Issue 52 - June 2012

Hi from the Front Desk In this Issue

Welcome to the June edition of the New • Newcomers Named in Tall Blacks Zealand Newsletter . • Tall Ferns Tour of China

We are less than two months away from the 2012 London • Pirates are the 2012 NBL Champions Olympics and we wish the Tall Ferns and Tall Blacks the • 2012 NBL Awards very best as they are preparing for their respective Olympic • Notices Qualifying tournaments. • Under 21 National Championships The Tall Ferns have just finished up in China playing a prep- • Under 19 National Championships aration tournament, before they travel to Ankara, Turkey to • Under 17 National Championships play in the 2012 FIBA Women’s OQT , which begins on June 25th. • Upcoming Tournaments

The Tall Blacks will contest the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas, Venezuela, from July 2-8, hoping to snatch one of three spots still available at the London Olympics .

With the loss the of Tall Blacks , Thomas Abercrombie and Benny Anthony through injury, Tall Blacks Head Coach Nenad Vucinic has selected four new caps for the upcoming tournament.

Congratulations to the Pirates who are the 2012 Bartercard NBL Champions , preventing the Upcoming Events Saints from a historic three feat. • WBC Nelson Tournament (June 22-24) was named Finals Most Valuable Player for • Fiba Womens Olympic Qualifier (June 26- July 1) his performance in the Pirates semi final and final. • Fiba Under 17 Mens Championships (June 28) • Fiba Mens Olympic Qualifier (June 29-July 8) On behalf of Basketball New Zealand, thank you to all those • Under 13 Premierships (July 6-8) who attended our recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) • Under 15 Premierships (July 13-15) and Member’s Forum (All of Basketball Pathway Plan) on • the 9th June, 2012 at the Mercure, Wellington. We value the WBC Hutt Valley Tournament (July 20-22) • time and commitment you made to join us in overseeing the London Olympics (July 27-August 12) • growth and future development of our game within New Open Premierships (August 10-12) Zealand.

Following the 2012 AGM, BBNZ will conduct a consultation process with the Basketball community to test the solutions proposed within the overall plan and to in the finalisation of the Implementation Plan.

If you wish to provide feedback, please submit a written sub- mission by the 15th July, 2012 to the following email address – [email protected] .

Wishing you all the best,

The team at Basketball New Zealand Issue 52 - June 2012

Newcomers named in Tall Blacks who kept him out of the team,” says Vucinic. “It’s really pleasing for us coaches that he’ll be there.” Four players will make their Tall Blacks debuts as the roster Everard Bartlett is another who’s been close to making the to contest next month’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tall Blacks for several seasons and showed dramatic Tournament in Venezuela has been determined by attrition. improvement in the Australian NBL over the past 18 months.

When forward withdrew to prepare for his “Everard is still a young player and this is another level up, upcoming scholarship at University of Hawaii, coach Nenad but he should feel confident that he belongs here.” Vucinic was left with just 12 candidates for 12 spots and no decisions left to make. In the end, the biggest decision Vucinic, along with assistant coaches and , had to make The team departs for Australia on Wednesday and Vucinic was who should fill the one naturalised spot available on the must now hope there are no more injuries or withdrawals roster. That position has gone to incumbent , before then. who beat out the challenges of guard and forward Marcel Jones . “It hasn’t been an ideal process,” he admits. “We started with 24 players on our list, but we’ve had so many injuries this Braswell, a former Breakers import, never really got the year and unavailability, there weren’t really too many guys to opportunity to push his case after he was unable to secure pick from. NZ citizenship in time.

“That’s unfortunate, but I’m still looking forward to this trip Although Jones, a small forward with the , and the guys are very motivated.” was sworn in by the Department of Internal Affairs on Thursday, Vucinic has decided he needs Frank’s experience All four debutants are among guards, where the Tall Blacks more. have lost , Mike Fitchett , Kirk Penney and Co- rey Webster from last year’s squad. “Casey has been with us for some time and knows what we need,” says Vucinic. “We have some very promising, big Teenager , viewed as more of a long-term Kiwis coming through, but they are a little short of prospect when the selection process began, will enter experience right now – Casey gives us that.” international basketball in similar circumstances to older brother Corey four years ago. Frank arrived in New Zealand 10 years ago as an import for the and has stayed ever since. He made his He turned 17 just a few days ago, making him one of the Tall Blacks debut in 2005 and gained his citizenship in time youngest ever selected for the Tall Blacks, and was a for the Melbourne the following year. member of the New Zealand team that won the inaugural FIBA 3x3 Youth World Championship in Italy last year. The 2012 Tall Blacks team are: (Auckland Pirates), Josh Bloxham (Nelson NZ Breakers development player Josh Bloxham (22) will get Giants), Everard Bartlett (Bay Hawks), Casey Frank to show what he’s learned during the franchise’s two (), (), Jarrod championship seasons. Kenny (Bay Hawks), (St Louis University, US), Alex Pledger (Auckland Pirates), (Auckland Pi- “Initially, we probably didn’t intend to go this deep, but with all rates), (Manawatu Jets), the injuries, they have their chance,” says Vucinic. “We’re (), Tai Webster (Auckland Pirates) very pleased with what Tai showed us during the trials and would have gone close even if there had been more players They will contest the OQT in Caracas from July 2-8, hoping – I believe you always have to have players for experience to earn one of three spots still remaining in the men’s draw and the future.” at London. New Zealand faces Macedonia and Angola in pool play. After more than a decade on the fringe, veteran Hayden Allen (32) will finally follow father Glen into the national team. The Tall Blacks players and staff will be available for media Allen’s promotion comes less than a year after surviving a interviews this afternoon. Practice is scheduled for 11-2pm near-fatal car accident. and media are welcome to attend from 1.30pm.

“Hayden has been one of the unluckiest players in terms of To confirm attendance, please contact Tall Blacks media selection, because he was always playing behind great manager Grant Chapman by return email or mobile 027 687 players like Kirk Penney and , 5373. Issue 52 - June 2012

Tall Ferns Tour of China

The NZ Tall Ferns have just finished their tour of China where they played against China , Angola and the Australian Emerging Opals .

The national women’s basketball arrived at Suzhou City, less than 24 hours before their first game which would be against hosts China.

Despite the misadventures, caused by weather delays, they proved more than competitive with the world’s seventh- ranked team, nine spots higher than the Kiwis, falling just short 73-79.

Guard scored 16 points to lead the Ferns. (—Photosport)

Next up for the Tall Ferns would be the competitive The Ferns would have a 55-51 lead against China in the Australian Emerging Opals, who led by as many as 19 in the final quarter, but were not able to close out the game losing first half to edge out the Ferns 72-64. 73-75.

“Tonight was a real wake-up call for the team,” reflected The Chinese took advantage of generous hometown Head Coach Kennedy Kereama , who was video analyst at officiating – they shot 29 free throws to the Ferns’ 11 – to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. “Once again, the possession edge ahead down the stretch. At one point, the Kiwis in- game let us down and we allowed 15 offensive rebounds. curred seven consecutive fouls.

The conversion rate for those second chances would have “In the dying moments, we had a shot to put the game into been at least 80% and they also out-rebounded us 47-34, overtime and had an uncontested look, clearly showing us we have some improvements to make in but was fouled from behind on an obvious call that was this area.” missed by the baseline official,” lamented Kereama, clearly frustrated. Captain Natalie Taylor led her team with 16 points, a tally matched by forward Jillian Harmon and Cocks, although “I’d love the opportunity to play China in New Zealand, Taylor achieved hers far more effciently. Harmon also added where they won’t have the home court advantage. We 10 rebounds for a double double. played a great game of basketball and although the officials didn’t miss the number of layups and shots we had through- The Tall Ferns put their Olympic campaign back on track out the game, they certainly contributed to the amount of with a 68-58 victory over African champions Angola at Su- free-throw shooting opportunities that China had.” zhou, China. Cocks again led her team with 27 points, while Harmon had Trailing by 12 points at halftime, the Ferns seized momentum 20 points. after the restart, outscoring their rivals 22-7 in the third quarter and 42-20 over the second half. The Ferns bounced back from the disappointment of defeat and gained a measure of revenge with a 67-64 win over “Once again, we got off to a slow start, but after a change-up Australia’s Emerging Opals at Changzhou, China. in defence, we forced them to turn the ball over a considerable amount of times,” said Kereama. “We forced “Our mental toughness was tested tonight by a young and them into taking shots as the shot clock wound down and talented Australian team that all play professionally in their managed to only give them six offensive rebounds, limiting WNBL,” observed Kereama. “I thought we did well to their second-chance opportunities.” bounce back after investing so much emotional energy against China. Offensively, Taylor led her team with 19 points and Cocks had 13. Later this month, the Tall Ferns head to Ankara , Turkey , for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament , hoping to After the victory the Ferns traveled to Changzhou where they snatch one of five remaining spots in the women’s draw at would play China and the Emerging Opals again. London. Issue 52 - June 2012

Pirates are the 2012 NBL Champions 2012 NBL Awards

Most Valuable Player (Telecom Business Hub Jets)

NZ Most Valuable Player Nick Horvath (Telecom Business Hub Jets)

Regular Season Winners HBS Bank Hawks (13-3)

Keith Carr Trophy – Most Outstanding Guard Lindsay Tait (James Blond Pirates)

John Macdonald Trophy – Most Outstanding NZ Guard Lindsay Tait (James Blond Pirates)

Commissioners Cup – Most Outstanding Forward Nick Horvath (Telecom Business Hub Jets)

The Auckland Pirates have denied the Wellington Saints a Stan Hill Trophy – Most Outstanding NZ Foward/Center rare National Basketball League three-peat, with Lindsay Nick Horvath (Telecom Business Hub Jets) Tait celebrating a personal three-peat with the 89-83 win. Garry Pettis Memorial Trophy – Leading Individual Centre Alex Pledger overcame first half foul trouble to score Rebounder a team-high 20 points, along with nine rebounds, while Ron Nick Horvath (15.8) (Telecom Business Hub Jets) Dorsey finished with 18 points and Ismail Muhammad 16 points as the Pirates edged the two-time defending Dave Taylor Trophy – Leading Assists champion Saints on their home floor in the championship (8.7) (Wellington Saints) game at TSB Bank Arena tonight. Leading Scorer The Pirates become the third Auckland franchise to win an (23.0) (Telecom Business Hub Jets) NBL title, following on from Auckland in 1982-83 and the Auckland Stars in 1995-97, 1999-2000, 2004-05. All Star Five Lindsay Tait (James Blond Pirates) Up seven points entering the fourth quarter, the Pirates were Josh Pace (Telecom Business Hub Jets) able to keep the Saints at arm's length throughout the final (HBS Bank Hawks) 10 minutes. Nick Horvath (Telecom Business Hub Jets) Antoine Tisby (OceanaGold Nuggets) Outside of their big three, point guard Tait had 14 points in winning his sixth NBL title and third straight after featuring Rookie of the Year with the Saints the previous two seasons. Hayden Allen add- (LZ ) ed 12 points, including a big three with 4:50 to play which stretched the lead to eight points. Coach of the Year Paul Henare (HBS Bank Hawks) It is the ninth NBL championship for Pirates forward , while it is the third for veteran forward Daryl Administrator of the Year Cartwright , who started the season as the assistant coach, Don Jeffries (Waikato) and was head coach Judd Flavell's first title as a player or coach. Media Award Pete McNae (Nelson Mail) Auckland Pirates 89 (Alex Pledger 20) Best FT% Wellington Saints 83 (Ernest Scott 28) HBS Bank Hawks (72.2%)

Scott Preston—Stuff Referee of the Year Melony Wealleans (Wellington) Issue 52 - June 2012

FIBA launches revolutionary digital platform 3x3plan- et.com

FIBA has recently launched www.3x3planet.com , the revo- lutionary community website and individual world- wide ranking system for players and tournament organis- ers.

Once players have registered and created a personalised profile on 3x3planet.com, they can connect and communicate with other 3x3 users, find team mates and opponents, locate and sign up to a large number of available tournaments, collecting ranking points every time they play.

In addition to 3x3planet.com and the 3x3planet Event Maker, FIBA is set to unveil the 3x3planet mobile App later this summer, allowing players to record results and score ranking points from pick-up games (informal or friendly games that do not belong to a formal tournament).

FIBA Secretary General and IOC Member Patrick Bau- mann said: "The launch of 3x3planet.com represents a major milestone in the development of 3x3 basketball. It makes organising and playing basketball more simple and accessible, giving millions of orphaned players the oppor- tunity to be part of a worldwide community. 3x3planet.com is the Facebook of basketball and much more; it's something every 3x3 player needs to be a part Basketball New Zealand in conjunction with Porirua of." Basketball Association has been allocated the 2012 FI- BA Oceania U19 Championship for Men and Women . About FIBA and 3x3 basketball The Championship will be played at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua from September 20-22. Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 basketball is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide. Endorsed Be courtside when the Junior Tall Blacks and Junior Tall by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on Ferns battle against Australia in a 3 game series for the a standard half-court. right to compete in the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship. It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Help support the teams by purchasing a corporate table. Singapore, while the first-ever FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cham- The tables will be colour coded to show the country you are pionships were held in Rimini, Italy in September 2011. supporting (Black or Gold):

• The FIBA 3x3 World Tour will see men's teams from Seating for 8 people • around the world qualify for Masters tournaments in some All courtside of the world's most cosmopolitan cities with the best teams • Beverages – including non-alcoholic qualifying for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final. The FIBA 3x3 • Food World Championships for Men, Women and U18s are na- • Cost: $1,1500 incl. GST tional team competitions that determine the best 3x3 nation • Covers 3 nights each featuring two games for each respective category. For further information about 3x3 basketball, please visit General admission tickets can be purchased through Ticket www..com/3x3 , http://twitter.com/3x3planet and Direct on www.ticketdirect.co.nz or at Te Rauparaha Are- http://youtube.com/3x3planet or contact [email protected] . na:

Day Ticket Child $6 Adult $11 Family $11** 3-Day Pass Child $11 Adult $21 Family $21** Issue 52 - June 2012

Notices Notices

Flavell Bill Dear Member Associations As most are aware the Gambling (Gambling Harm Reduc- tion) Amendment Bill (Flavell Bill) has been referred to the An unfortunate incident occurred at our U20s men’s train- Commerce Select Committee for consideration. The bill ing camp in Auckland during March 2012. The incident proposes to change a number of things about the way involved one of our former assistant coaches, Neil Ste- gaming operations are run; which have serious implications phens grabbing hold of one of our youth representative for those who run gaming operations and community players in an unwelcomed and threatening manner. BBNZ groups who rely heavily on gaming grants. has investigated the incident and concluded that the seri- ousness of what took place requires the matter to be raised Our position on the matter is subjective to our sport and with the NZ Police. This is not a step that has been taken community, as we do support some aspects of proposed lightly. I have accordingly written to the NZ Police and changes in the bill regarding initiatives to prevent or reduce raised a complaint of common assault. harm by gambling. However there are some proposed changes that could significantly impact our sport Violence of any form has no place in our sport. The par- nationwide within our communities that will limit the contin- ents and families of our players and the players them- ued provision of opportunities for participation in amateur selves, have every right and reasonable expectation that sporting activities in communities. basketball is a safe sport and that the environment BBNZ creates at its events is free from any sort of physical con- As a National Sporting Organisation (NSO) we have tact or violence. BBNZ is committed to ensuring that the submitted a unified petition in conjunction with other NSOs values of good sportsmanship are completely maintained represented by the National Sports Organisations Leader- at all times to ensure that all participants in our sport can ship Group. If you have benefited from a gaming grant in enjoy our game so that it encourages and facilitates good the past, or hope to do so in future, please consider sportsmanship.” making a committee submission on this issue by the 21 June . You may also like to encourage others to support our existing pub funding model.

More information on the bill and how to make a submission please follow the link below http://www.flavellsbill.co.nz/index.html

Issue 52 - June 2012

NZ U21 Mens Championships NZ U21 Womens Championships

(Wellington Under 21 Mens—Photosport)

At Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua (May 16-19) At Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua (May 16-19)

Placings Placings

1. Wellington 1. Harbour 2. Harbour 2. Porirua 3. Canterbury 3. Hutt Valley 4. Hutt Valley 4. Waikato 5. Waitakere West 5. Canterbury 6. Porirua 6. Rotorua 7. Counties Manakau 7. Counties Manakau 8. Waikato 8. Wellington 9. Hawkes Bay 10. New Plymouth 11. Auckland

Final Final Wellington 84 Harbour 78 Harbour 81 Porirua 72

Tournament Team Tournament Team Steve Adams (Wellington), Issac Fotu (Harbour), Victor Gabriella Adams (Rotorua), Stella Beck (Hutt Valley), Groom (Wellington), Michael Karena (Waitakere West), Laykin Bishop-Paenga(Porirua), Brooke Blair (Harbour), Dyson King-Hawea (Waikato), Kiki Kiriau (Wellington), Deena Franklin(Harbour), Jaylen-Rose Hawea Stefan Mandic (Harbour), (Porirua), (Waikato), Milomilo Nanai Hutt Valley), Josie Stockill (Canterbury), Harris Stephen (Hutt Val- (Porirua), Shanice Swain (Porirua), Hope Thompson ley) (Harbour)

Most Valuable Player Most Valuable Player Steve Adams (Wellington) Deena Franklin (Harbour)

Issue 52 - June 2012

NZ U19 Mens Championships NZ U19 Womens Championships

At Edgar Centre, Dunedin (June 1-4) At Edgar Centre, Dunedin (June 1-4)

Placings Placings

1. Waitakere West Premiers 1. Waikato 2. Harbour 2. Waitakere West 3. Nelson 3. Harbour 4. Canterbury 4. New Plymouth 5. Wellington 5. Buller 6. New Plymouth 6. Porirua 7. Hutt Valley 7. Canterbury 8. Waikato 8. Palmerston North 9. Otago 9. Otago 10. Waitakere West A 11. North Canterbury 12. Counties Manukau

Final Final Waitakere West Prems 90 (Derone Raukawa 21) Waitakere West 42 (Te Oramae Soloman 14) Harbour 89 (Tai Webster 42) Waikato 55 (Jaylen-Rose Hawea 14)

Tournament Team Tournament Team Tim Apisai (Waitakere West Premiers), Nico Buckrell Penina Davidson (Waitakere West), Deena Franklin Hutt Valley), Finn Delaney (Nelson), Ethan Flintoff (Harbour), Jaylen-Rose Hawea (Waikato), Monique (Waikato), Jozef Knottenbelt (Canterbury), Derone Rau- Hornby (New Plymouth), Breana Jones (Waikato), Ke- kawa (Waitakere West Premiers), Tohi Smith-Milner ziah-Brittany Lewis (Waitakere West), Ellie Ngatai (Waitakere West Premiers), Reuben Te Rangi (Buller), Te Oramae Solomon (Waitakere West), Rhaiah (Harbour), (Wellington), Tai Webster Spooner-Knight (Waikato), Jaycin Tini (Harbour) (Harbour) Most Valuable Player Most Valuable Player Jaylen-Rose Hawea (Waikato) Tim Apisai (Waitakere West Premiers)

Issue 52 - June 2012

NZ U17 Mens Championships NZ U17 Womens Championships

At TECT Arena, Tauranga (June 1-4) At TECT Arena, Tauranga (June 1-4)

Final Final

Waikato 59 (Jethro Taylor 14) Harbour 67 (Georgia Perrott-Hunt 19) Harbour 89 (Jaylen Gerrand 19) Hawkes Bay 57 (Aaliyah Ah-Khong 24)

Final Placings Final Placings

1. Harbour 1. Harbour 2. Waikato 2. Hawkes Bay 3. Rotorua 3. Waitakere West 4. Auckland A 4. New Plymouth 5. Waitakere West Premiers 5. Canterbury 6. Canterbury 6. Waikato 7. Otago Blue 7. Counties Manukau 8. Hawke’s Bay 8. Nelson 9. Nelson 9. Rotorua 10. New Plymouth 10. Tauranga City 11. Tauranga City 11. Ngati Porou 12. Otago Yellow 12. Hutt Valley 13. Wellington 13. Wellington 14. Palmerston North 14. Taranaki Country 15. Auckland Development 15. Otago 16. Counties Manukau 16. Auckland

Tournament Team Tournament Team

Doven Barlow (Waikato), Jayden Bezzant (Waikato), Wuanyei Ah-Hing (Waitakere West), Aahliyah Ah-Kiong Denhym Brooke (Harbour), Geronimo Doyle (Waitakere (Hawkes Bay), Olivia Berry (Harbour), Tessa Boagni West), Jaylen Gerrand (Harbour), Hyrum Harris (Canterbury), Gabriella Fotu (Harbour), Bronwyn (Rotorua), Joseph Kang (Auckland), Ihaka Pink Kjestrup (Harbour), Krystal Leger-Walker (Waikato), (Canterbury), (Harbour), Luuk Witteveen Kayla Manuirirangi (New Plymouth), Hynda Tonga (Harbour) (Hawkes Bay), Maia Wilson (Waitakere West)

Most Valuable Player Most Valuable Player

Jaylen Gerrand (Harbour) Aahliyah Ah-Kiong (Hawkes Bay)

Issue 52 - June 2012

Upcoming Tournaments

ONLINE ENTRY, U13 HOST DATE CITY ROSTER, PREMIERSHIPS ASSOCIATION PAYMENT DUE (5 WEEKS) Te Tai Tokerau Basketball July 6-8 U13 Premierships Zone 1 Whangarei Wednesday, May 30 Association Rotorua Basketball July 6-8 U13 Premierships Zone 2 Rotorua Wednesday, May 30 Association New Plymouth Basketball July 6-8 U13 Premierships Zone 3 New Plymouth Wednesday, May 30 Association Nelson Basketball July 6-8 U13 Premierships Zone 4 Nelson Wednesday, May 30 Association U15 HOST ONLINE ENTRY, ROSTER, DATE CITY PREMIERSHIPS ASSOCIATION PAYMENT DUE (5 WEEKS) July 13-15 U15 Premierships Zone 1 Auckland Basketball Auckland Wednesday, June 6 Tauranga City Basketball July 13-15 U15 Premierships Zone 2 Tauranga Wednesday, June 6 Association Basketball July 13-15 U15 Premierships Zone 3 Napier Wednesday, June 6 Hawkes Bay Nelson Basketball July 13-15 U15 Premierships Zone 4 Nelson Wednesday, June 6 Association OPEN HOST ONLINE ENTRY, ROSTER, DATE CITY PREMIERSHIPS ASSOCIATION PAYMENT DUE (5 WEEKS) Opens Premierships Zone Te Tai Tokerau Basketball August 10-12 Whangarei Wednesday, July 4 1 Association Opens Premierships Zone Tauranga City Basketball August 10-12 Tauranga Wednesday, July 4 2 Association Opens Premierships Zone Porirua Basketball August 10-12 Porirua Wednesday, July 4 3 Association Opens Premierships Zone Marlborough Basketball August 10-12 Blenheim Wednesday, July 4 4 Association JUNIOR HOST ONLINE ENTRY, ROSTER, DATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS CITY ASSOCIATION PAYMENT DUE (5 WEEKS) PREMIERSHIPS Junior Secondary School Rotorua Basketball September 1-4 Rotorua Wednesday, July 25 Premierships Zone 1 & 2 Association Junior Secondary School September 1-3 Napier Basketball Hawkes Bay Wednesday, July 25 Premierships Zone 3 Junior Secondary School Nelson Basketball September 2-4 Nelson Wednesday, July 25 Premierships Zone 4 Association

A reminder to all clubs that wish to enter Opens to register through your local association. Contact details are available on the following BBNZ web link http://www.basketball.org.nz/local-associations/

Association Player Transfers A reminder, any new players transferring from one association to another must apply for an 'Association Player Transfer'. Please use the BBNZ web link http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/tournaments/tournament-rules-procedures/ to obtain the form.