s to an entertaining game for the fans.
Airs vs Giants - Thursday 7pm @ TSB Stadium
Game Preview
The Airs put together a very strong win in R13, grounding a faltering Jets unit that is struggling to get to the finish line right now. With that win will come some confidence and no doubt the home tam will throw everything at the Giants, who will also be hoping to finish off the season with a win. Mika Vukona is almost certainly expected to miss the game due to a nasty knee injury last week, the full diagnosis expected after an MRI. Dan Grida was in good touch last week, as was the dynamic Jordair Jett, and their clash here with the likes of Derone Raukawa and Alonzo Burton will probably set the tone for how the game will play out. The Giants have a big advantage inside with Tyrell Harrison, so look for the young centre to see plenty of the ball close to the rim.
AIRS
Starting 5
14. Alonzo Burton (guard)
8. Derone Raukawa (guard)
5. Xavier Shaw (forward)
22. Aaron Bailey-Nowell (forward)
20. Thane O’Leary (forward)
Bench
7. Houston O’Riley (guard)
26. Morgan Trott (forward)
2. Oscar Robertson (guard)
1. Mitch Dance (forward)
3. Quintin Bailey (forward)
6. Justin Cousin (guard)
10. Dane Brooks (guard) *questionable
Coach: David Bublitz
Assistant Coach: Andrew Green
Manager: Bevan Seddon
From The Coach - David Bublitz
After a turbulent season I could not be more proud of how our group has stuck together and continued to push each other during trainings. Our final game this Thursday will provide one last test. Mike has done a fine job with the Nelson group this year and has been unlucky not to get more wins. We need to be cognicent of their strengths and weaknesses and adjust accordingly. I am sure Fitch will have his group ready for a final battle so we must be ready to bring the energy required.
GIANTS
Starting 5
2. Jordair Jett (guard)
11. Dan Grida (guard)
24. Tyrell Harrison (centre)
25. Rhys Vague (forward)
10. Sam Dempster (forward)
Bench
6. Ali Granger (guard)
55. Kruz Perrott-Hunt (guard)
9. Tom Ingham (guard)
14. Mika Vukona (forward) *questionable
26. Bronson Beri (forward)
Coach: Mike Fitchett
Assistant Coach: Phill Jones
Manager: Andrew Stevens
Physio: Ashlee Lusty
From The Coach - Mike Fitchett
Although we have had a disappointing season, we are looking to finish off strongly on the road. Taranaki have been playing well of late, and have beaten us on their home floor already. We will be looking to turn that result around.
Huskies vs Hawks - Saturday 7pm (9pm NZ) @ The Silverdome
Broadcast: Live on SKY Sports, Stuff.co.nz, TribeSports App, www.pickandroll.com.au (Australia only)
Game Preview
Be prepared to see a very different looking Hawks team. With every starter, plus the coaching staff expected to stay in Hawke's Bay, the second unit will be called upon to go into battle against the Huskies. The home team will finish out the season as the 'next best' team with a fifth placed finish an admirable effort in their first season, and given the way these two teams will line up in this game you would expect a very comfortable win for the Huskies.
HUSKIES
Starting 5
Jalen Billups
Craig Moller(C)
Mason Bragg
Marcel Jones
Harry Froling
Bench
Tiri Masunda
Jordan Vandenberg
Lochlan Cummings
From the Coach - Anthony Stewart
It’s the last game of the season and we’re going to end it on a high. We missed out on the playoffs and obviously the Hawks made it, but the boys are going to run out and go hard to entertain the crowd. It’s been a learning experience this first season and we’ll be back next year and put everything we’ve learnt into play .Hopefully that’ll translate into a few more wins and a playoff berth and the crowds this side of the Tasman should build. We’re looking forward to hosting the Hawks and giving them a good test before the playoffs.
HAWKS
Starting 5
3. Nick Fee (guard)
5. Everard Bartlett (guard)
27. Jamal Mikaio (forward)
7. Darryl Jones (forward)
18. Clifton Bush III (forward)
Bench
19. Dominic McGovan (guard)
11. Ryan Laumatia (guard)
Jacob Nahora (forward)
Coach: James Levings
Manager: Kerry Raynor
From The Coach - Zico Coronel
Given the circumstances - a semi-final with the Rams locked in - the performances of teams returning from Tasmania throughout the season, and the testimony of multiple coaches throughout the league confirming the difficulty of the task upon return - we deemed it prudent to send a development squad to Launceston, allowing for our heavy minutes players to recover and begin preparations for the Final Four. It is a great opportunity for our young players to apply all their hard work and learnings throughout the season. Notably, point guard James Levings will coach the side - a request he made from his hospital bed shortly after dislocating his ankle at a practice. James quite simply wanted to continue to contribute anyway he could, and with a promising future as a coach, he will be of great value in this endeavour.
Rangers vs Saints - Sunday 3pm @ AUT Sports & Fitness Centre
Game Preview
The young Rangers had a good crack at the Hawks last week, and despite the 23-point loss there were some good signs from many emerging players. That same mantra will form part of their game plan for this clash with the unbeaten Saints. Much like the Hawks, Rams and Sharks, who all know the path ahead, the Saints too will be expected to take caution with how they play this game and who they put on court. Don't expect too many changes from the Saints, they aren't an organisation that tinkers too much with a winning formula, however it is more than reasonable to expect reduced minutes for their stars.
RANGERS
Starting 5
9. Lease Coe
12. Mikaere Watene
15. Nick Barrow
20. Scott Telfer
2. Randall Bishop
Bench
19. Denhym Brooke
21. Sam Aruwa
66. Karl Magon
6. Jaylen Gerrand
8. Nick Brophy
26. Reuben Fitzgerald
Ben Thomas
Coach: Jeff Green
Assistant Coach: Greg Elliott
Manager: Auatua Aratangi
From The Coach - Jeff Green
Failed to provide a comment.
SAINTS
Starting 5
55. Shea Ili (guard)
11. Jordan Ngatai (forward)
7. Reuben Te Rangi (guard)
4. Nick Kay (forward)
14. Rob Loe (centre)
Bench
15. Leon Henry (forward) *questionable
3. Sunday Dech *guard)
13. Anzac Rissetto (centre)
9. Theo Johnson (forward)
10. Thomas Abercrombie (forward)
Coach: Paul Henare
Assistant Coach: Kenny McFadden
Assistant Coach: Troy McLean
Manager: Phil Hartley
Physio: Jamie Beleski
From The Coach - Paul Henare
Our last game before finals. Our approach is to focus on us and how to utilise the minutes wisely.
Sharks vs Jets - Sunday 7pm @ ILT Stadium
Broadcast: Live on SKY Sports, Stuff.co.nz, TribeSports App, www.pickandroll.com.au (Australia only)
Game Preview
The 2019 Sal's NBL regular season officially closes with the Sharks at home once again, this time hosting the out-of-form Jets. Interestingly, of the Final 4 teams, the reigning champions will be the only one enjoying zero travel with the Rams, Saints and Hawks all having to board flights to close out the season. The Sharks are another that won't tinker too much with their line-up, but if they get an early advantage expect some of the guns to take a seat and cheer on from the pine. The Jets just need to have a crack and try and finish the season with some confidence as their recent form hasn't been flash. Look for the Sharks to make another blinding start and put this contest to bed early.
SHARKS
Starting 5
35. Alex Pledger (centre)
97. Jarrad Weeks (guard)
22. Hyrum Harris (guard/forward)
2. Todd Blanchfield (guard)
15. Tom Vodanovich (forward)
Bench
11. Dom Kelman-Poto (forward)
14. Tai Wynyard (centre)
25. Andrew Wheeler (guard)
45. Tinashe Matambanadzo (guard)
4. Roberto Nelson (guard)
3. Brandon Lucas (guard)
31. Jordan Murphy (forward)
Coach: Judd Flavell
Assistant Coach: Mark Bell
Manager: Troy Paulin
Physio: Hayden Sproat
From the Coach - Judd Flavell
This week’s home game , the last of the season for us before heading to Final Four, is one last chance to put together another good performance and further work on the things that have been a focus at training this week. The development of our defence over the past month has been pleasing and is the result of some really tough training sessions and offensively we are capable of scoring right across our roster. That said the Jets will come at us from all angles as they have proved to do all season and we will be wary of the matchups and threats that they have in their squad.
JETS
Failed to provide a team list or comment.
