The Airs went agonisingly close to a spot in last year's Grand Final ...now they have retooled for 2025 and their focus is clear ... Sam Mackinnon wants to make history in New Plymouth and lead his Airs to their first ever big dance, preferably holding some silverware at the end.
2024 Position: 14-6 (3rd place on points percentage)
Head Coach: Sam Mackinnon (2nd season)
Departed: Sam Froling (import), Mitch McCarron (import), Elijah Minnie (import), Flynn Cameron (Bulls), Tobias Cameron (Bulls), Dane Bertinshaw (Sharks), Derone Raukawa, Nico Hill, Morgan Trott, Jakob Carr, Cooper Ohlson.
Incoming: Owen Foxwell (import), Jack Andrew (Nuggets), Armon Fletcher (import), Dom Kelman-Poto (Bulls), Scott Telfer (Sharks), Jack Exeter, Riley Tuuta, Shaun Te Rini, Jordan Cooper, Jerome Tamatea.
Predicted Starters: Owen Foxwell, Armon Fletcher, import, Carlin Davison, Jack Andrew
X-Factor: Carlin Davison
Watch For: Owen Foxwell
Wanted Headline: Rare Airs- Taranaki Breeze into Title Game
Unwanted Headline: Abominable Performance! Airs Yeti to Take First Championship
The Straight Shot
The Steelformers Taranaki Airs put together a monster of a roster full of talent in 2024 and placed themselves firmly in the mix of teams that had a chance to compete for a title. And compete they did taking the eventual champs all the way to the wire before eventually succumbing to a double overtime loss in the final four that would leave the Airs and their faithful fans contemplating just how close they came to championship glory of their own.
The offseason brought plenty of change to the lineup, as superstar laden teams are easier to put together than they are to keep together, but they did manage to keep a throughline in the coaching staff, with Sam Mackinnon returning to patrol the sidelines and see if he cant' steer the Airs to that elusive first ever championship in the Sal's NBL. But the change on the roster will be massive with the sole returning starter being hometown hero Carlin Davision, His return was vital, giving the Airs a versatile player who can defend all 5 positions while still developing as a scorer but one who should be looking to spread his wings on that end of the court. His familiarity with the offense should enable a quick start and possibly the best offensive season yet will be delivered in his young career.
On the import front Owen Foxwell and Armon Fletcher have been confirmed giving the Airs the scoring punch needed and a mix of size and quickness on the wing. Foxwell will bring more of a scoring focus to the position, but he is more than capable of getting the ball to teamates in areas they need to join him on the scoring ledger. Fletcher's size and athleticism a great counterbalance to the speed and quickness Foxwell will bring, and he proved in his time with the team two years ago that he can contribute without needing the ball in hand at all times which will be key this season.
Outside of the starting 5 the Airs have down well to maintain their depth with some recruiting flurries, but it may take more of a committee approach to get the same results that were delivered a season ago. Scott Telfer returns after a 1 year sojourn to the South Island, and his brand of tenacious defense and 3 balls that stretch the floor will be of value throughout the season.
Down low the Airs have brought in Dom Kelman-Poto and Jack Andrew two players who have the size to affect things in the paint but who do their damage in different ways. DKP does his work early and depends on top flight footwork to find his way down low while Andrew tries to overpower and get to the rim with his ability to play vertically, two skillsets which should play nicely off one and other as the season goes along. Quintin Bailey will be valuable cog once again using his superior athleticism and strength to keep the Airs on the front foot when he gets his opportunities off the bench.
While the Airs may have dipped their overall talent level slightly from a season ago they look as though they have been able to reload on the fly keeping the squad in the postseason conversation. if the last import to be announced can fall into place this will be a team that is knocking on the door of the final four once again.
What Our Experts Say:
Casey Frank: Despite not being full strength when the hit the post-season the Airs were nearly able to claim the semi-final double overtime classic to knock off the the defending champs. The roster from year ago was always going to be tough to keep together and while the churn was a bit bigger than I may have expected the Airs have pulled together a balanced roster that will give Sam Mackinnon options at every position. I'll expect to see a similar blend of pace and physicality imparted on the squad, but will look for a bit more activity in the full court as Owen Foxwell looks to push the pace in transition while playing a quicker brand of basketball in the halfcourt as well. Fletcher and Davision were formed in a lab to be multi-faceted switchy defenders and the duo will will instill just a bit of fear on any guard looking to initiate offense with passes to the wing. The rumoured swap of one Froling (Sam) for another (Harry) is another recruiting coup for the Airs and gives the Airs true size and scoring down low, although I expect Froling will experience a few ups and downs after returning to the game for the first time in two years. Overall the Airs have put together another balanced squad that will be able to implement coach Mackinnon's gameplan with ease. The level and depth of talent has dropped a smidge but that shouldn't keep the Airs from a top four spot putting the ever elusive championship within grasping distance.
Justin Nelson: The Airs were good last season, really good, but a late-season NBA call-up for Sam Froling was a huge blow ... still, they were within a whisker of making the Grand Final. Bringing Armon Fletcher back is a quality move, and I think Owen Foxwell will be one of the best players in the competition. The loss of new import Angus Glover (to Europe) isn't what the doctor ordered, but it could open the way for a rumoured return to basketball, this time into NZ, for Harry Froling. Bringing back Scott Telfer from the Sharks adds a bit of depth, and I like the signing of Jack Andrew who should average a double-double this season. Dare I say it, but a lot rests on the shoulders of Carlin Davison this season, this has to be his year - still so young (21), and already in his sixth Sal's NBL season - Davison must take no prisoners this year and rip the competition apart. If everything falls into place for coach Sam Mackinnon and he gets the absolute best out of his team, there is no reason why the Airs can't go all the way.
