Top-level basketball returns to Dunedin tomorrow.
The Southland Sharks will be in town and are set to play an Otago men’s team at the Edgar Centre in preparation for the upcoming NBL season. It will be the Sharks’ second game in as many days, with a game against the Canterbury Rams scheduled for tonight in Oamaru.
Coached by Brent Matehaere and Greg Brockbank, Otago is putting out a young roster. Only James Ross and Matt Gillan have NBL experience, while a handful of others have been involved in the Nuggets training squad in 2014. The team has been together for three weeks, although Matehaere is hopeful it can put on a good showing.
"Obviously we haven’t had a whole lot of runs together, but I’d imagine that’s the same for everyone at this time of year.
"It’s not like we’ve got contracted players. So guys are fronting up just basically to test themselves against a franchise team from the NBL, who will have some significant names on their roster. That will certainly pose a few challenges."
He was happy with the Otago squad, although acknowledged the lack of height and experience. A handful of top club players were unavailable due to injury and religious reasons. However, the side still boasted some talented youngsters, including Junior Tall Black Josh Aitcheson.
"A lot will rest on the shoulders of players like James Ross and Matt Gillan. Those guys have a lot of experience in the national league. We’ll be looking for them to take a leading role in terms of settling the team down and making sure we run through the stuff that we have got in place."
He expected the Sharks to bring a quality line-up, although it would not be at full strength. Imports Mitch Norton and Nick Kay were playing with the Perth Wildcats in the Australian NBL finals, and Alex Pledger and Reuben Te Rangi would be linking with the team in Dunedin but were doubtful to play. The team would include Duane Bailey and Derone Raukawa, as well as former Otago players Luke Aston and Olly Smith. With Breakers assistant coach Judd Flavell in charge, Matehaere was expecting to see the Sharks bring a similar approach to the Auckland-based Australian NBL franchise.
With Dunedin having had no NBL team since 2014, the game looks to be a step in the right direction to bringing top-level basketball back to the city.
Tip-off is at 4pm and will be on court six, due to the main arena being booked by a home show. Temporary seating will be in place and entry is free.
Otago v Southland Sharks
Edgar Centre, tomorrow, 4pm
Otago: James Ross, Matt Gillan, Benoit Hayman, Darcy Knox, Matt Dukes, Alex Yarnall, Matthew Bazsika, Liam Aston, Paul Won, Josh Aitcheson, Aaron Roydhouse, Hamish Robertson, Taiaroa Porima-Flavell.
Southland Sharks: Luke Aston, Reuben Te Rangi*, Duane Bailey, Derone Raukawa, Tom Cowie, Connor Coll, Olly Smith, Andrew Wheeler, Jordan Murphy, James Hunter, Alex Pledger.* May not play.
