Canity basketballers deserve N.Z. honours

Press, 27 July 1988, Page 30

Canity basketballers deserve N.Z. honours

By FRANK DUGGAN The names of John Hill, lan Webb and Andy Bennett are synonymous with Canterbury men’s basketball and their selection this week for the New Zealand team to play New South Wales at Auckland next month was acknowledgement of their consistent standard in the Countrywide national league.

Webb’s selection was expected for he has been one of the national team’s better forwards in recent years. On the other hand, the case was different, although deserving, for Hill and Bennett. Both have represented New Zealand before, Hill from 1978 to 1985 and Bennett five years ago. In the interim there has been no lowering in their standard of play, only they were overlooked by the selector-coach of the time. However, like good wine, maturity has given both players an added depth (Hill is aged 30, and Bennett 31)

and they have been outstanding in this year’s league.

“What we tried to do this year was to get a satisfactory blend,” said the coach, Keith Mair, yesterday. "I think we have achieved it.” Mr Mair selected his team on the form shown at this year’s league matches. “We had to dovetail, size and inside and outside shooting.”

The side has a blend of youth and experience. “Internationally, the team is middle-of-the-road, as far as age is concerned,” he said. “Anyway, forwards retain their ability into the middle30s, while guards, generally, burn out a little earlier.”

Canterbury’s three New Zealand representatives have proved a hard core on both defence and attack. Nothing should change next month against the Australians. © “One never knows about Saints,” was Canterbury coach Gary Pettis’ reaction to forecasting a result against

the Wellington team at Madgwick Stadium on Saturday evening. “We are good enough, but playing them at home makes it difficfilt,” he said. “Still, we hope to win and also having the added incentive of not having lost our last five matches must give the players a boost in confidence.” Mr Pettis considers that Canterbury is coming together at the right time. “Things are working out and last Saturday confirmed this view.” (Canterbury overwhelmed North Shore, ranked second in the league, 99-57). However, it is difficult to gauge the relative abilities of Canterbury and Saints from that performance. “North Shore just laid down,” said Mr Pettis. “They did not come out and fight.” (North Shore is certain of a place in the finals.) “The further ahead we got

the less interested North Shore became.”

He sees Saturday night’s game as completely different. “Saints have been knocked back a couple of times lately and will be looking for a revival,” he said.

The last time Canterbury defeated Saints at Wellington was in the final in 1986.

Since then the only time it has won was at Cowles Stadium last year, with a stunning 30-point advantage.

The team trained on Monday and again last evening, with the final run scheduled tomorrow. There is some worry over two of the travelling 10-man team, Bert Knops and Bill Duggan. Knops has influenze, while Duggan has a slightly damaged left hand. Already Madgwick Stadium looks like being a sell-out on Saturday evening. According to the Saints manager, Mr Tom Pivac, yesterday, the stadium promises to be packed.