Tall rebounder takes rest

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33932, 27 August 1975, Page 30

Tall rebounder takes rest

The chances of Canterbury’s regaining the New Zealand men’s basketball championship at Hutt Valley next month have been diminished slightly by the decision of the former national representative, Hugh Dimock, not to make himself available.

Dimock, at 6ft 9in the tallest player in the province, would have been invaluable to the side at the rebounds. He has expressed dissatisfaction with his recent form and this has prompted his unexpected decision.

This puts a heavy burden on the talented 18-year-old High School Old Boys centre, Geoff Longley, who has not previously contested the national tournament. He and the experienced former New Zealand centre, Rodger Millard, were the only two very tall players named in the tournament team yesterday by the selector-coach (Mr G.

D, Dempsey). Both are 6ft 7in. t ‘•This means that we will probably not be exploiting our height to the same degree as we had planned,” Mr Dempsey said, when outlining his revised tactics for the national event, which will begin on September 8. However, Mr Dempsey is by no means disheartened by Dimock’s withdrawal and is confident that there is sufficient height remaining for the team to have no fears of being out-played close to the boards. Millard, now one of the most experienced men in the team, can be relied on to give another good performance under the boards. Longley, although only in his first season of A grade competition, has progressed spectacularly and after a tour with the New Zealand junior side can no i longer be regarded as a I novice in the centre. 1 As well, three others in the

team are capable of giving a good account of themselves in rebounding — Stewart Ferguson, John Fairweather, and Simon Guthrie. Ferguson and Fairweather have both represented New Zealand and are regarded as two of the best forwards in the country. Both are 6ft 4in tall. Guthrie, in his first season as a senior Canterbury representative, is obviously a player of considerable promise. He is at present sidelined with an ankle injury, but he expects to be fully fit in time for the tournament. Ed Manco is also a good rebounder.

Bob Manthei has retained the captaincy. The team is: R Manthei (captain), R. Millard, S. Ferguson, T. Guthrie, S. Guthrie. E. Manco, G. Longley, J. Fairweather, D. Barry, R. Cooke. Apart from Dimock, the Mairehau centre, Carl Stent, iwas also not available.