During the 2014 Bartercard NBL season a number of players put their hand up for the overall Rookie of the Season award at various times.I have taken a look at the individual performers from each team.
Three clubs, Hawkes Bay, Southland Sharks and Manawatu Jets afforded little time to their rookies as three had a strong core of senior players to call upon. Anamata Haku provided solid minutes off the bench for the Hawkes and Derone Raukawa did the same for the Jets, the live-wire guard scored 21 points early in the season against the Nelson Giants. Mitch Newton and Sam Everitt found little opportunity in the Sharks rotations
The OceanGold Nuggets duo of Tony Tolovae and Micah Lepaio had some good moments. Tolovae finished the season with a career high 22 points against the Breakers Manawatu Jets and team mate Lepaio came close to equaling that, scoring 18 points against the Canterbury Rams.
For the Rams, Richie Edwards put up consistently good numbers that included a remarkable 40 points scoring spree against the Jets. Edwards scored double figures in every game bar the visit to Waikato where he foolishly got himself ejected. He has played a large part in re-establishing credibility in the Rams season. Seems odd that he has turned his back on a Tall Blacks trial.
Also down south the Fico Finance Nelson Giants pair of Gus Riley (3.7ppg) and Finn Delaney served their team well, particularly when Mika Vukona was undertaking a short playing stint in Lebanon. Delaney averaged 5.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
Two other solid performers were Jordan Ngatai and Izayah Le’Afa. The Pacific Jewellers powerful line up meant there were limited minutes available for the Tall Blacks trialists but both acquitted themselves well when called upon by coach Shane Heal. They only averaged 4 points apiece but both looked comfortable playing at NBL level.
Derek Albertsen, Dane Brooks and Aled Jones all benefited from the Taranaki Mountain Airs policy of giving extended playing time to their youngsters. The trio all averaged over 15 minutes per game playing time – Albertson and Brooks both averaged 5.6ppg.
The Advice First Waikato Pistons also gave good minutes to some of their Rookies. Zac Carter was one of only three rookies to average double figures for the season. The Australian raised swingman averaged 10.8ppg and 5.5rpg. Dyson King-Hawea saw more court time after Jack Salt departed for the University of Virginia at the half way mark in the season. Playing predominantly in the three spot he shot the three ball at over 40% as he averaged 5.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Alex Talma was utilized less by the Pistons coaching staff despite scoring at over 50% from the field, one of only six rookies to achieve that.
Perhaps the two most exciting newcomers emerged from west Auckland. Tohi Smith-Milner and Tai Wynyard only played 19 games between them for the James Blond Super City Rangers but both did enough to attract the attention of the New Zealand selectors and have earned themselves a Tall Blacks trial. Year 12 Rangitoto College student Wynyard’s availability was limited due to school and overseas obligations. Despite being only 16yrs old he certainly didn’t look overawed when he took the court, managing almost 5 points plus 2.4 rebounds per game.
Smith-Milner demonstrated that he could be the real deal. The promise he has shown during his school years at Rosmini College began to be realised this season. His shooting numbers were mighty impressive, 56.1% fgs, 42.9% threes and 76.5% free throws – easily the highest across all three categories by a rookie. He averaged 12.7 points, 4 rebounds and 1 block per game.
Smith-Milner’s percentage from the floor was equaled by Finn Delaney with Lepaio, Carter and Talma the only other players shooting above 50%.
Smith-Milner and Le’Afa had identical (42.9%) three point shooting stats, King-Hawea (40.7%) the only other rookie connecting at 40%+.
The Rangers forward stood alone at the top of the free throw shooting chart. Only Derone Raukawa (75%) and Richie Edwards (70.6%) were also above the 70% mark.
Smith-Milner was also highly ranked in the rebounding category. His 4.0 per game was only bettered by King Hawea (4.2) and also Edwards and Zac Carter who each pulled down 5.5 rebounds per game.
The points scoring category was clearly headed by Edwards 17.8ppg. Smith-Milner (12.7ppg) was second and Carter (10.8ppg) was third.
If Smith-Milner had played a full season he would have been my nomination for Rookie of the Season but the 2014 award must go to Richie Edwards for his major contribution to the revival and late season flourish enjoyed by the Canterbury Rams. His 17.8 points/5.5 rebounds/1.3 assists per game were invaluable.
LACEY LOWDOWN 