The Manawatu Jets and the Southland Sharks need some serious reviving after being locked in a battle for the wooden spoon the last few years in the NZ National Basketball League (NBL). The Jets finished last with a 1-19 record in 2024, while Sharks ended second to last at 4-16.
Both teams needed some expert recruitment this off-season, and while Sharks have done a fine job, the Jets’ efforts have been questionable.
I’m a commentator for the league alongside the Morning Rumble’s Andrew Mulligan, and we are here to break down how and why Sharks have done a better job.
It all starts with your coaching staff, who facilitate and drive the success of the squad.
Sharks have nailed this, appointing head coach Jonathan Yim who according to Mulls “has good pedigree”, with 13 years coaching experience across NBA and the G League. Yim brings experience and expertise in player management and decision-making.
The Jets hired Tony Webster, father of NZ Basketball stars Corey and Tai Webster. Despite an incredible playing career behind him, his last professional experience as a coach was one season at the helm of the now defunct Harbour Heat in 2009.
It’s not to say Webster isn’t equipped for the role, but Mulls and I were expecting someone with a little more professional experience.
Mulls “really likes what Southland are doing” with the way they have pieced their team together.
Import Guard Caleb Asberry has returned for a second season, which Mulls considers “super key”.
Continuity is extremely essential when searching for success in the NBL.
Other imports, Keylan Boone and Josiah Allick, are coming off the back of really strong collegiate careers.
My favourite signing for them is 6 '11" Otago-born Sam Timmins, who spent a good portion of his NBL career with the Otago Nuggets, followed by a 2024 stint with the Franklin Bulls.
His venture even further South than home is a pleasant surprise. The Tall Black is “really mobile,” from Mulls analysis. We both agree Timmins will mix nicely with the strong perimeter presence Sharks already possess, and will immediately assert Sharks as a threat on the glass.
I’d hate to make any preseason predictions, but I think the Sharks will be in the mix.
Given the Jets are "perennially in the dog house” - Mulls’ creative assessment - it was hard for them to retain any of last year’s signings.
20-year-old Dontae Russo-Nance looks like a key signing for them right now. He has spent the last couple of years developing with the Perth Wildcats in the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL).
He’s shown potential in this league. At 16 years old, he was averaging 11.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game for the then-Auckland Huskies in the NZ NBL. Last season saw him with the Otago Nuggets averaging similar statistics. Dontae will just need to shake the injury bug that has plagued the early stages of his young career.
Their trio of import picks have potential, with 6’10” big man Makhel Mitchell the most notable of the lot.
We think veteran Tall Black Corey Webster will likely sign with the Jets, given his father is the coach. In this case, he’ll be their star player and leading scorer, meaning all these pieces just need to fit around him.
“The problem with imports in Sal’s NBL is that you don’t know what you’re getting when they walk off the plane,” Mulls pointed out.
Outside of these two teams, Mulls and I were impressed with the way that back-to-back champions Canterbury Rams have recruited, as well as the Auckland Tuatara and Wellington Saints.
Rams have kept their championship winning core together, including last year’s Most Improved Player Taylor Britt.
Tuatara consistently pose as a threat, having a veteran core led by Tall Black stars Rob Loe and Tom Vodanovich.
Saints are one we consider interesting, with classic Tall Black veteran duo Izayah Le’Afa and Hyrum Harris now supported by Shea Ili, who is one of the best guards NZ has ever seen.
Mulls and I are extremely curious to see how the two wooden spooners, Sharks and Jets, can stand their ground in this year’s NZ NBL.
Will the Sharks live up to the hype we’ve given them? Will the Jets exceed expectations?
We will just have to see.
The NZ NBL is set to kick off on Wednesday 12th March, all games available on Sky Sport.
