In The Huddle, September 14 2007

Friday September 14, 2007

Hi there

Something Old, Something New

World champion Australia Opals coach Jan Stirling has named an intriguing mix of youth and experience for the FIBA Oceania Championships in Dunedin later this month.

Just two players – forwards Emily McInerny and Emma Randall – have returned from the roster that won the world title last year, but three were on the Sapphires squad that finished runners-up at the 2007 FIBA World U21 Championships.

“It’s a pretty strong team,” assesses NZ Tall Ferns coach Mike McHugh, who is preparing his outfit to face the Opals on September 26. “They’ve got a couple of young kids in there, so they’re obviously looking to the future."

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Outside Help

NZ Football Ferns coach John Herdman and former national badminton coach Graeme Robson are among the “outside” experts confirmed for the 2007 BBNZ Labour Weekend Coaches Workshop on the North Shore, October 20-22.

“In the past, all speakers have been basketball focused,” says Basketball New Zealand coach and player manager Ollie Dudfield.

“This year, we will expand the programme to integrate speakers from outside basketball in an effort to challenge and expand our coaching mindset.”

2007 BBNZ Labour Weekend Coaching Workshop (pdf 153KB)

Breakers Briefs

Shot Down
American Rick Rickert had 17 points as the Harvey Norman NZ Breakers finished their five-match pre-season tour of Australia with a two-win, three-loss record, losing 91-119 to NBL champions Brisbane Bullets.
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Singed By The Blaze
Aussies Tony Ronaldson and Oscar Forman had 17 points apiece as the Harvey Norman NZ Breakers were pipped 85-84 by Australian NBL newcomers Gold Coast Blaze in the fourth match of their pre-season Australian tour.
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Kings Rule
NZ Tall Black Paora Winitana had 17 points as Harvey Norman NZ Breakers went down to the Sydney Kings 86-96 in their third pre-season match across the Tasman.
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Ramps On Ice

Newly-signed West Sydney Razorback’s centre Tony Rampton will be sidelined for 2-4 weeks of the Australian NBL after suffering an abdominal injury while on duty for the Dominion Finance NZ Tall Blacks in their recent campaign against the Australian Boomers.

An MRI has revealed that Rampton is suffering from an abdominal tear which will require some rest for an extended period of time.

Bula Dunedin

Fiji have claimed the third spot at this month’s FIBA Oceania Women’s Championships in Dunedin with a 70-62 win over American Samoa in the South Pacific Games final.

Valerie Nainima led all scorers with 29 points (7/31 FG, 1/11 3pt, 14/18 FT) as the Fijians trailed 32-34 at halftime and only stamped their authority on the contest with a 21-6 third quarter.