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40 Years Of Flashbacks: 1982

The 2021 Sal's NBL season is the League's 40th year, a milestone that will be celebrated by all, but one that has only been made possible due to the enormous passion by so many across four decades.

Let's take a look back to where it all started in 1982!

The 1980s ushered in a period of exceptional growth and popularity for basketball in New Zealand. Late in 1981, six men's teams – a mixture of club and provincial representative sides – went out alone and created an inaugural national competition.

It was enough of a success to come under the control of the New Zealand Basketball Federation the following year (1982), when it grew in size and secured a naming rights partner. This was to be known as New Zealand's first season of the National Basketball League (NBL).

And from that point, 1982 has been regarded as the inaugural season of New Zealand's NBL, known then as the ‘Countrywide League’.

Auckland would go on to win the the competition's first title, defeating Waitemata in the decider.

 

Teams:

8 teams contested the 1982 season (final standings): 

Auckland

Waitemata

Canterbury Rams

Centrals

Nelson Giants

Porirua

Hamilton

Palmerston North Jets

 

Grand Final:

Auckland defeated Waitemata (Referees: John Burton & Keith Milligan)

 

Season Award Winners:

• Most Outstanding Guard (Keith Carr Trophy): Brent Wright (Nelson Giants)
• Most Outstanding Forward (Commissioners Cup): Stan Hill (Auckland)
• Scoring Champion (Alan Bland Memorial Trophy): Stan Hill (Auckland)
• Rebounding Champion (Garry Pettis Memorial Trophy): James Lofton (Porirua)
• Best Team Free Throws (Nial Forsyth Trophy): Palmerston North Jets

 

All-Star Five:

• B. Brumit (Waitemata)
• Stan Hill (Auckland)
• James Lofton (Porirua)
• Jack Maere (Auckland)
• Brent Wright (Nelson Giants)

 

Step Back In Time - presented by 

The following images from 1982 have been made possible with thanks to www.lde.co.nz