Nuggets still boast a competitive edge

PHOTO: ODT Files
PHOTO: ODT Files
After 2188 days, the wait is over.

The Otago Nuggets will take the court tonight for the first time since 2014.

But ambition has not waned in that absence.

When they begin their national basketball league showdown campaign against the Manawatu Jets in Auckland tonight, they will enter with high expectations.

"I don’t want to lose. Nobody wants to lose. I don’t want to lose a game of horse," Nuggets head coach Brent Matehaere said.

"If they’re going to keep a score I don’t want to be on the back end of it. That’s the big goal.

"Small goals are ensuring we do the best we possibly can in every moment.

"If it comes out we get the trophy, or if we just do a fantastic job of building a great culture, they’re all wins."

He was happy with how the side had come together. Its six Dunedin-based players had linked with those from around the country in Auckland on Friday.

While they had attempted to do as much as possible by distance, it had been good to get out on court together.

The side had a few trainings, before emerging a narrow victor against the Taranaki Mountainairs in a pre-season game on Sunday.

"It was pretty close all the way through.

"Both teams were just getting a run for it and seeing how it all feels.

"I think from the score we may have been just ahead.

"It was more about getting people on the floor, getting through some actions and making sure we could see what we were going to get out of our players."

The side was led by a classy duo in forward Jordan Ngatai and point guard Jarrod Kenny. Potentially the two best players in the league, both bring experience and star power to a young side.

Matehaere said they had been "consummate professionals" and had been great for the rest of the players to learn from.

The third and fourth draft picks, Jordan Hunt and Kane Keil, will both likely have key roles, as will the next four picks — local quartet Josh Aitcheson, Benoit Hayman, Darcy Knox and Richie Rodger.

All have impressed, and while having been involved in past Nuggets squads, they were too young to make meaningful impacts last time the team was around.

Matehaere said all were looking forward to the opportunity, although not getting over-excited was important.

"It’s probably more about controlling their excitement, really.

"As you can imagine, if you don’t get much pavlova for a while, when it comes Christmas time you are looking forward to it.

"So we’re certainly looking forward to getting a taste of the pavlova."

Following tonight’s match, the Nuggets will back up tomorrow against the Nelson Giants.

Both tip-off at 5.30pm.

 

The lowdown

3 key players
Jordan Ngatai
The No 1 pick in the draft, a Breaker and a Tall Black. A 1.96m forward, Ngatai brings versatility, star-power and experience.
Jarrod Kenny
A point guard with plenty of high level experience, Kenny is a lockdown defender and fantastic facilitator.
Josh Aitcheson
One of several talented Otago products getting a Nuggets opportunity. A 1.93m swingman, he brings a well-rounded skill set and is capable of filling multiple roles.
 
3 things they need to do well
Transition
Getting up and down the court is key for any team. For a small team it is doubly important. The Nuggets have plenty of transition threats and keeping a fast tempo will allow them to excel. 
Rebound
Rebounding is tough when you give up size to your opponent. That makes it even more important. It is tough to win without the ball and finding a way to limit the damage against the bigger sides will be key.
Show their depth
Basketball glorifies its stars. They have two of those in Ngatai and Kenny. But it will be how well its next five or six players perform that will determine the success of this team.
 
 

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