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Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
No great surprise for tenth consecutive loss
And one more makes 10. The Otago Nuggets have slipped to a tenth consecutive loss in the National Basketball League this season. It is just outside their top five most barren runs in their history. The latest loss was no great surprise. They were up against the Wellington Saints (11-4) who are at the other end of the competition standings — the good end. The Saints were perhaps guilty of coasting along in patches. But they pulled away late to win 91-79. Nicholas Marshall (24 points, 7 rebounds) and Hyrum Harris (15 points, 13 rebounds) starred. Jordan Ngatai, who won a banner with the Nuggets in the 2020 Showdown, banged in 18 points. Nicholas Muszynski posted a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. For the Nuggets, Jaylen Sebree (22 points, 9 rebounds) and Jonathan Janssen (15 points, 6 rebounds) stood out on the statistics sheet. Caleb Smiler made a positive contribution from the bench. But import Don Carey jun had a cold shooting night, landing five from 16 from the field. Both teams struggled from range. But that was more costly for the Nuggets, who do not have a genuine big to mix it up in the paint. They were out rebounded 47-35 which is a big advantage to overcome. The Nuggets last win was against the Indian Panthers, who have since withdrawn from the league. That win has been subtracted from their total, leaving the team 2-12 for the season. It is not a good return considering they are fighting for their future. Their owners, SEN, have signalled they will pull out at the end of the campaign. Ngatai spun his way to the hoop in the opening seconds of the match to highlight how hard it would be for the Nuggets to get stops close to the rim. The Nugget's first play, by contrast, completely lacked direction and ended with Carey throwing up an air ball. It was not a good omen. Matthew Bardsley brought some early hustle for the Nuggets. But the Saints had no problem splitting the defence and started to take control late in the opening period. Marshall banged in a three to help them get in front 22-15. He got busy early in the second and the lead blew out to 12. The Nuggets were putting up some passive defence. Sebree connected from deep and Janssen muscled his way to the hoop for a brace of buckets. He has really lifted his game in recent weeks. The Nuggets got back to within three. It was a terrific rally, but the challenge faded in the second half of the period. Harris made some successful drives to the lid to give his side a 47-37 lead at halftime. Muszynski bullied an offensive rebound partway through the third and made the lay-up to give the Saints their equal biggest lead of the game — 14 points. Darcy Knox got to the hoop in his 100th game. But his side was stuck in catch-up mode and did not have the firepower to bridge the gap. They were down 71-58 with 10 minutes to go. The Nuggets surged again. Sebree hit a couple of lovely jumpers and Bardsley cut the lead to just three again when he slipped in under the hoop and got a cheap basket. They gave themselves a chance to win but the Saints had more composure in the final minute and iced the win. The Nuggets won the Rapid League game 31-30. NBL The scores Wellington Saints 91 Nicholas Marshall 24, Jordan Ngatai 18 Otago Nuggets 79 Jaylen Sebree 22, Jonathan Janssen 15 Quarter scores: 22-15, 47-37, 71-58, 91-79.
NZ Herald
26-05-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Tauranga's new sports centre hosts Foot Locker U20 basketball nationals
It brings together young talent from across the country – including Kiwis returning from overseas – and is free for the public to attend. Bethlehem Ward councillor Kevin Schuler, who helped officially open Haumaru earlier this month, said the tournament was a great opportunity for the city and community. 'National sporting events like this strengthen our community by providing opportunities for connection, participation, and inspiration, especially for our younger generations. 'Basketball continues to grow rapidly in Aotearoa, and hosting this national competition shows we're serious about being a city that supports youth development.' Schuler said hosting national sporting events also attracted visitors and wider economic benefits for Tauranga and helped raise their profile as a great host city. 'So it's a win-win for everyone. 'This new facility right in the heart of Tauranga is already proving its worth by being able to host this event and sets the stage for an exciting long weekend of sport. 'It really is going to be something special. We also encourage visitors who are here for the event to take time to enjoy everything our city has to offer.' Since 2009, the number of teams registered with the Tauranga City Basketball Association has nearly quadrupled from 228 to 812 in 2024. Tauranga City Basketball general manager Mark Rogers said demand for court space had surged alongside the sport's popularity. 'We've seen huge growth over the past decade. Numbers grew steadily until 2023, when a lack of space began to hold us back. 'The addition of the Haumaru facility to the council-owned network will open the door for further growth in the coming years.' The U20 Nationals are a key development event for players, referees and coaches across the country, and are gaining international recognition. The upcoming event will welcome 16 men's teams and eight women's teams from across New Zealand, all of whom have earned their place through regional qualifiers. Referees are also hand-picked for their performance as part of national development pathways. Many athletes who compete will go on to secure college scholarships in the USA or professional contracts in Australia's National Basketball League and Women's National Basketball League. Basketball New Zealand tournaments lead Jay Macdonald said there were about 150 New Zealanders on college basketball scholarships in the United States with the vast majority having played in the U20 Nationals in previous years. 'This year, some Tauranga players will be back from their college to represent Tauranga City Basketball Association.' Spectators who attend can expect fast-paced, high-quality basketball with many players coming from Sal's National Basketball League, G.J. Gardner Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, and US college teams.
Otago Daily Times
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Good effort not enough to end drought
"I think the game's about five minutes too long for us right now." That is the first thought that came to mind for Otago Nuggets coach Mike Kelly following his side's 98-92 loss to the Hawke's Bay Hawks in Dunedin on Saturday night. The Nuggets produced arguably their best effort at home since the narrow loss to the Auckland Tuatara in early April. They are on a nine-game losing streak in the National Basketball League but had an opportunity to break the drought. But the Hawks snatched the win in the final few minutes. They simply had more composure when it mattered the most. "The guys are playing really hard," Kelly said. "They're trying to play together, but we still have our patches of defence where we're not consistent." That has been a familiar theme for the Nuggets. They just have not been able to string stops together often enough. The Nuggets trailed by three points with two minutes remaining but they looked panicked and blundered a possible win away. But there were some promising signs that the next win might be drawing closer. Jonathan Janssen had a monster night. He battled his way to the hoop for 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Jaylen Sebree has his best game in the Nuggets' singlet. He collected 29 points and nine rebounds. But he blotted his copybook with an unprofessional technical foul. He got right in the face of a referee to argue about a call. Don Carey jun (21 points, six assists) burst into life in the second half. No-one else on the Nuggets' roster made much of a dent. "Jono did really well and we're going to need him to score like that. "And Jaylen as well, particularly in that first half." The Hawks spread the scoring more. Daniel Grida and Jackson Ball added 20 apiece, Luca Yates scored 19 and Campbell Scott and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk popped in 18 each. The Nuggets made a promising start. Sebree cut to the hoop and Janssen muscled his way there. Midway through the opening period they led 14-7. Grida is all hustle and he got the visitors going with some good work in the paint. Yates shunted his way to the rim for a bucket. But the Nuggets had the last say in the quarter, potting four free throws to take a 24-18 lead. Sebree connected with the first three of the game three minutes into the second period. Janssen followed his lead with a triple of his own. Moments later he wrestled an offensive, got the foul and added two from the stripe. Sebree drilled a deep three and floated in a mid-range shot to take his total into the 20s. The Nuggets had opened up a 17-point lead but most of it vanished. Ball iced a couple of triples and the Hawks scored 11 unanswered points to close out the half. That was a damaging stretch in the context of the game. Carey had a quiet half but landed a deep three when the Nuggets needed a basket. But Yates was getting some traction inside. He backed his way in, turned and popped in a lay-up to level the score. Scott hit a three and suddenly the Nuggets trailed by seven. All their labour was unravelling. They needed a strong finish to the quarter and they got it. Carey landed from beyond the arc and Patrick Freeman slapped away a shot. With 10 minutes remaining, the score was level 72-72. It all came down to that last 120 seconds. The Hawks nursed a small advantage but was enough to pressure their opponent into mistakes. The Hawks won the Rapid League game 42-31. NBL The scores Hawke's Bay Hawks 98 Daniel Grida 20, Jackson Bell 20 Otago Nuggets 92 Jonathan Janssen 33, Jaylen Sebree 29 Quarter scores: 24-18, 53-47, 72-72.
Otago Daily Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Nuggets fall short after big effort
''I think the game's about five minutes too long for us right now.'' That is the first thought that came to mind for Otago Nuggets coach Mike Kelly following his side's 98-92 loss to the Hawke's Bay Hawks in Dunedin on Saturday night. The Nuggets produced arguably their best effort at home since the narrow loss to the Auckland Tuatara in early April. They are on a nine-game losing streak in the National Basketball League but had an opportunity to break the drought. But the Hawks snatched the win in the final few minutes. They simply had more composure when it mattered the most. ''The guys are playing really hard,'' Kelly said. ''They're trying to play together, but we still have our patches of defence where we're not consistent.'' That has been a familiar theme for the Nuggets. They just have not been able to string stops together often enough. The Nuggets trailed by three points with two minutes remaining but they looked panicked and they blundered a possible win away. But there were some promising signs that the next win might be drawing closer. Jonathan Janssen had a monster night. He battled his way to the hoop for 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Jaylen Sebree has his best game in the Nuggets' singlet. He collected 29 points and nine rebounds. But he blotted his copybook with an unprofessional technical foul. He got right in the face of a referee to argue about a call. Don Carey jun (21 points, six assists) burst into life in the second half. No-one else on the Nuggets' roster made much of a dent. ''Jono did really well and we're going to need him to score like that. ''And Jaylen as well, particularly in that first half.'' The Hawks spread the scoring more. Daniel Grida and Jackson Ball added 20 apiece, Luca Yates scored 19 and Campbell Scott and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk popped in 18 each. The Nuggets made a promising start. Sebree cut to the hoop and Janssen muscled his way there. Midway through the opening period they led 14-7. Grida is all hustle and he got the visitors going with some good work in the paint. Yates shunted his way to the rim for a bucket. But the Nuggets had the last say in the quarter, potting four free throws to take a 24-18 lead. Sebree connected with the first three of the game three minutes into the second period. Janssen followed his lead with a triple of his own. Moments later he wrestled an offensive, got the foul and added two from the stripe. Sebree drilled a deep three and floated in a mid-range shot to take his total into the 20s. The Nuggets had opened up a 17-point lead but most of it vanished. Ball iced a couple of triples and the Hawks scored 11 unanswered points to close out the half. That was a damaging stretch in the context of the game. Carey had a quiet half but landed a deep three when the Nuggets needed a basket. But Yates was getting some traction inside. He backed his way in, turned and popped in a lay-up to level the score. Scott hit a three and suddenly the Nuggets trailed by seven All their endeavour was unravelling. They needed a strong finish to the quarter and they got. Carey landed from beyond the arc and Patrick Freeman slapped away a shot. With 10 minutes remaining, the score was level 72-72. It all came down to that last 120 seconds. The Hawks nursed a small advantage but was enough to pressure their opponent into mistakes. The Hawks won the Rapid League game 42-31. NBL The scores Hawke's Bay Hawks 98 (Daniel Grida 20, Jackson Bell 20) Otago Nuggets 92 (Jonathan Janssen 33, Jaylen Sebree 29) Quarter scores: 24-18, 53-47, 72-72, 98-92.
RNZ News
23-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Why the Indian Panthers' debut season ended in failure
Indian Panthers CEO Parveen Batish Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom Indian Panthers CEO Parveen Batish has blamed the franchise's inability to bring less than half of its Indian-based players to New Zealand as the main reason for withdrawing his team from the National Basketball League. Just three of the 10 Indian players initially named in the squad travelled to New Zealand, an outcome Batish blamed for the franchise's disastrous debut season. Batish withdrew the franchise from the tournament on Monday, acknowledging it was unable to meet the conditions laid down by the league to complete the season. The league accepted the Panthers' withdrawal from the competition subject to the finalisation of an agreement that ensured the franchise paid compensation for pulling the plug. The league also wanted the franchise to honour all outstanding payments to creditors, including players and staff. Batish vowed to compensate the league and pay all creditors, including players and staff, "in a short period of time". "[Even after what has happened] everyone involved understands the vision and the opportunity was great," Batish said. "Everyone has left on good terms." The Panthers' chief acknowledged that mistakes were made early in the launch. "We underestimated how difficult it would be to bring a team from a different country for five months to play here in New Zealand. Unfortunately, we ran into all sort of problems, including visa issues for Indian players," Batish said. "So, we decided the best thing would be to withdraw from the league so that the season can continue as in the past." Batish said the franchise's inability to bring over a full complement of players from India was primarily to blame for the debacle. "Our vision was to provide Indian basketball players an opportunity to play in a well-established league," he said. "[So] the first part, which we weren't able to fulfil, was to bring the right number of Indian players over to play in the league." The non-availability of Indian players due to their commitments with the Indian national basketball team also contributed to its woes, Batish said. "Because of this, we were over-reliant on New Zealand players, which was not something we wanted," he said. The team's debut season was fraught with challenges from the start. The team took the court without any of the Indian players initially named in the squad in its season opener against the Hawke's Bay Hawks, citing international commitments . Further disruption followed when head coach Miles Pearce resigned just two days before the Panthers' first home fixture. Tensions reached a boiling point at the end of April, when players refused to play against the Canterbury Rams in protest over delayed payments, prompting the match to be postponed . The franchise then shifted its base from Takanini to Pukekohe to save costs. The Panthers didn't win any of the nine league games they played, raising serious questions about performance. The National Basketball League suspended the Panthers on 1 May over allegations of non-payments. On 9 May, the league issued an ultimatum to the Panthers to satisfy a series of requirements within 10 days , with financial viability a key area of concern. That deadline expired on Monday, which was when the Panthers voluntarily withdrew from the competition. Batish, who spoke passionately about the Indian connection of the team at the season launch in March , apologised to the community for failing to see the season out. "Firstly, to the Indian community, thank you for your support. [In the short period] we have been here we have seen opportunities in basketball here. I encourage young players from the community to keep seeking those opportunities," Batish said. "Secondly, I am sorry [for what has happened] and that we couldn't compete for the whole season."
