Think Tank: Round 15

Photo credit: GameFace NZ

AUCKLAND TUATARA

If you THINK the Tuatara don’t have any headaches heading into the Final 6 THEN spare a thought for coach Aaron Young who now needs to shuffle young stars Charlie Dalton and Braydon Iuli back into bench roles with Tom Vodanovich, Corey Webster and Reuben Te Rangi returning. During the absence of the Tall Blacks trio, Dalton and Iuli have both delivered big numbers and played pivotal roles in delivering three wins. A good headache to have but it’ll have you reaching for the paracetamol nonetheless.

FRANKLIN BULLS

If you THINK the Bulls can win the championship this season THEN the first step was getting back in the winner’s circle after a run of three losses. A 9-point win over the Hawks was hardly convincing, and the over-reliance on star scorer Luther Muhammad is perhaps a worry, however Ethan Rusbatch returns this week as the Bulls tackle both the Rams and Nuggets with a chance to build some more confidence ahead of a do-or-die play-in final. Time for the Bulls to make their charge.

TAURANGA WHAI

If you THINK the Whai were daunted by the prospect of keeping their season alive in Wellington THEN it didn’t show. Despite the narrow 6-point loss, the Whai gained plenty of admirers as they battled to the buzzer and on more than one occasion looked capable of causing one of the upsets of the season. And how about the form of Denhym Brooke – surely he doesn’t go unsigned through free agency next season.

STEELFORMERS TARANAKI AIRS

If you THINK the Airs might struggle without Sam Froling THEN the performance against the Tuatara is Sunday’s thriller will bring warmth to every Airs fan. Time and time again the Airs fought back into the game, and they did have the last look to get the win. Carlin Davison and the Cameron brothers are now the top dogs in this team, Mitch McCarron is sill to return, and both Quintin Bailey and Deron Raukawa will be key contributors moving forward. The one player the Airs must get going over the next few weeks is Elijah Minnie – if he’s flying then the Airs could go all the way.

TAYLOR HAWKE’S BAY HAWKS

If you THINK the Hawks were looking for a few rebounds from centre Josh Roberts this season THEN they got their wish against the Jets when the American big man grabbed what is believed to be an equal modern League record 28 rebounds (with Miles Pearce). Such was the haul against the Jets, it was actually six rebounds more than the entire Jets team had in their previous game against the Rams (23 rebounds in total).

PROPERTY BROKERS MANAWATU JETS

If you THINK the Jets are hoping to end the season with a smile THEN they have a big chance this week with winnable games against the Whai (away) and Sharks (home). In what can only be described as a less than satisfactory’ season, the Jets haven’t tasted that winning feeling since April 3 when they defeated the Sharks by 13 points. That’s nearly 100 days ago…

MILLS ALBERT WELLINGTON SAINTS

If you THINK the Saints fans thought the TAB was thinking of a huge Saints win when they had the Wellingtonians at $1.01 to beat the Whai last Wednesday night THEN no doubt plenty of Whai fans jumped on the $14 being offered for their team when they led by as much as 7 points midway through the third quarter. Yes, the Saints got up 100-94 in the end, but boy did the Whai give the 12-time champs (and the TAB) a run for their money before eventually bowing out of the game, and their finals chase.

NBS NELSON GIANTS
If you THINK the Giants are relieved to be finals bound THEN you can be 100 percent certain they will be extra happy to be playing away from home. No disrespect to the amazing fanbase in Nelson, but Mike Fitchett’s team have been consistently poor at the Trafalgar Centre this season, with just two wins from 10 games. On the road, the Giants currently have a 6-3 split. You and do the maths and figure out which locale is more in their favour.

WHEELER MOTOR COMPANY CANTERBURY RAMS

If you THINK the Rams are unbackable favourites to win it all this season THEN those Space Jam inspired uniforms they wore against the Sharks might end up being a priceless piece of memorabilia for fans. The uniforms are now being auctioned off to raise money for Aranui Community Trust to support Kai 4 Kura Kids. Head to Rams socials for details and support this great cause while getting some one of a kind gear for your efforts.

NIGHT ‘n DAY OTAGO NUGGETS

If you THINK every Nuggets fans was hoping to see star import Kimani Lawrence score a three-pointer this season THEN the applause would have been deafening from Nuggets supporters on Friday night when Lawrence attempted his first triple of the season and drained it. Such was his confidence he even attempted a second three-pointer, though unfortunately that one fell a wee bit short.

SOUTHLAND SHARKS

If you THINK the Sharks will soon be busy rebuilding their team in the off-season THEN the one signing they must land is that of Callum McRae. The big centre has been a huge asset this season and has won plenty of admirers in the deep south. Please get this man back in orange in 2025 to be the foundation of future Sharks lineups.