Photo credit: Blake Armstrong
AUCKLAND TUATARA
If you THINK the Tuatara’s starting five are vitally important to any chance of the Aucklanders winning some silverware this season THEN a quick look at the box score from their 120-96 win against the Hawks confirms just how important Loe, Vodanovich, Gliddon, Te Rangi and Webster are. Of the team’s 120 points, the star-studded starters put up 115 of them and 80 of the team’s 87 field goal attempts.
FRANKLIN BULLS
If you THINK the Bulls will be hoping to bounce back after a loss to the Airs THEN you know they’ll be licking their lips at the prospect of the 0-8 Sharks paying a visit to the Stockyard on Friday night. Expect the Bulls to come out charging.
TAURANGA WHAI
If you THINK the Whai need another forward THEN you will be waiting with anticipation to see if they can land one during the upcoming trade window. Though it will take a couple of years for teams and players to fully understand the benefits and opportunities that come with the new trade window, the Whai will need to learn on the run as they desperately need a big bruising inside presence now.
TAYLOR HAWKE’S BAY HAWKS
If you THINK the Hawks lack anything this season THEN you are probably focused on a hardened sixth man. The young bucks at the Hawks are flying in the Rapid League, but the Sal’s NBL outfit could do with a bit more experience around their very strong starting five. Unless Jarrod Kenny straps the boots back on, this week’s trade window could be the perfect opportunity for the Hawks to cast the net and go fishing for some added depth, especially among a number of players across the competition who might be looking for a greater role.
TARANAKI STEELFORMERS AIRS
If you THINK the Airs are travelling ok at 5-2 THEN consider they just took down the Bulls with Carlin Davison (ankle) sidelined. Davison was coming off a break-out game against the Giants but unfortunately couldn’t get up in time for a showdown with the Bulls, but it mattered little as Sam Froling and company sent the visitors back to the Stockyard with a few things to ponder.
PROPERTY BROKERS MANAWATU JETS
If you THINK the Jets need to find some good news from a 1-7 start to the season THEN Liam Judd is the ray of sunshine to brighten up the day of all Jets fans this week. Up against the powerful Saints, Judd dropped 30 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to go with 3 assists, 3 steals and 6 triples. The kid is a competitor!
MILLS & ALBERT WELLINGTON SAINTS
If you THINK the Saints will play it cautiously with an injured Hyrum Harris THEN the signing of Taane Samuel is the cover they need to give Harris all the time he needs to recover from his knee injury as was evidenced with his absence from the Saints lineup for their big win over the Jets. The Saints will be pleased that they were able to find a fill in of such quality for the short term on the injury cover front, as well as a piece that rounds out the depth of a front line that is still to share a timeline on the arrival of Kiwi big Yuat Alok.
NBS NELSON GIANTS
If you THINK the Giants are a finals chance this season THEN there is no better time to prove it than this week when they play the Saints in a must-win game for Mike Fitchett and crew. After a southern swing split the Giants sit at 3-5 and desperately need a win to stay in touch with the top 6. A win against the Saints would firmly place the Giants back in the spotlight as a real contender but a loss would leave them needing to win approximately 7 of their final 11 fixtures to be a finals chance.
WHEELER MOTOR COMPANY CANTERBURY RAMS
If you THINK the Rams are one of the best in the business when it comes to connecting with their community THEN take a look at the fantastic work they are doing each week with disabled youth!! Canterbury Rams give back to budding ballers (1news.co.nz)
NIGHT n' DAY OTAGO NUGGETS
If you THINK the Nuggets had a bit to celebrate after Sunday’s win against the Giants THEN you might want to track down the video of coach Brent Matehaere getting drowned in R-Line in the change rooms as the players celebrated the team’s 50th win since returning to the Sal’s NBL in 2020. Those wins have also included two championships.
SOUTHLAND SHARKS
If you THINK the Sharks are content with sitting at 0-8 THEN you might be happy to know the wheels are believed to be turning behind the scenes to add a new import to the team in the very near future. Following an improved showing against the Nelson Giants in their most recent game an infusion of talent may be just what this team needs to find it's winning ways again.
