Otago Nuggets shooting guard Michael Harris soars towards the hoop during an NBL game against the Franklin Bulls at the Edgar Centre earlier this month. Bulls forward Isaac Davidson does his best to protect the rim. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSHThe Otago Nuggets’ campaign came to an end in a high-scoring semifinal against the Canterbury Rams. But what a season. Adrian Seconi looks over the highlight reel. Record Played 19, won 12, lost 7. Best game The road wins over the Auckland Tuatara and the Franklin Bulls were simply outstanding. But the most important win had to be the 101-85 victory over the Wellington Saints in the capital. The Nuggets were on their knees that week. They had suffered a big loss to the Southland Sharks on the Monday, fell 99-94 to the Manawatū Jets on Thursday, and were distant outsiders to beat the Saints the next night. But they bombed their way to victory. Todd Withers drilled seven three-pointers and Michael Harris was one behind with six. Worst game The Nuggets limped along without a starting point guard for a period. It was during that stretch they ran into a red-hot Sharks team in Invercargill. The home team nailed 19 three-pointers on their way to a savage 116-79 win. The 37-point flogging was the Nuggets’ eighth-heaviest loss in their history. Game highs 39 points — McLaughlin 14 rebounds — Sam Timmins 9 assists — McLaughlin/Tai Webster 5 steals — Timmins/Withers 4 blocks — Timmins Season totals 424 points — Harris 152 rebounds — Timmins 57 assists — McLaughlin 40 steals — Withers 22 blocks — Withers Stats incredible The Nuggets started the season with a 7-0 run and stretched their NBL winning run to 12 games, a franchise record. Actual (NBL) awards - Withers’ ability to hit three downs the stretch and defend one through to five got him into the all-star five. - Nuggets boss Angela Ruske was named general manager of the year. She was awfully humble about it all. But any Otago basketball fan can tell you how instrumental she was in keeping the spark glowing during the five seasons the team spent out of the league. - The Nuggets were also named club of the year. A lot of that is down to you. You turned up to the games in big numbers and made game day a lot of fun. Made up (ODT) awards Player of the year — Harris had good and bad shooting nights but always found a way to impact the game. Ghosted past countless defenders with his wonderful turn of pace. Most improved — Robbie Coman began the season in the starting five. His playing minutes evaporated when there were some personnel changes. But he showed he could compete at the top level and played a important role during the Nuggets’ 7-0 start to the season. Unsung hero — Matt Bardlsey is the king of hustle. He brought a spark every time he got off the bench.
