Rams Production Line The Best In NZ
In the world of sport, teams are always pushing to be the best at something, hopefully everything, be it via wins and championships, management and event delivery, amongst so many other things ... and then you have the development of people. When it comes to developing basketball players the Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams are hands down the best in New Zealand right now. Sunday's big victory over the Mills & Albert Wellington Saints saw a Rams roster with six teenagers, and they all look like exciting prospects. Then you also had others who have either come through the 'Rams system' or spent considerable time in it - Taylor Britt, Max Darling, Kaia Isaac and Sam Smith. And let's not forget Walter Brown was out injured. It is an embarrassment of riches for the Rams, but it has come via a dedicated development programme (Mainland Eagles) and a commitment to supporting and nurturing local players. Without question, the Rams production line is the blueprint for every other team in the Sal's NBL.
Giants Cut Down To Size
One of this season’s most hyped pre-season teams was the NBS Nelson Giants, however four games in and it’s been a baron 0-4 start for coach Mike Fitchett and his team. Losses in week 3 to the Bulls and Tuatara have left the Giants as the only team alongside the fledgling Panthers without a win. While the Giants hit the season looking good on paper, out on the court the results haven't followed. And the road ahead doesn’t get an easier with games against the Steelformers Taranaki Airs (4th) and the Northern Group Tauranga Whai (1st). As their Final 6 aspirations already start to fade, the Giants need to get that opening win quickly.
Webster Jets Status Leads To Confusion
After a loss to the Nuggets in the first game of their Southern Swing, the Property Brokers Manawatu Jets became the centre of attention when they announced star guard Corey Webster had not been selected for the team’s next game in Southland against the Sharks. As it turns out, Webster was unavailable due to pre-planned personal commitments. The Jets promptly fixed the error on their Player Status Report (PSR) and stopped the obvious question of what had led to Webster’s non selection? In the end, without Webster, the Jets beat the Sharks 88-85 with Dontae Russo-Nance starring (35 points).
Airs Big Decision Paying Off
The recruitment of bigs Harry Froling and Jack Andrew to start and play alongside star forward Carlin Davison is working for the Airs, making them a formidable team to beat off the glass and around the rim. The Airs rank first in the League for total rebounds, defensive rebounds, offensive rebounds, second-chance points, points in the paint and free throw attempts per game. This is a team dominating the key and it could be the magic ingredient that takes them all the way to a first ever championship. Watch this space.
The Loe-Down On Big Rob
In a crunch game against the also-winless Giants, the Jadcup Auckland Tuatara welcomed back star big man Rob Loe and immediately enjoyed the benefits of having his presence inside the paint and around the rim. Going into the game, the Tuatara had the third worst scoring differential in the competition (-14.67), with only the Sharks and Panthers sitting behind them. Insert Loe and not only did the Tuatara grab their first win of the season (and Cam Gliddon's firs win as a coach), but they also enjoyed a rare win on the boards (41-37) where they were previously had the second worst rebounding margin in the competition (-5.67). Good to have the big fella back!
Believe In The Whai
Who would have thought ... three weeks into the season and the Whai sit atop the ladder with a 4-1 record and the second-best points percentage in the competition. Second year coach Matt Lacey has his team delivering a relentless and disciplined game plan, and though they rank in the bottom half for offence, they are leading the League in defense. With a mix of experience and quickly rising youth, the Whai have executed a dream start and could find themselves as a genuine championship threat if their winning form continues. Upcoming games against a full-strength Hawks and desperate Giants will tell us a fair bit about this emerging Whai team.
Cameo Awards
Each week we acknowledge the best off-the-bench performances. Here's this week's Cameo Awards:
