Nine Americans likely to play N.Z. basketball

Press, 16 January 1985, Page 3

Nine Americans likely to play N.Z. basketball

By

FRANK DUGGAN

Nine new American basketballers are likely to play in the Countrywide national league championship in New Zealand this season, including Eddie Mcleod, a 205 cm centreforward for 3ZM Canterbury. McLeod, aged 27, has considerable experience, first with the professional Texan team, the San Antonio Spurs, and later on a semiprofessional basis in Europe and South America during the last five years. He is a high school friend of the Canterbury captain, Clyde Huntley, who recruited McLeod during his holiday in the United States last month. Both Huntley and McLeod are expected in Christchurch in mid-Febru-ary, hopefully before the first big provincial trial on February 16.

Two other definite American signings are Tim Weatherspoon (Hamilton) and Bill Burton (Palmerston North). Ponsonby (Auckland),

Napier, and Nelson have yet to inform the Basketball Federation of their final two-man overseas importations. Last season’s league champions, Exchequer Saints (Wellington) will see the return of Kenny McFadden and Angelo Hill. Hill, who was injured mid-way through last season, remained in New Zealand during the off-season. Last season’s runner-up, Metro (Auckland), will again have Benny Anthony, and possibly John McDonough, who has played for Centrals (Wellington) in recent years. Zack Jones is almost certain to rejoin Hamilton and Weatherspoon will replace his fellow American, Mark Davis.

Harold McMath has moved from Ponsonby to New Plymouth for the team’s first division debut, and the other American is Mike Ryan. Tyronne Brown, a highscoring guard last season, will join Burton in Palmers-

ton North’s line-up for its return to the first division league. The Nelson coach, Dave Taylor, said yesterday that a final decision would be made within a week on his team’s imports. “I’ve sent a contract to Jacques Tuz (Nelson’s outstanding player last season), but I haven’t heard from him,” said Mr Taylor. A couple of overseas telephone calls in the next few days are likely to clarify his final choices should Tuz decide to stay in the United States. Robbie Robinson has transferred from Napier to Centrals and will play alongside the agile Al Patterson. The former North Shore and New Zealand forward, Mark Clarke, who will play in New Zealand during the off-season from his scholarship in Hawaii, is also likely to join Centrals as well as another New Zealand representative, Rewi Thompson, who has been playing in the United States.