The most successful team in the Sal's NBL is going through a championship drought (by their lofty standards) but 2025 looks their best chance yet to claim title number 13.
2024 Position: 14-6 (4th place on points percentage)
Head Coach: Aaron Young (1st season)
Departed: Zico Coronel (Japan), Dion Prewster, Tohi Smith-Milner (Rams), Lat Mayen (import), Kawharu Hippolite, Tyson Thata-Paese (Jets), Ben Ayre (import), Malik Benlevi (import), Terry Henderson Jr (import), Corey Lovell.
Arrived: Aaron Young (Tuatara), Shea Ili (Melbourne NBL), Nick Marshall (import/Adelaide NBL), Nick Muszynski (import), Lukah Richards (Jets), Keelan Magalogo, Thomas Johnson, Fred Oppenhuis, Tyrael Heke
Predicted Starters: Izayah Le'afa, Shea Ili, Hyrum Harris, Nick Marshall, Nick Muszynski
X-Factor: Hyrum Harris
Watch For: Nick Marshall
Wanted Headline: Number 13 Is Lucky For Saints
Unwanted Headline: Has 13 Become A Bogey Number For Saints?
The Straight Shot
When you consider the Mills Albert Wellington Saints (12 championships, 8 runners-up) approximately play in a Sal's NBL grand final 'every other year', they find themselves in a drought of some sort right now having not appeared in a big dance since their title in 2021. Such a lofty standard is a trademark of the Saints, a winning culture is part of this organisation's DNA, which is exactly why you know they will be there or there abouts again in 2025.
Note though that while there hasn't been a GF appearance since 2021, there has been a significant shift toward developing local youth, and it's led to the emergence of some exciting players. In particular look for Troy Plumtree, Arthur Pilcher and Kazlo Evans Jr to take another step this season, while Rangimarie Dougall-Mita continues to be one of the competition's best and most reliable utlitlies.
At the top end of the roster, under new coach Aaron Young who heads to the capital after three straight GF defeats leading the Auckland Tuatara, there is a lot to like about this Saints team. It is balanced, athletic and packed with proven quality.
Led by star Kiwi trio Hyrum Harris, Izayah Le'afa and Shea Ili, the Saints will again be a scoring machine, but importantly they loom as a more reliable team defensively, especially with the return of Ili who is one of the very best defenders in both New Zealand and Australia.
At this stage the Saints are going with two imports, which of course could change as the season rolls on, but their international selections look promising. Aussie Nick Marshall is a versatile and athletic wing - which is exactly what the Saints front office loves - while American Nick Muszynski is a 211-centimetre big man with experience in both Europe and the NBA G League, and at 26yo he has an opportunity to make his mark in NZ.
And don't be surprised if Jordan Ngatai joins later in the season, though there will no doubt be some hot demand for his services across the league once his international commitments are complete.
The Saints of '25 look a little longer and leaner, expect a more athletic approach, and we know Arron Young can certainly coach. The race for the playoffs will be as tight as it has ever been, but make sure you reserve a spot for the Saints - lock them in. As for whether or not they can finally land championship number 13? They will need a lot to go right down the stretch.
What Our Experts Say
Casey Frank: The Saints look to reignite their championship parades by bringing in Coach Aaron Young to see if he can get the squad from the capital to climb to the top of the mountain once again. Young has proven to have the ability to recruit top tier talent and to get that talent to stick around and with 3 consecutive title trips knows how to put his squads in position to be champions. But, like the Saints of the past few seasons, it is that last step that has proven the hardest to take. The Shea Ili signing may be the coup of the season and his combination with Le'afa and Harris will provide a trio who's work rate will be unmatched while their defensive prowess will be enough to snuff many a run. The interior has proven to be a bit of an issue for Wellington of late but they will hope new import recruit Muszynski will be able to take the bulk of the duty down low. The Saints also boast solid depth, if they are willing to let some of the local core take the floor for real minutes, but I think Dougall-Mita, Plumtree and Richards (among others) are more then ready for the opportunity. All in all this looks to be a more consistent squad and while i see them in the post-season it remains to be seen if they have the strength on the interior to take home title number 13 to the Capital.
Justin Nelson: Another hefty clear-out at the Saints, and I think it was needed. Harris coming back is a massive win given at least a handful of other teams enquired about his services. Both imports have solid credentials, and I do like that the Saints still have an import spot up their sleeves. Losing Smith-Milner is a blow, but getting Shea Ili back is a massive coup. I expect another high-scoring season, and a far more consistent defence, but for me it comes down to the x-factor that Harris brings. Last season the star Tall Black was hampered by injury for most of the journey, but a fit Hyrum Harris is arguably the biggest asset in the Sal's NBL. The depth looks good too - look for Troy Plumtree to go to the next level, and Kazlo Evans Jr should soak up some minutes behind Le'afa and Ili. And let's not forget the Saints have a new coach - Arron Young will be determined to make an impression, and super keen to leave his three successive gran final defeats in the rearview mirror. I'm confident the Saints will make the playoffs - but I'm not as confident (yet) that they'll win it all.
