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RAMS
NEWS: XMAS BUMPER EDITION (BIG)
by Piet Van Hasselt
23 December 2002
On behalf of the Rams I’d like to wish you and your
families a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Thanks for your support this season and we look forward
to seeing you again in 2003. Lots has been happening in
Canterbury and NZ basketball during the off-season so
this is a BUMPER edition.
1. RAMS 2003 SCHEDULE
The Rams path to championship glory has been finalised
with a number of interesting features. Canterbury must
play five of their first seven games on the road, but
will conclude the regular season with a four game
home-stand in the friendly confines of the WestpacTrust
Centre. The team will need to hit the season running with
a testing away double-header in Auckland, which has been
a tough nut to crack in recent history. The first home
game is against the newly re-named Harbour Heat on Sat 3
May. The Rams will get their chance to avenge last
year’s semi-final defeat to the Waikato Titans in
Hamilton on Sat 17 May and in Christchurch on Sat 7 June.
The season will conclude on Sat 16 August with the grand
final.
Sat 26 April AWAY vs Auckland Stars
Sun 27 April AWAY vs Harbour Heat
Sat 3 May HOME vs Harbour Heat
Sat 10 May HOME vs Mighty Hawks
Sat 17 May AWAY vs Waikato Titans
Sun 18 May AWAY vs Taranaki Stormers
Sat 24 May AWAY vs Wellington Saints
Fri 30 May HOME vs Auckland Stars
Sat 7 June HOME vs Nelson Giants
Fri 13 June AWAY vs Manawatu Jets
Sat 14 June AWAY vs Mighty Hawks
Sat 21 June AWAY vs Otago Nuggets
Fri 27 June HOME vs Waikato Titans
Sat 5 July AWAY vs Nelson Giants
Sat 12 July HOME vs Wellington Saints
Fri 18 July HOME vs Taranaki Stormers
Sat 26 July HOME vs Otago Nuggets
Fri 1 Aug HOME vs Manawatu Jets
SEMIS – Fri 8 Aug - Sun 10 Aug
FINAL – Sat 16 Aug
TICKETS: The draw has just been released so we were
unable to distribute season ticket applications prior to
Christmas. We will send applications out in February
after start times have been confirmed, with advance
purchase available to 2002 season ticket holders.
2. JANUARY CAMP
The 2003 January Basketball Camp for kids aged 5-14 will
be held at Pioneer Stadium on Monday 13 January to
Wednesday 15 January, 9am - 3pm each day. The cost is $75
per child, or $65 per child for two or more from the same
family. E-mail [email protected] before December 24 to
receive an application.
3. NZ CONSORTIUM GRABS AUSSIE NBL LICENSE
A consortium led by Waikato Basketball personality Jeff
Green has managed to purchase a license in the Australian
NBL and will base a team on New Zealand shores in the
2003-04 season. The consortium have purchased the
Canberra Cannons who have been struggling financially in
recent seasons, but have been performing on the court
with the team in the playoff picture for the 2002-03
season. This deal could have a massive effect on NZ
basketball with the possibility of Kiwis playing in one
of the best leagues in the world. The Australian NBL is
played over the Summer and teams play 48 minutes and are
allowed two restricted players. Currently New Zealanders
count as restricted players, but the consortium is
confident this rule can be changed so that a number of
Kiwis can take the court for the NZ franchise in 2003-04.
It has been reported that the consortium are in
discussion with venues in Christchurch, Auckland and
Wellington as to where the team should be based. No doubt
more news on this story will be announced over the coming
weeks.
4. GLOBETROTTING RAMS
LANGRELL ENJOYING IRISH WINTER
Canterbury Rams Captain Dave Langrell is spending his
off-season in the emerald isle, taking the court for
Neptune in the Irish National League. Dave is having a
great all-round season averaging 13.7 points (connecting
on 56% of his total field goals, and 45% from three-point
land), 6.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 32.6 minutes per
game. Neptune leads the Irish ESB Superleague with eight
wins from ten games. Dave is playing a local as he has a
British passport, and the team’s two Americans
(Kenny Gamble and Charron Watson) are leading the team in
scoring at 25.5 and 24.2 per game respectively. He had
his best game in a victory in a local derby match (1200
fans turned out – normally 150) with 19 points with
three long-bombs, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Dave is also
working part-time at a local High School where he has had
a ton of work due to a teachers strike (he’s been
filling in with supervision during lunchtimes and extra
relief-work). He also reported that due to the coaches
thick cork accent it’s sometimes difficult to
understand him in the heat of the game during time-outs,
so he just nods and gets a quick translation from a
team-mate afterwards!
To track Dave’s stats and follow Neptune’s
progress: http://www.iba.ie/asp/club_intro.asp?leagueID=12&teamID=5&archive=
POPE SHOWING UP ON GERMAN X-RAYS
Rams MVP John “Pope” Whorton is spending his NZ
off-season in Germany playing with the Wurzburg X-Rays
(yes that’s their nickname!) Pope is again
dominating the middle and giving the X-Rays a dependable
option at the offensive end and rebounding well. Pope is
averaging 16.7 points, 10.2 rebounds on 61% shooting and
was named to compete in the All Star Game on Jan 4. He
recently posted a perfect game connecting on 100% of his
field goals (12/12) and 100% of his free throws (12/12)
for 30 total points! Unfortunately the X-Rays
haven’t rallied around Pope yet posting just two
wins from 11 games in the German BBL. He recently sent
news that he has been a part of a coaching clinic
instructing German kids but unfortunately they
didn’t understand a word of English – no doubt
an interesting experience!
Follow Pope’s progress at: http://www.x-rays.de/
RUSCOE KEY IN BROWN VICTORY
Former Canterbury Basketballer Luke Ruscoe has showed
that he can match it with his American counter-parts,
with some strong early season performances for Brown
University, who play in the prestigious Ivy League. Luke
is a freshman (first year) and solid form has forced his
coach to insert him into the starting line-up. He was a
major part of an exciting overtime game Navy securing a
massive steal and calmly slotting two free throws with
6.9 seconds left to propel Brown to a 97-92 victory.
Brown has two wins from nine games and will take on a
three-game road trip in California after Christmas.
Follow Luke’s Brown University games here: http://brownbears.ocsn.com/sports/m-baskbl/brow-m-baskbl-body.html
SUPERBUSH IS MR DOUBLE-DOUBLE IN ICELAND
Newly signed Clifton “Super” Bush is having
another great Northern Hemisphere season with his
Snaefell club in Iceland. Bush is regularly displaying
his all-round skills by stuffing the stat-sheet up with
double-doubles (double-figures in points and rebounds).
While Clifton is putting up great numbers unfortunately
his team is not faring as well, currently positioned
ninth out of twelve teams.
BOWDEN IMPRESSES AT TILTON
The second Canterbury hoopster who is in America
experiencing life as a student-athlete is Gerard Bowden
who is attending Tilton School in New Hampshire. Gerard
is showing off his impressive athleticism and scoring
ability in early season action and is currently back home
for the Christmas break.
To check out Gerard’s school visit their website: http://www.tiltonschool.org/
ROBINSON’S ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE
Rams Manager Dene Robinson is having one of the most
interesting summers(!) spending time in Antarctica as the
Scott Base Manager. Dene will act as the Government's
senior representative in the Ross Dependency and will
have to perform some “unusual” roles such as
coroner! – we sincerely hope that he is not required
for this duty. During his free no doubt Dene will test
his basketball skills over at the US base along with the
annual Rugby game.
5. RAMS LEAD NBL IN ATTENDANCE FOR THIRD STRAIGHT
SEASON
Canterbury Rams Fans have had their own
“three-peat” of titles, after leading the
Burger King National Basketball League Championship for
the third straight season. This season the Rams had the
best home record with seven wins and only one loss.
Thanks to our loyal supporters and the newcomers to the
game, who enjoyed basketball for the first time last
season. A highlight of the season was the Rams/Tall
Blacks double-header where Rams Fans gathered to see the
Rams take on the Nuggets and the Tall Blacks play Hungary
in their final home game before the World Champs.
6. RAMS RECEIVE NBL ENTERTAINMENT AWARD
The Rams have defended their NBL Game Presentation award
by continuing to offer the best ‘value for
money’ entertainment in Canterbury. This award has
only been in existence for two years and the Rams have
won on both occasions. Congratulations must go to all of
the Rams dedicated volunteers who make the entire
operation run smoothly. A special acknowledgment must
also go to American Intern Leslie Favre who oversaw the
game night operations.
7. CANTERBURY BASKETBALL ACKNOWLEDGED IN WINTER
AWARDS
WINTER SPORTS AWARDS:
Raewyn Willocks – Volunteer Service Award –
Raewyn is one of Cantebury’s hardest working
Volunteers, currently holding positions on the executives
of the Canterbury Basketball Association, Junior
Committee and CBOA (officials). Raewyn is also a member
of the NBL refereeing panel and plays basketball with the
Aranui club.
John Watson – Personality Finalist – I’m
sure anyone’s that met John or seen him prowl the
sidelines will agree that his passion for hoops is
unparalleled.
Mike Coggan – Administrator Finalist – Mike has
worked tirelessly this season as the newly created
executive position with the Canterbury Basketball
Association.
Shannon Proffit – Junior Sportswoman Finalist –
Canterbury Women’s basketball phenom Shannon had a
stand-out year with the Wildcats.
HADLEE AWARDS:
Leslie Watson – Administrator Finalist – Leslie
has established the Rambo Charitable Trust and this award
recognises the massive amount of effort she has given
since 2000. Her passion for the Rams almost matches her
husbands :)
Shannon Proffit – Junior Sportswoman Finalist
8. RAMS ATTEND FESTIVE EVENTS
Members of the Rams and the NBL’s best mascot Rambo
have continued their support of Christchurch’s
Christmas events, attending the Santa Parade and the
Special Children’s Christmas Party at the
WestpacTrust Centre. The Rams travelled in style aboard
the Scenic Circle Hotels Red Cadillac during the Santa
Parade.
9. MCCORMACK TO COACH WILDCATS
With 28 years of experience behind him, new coach Russell
McCormack will tackle the rebuilding process of a vastly
different Canterbury Wildcats line-up in the Women’s
National Basketball League next season. McCormack has
extensive head coaching experience in Victoria and
Adelaide (Australia) and London and is currently heavily
involved in coaching commitments at the Checkers Club
(Canterbury). McCormack has also been an expert volunteer
with the Rams scorebench, including curtain-raiser games,
and we wish him well in his new role.
10. WILDCATS IN OVERSEAS ACTION: FARMER &
PROFFIT
Two members of the Canterbury Wildcats who finished a
credible second in the WNBL are currently in action
overseas. Tall Fern Centre Gina Farmer has returned to
Hungary with the MAV Coop Szolnok club, which at last
count won six of their first nine games. Shannon Proffit
has played her first series of games for the South East
Missouri State Otahkians in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Shannon has helped her team to six wins from nine games
thus far in the regular season, coming off the bench. She
played a large role in the thrilling double-overtime win
against Quinnipiac playing a prominent role in the extra
periods and posted seven points, three rebounds, two
steals on 3/4 shooting in 26 minutes of action.
To follow Shannon's progress visit the team’s
official website:
http://gosoutheast.ocsn.com/sports/w-baskbl/semo-w-baskbl-body.html
11. WORLD CHAMPS FIELD OFFICIALLY EXPANDED TO 24
As mentioned in the final “Live From Indy”
report, FIBA recently announced that the World
Championship Finals field has been expanded to 24 teams,
up from 16. This is excellent news for New Zealand as
Oceania will now be allowed two direct entries. Australia
and New Zealand will likely be these teams with the
current Oceania teams not appearing that formidable (in
comparison) in recent competitions. The next World
Championships will be held in 2006 in Japan, ensuring a
busy year for the Tall Blacks with the debut of
Basketball at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in the
same year. The format of the competition will be four
pools of six teams with the top four teams of each pool
progressing into the sudden-death stage. The tournament
will be extended to 16-27 days (to be decided) and each
pool will be contested in different cities. FIBA also
proposed another International competition, which is
similar to Soccer’s Confederation Cup, with each
region (including Oceania) supplying one team (along with
the host team) to compete in the Nations Cup.
12. MAIR BACK TO COACH MIGHTY HAWKS
Legendary National Men’s Coach and Rams Coach Keith
Mair will once again be seen on the NBL sidelines when he
takes the helm of the Mighty Hawks in 2003. Mair coached
the Tall Blacks for a number of years including the 1986
World Champs and 2000 Olympics. He also led the Rams to
NBL titles in 1989, 1990 and 1992. The Hawks are coming
off a disappointing season, but look to have a number of
talented youngsters in their ranks. Tall Black playmaker
Paul Henare has recently re-signed with the Hawks, so are
certainly not a team to be taken lightly. Long-time Rams
Fans will no doubt welcome back Mair when the Hawks play
at the WestpacTrust Centre.
13. RUSCOE TO ASSIST SAINTS
Vastly experienced NBL and former Rams Coach Matthew
Ruscoe will also return to the sidelines as an assistant
coach of the Wellington Saints in 2003. Ruscoe was the
recipient of the 1990 Coach of the Year Award in his
rookie year as Head Coach in the NBL when he propelled
the Nelson Giants to a finals berth. He was also the Tall
Blacks Assistant Coach in 1991 and 1992 and was the
Director of Coaching at Basketball New Zealand 1996-99.
Good luck to Matt with his endeavours and we look forward
to seeing him at the Rams-Saints match-up.
14. TARANAKI NEWCOMERS TO 2003 NBL
The 2002 Conference Basketball League (second division)
Champions Taranaki Stormers have been promoted and will
now contest the Burger King NBL Championship in 2003.
This means the NBL season will be extended to 18 games
for each team with nine home games. The Stormers have
announced that their restricted player will be Link
Abrams, who has shown explosive scoring ability in the
CBL with the Stormers over the last few years. Veteran
American-born forward Willie Banks will play as a Kiwi
and was the 2002 CBL MVP. Warren Osborne will continue to
coach the Stormers in the NBL.
15. USA BASKETBALL SHORE UP DEFENCES FOR OLYMPICS
The shockwaves that the rest of the world sent to the
mighty USA at the World Champs have already caused a
number top players to indicate their interest to compete
at the 2004 Olympics. The USA finished a disappointing
sixth placing in Indianapolis with losses to Argentina,
Yugoslavia and Spain. While the top players indicated
their unavailability for the recent worlds, it appears
that the USA may field their strongest roster since the
1992 Olympics. Superstars Tracy McGrady, Tim Duncan,
Jason Kidd and Ray Allen have already contacted USA
basketball to say they are committed and Allen Iverson,
Kobe Bryant, Steve Francis and Kevin Garnett have
expressed interest. Philadelphia 76ers Coach Larry Brown
was recently announced as coach. The USA will need to
qualify for the 2004 Olympics by finishing in the top
three at the American Championships around August
2003 (TBC).
16. NBA NEWS: LAKERS STRUGGLE, MAVS ON FIRE,
YAO’S THE REAL DEAL
The most intriguing aspect of the American NBA season has
been the poor start from the three-time defending
champions Los Angeles Lakers. While it must be noted that
League MVP Shaquille O’Neal missed the first 12
games, the Lakers have struggled through to just 10 wins
from their first 28 games and look far from the
dominating force they were last season. Meanwhile the
Dallas Mavericks just missed out on tying the NBA record
for the best start to the season, going unbeaten in their
first 14 games. The Mavs are led by the international duo
of German Dirk Nowitzki and Canadian playmaker Steve
Nash. The NBA’s biggest (height and talent-wise)
International prospect Yao Ming has proven his critics
wrong by posting some huge numbers (30 pts, 16 rebs vs
Mavs; 29 pts, 10 rebs vs Indiana) to match his
7’5” frame! For those with SkyTV look out for
the Christmas NBA double-header on Boxing day (NZ Time).
17. KIWI HOOPSTERS OVERSEAS
This NZ off-season must certainly be the busiest
off-season for Kiwi hoopsters with a number of players
taking part in overseas leagues. Please find below a list
of some of these Kiwis:
TALL BLACKS:
Sean Marks – NBA (Miami Heat) – Almost ready to
return after receiving surgery on his right foot on
November 14. He played four games earlier on this season.
Pero Cameron – England (Chester Jets), Mark Dickel
– Turkey (Fenerbahce), Phil Jones – Italy
(Cantu), Kirk Penney – USA (Wisconsin Badgers), Tony
Rampton – Australia (Cairns Taipans), Nenad Vucinic
– Yugoslavia (coaching OKK Belgrade), Paul Henare
– Yugoslavia (OKK Belgrade).
OTHER KIWIS IN OVERSEAS ACTION:
MEN: Ollie Hill – USA (Grayson County Junior
College, Texas), Aaron Olson – Finland (Huima),
Miles Pearce – Australia (Victoria Giants), Brendon
Polyblank – Greece (Dafni – 2nd division),
Lindsay Tait – Australia (Victoria Giants), Arthur
Trousdell – USA (Southwest Baptist University).
WOMEN: Susan Bocock – England (Thames Valley Lady
Tigers), Rebecca Cotton – Germany (NB Oberhausen),
Jane Gowans – USA (Portland State University),
Soraya Hellaby – USA (Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
College), Aneka Kerr – Australia (Townsville Fire),
Amy Matthews, Derryn Jakobi and Natalie Purcell –
USA (Hutchinson Community College, Kansas), Kalara
McFadyen – USA (University of Memphis), Kate
McMeeken-Ruscoe – USA (University of Buffalo), Anna
Silva – USA (Fort Scott Community College), Noni
Wharemate – USA (University of Texas El Paso)
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