Off Season Update - 2 July 2024

Starting overseas, Tyrell Harrison took to the court as the NZ Tall Blacks played friendlies against Finland and Poland ahead of the nation’s bid to qualify for the Olympics.

Next up Harrison and the Tall Blacks play Croatia on Thursday 4 July, before facing Slovenia on Friday 5 July as part of the FIBA Olympic Qualifier Tournament.

In the NBL1 North Sam McDaniel had a huge game for the Brisbane Capitals as they defeated the Townsville Heat 106-79 in the NBL1 North over the weekend. McDaniel had a near triple double finishing with 35 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists as the Capitals sit in fourth place on the ladder with two rounds remaining.

Mitch Norton also had a great outing on Saturday night, as he faced off against his brother Max for the first time when Southern District Spartans and the Townsville Heat played. Mitch had a strong outing, taking bragging rights in the 99-89 win, finishing with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists. Southern Districts sit in fifth spot on the ladder.

Josh Kunen and the Cairns Marlins took on the ladder leading Mackay Meteors featuring fellow Bullets teammate Isaac White. Mackay took an early 10 point lead but the Marlins, carrying home court advantage overran the Meteors, winning 87-85. Kunen played 39 minutes, finishing with eight points and 12 rebounds, while Isaac also played big minutes adding 19 points, four rebounds and five assists.

Mackay headed to Darwin the following night making amends for just their second loss of the season, defeating the Salties 106-101. White again finished with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists.

In the second last Round of the NBL1 North this Friday 5 July will see Bullets teammates face off. Mitch Norton and Sam McDaniel will play on Friday 5 July as Southern Districts and Brisbane go head to head. While  Isaac White and Mackay, will play Josh Kunen’s Cairns. McDaniel will also

In the NBL1 East, Kye Savage and BA Centre of Excellence fell to the Manly Sea-Eagles. Savage continued to impress with 19 points and three rebounds as his side sit in fourth place on the ladder after completing their games with two rounds remaining.

Over in the NZNBL The Wellington Saints were tested early by the Otago Nuggets but pulled away in the second half, winning 106-80. Tohi Smith-Milner was again solid for the Saints, finishing with 21 points and nine rebounds.  The Saints next face Tauranga Whai on Wednesday 3 July.