Round 1 of the 2021 Sal's NBL season had it all - thrilling finishes, young stars on the rise, show-stopping imports and huge crowds. As we enter round 2 we have four unbeaten teams and another four searching for their first victory.
Here's everything you need to know.
Steelformers Taranaki Mountainairs vs EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls
When: Thursday May 6
Where: TSB Stadium, New Plymouth
Time: 7:30pm
Watch: Sky Sport 2
Tickets: click HERE
Trent Adam (Airs)
The whole organisation is excited to have Sal's NBL action back in Taranaki, in what is sure to be an emotionally charged night. Aaron celebrating his 300th game is going to bring the fans out in huge numbers to honour the work he has done over the years. This, mixed with the emotions of the basketball community losing a great man this week in Steve “ Coach” McKean, will see a great celebration of basketball identities in Taranaki. The Bulls have had a positive start to the season with Jamie and his staff putting together an exciting, up-tempo roster. We look forward to the opportunity to test ourselves against them and measure our growth from last week.
Jamie Reddish (Bulls)
We are looking forward to the challenge of being on the road for the first time. The Air will be very keen to get a win at their home opening for 2021 so we will need to lock in defensively. We know Marcel can be a handful when he gets going and they have some young, athletic players around him. Our sincere condolences go out to Rachel and the McKean family. Coach Mckean impacted people all over NZ especially in the Taranaki region. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wellington Saints vs SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks
When: Friday May 7
Where: TSB Bank Arena, Wellington
Time: 7:30pm
Watch: Sky Sport 9
Tickets: click HERE
Zico Coronel (Saints)
As a 7-year old I was fortunate to live 2 doors down from Jacques Tuz. Every Dowelanco Bulls home game, Coach would pick Jacques up to take him to the game and I’d sit at the end of the driveway waiting to wish them good luck. It was at this time I fell in love with basketball. To have one of your childhood heroes believe in you as an adult is incredibly meaningful and I’m profoundly grateful to Coach for his support. I will dearly miss his well wishes, Saturday morning coffees, and inspirational talks to Trent’s teams that I’ve been fortunate to help with when I’m home in New Plymouth.
Rob Beveridge (Sharks)
Our first game this weekend against one of the favourites for the Championship, Wellington Saints is going to be a huge challenge for us, but one that we are all looking forward to seeing where we are at as a team. The Saints had two impressive and dominating wins in their first two games in Round 1 and are looking very cohesive as a unit early in the season. They are extremely well coached by Zico Coronel and without doubt they will be thoroughly prepared for us. Although, we also started Round 1 with two wins, with 8 new players, we were very incohesive at times so we certainly will be looking at continuing to develop our team chemistry and need to be more consistent if we are going to have any chance of beating Wellington.
Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams vs Property Brokers Manawatu Jets
When: Friday May 7
Where: Cowles Stadium, Christchurch
Time: 7:30pm
Watch: Sky Sport 8
Tickets: click HERE
Mick Downer (Rams)
We welcome a return to the Cowles Cauldron and the opportunity to play in front of the best fans in the league. It has been a long time coming, and the Red & Black army has been starved of live action in our own backyard since the final four in 2019. This game presents a great challenge against the free flowing and high scoring Jets lead by the dynamic backcourt duo of Knight and Bezzant. Defensively we have been poor to start the season and will have to make significant strides at this end of the floor and improve our rebounding effort. The guys have responded well at practice this week focusing in on these area’s for tonight’s battle. Like all teams we are aiming for better consistency and chemistry offensively and this will come over time as we spend more time together on the hardwood, but it is the effort area’s that we must make up for any shortfalls in fluency right now. Lastly and most importantly we offer our sincere condolences to the McKean family after the news of his passing this week. “Coach” was one of the sport’s most influential people in the history of the game in Aotearoa. RIP “Coach”.
Tim McTamney (Jets)
Another double header road-trip this weekend for our men. Travel to the deep south is always a challenge to those accustomed to the more tropical climate of the Manawatu. A good week of practice has definitely helped integrate our new arrivals and we should be a more cohesive team as a result. We are looking forward to the challenges that both the Rams and the Nuggets will undoubtedly provide.
Go Media Otago Nuggets vs Property Brokers Manawatu Jets
When: Saturday May 8
Where: Edgar Centre, Dunedin
Time: 7:30pm
Watch: Sky Sport Next, Stuff, NZNBL, Tribe Sports App
Tickets: click HERE
Brent Matehaere (Nuggets)
Firstly, our thoughts go out to the McKean whānau! Kua hinga tētahi tōtara! This matchup this weekend is really exciting. A repeat of last year's showdown final and a repeat game away the following weekend means plenty of opportunities to rekindle the rivalry of last year. The Jets have a well rounded roster with talent to burn and a wiley "old" coach Tim McTamney! Should be a fast and furious affair!
Tim McTamney (Jets)
Another double header road-trip this weekend for our men. Travel to the deep south is always a challenge to those accustomed to the more tropical climate of the Manawatu. A good week of practice has definitely helped integrate our new arrivals and we should be a more cohesive team as a result. We are looking forward to the challenges that both the Rams and the Nuggets will undoubtedly provide.
EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls vs Mike Pero Nelson Giants
When: Saturday May 8
Where: Franklin Pool & Leisure Arena
Time: 7:30pm
Watch: Sky Sport 3
Tickets: click HERE
Jamie Reddish (Bulls)
Our first back to back will no doubt be challenging but coming home to our fans, partners and sponsors is something to look forward to. The Giants will be a tough challenge as the core group are very familiar with each other and Coach Fitchett. Coach Morgan Maskell, as always will have our boys prepared with scouts and a game plan for a well coached team.
Mike Fitchett (Giants)
We are looking forward to heading up to Auckland to play the Bulls and Huskies. Our first away trip of the season gives us a great chance to bond as a team and to try to get that first win on the board. Both teams play at a very high pace, so these should be fun games.
Taylor Hawke's Bay Hawks vs SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks
When: Saturday May 8
Where: Pettigrew Green Arena
Time: 7:30pm
Watch: Sky Sport 9
Tickets: click HERE
Kaine Hokianga (Hawks)
We have started the Hawks season soaring with our win over the Canterbury Rams. The Southland Sharks are coming to Hawke's Bay on the back of two wins in round one and provide a formidable challenge. The Sharks are well organised and disciplined, so we are looking forward to having the support of our home fan base again to meet this challenge together. Ko Heretaunga te hāro o te kāhu. On behalf of the Taylor Hawks, I'd like to express my condolences to the family of Coach Steve McKean - humble servant of the game and a wonderful person.
Rob Beveridge (Sharks)
Backing up for Game 2 this weekend against Hawkes Bay Hawks certainly is going to be a challenge for us. The Hawks certainly put on an impressive performance in their first home game against the Rams with 6 players scoring in double figures. The Hawks have proven that they have plenty of players that have the ability to put up big numbers so defensively we will have to be very switched on. The biggest key for us will be how we recovery from the game from the night before against The Saints. Physically, we will try and get our bodies in the best possible shape in preparation for their onslaught and secondly we must be mentally switched on if we are to compete for a win.
Sky Tower Auckland Huskies vs Mike Pero Nelson Giants
When: Sunday May 9
Where: Eventfinda Stadium
Time: 7:30pm
Watch: Sky Sport 9
Tickets: click HERE
Aaron Young (Huskies)
Excited for this weekends challenge vs the Giants. Was impressed with the way they started their campaign vs the Sharks, I know Fitch will have his squad prepared to bounce back in a big way. For us, we know the areas we need to improve in, just a matter of being more consistent. Being at home will help, the atmosphere at EventFinda on Friday night was great for our first home game. We look forward to playing in front of our fans again and repeating the success we had in those effort areas.
Mike Fitchett (Giants)
We are looking forward to heading up to Auckland to play the Bulls and Huskies. Our first away trip of the season gives us a great chance to bond as a team and to try to get that first win on the board. Both teams play at a very high pace, so these should be fun games.
