Think Tank returns for 2025 and the best place to start is with some thoughts ahead of the Sal's NBL tipping off. Strap yourself in and turn the thinking music up to 11 .... here's the first Think Tank of the season!
AUCKLAND TUATARA
If you THINK the Tuatara is hoping for a change of fortunes after three successive grand final losses THEN it starts with a new voice and that's where Australian and recently retired star Cam Gliddon comes into the picture. If the Aucklanders play with the same focus and intensity (and defence, and shooting, and teamwork, and ...) as their new coach did during his playing days, then success will soon follow.
LOGIK FRANKLIN BULLS
If you THINK the Bulls were looking for a couple Kiwi guns to further bolster their roster THEN they got what they wanted with brothers Tobias and Flynn Cameron joining the Stockyard. The Bulls haven't quite climbed the mountain since joining the League in 2020, but they are getting closer - can the Cameron boys take them to the top in 2025?
INDIAN PANTHERS
If you THINK the Panthers will be at full strength in their first ever Sal's NBL game on Wednesday night in Hawke's Bay THEN we have some bad news for you. The Indian national team has been called into a camp and that means the Panthers will be without at least 8 of their roster. Similar to when the Tall Blacks get called up, national duties take priority over club duties. Yes, it's a blow, but the players should be back in time for game 2 or 3 for the Panthers. As for Wednesday's game in Hawke's Bay, it will be fascinating to see who suits up but expect some Kiwi flavour and maybe a former multiple championship-winning star.
THE NORTHERN GROUP TAURANGA WHAI
If you THINK the Whai can go a step further and make the playoffs this season THEN it might come down to a couple of young Kiwis to step it up. Overall, the Whai look capable on paper of being amongst the contenders for the top 6 ... keep your eyes on Carter Hopoi and Te Tuhi Lewis - both young guns look set for a breakout season.
BIG BARREL HAWKE'S BAY HAWKS
If you THINK one of the best things about the Sal's NBL is seeing young Kiwi stars emerge THEN you better get along to a Hawks game pronto and see teenager Jackson Ball in action. The rising star dominated at the Blitz and is set for big minutes in a Hawks team that looks vastly improved on 2024. Already a Tall Black, Ball has a massive future ahead of him and will surely be one of the Rising Star contenders in season 2025.
STEELFORMERS TARANAKI AIRS
If you THINK the Airs were enjoying a relatively smooth pre-season THEN they didn't need a curveball just days out from tip-off, but that's what they got with the news Angus Glover has taken up a contract in Europe and will no longer be playing in NZ. The search for a replacement is on and all roads right now lead to former Southern Huskies big man Harry Froling, brother of 2024 Airs star Sam Froling.
PROPERTY BROKERS MANAWATU JETS
If you THINK the Jets were content with any part of their 1-19 season in 2024 THEN please get up and leave the room ... along with their former coach and a stack of players. The Jets are completely revamped and have reloaded with coach Tony Webster and the mercurial Corey Webster set to lead a new group of fighters into battle this season.
MILLS ALBERT WELLINGTON SAINTS
If you THINK the Saints love a bit of nostalgia and history THEN you might want to grab yourself one of their season 2025 singlets. As they continue to chase title number 13, the Saints also continue to be trendsetters on and off the court, and the trend this season is winding the clock back a few years with some slick threads.
NBS NELSON GIANTS
If you THINK the Giants might be a chance this season THEN they already have one big fan in their corner with Sky Sport commentator Justin Nelson tipping big things from Mike Fitchett and his team ... "I’m really high on the Giants this year and think they could be one of the teams to beat" ... then again, maybe it's just a case of the Nelsons sticking together !!!
WHEELER MOTOR COMPANY CANTERBURY RAMS
If you THINK the Rams are the team to beat this season THEN the whispers around the Westside Blitz suggest most people agree with you. The 2024 & 2025 champs will start the season as favourites, but of course a lot can happen between now and July 20. Loaded with a stacked roster, and arguably holding the best home-court advantage with their raucous fans, a Rams three-peat is there for the taking.
NIGHT 'N' DAY OTAGO NUGGETS
If you THINK the Nuggets were hoping to unearth a gun import THEN they look like they've found one in American Jose Perez, who had a green light at the Westside Blitz and didn't disappoint. While the Nuggets roster looks a little thinner for depth this time around, Perez is primed for a big season and looms as the talisman coach Mike Kelly was hoping for.
SOUTHLAND SHARKS
If you THINK the Sharks needed a boost after some lost years at sea THEN the return of Caleb Asberry might be just what the Shark Tank was after. In his last five games of season 2024, Asberry went for 25 points of more per game, including a 37-point haul against the Jets. Look for Asberry to do some real damage this season and keep his highlight reel ticking over.
