Every Monday we look back on The Week That Was and recap the news, views and results from across the Sal's NBL.
This week we continue to talk about players signings ahead of the 2021 season, we highlight some more rules to be aware of, members take centre stage, and the League announces the first 10 players selected to the 40in40 - the best 40 players to play across the last 40 years in New Zealand's National Basketball League.
Here's TWTW!
AIRS GRAB KIRKSEY
The Steelformers Taranaki Mountainairs announced the signing of American Nelson Kirksey, but it came with a twist given Kirksey reside in New Zealand and won't require flights or quarantine, meaning he is already on court and training hard for the season.
See all the Airs Roster HERE.
JACK EXETER CONTINUES WITH RAMS
A rising star of the Sal's NBL, the Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams didn't hesitate in bring back Jack Exeter after his impressive showings last year in the Showdown. Big things are ahead of Exeter and another season of experience at this level comes at a perfect time.
Check out the the Rams roster now - click HERE.
THEO JOHNSON A HUSKIE
Though he lined up for the Mike Pero Nelson Giants at last year's Showdown, Theo Johnson has decided to sign with the Sky Tower Auckland Huskies for 2021 and could play an increased role given his versatility. The Huskies will be a young unit and the likes of Johnson seem set for expanded opportunities.
Check out the announcement of Theo Johnson - click HERE.
40in40 - CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
Season 2021 marks a major milestone for the Sal's NBL with this being the competition's 40th year. To celebrate four decades of elite men's basketball in New Zealand the League is naming its Top 40 players in 40 years - the 40in40. The first instalment covered players 31-40.
Check out the first players announced in the 40in40 - click HERE.
TEAM MEMBERSHIPS ON SALE NOW
If you knew that buying a membership this season with your favourite Sal’s NBL team could lead them to current and future success, would you do it? The greatest thing about being a member is that you know (and the team knows) you are always there for them. Let that sink in. As a member the team knows you are always there for them. The players know you are there for them. Being a member is about being a part of the team.
Join your favourite Sal's NBL team today - click HERE.
RULES EXPLAINED: MVP VOTING SYSTEM
The Sal's NBL introduced a new voting system ahead of the 2019 season to determine the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the regular season. The same system will continue in season 2021. The MVP Voting System is designed to arrive at the 10 best players across the regular season, as determined by the Head Coaches. From there, the Head Coaches will have the biggest say on the final result (the final vote), but are joined by five independent panel members who have seen a majority of games across the season, thus helping to ensure a rounded conclusion to finding the season MVP.
Check out how the MVP Voting System works - click HERE.
FIVE THINGS WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE
Fast Five last week looked at the five things we'd love to see in the Sal's NBL this season.
Check out the latest instalment of the Fast Five - click HERE.
