B’ball team weakened

Press, 30 August 1978, Page 6

B’ball team weakened

By

ROD DEW

Although weakened by the loss of key players to the New Zealand Commonwealth tournament team, Canterbury should still be capable of giving a good account of itself in the New Zealand men’s basketball championship in Hutt Valley from September 5 to 9. There is a pleasing blend of experience, youthful enthusiasm and ability in the side, announced by the new player* coach Mtt Ruscoe. He took over the coaching of the side when the previous player-coach, Tim Guthrie, withdrew earlier in the season. The result is a very different team from the one which played so poorly at the start of the season. Two players will be making their provincial debut at the national tournament — Korrie Ritsma (Aranui) and Andy Millar (Y.M.C.A.), both strong reboundel's with a bright future in the sport. Ritsma is the first player from the Aranui Old Boy’s club to be selected for the Canterbury senior team. The former New Zealand centre, Hugh Dimock (Y.M.C.A.), has been persuaded to return to the fold after retiring from representative competition several seasons ago. His height and experience will be very valuable. There are two other former New Zealand players in the side, Ruscoe, and his former Otago team-mate, John Whelan. Both men play for the New Zealand club champions Jaks-Old Boys. Whelan, a superb ball handler and restorer of lost fortunes, has been named captain. A lot will be expected of the New Zealand triallist, Dennis

Barry (Checkers),, and John Wright (Jaks) in the mid-court. Wright made his Canterbury debut earlier this season but can now be rated among the most important members. Gordon Phillips, the guiding hand behind Mairehau for several seasons, returns to the team. He, too, is a very sound mid-court player, steady under pressure. With the regular front line of Stewart Ferguson, John Hill and David Usmar away at the Commonwealth tournament in Britain, and another regular New Zealand player, John Fairweather, in America, a lot of pressure will fall on Geoff Longley (Checkers) and Mike Seaward (Mairehau). Longley spent much of this season on the sidelines with a back injury, although recent performances at club level indicate that he is back to his best. Seaward is a particularly forceful player, who should work well with Whelan. Seaward had been the highest points scorer in Canterbury club basketball in recent seasons. There is a possibility that the team might be strengthened by the late Inclusion of the former Canterbury forward, Carl Stent. He returned from a period in America earlier this season. The team is: MiHar, Dimock (Y.M.C.A.); Whelan, Ruscoe, Wright (Jaks); Phillips, Seaward (Mairehau i; Barry, Longley (Checkers); Ritsma (Aranui). The former Canterbun captain, Bob Manthei (Y.M.C.A.), has returned to the United States, his homeland. He expects to return in 18 months. Canterbury won the New Zealand title last season.