LACEY LOWDOWN

30 young players, 15-22 years, many with New Zealand NBL experience, along with players transitioning from age group representative basketball attended trials for2013/14 developmentplayer contracts at Sky City Breakers headquarters this weekend. Players from various locations in New Zealand and even a couple returning from college stints in the USA converged on Atlas Place.

I would speculate that the Breakers coaching staff would ideally like a two-guards/two ‘bigs’ mix. Assistant coach Judd Flavell has confirmed that Jack Salt has been offered a none-nominated contract leaving three nominated player spots available. None nominated contracts are unpaid positions given to athletes wishing to preserve their eligibility for US College scholarships. It is possible the Breakers may opt to provide a couple of additional none nominated spots. Watching thirty athletes going at it for two three hour sessions meant every one of them had time to do something to catch the eye and likewise everyone was guilty of making some poor decisions. Scrimmages were spiced up with Jeremiah Trueman and Daryl Corletto grabbing some pre season court time on day one and Alex Pledger the same on day two.

Below are the likely contenders.

Guards

Unable to attend the trial due to Tall Blacks commitments, Brooke Ruscoe has enjoyed a couple of good seasons in the NBL. He came off the bench to good effect for the Auckland Pirates in 2012 and this season had a good degree of success with the Nelson Giants. Ruscoe averaged 11.3ppg and 2.3apg but it was his success sharing point guard duties that will have impressed the Breakers coaches.

Brad Anderson is a far stronger and more mature player than when last with the Breakers – he spent four years as an Academy player and was the youngest of the inaugural batch of players that featured Corey Webster and BJ Anthony. Still only 21, Anderson played twenty six minutes per game for the Taranaki Mountain Airs in the NBL this season, averaging 12.5ppg and shooting the three ball at a very respectable 39%. His ability to finish at the rim and an improved showing on defence gives him a strong chance of securing a place.

Another guard to who caught my eye this past NBL season has been Supercity Rangers rookie, Shea Illi. The all-action guard progressed from bench warmer to starter at the Rangers and is known to the Breakers staff having been an Academy player in 2011. Probably needs to develop his outside shot but he is definitely one for the future.

A lot of eyes were on American born Kiwi point guard Nash Oh who attended Emory University, Atlanta. In all honesty I don’t think he offered any more than other guards on show such as Nico Buckrell (Hutt Valley) and Marco Alexander (Waikato Pistons). Buckrell made a move on day two, the Hutt Valley combo guard showcasing some strong defence to compliment his renowned scoring ability.

Swingmen

Ethan Rusbatch (Taranaki Mountain Airs) and Alonzo Burton (Hawkes Bay) both had a solid trial, doing nothing to harm their chances but perhaps not quite enough to grab the undivided attention of the auditioning panel. Rusbatch finished the recent NBL season strongly averaging 9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, Burton was down on that output averaging 5 points and 2 rebounds but only seeing 14 minutes per game court time compared with Rusbatch’s 24 minutes. Taranaki’s Xavier Shaw had a solid trial, gathering more than his share of offensive rebounds but probably lacks the perimeter shooting threat that others can offer.

Four and Five’s

Duane Bailey (Super City Rangers) was the most experienced of the ‘bigs’ and possesses the most complete skill set but he appears to be undersized for the Australian league so it is possible the coaches will look for some taller timber. 6’8” raw boned North Harbour under-23 forward Saman Mohammadi was the most aggressive forward on show but his lack of finesse and playing experience may count against him. Nelson schoolboy Gus Riley had some good moments, having a nice perimeter shot to compliment his size in the paint and Tohi Smith-Milner (Rosmini College) is another with the ability to spread the defence, possessing a more than useful outside shot. It’s a pity injury forced him to miss day two. However he is well known by the Breakers coaching staff  and has the skill and athleticism to play at ANBL level. If size was the sole criteria it would be a straight choice between Alex Schipper (Hamilton Boys High School) and Ayrton Groenestein (St Kentigern College).  Both are close to 6’10” but require far more game time experience before being considered for Development places.

My All-Star five from the camp were; Nico Buckrell, Brad Anderson, Ethan Rusbatch, Duane Bailey and Gus Riley.

Five for the future are; Shea Illi, Alonzo Burton, Xavier Shaw, Yuat Alok and Tai Wynyard (15 years old!)

It’s difficult to guess what the coaches were/are looking for but obviously they need players who fit the Breakers mould of team first and in a trial most players are looking to make an impression themselves rather than making others look good. Keeping in mind that these players may need to play some minutes in the ANBL should senior players be sidelined through injury my picks would be Ruscoe, Anderson and Smith-Milner. But don’t head to the TAB I could be completely wrong!