The Otago Nuggets tip off the National Basketball League season against the Wellington Saints at the Edgar Centre tonight. Jeff Cheshire looks at how the team is shaping up.
Three questions
- How will the imports go?
You never really know what you are going to get with your imports. Past imports have arrived and flourished. Others have flunked. Isaiah Moss comes with a big reputation and star power, while Geremy McKay is known for his high-energy and effort. Basketball ability is one thing — but being able to perform while living in a foreign country away from family can be another.
- Will the fans get out and support?
Basketball has grown a lot in New Zealand since the Nuggets last played in Dunedin. But much of that interest has come in the NBA, rather than the local game. Likewise, sporting crowds in general have declined over the past decade. In saying that, this is something local fans have been deprived of for seven years and that should generate some extra interest.
- Can the locals step up?
Josh Aitcheson and Richie Rodger both impressed at last year’s Showdown. However, both will probably need to take another step in the absence of the stars from last year. Sam Timmins returns to the team he last played for as a schoolboy. The centre was a handy role player while at college in the United States, although will be leaned on for more production with the Nuggets. If any of the other locals can take another step, that would be significant to this team’s chances.
Things they need to do
- Forget last year
This is not just a new season, it is a new group of players. The side benefited from last year’s draft, but its top four picks are all gone and Josh Aitcheson is the only returning starter. That is not to say they have not found useful replacements, but last year is irrelevant.
- Get scoring from multiple sources
This team will not lack for effort or energy. But it is not one packed with recognised scorers, aside from Isaiah Moss. He can only carry so much of the load though. If this team is to do well, it will need to get scoring across the board.
- Rebound
This team should be a good rebounding team. There is size and plenty of energy throughout. As much as filling your potential weaknesses is important, flourishing in what you are good at is equally important. Keeping opposition teams off the glass and maximising their chances in transition offence will be huge for this Nuggets side.
