Round 7 of the Sal's NBL started on Queen's Birthday Monday when the Mike Pero Nelson Giants defeated the Steelformers Taranaki Airs 100-86.
Now we turn our attention to six more games and some huge match-ups as we enter the second half of the 2021 season.
Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams vs Go Media Otago Nuggets
When: Thursday June 10
Where: Cowles Stadium
Time: 7:30pm
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport 3
Tickets: click HERE
Mick Downer (Rams)
An exciting South Island battle lays ahead tonight with the return of the Otago Nuggets for the first time since 2014 to the Cowles Cauldron. The opposition will bring in a good balance of talented imports and a strong contingent of local players, led by former Ram Sam Timmins. Last week’s game has been flushed and we move forward excited about the next few weeks challenges as well as the return of some key guys in the coming weeks. However tonight it will be a battle with a few banged up bodies for us so a next man up mentality which we can’t wait to see our guys go out and compete with everything they’ve got.
Brent Matehaere (Nuggets)
The Go Media Nuggets make their way to Cowles Stadium this Thursday with plenty on the line. Both teams sit within a game of each other. Blue n Gold, Red n Black encounters always hold significance and this will not be any different. Having played and coached against Canterbury teams I know they'll bring tenacity and physicality to the game. They're a well drilled unit that look to set big screens anywhere on the court (JL screens) and we need to be aware of the ability of all of their players to score the ball. Coach Downer has done a great job re-establishing continuity to their team without Jack Salt and if big Jack does get onto the floor, seeing the two big men (Timmins & Salt) go to work, it will be a sight to behold!
SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks vs Property Brokers Manawatu Jets
When: Friday June 11
Where: ILT Stadium Southland
Time: 7:30pm
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport 9
Tickets: click HERE
Rob Beveridge (Sharks)
After playing 8 out of 11 games on the road to start the season, we now get to start a good home stretch of games with this week’s game up against the Property Brokers Manawatu Jets. Although, we had a good win on the road a couple of weeks ago against the Jets, they are going to be a very tough opponent. Their imports , Knight and Daniels, are 2 of the best in the league and have been playing very well in the past few games. Shane Temara was a huge handful for us as well as we struggled to defend him. He is now coming off a 34 point game against Bulls and with Bezzant having 30 against Giants, they will be full of confidence. Manawatu are one of best offensive teams in the league so we must be switched on defensively to slow down their scoring and we also must continue to play unselfish team basketball for us to get the win at home.
Tim McTamney (Jets)
Another big weekend on the road lies before us. Our Property Brokers Manawatu Jets take on the Sharks in Invercargill this Friday evening then follow that up on Sunday afternoon in Wellington against the Saints. After putting together some improved performances over recent weeks, we are now developing a greater confidence in ourselves. I am looking forward to the team making further progress as we accept the challenges posed by two of the NBL's best sides.
Taylor Hawke's Bay Hawks vs Go Media Otago Nuggets
When: Saturday June 12
Where: Pettigrew Green Arena
Time: 7:30pm
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport Next, Stuff.co.nz. NZNBL Website, Tribe Sports App
Tickets: click HERE
Kaine Hokianga (Hawks)
It was fantastic to be back on our home court last weekend and we are looking forward to the support of our home fans again as we take on the Otago Nuggets. The Nuggs have shown a collective determination to perform on court and are led well by Dundeinite Sam Timmins. The Taylor Hawks have returned to winning ways, but we are focussed on working hard to improve. A full week of training will help us continue to make those improvements and put us in a good position to meet the challenge that Otago will present. Te hāro o te kāhu.
Brent Matehaere (Nuggets)
The Go Media Nuggets visit to the Art Deco capital of the World is one where the Napier Infrastructure is the only real known commodity on the trip. Unlike the buildings we are not sure what to expect from this Hawks team. Will we be reunited with JK, will Jordan Hunter be at Pettigrew Green. Will Jordan Hunt remember how to shoot pick n pop 3's (I am sure he does). So many unknowns . . . What we do know is that they have talent to burn and players that can score the ball! The Nuggets will just need to score more!
Sky Tower Auckland Huskies vs EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls
When: Saturday June 12
Where: Eventfinda Stadium
Time: 7:30pm
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport 2
Tickets: click HERE
Aaron Young (Huskies)
Saturday night we take on Franklin which is always an exciting matchup for us. It’s one that I know the players and fans get up for, as we slug it out for the "Battle of the North 5". Both teams are desperate to start the second half of their season with a win and some consistency as we approach the crucial stages of the competition. Expecting a big crowd and great energy in the building.
Jamie Reddish (Bulls)
We are excited to be making the Road Trip over the Harbour Bridge this weekend. Coach Aaron has his team very well prepared weekly and playing some very exciting basketball. With a lot of local youngsters on both sides and exciting imports on showcase, It should prove to be another exciting encounter of the Battle of the North.
Steelformers Taranaki Airs vs Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams
When: Sunday June 13
Where: TSB Stadium
Time: 3:00pm
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport 9
Tickets: click HERE
Trent Adam (Airs)
After a quick trip too Nelson at the start of the week we are looking forward to playing in front of our home fans again this weekend. With a disappointing defensive effort against the Giants, we have looked to make major improvements in this area, as the Rams come to town on Sunday. Coach Downer has the team playing unselfish basketball, with the Rams second in assist percentage. That along with their top 4 defensive rating will provide a challenge that we are looking forward to.
Mick Downer (Rams)
Today’s game will see our second game of the week, and we look forward to competing against a dangerous Airs outfit led by former Rams player Marcel “walking bucket” Jones. The league this year has shown that any given day, any team can beat anyone, so we will need to be at our best for forty minutes to walk away with a favourable result. Effort is an expectation but defensive discipline and taking quality shots is key in any game but particularly when on the road. It’s be an emotional year for the Taranaki basketball community and with a couple of Taranaki boys on our roster the game takes on special meaning as we play in honour of “Coach”.
Wellington Saints vs Property Brokers Manawatu Jets
When: Sunday June 13
Where: TSB Bank Arena
Time: 5:00pm
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport 9
Tickets: click HERE
Zico Coronel (Saints)
Every time we step on the court, whether it be practice or a game, we aim to collectively enhance our performance level. The Jets will aid us in pursuit of this ever present goal. Well coached by Tim McTamney and featuring a strong roster, the impending matchup is sure to require our best performance if we are to be successful. We look forward to entertaining another capacity crowd at TSB Arena in Wellington this Sunday. In particular we’re grateful for the support of our game day sponsor Exodus Health and Fitness.
Tim McTamney (Jets)
Another big weekend on the road lies before us. Our Property Brokers Manawatu Jets take on the Sharks in Invercargill this Friday evening then follow that up on Sunday afternoon in Wellington against the Saints. After putting together some improved performances over recent weeks, we are now developing a greater confidence in ourselves. I am looking forward to the team making further progress as we accept the challenges posed by two of the NBL's best sides.
