Think Tank: Round 5

Photo credit: Shuttersport Nelson

AUCKLAND TUATARA

If you THINK the Tuatara were worried about being down by 15 points after 10 minutes against the Jets THEN you would never have known it based on their immediate response as they stepped out for the second quarter and went on a 15-0 run to level the game back up. By the time the final buzzer went the Tuatara had mastered a 34-point turnaround and took down the Jets 98-79.

FRANKLIN BULLS

If you THINK the previously unbeaten Bulls needed a reminder as to just how tough keeping a win streak alive in the Sal’s NBL is THEN the Auckland Tuatara did the job for you. Stepping out on the North Shore with a 4-0 record, the Bulls were humbled by the Tuatara’s old guard who exposed a few cracks. A bounce back win against the Whai softened the blow but the last of the unblemished records in the 2024 season was already gone by then.

TAURANGA WHAI

If you THINK the Whai need to be active during the upcoming Trade Window THEN you have obviously noticed they need more size. Once Kiwi big man Sam Mennenga exercised his out-clause with the Whai during the pre-season, the gaping hole inside was always going to be a problem. The Whai need to pick up the phone come May 12 and start asking about the likes of Dom Kelman-Poto, Jordan Hunt, Josh Leger and Quintin Bailey. Maybe even a move for Taane Samuel (free agent) is on the cards.

TARANAKI STEELFORMERS AIRS

If you THINK the Airs are pushing for two championships this season THEN you may have seen them mix things up against the Giants in Rapid League in R5. While Carlin Davison, Derone Raukawa and Tobias Cameron are no strangers to Rapid League this season, they were joined by Flynn Cameron against the Giants to produce a powerful quartet of Tall Blacks that finally brought an end to the Giants’ unbeaten start to the season, albeit with a very narrow 42-39 win.

TAYLOR HAWKE’S BAY HAWKS

If you THINK the Hawks are going to lay down in any games this season THEN you are badly mistaken. The new-look Hawks travelled to Wellington in R5 to play the Saints, but despite going in as big underdogs the Hawks left no stone unturned as they flew with the Saints from start to finish. Yes, a loss, but an impressive performance that will have greatly boosted the confidence of Sam Gruggen’s squad.

PROPERTY BROKERS MANAWATU JETS

If you THINK the Jets need to add more depth THEN their rollercoaster game against the Tuatara emphasised it. The Jets broke the sound barrier in the opening quarter to shoot down the Aucklanders (32-17), but the Tuatara’s class soon took over with a 15-0 run to start the second quarter, and from there it was mostly downhill for the Jets. Young Kiwi forward James Moors and a mystery import American guard can’t arrive soon enough for the Jets.

MILLS ALBERT WELLINGTON SAINTS

If you THINK it’s all smooth sailing for the top-of-the-ladder Saints THEN keep your ears open for some injury news on Hyrum Harris this week. The star Kiwi swingman looked hobbled against the Hawks on Anzac Day with a heavily strapped knee. Though he played 26 minutes and delivered 6 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists, Harris was clearly below full fitness.

NBS NELSON GIANTS

If you THINK the Giants have solved their big man issues THEN you might want to take a closer look at the stats from their loss to the Airs. Prized import centre Theo Akwuba unfortunately ended the game with more fouls (5) than he did points (0) and rebounds (3), while his opposing big man Sam Froling had 21 points (at 63%) and 7 rebounds for the visitors. Akwuba will look to bounce back this week on the southern swing against Cal McRae (Sharks) and Jack Andrew (Nuggets).

WHEELER MOTOR COMPANY CANTERBURY RAMS

If you THINK the reigning champs are starting to find form THEN the southern swing only helped to build your confidence in the Rams. A commanding win against an undermanned Nuggets teams was backed up with a largely effortless victory against the beached Sharks. Next up is a return bout with the Nuggets, who will hope to have Zee Darko-Kelly back from illness.

NIGHT n’ DAY OTAGO NUGGETS

If you THINK the Nuggets have a few worries right now THEN you would be right. Back-to-back losses, some sickness running through the squad, an injured Dontae Russo-Nance to be sidelined a bit longer than expected and not enough out of Tai Webster who has been suspended and ejected across the two losses, which happen to be the only losses they’ve incurred this season. Next up … the Giants.

SOUTHLAND SHARKS

If you THINK things couldn’t get worse for the Sharks THEN maybe now is a good time to look away. The 0-7 start to the season is the worst in the history of the Sharks, but their 70.9 points per game is currently the lowest of any Sal’s NBL team in the last 10 years, the next lowest coming from the Hawks back in 2015 when they could only muster 72.2 points per game and finished 2nd last on the ladder.