By Rams Media,
CANTERBURY RAMS 2017 NBL SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
The Canterbury Rams 2017 schedule has been released, opening with up against the James Blond Supercity Rangers in Auckland on the 18th of March. The Rams, who were the regular-season champions last season, will have a rematch of the Final Four game from last season. The Rams last season made the playoffs for the first time since 2002, and are looking to have a similar season as last year signing their core players this off-season. Marques Whippy, Mike Karena, Ethan Rusbatch, and Marcus Alipate have all signed back for the 2017 season.
The Ram’s first home game is against the Wellington Saints on March 23rd at Cowles Stadium with a 7pm tipoff. Last season, the Rams only lost 2 games on their home court. With the season approaching, the players are working hard in the offseason. According to Marcus Alipate, “we are putting in the work in, you can’t cheat the process.” Last season Alipate was one of the top shooters in the league and will be looking to do the same this season. Ethan Rusbatch is with the New Zealand Breakers Development team, and seems to be off to a good start in Auckland. The Rams will be expecting him to play well again this season, between him and Alipate; they will be a threat from deep. Marques Whippy is returning as one of the leaders of the team. Whippy is involved in Christchurch with the Rams Mentoring and In-Schools coaching programs, helping develop them both on the basketball court but also off the court as well. He will be a big part of the team’s success next season. Mike Karena is playing in Spain, after he and Rusbatch both played for the Tall Blacks this past year. Karena will also be a big part of the success of the team with his presence down low and his athleticism.
Mark Dickel will be back as the head coach for the Rams. He led the Rams last season to a regular season championship. With Dickel’s experience playing professionally around the world, and the Ram’s core back together again, they will be a team that will have their eyes on winning the championship this season. The Rams will be coaching against Dickel’s ex-teammate and Ex-New Zealand Breaker, Kevin Braswell. Kevin will be back as the head coach for the Wellington Saints, who were the champions last season. The Rams and Saints faced each other three times last season, the Rams winning two of the three games.
The NBL has historically been a league with great players from all over New Zealand. Some players, like Ethan Rusbatch, are playing for the city they are from. Other players are helping bring titles to the city they now call home. With such a big influence on New Zealand basketball, the NBL will not only be competitive, but also entertaining. Players from all over the world will be competing to prove they are the best. From the US to Fiji, players will bring their own unique skills to give their team the best chance to win. This season will be one to remember and a place where fans will be entertained.
Season tickets will be available this week for purchase! With all Rams home games selling out over the first 3 years and with the Rams coming off the 2016 NBL Regular Season Championship, they only way to secure a seat is by purchasing a season membership. Don’t miss out on the action for all 9 home games by buying your season memberships today.
If you are interested in becoming a season ticket member click the link below or contact [email protected].
Season Tickets: https://nz.patronbase.com/_RAMS/Productions
Rams Schedule: https://rams.org.nz/fixtures-results/
