26 January 2007 - RAMS RE-SIGN KEY PLAYMAKER KENCH
By Piet Van Hasselt, Kiwihoops Editor

Canterbury Rams point guard Jeremy Kench will return to his home province for the 2007 National Basketball League (NBL) season after signing a one-year deal.

Kench, 22, attracted suitors from other franchises after being one of the finds of the league last season.  He was nearly a bolter selection for the Tall Blacks World Championships squad after making the 23-strong training squad for the first time.  He averaged career-high figures across the board including 18.7 points (3rd best kiwi) on a phenomenal 53 per cent shooting and was tenacious on defence with 2.9 steals (2nd in NBL).
 

Kench is excited about returning to the red and black uniform and utilising his 1.86m frame to find penetration gaps in the opponent’s defense with his slashing drives to the hoop.

“I’m really looking forward to being back with the Rams again next season.  This year was a big step up for me as far as my career goes and taking on more responsibilities and the challenges that go with that,” said Kench.
 

”One of the main reasons for coming back is the team culture; it’s a great environment to be in, and also being back home with my family.”
 

Kench is currently playing in the Australian NBL with the expansion Singapore Slingers in their debut season, becoming the first Christchurch-raised local to play in the Australian NBL.  Kench has averaged 4.0 points on 42 per cent shooting and 1.2 assists this season.  His best game statistically came in a win over the West Sydney Razorbacks with 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals.
 

“Although I’ll still be one of the younger players, my leadership role next year will play a large part in the Rams success. Hopefully a lot of the lessons I'm learning playing for the Singapore Slingers will help both me and the rest of the team,” said Kench.

"It is great to have Jeremy back with the Rams, I think Jeremy understood last season what it takes to be successful as an individual and took that to the next level,” said Rams Head Coach Chris Sparks.  "This season I am looking forward to Jeremy becoming a complete player and leader on and off the court, this is going to take hard work on Jeremy's part.

”He is in a position to have a strong career, and when he applies all his effort to becoming a complete player I believe it will happen.

”Jeremy is a good role model off the court as well and a good example for children."
 

“It is great to have Jeremy back with us after his breakthrough season and impressive rookie showings in the Australian league,” said Canterbury Basketball CEO George Kazan.
 

Kench has played for the Rams for four seasons and has career averages of 7.1 points, 2.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals from 67 games.

Kench attended Middleton Grange School in Christchurch and was a talented cricketer, making numerous Canterbury junior squads, before choosing Basketball.

The 2007 NBL season tips off on March 11 against the Nelson Giants at home, and runs through to the end of June.

19 January 2007 - BALDWIN DOUBLE-UPS WITH RAMS AND STARS
By Piet Van Hasselt, Kiwihoops Editor

Photo: Tab Baldwin (right) talks with Rams Head Coach Chris Sparks (left) during a training
 

Former Tall Blacks head coach Tab Baldwin can't keep himself away from the coaching game and the NBL while waiting for the perfect opportunity to open up in the Northern Hemisphere in his newly adopted hometown of Christchurch with his partner and two young children.  Kiwihoops Editor PIET VAN HASSELT caught up with TAB BALDWIN to find out what he's up to during his retirement from the national team following the World Championships.  Baldwin has recently commenced passing on his immense knowledge by mentoring Canterbury Rams players and head coach Chris Sparks.  However, this is not the only NBL side that Baldwin will have links with this season, taking over sole ownership of the successful Auckland Stars franchise for the first time.

 

WAITING FOR THE RIGHT OPPORTUNITY

Baldwin has made the decision to remain in Canterbury until the next Northern Hemisphere season, with the current season just passing the midpoint, unless a dream opportunity arose.  After guiding Turkish side Banvitspor to a massive turnaround in form last season, along with Tall Blacks Pero Cameron and Paul Henare, he stressed that he would like to be heavily involved with building the franchise's programme for future coaching endeavors.

 

"I've just lost a bit of enthusiasm for the notion of going into the sinking ship midway through the season when a coach gets fired.  I did that in Turkey and it worked out well for me, and I was happy with that situation," said Baldwin.

 

"But the more I see opportunities that arise like that, there's a lot of problems going in.  You go in more as a problem solver than as a coach, and I love to coach.  I don't want to go into an environment where there's a lack of trust and a lack of integrity to the goal.  So it's a lot more appealing to me to go in and take a team from the beginning.

 

"I'm very hopeful and reasonably optimistic that there will be opportunities that arise come next season."

 

RAMS MENTOR

When asked about his involvement as a mentor coach with the Canterbury Rams this season, Baldwin broke out into a wide smile.  The team has just began three trainings per week with Baldwin attending as many as possible.

 

"As we've always known Canterbury players are good guys and good hard workers so during the time I've spent with them on the court so far, it has really been a joy for me because it's coaching with no pressure," said Baldwin.

 

"I just love being out there with the guys and hopefully they'll be able to pick up one or two things that I've learned in my time."

 

Baldwin had glowing comments for Indiana native Rams head coach Chris Sparks, 30, who is about to enter his second year in charge of the youthful Rams squad.  Baldwin knows what Sparks is going through having also traveled from USA to cut his head coaching teeth in Dunedin in the late 80s.

"I have all the time in the world for him.  He's an outstanding guy.  He's a bright young coach and I think he's got a good future," said Baldwin.

 

Baldwin was an active mentor at the Rams training following this interview, backing up the principles and drills run by head coach Sparks and returning assistant Terry Brunel.  Baldwin engaged with all members of the squad including veterans such as Rewi Manahi and Nathan Hyde as well as the younger Cantabrian's who are on the fringes of selection, including three members of the 2006 national champion U19 team.

 

STARRY OWNER

Baldwin is a busy man also taking over sole directorship of the Auckland Stars.  He is no stranger to the franchise making his mark in NZ Basketball history coaching the team to five championships in 1995, 96, 97, 99 and 2000, and was involved as an owner during two further titles in 2004 and 05.  Baldwin is optimistic of attracting the same group of Stars back in the white and blue uniforms with the perennial defensive force and current Brisbane Bullets forward Dillon Boucher first signing.

 

"I'm trying to work with the franchise up there and make it a good franchise on and off the court and do the right things," said Baldwin.

 

"I'm just hoping we have continued success on the court, and Kenny Stone just does a great job coaching the guys and we've been able to lure strong talent every year."

 

When asked if there is potential conflict in this situation with being involved with two NBL teams, Baldwin feels there is no conflict.

 

"The reason I don't feel there's any conflict is because my goals since I became the Tall Blacks coach was to do whatever I can to contribute to the welfare of the sport in this country," said Baldwin.

 

"When Canterbury plays a game this coming season, I'm going to want them to win.  And when they play against Auckland, I'm just going to step aside.  I'm going to hope it's a good basketball game and enjoy it, and have a smile on my face.  I'm not going to take it too seriously, because in my heart what I want is to contribute to the players of both organizations."

9 November 2006 - RAMS REKINDLE SPARKS
by Piet Van Hasselt
Photo: from left George Kazan (Canterbury Basketball CEO), Chris Sparks (Rams Coach)

The Canterbury Rams have contracted Head Coach Chris Sparks for a further season in the National Basketball League (NBL).  The 30-year-old Indiana native made an impact on the young franchise last season instilling a positive team culture and a ‘never say die’ approach after arriving in Christchurch in February.  Sparks led an inexperienced team to a seventh placing with a 6-win, 10-loss record and earned plaudits for pushing the frontrunners in the league.

 

"I am really excited to be in Christchurch for another year and part of the Canterbury Rams,” said Sparks.

 

“We have a very hungry group of players who are committed to excellence and the effort that it takes to get there.  We have a long way to go in terms of what we want to achieve, but the desire and tools are there to make it happen.

 

"There were a number of times last season when we had close games and all I wanted to do was to be part of this team for another season because this is such a great group with tremendous potential.  I'm looking forward to making these players and team better, to strive and focus to be our best.”

 

“We are delighted to bring back Chris for another season and continue the fine work that the Rams coaching staff have begun with this young group,” said Canterbury Basketball CEO George Kazan.

 

Sparks has spent the off-season in Christchurch working with Canterbury Basketball conducting basketball camps and clinics around the region and guiding the Hoops Academy at QEII Leisure Park.  He kept a close eye on five of his Rams at the U23 National Championships in Wellington last month, where Canterbury finished runners-up.  Sparks has commenced summer training with 20 local players, working the prospects out twice a week along with fitness work.  The news follows the announcement of the three-year management contract that brings the Rams back under the Canterbury Basketball Association umbrella.

 

“It's a tremendous reunification between the CBA and the Rams.  George Kazan is providing tremendous leadership and direction for the CBA, he has a long term vision for what it takes to be the best and he is doing it.

 

The 2007 NBL season tips off on March 11 and runs through to the end of June.  The Rams schedule is being finalised.

 

2 November 2006 - MORRISON TO RETURN TO RAMS
by Piet Van Hasselt
Photo: from left Chris Sparks (Rams Coach), Mark Morrison, George Kazan (Canterbury Basketball CEO)
The Canterbury Rams have made their first signing for the 2007 season inking local 1.97m swingman Mark Morrison to a one-year deal.  Morrison, 21, has been a product of the Canterbury Basketball Association (CBA) development system, having represented the province from the standard three/four team all the way up to the National Basketball League (NBL). The 2007 season will be Morrison’s fourth campaign in the red and black singlet since debuting in 2004.  He stepped into the starter’s role last season posting 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds from 28.3 minutes per game.  In his NBL career Morrison has notched up 35 games, shooting 33 per cent from three point range.

 

“Mark is a strong team-player and an excellent defender, I feel confident having him guard almost anyone.  We can rely on Mark to play hard and for the betterment of the team,” said Rams Head Coach Chris Sparks.  "Mark is at a pivotal point in his career and I look forward to working with him to achieve his goals as a Ram and an individual.  He has all the tools to become a great player and if he applies himself, he will become one.  Most of all, Mark is an excellent person off the court and strong positive force on the team.”

 

Morrison was being pursued by other NBL franchises, but elected to remain in Canterbury.

 

“After last year, starting with our young team I really want to further our development as a team as we continue improving and growing,” said Morrison.  “The recent management contract between the CBA and Rams is a positive and will only mean good things for the future.”

 

Morrison is completing a Bachelor of Business Management at the University of Canterbury in 2007.  He will work with the CBA off the court in coaching and community activities next season.  Morrison is a member of the Basketball NZ High Performance Programme under Rams Assistant Coach Terry Brunel who has also worked with Morrison throughout his career.

 

Canterbury Basketball CEO George Kazan is currently working hard at signing up other Rams players.

 

“We are excited to sign up Mark, who is one of Canterbury’s most promising youngsters,” said Kazan.

25 October 2006 - LANDMARK CBA AND RAMS DEAL FINALISED
The Canterbury Basketball Association and the Canterbury Rams franchise have signed a management contract that will take both organisations to a new level.  After selling the franchise to John Watson six years ago, the CBA will renew its direct association with the Rams after entering into a management agreement for the next three years. This agreement finalises a negotiation process between CBA CEO George Kazan and John Watson.  The CBA Board utilised a lengthy due-diligence process and both parties are extremely positive about the new relationship. The CBA Board welcomed the agreement, saying it gave basketball in Canterbury the opportunity to work in a unified manner from the grassroots level right through to the flagship of the sport.

 

“Both the CBA and the franchise are excited about the potential to build synergies between the various levels of the sport and we are confident that both players and spectators will enjoy benefits from the relationship,” said Kazan.

 

In recent years the CBA has grown from employing an executive officer to now employing 4 staff members, established a new constitution and strategic plan, and moved from an executive committee to a board set-up. Canterbury Basketball is viewed as the leading New Zealand basketball association administratively and has hosted numerous national and international events, along with revitalising its women’s programme highlighted by taking out the Women’s NBL Championship in 2004 and 2005 with the Canterbury Wildcats.

 

“We feel that the CBA is in a position of strength and is ready to take on board the management of the NBL side,” said Kazan. “We thank the Watson’s for their passionate involvement in the sport over the past seven seasons and are confident that we can continue to work together for the benefit of the Canterbury Basketball Public."

 

“There are clear positives that can come from the relationship and being able to tap into the CBA’s expertise is a big bonus,” said Watson.

 

A new Rams board will be established to oversee the operations of the franchise.  John Watson and two board members of the CBA will constitute the new board.  Kazan will directly oversee the daily operations of the Rams.  The Canterbury Rams will be treated as a separate business unit.

 

This agreement follows on the heels of a rebuilding season for the Rams franchise in which the team had a strong local flavour of Canterbury’s best prospects headed by Tall Black Trialist and now Singapore Slinger Jeremy Kench.  The coaching staff of American Chris Sparks and local Terry Brunel instilled a ‘never say die’ attitude and the team competed with many of the more fancied teams throughout the season.