Former Tall Black BJ Anthony has set an impressive benchmark in his debut for the Otago Nuggets.
The power forward guided the Nuggets to a 96-84 win against the Southland Sharks in a warm-up game in Gore on Saturday.
He scored 33 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and added seven blocks, five steals and four assists in an outstanding individual performance coach Alf Arlidge described as ''really, really good''.
''I've never seen him in such good shape or as confident. He was really good at guarding the ball. He guarded a guy who was a lot taller than him but he did really well on the post and out-rebounded him.''
The teams were level (43-43) at halftime and the home side led by one point with 10 minutes remaining. But the Nuggets won the last quarter 34-21 to seal the win.
''I was really pleased with how we played. We were a little rusty but it was the first time BJ had suited up and that we've had Hayden Allen on board. So I thought we played well as a team, considering,'' Arlidge said.
''Luke Aston hit a three on the buzzer to tie it up at halftime. And we got a few fast breaks in the second half and rebounded really well in the last quarter and just pulled away.''
Both sides were missing some key personnel. The Nuggets were without American centre Antoine Tisby, who is expected to arrive in Dunedin later this week. The captain, Mark Dickel, was also absent. He picked up a stomach bug which meant Brendon Polyblank was forced to play, despite carrying a minor ankle injury.
The Sharks had both their imports on the court but were missing Breakers threesome Leon Henry, Reuben Te Rangi and Morgan Natanahira, as well as experienced guard Luke Martin.
The Nuggets open their campaign against the Waitakere Rangers at the Edgar Centre this Saturday.
Arlidge still hopes American Akeem Wright will return for a second stint. Financial barriers could prevent the swingman's return but the board will decide early this week whether to run the risk and take a punt on improved crowds to offset any potential budget shortfall.
