2020 New Zealand NBL season
Sports season
| 2020 New Zealand NBL season | |
|---|---|
| League | New Zealand NBL |
| Sport | Basketball |
| Duration | 23 June – 1 August |
| Number of games | 14 |
| Number of teams | 7 |
| Regular season | |
| Minor premiers | Otago Nuggets |
| Season MVP | Tom Vodanovich (Manawatu Jets) |
| Top scorer | Derone Raukawa (Taranaki Mountainairs) |
| Finals | |
| Champions | Otago Nuggets |
| Runners-up | Manawatu Jets |
| Grand Final MVP | Jordan Hunt |
| New Zealand NBL seasons | |
The 2020 NBL season (officially known as the 2020 NBL Showdown[1]) was the 39th season of the National Basketball League.
The regular season was set to commence on Thursday 9 April and end on Sunday 12 July, with the finals then taking place between 16–24 July.[2][3][4] However, following the coronavirus outbreak in early to mid March 2020, the season was suspended indefinitely.[5][6] After two months of deliberation and in the wake of easing coronavirus restrictions, the league announced a revised competition format for 2020 beginning on Tuesday 23 June and ending with the grand final on Saturday 1 August.[7][8]
The 2020 season was initially set to feature eight teams following the withdrawal of the Southern Huskies and Super City Rangers[9] and the inclusion of the Franklin Bulls for the first time. However, three of the top four teams in 2019 (Wellington Saints, Hawke's Bay Hawks and Southland Sharks) decided not to enter the modified competition.[10] This left the door open for the inclusion of the Otago Nuggets, a team who were looking to re-enter the league in 2021 for the first time since 2014,[11][12][13] and the Huskies. Coinciding with the announcement of a revised 2020 competition, the Huskies franchise relocated from Tasmania to Auckland and became the Auckland Huskies.[14][15]
The 2020 season began on 23 June, with all seven teams playing up to three games per week over six weeks. The season concluded on 1 August with the Otago Nuggets defeating the Manawatu Jets in the grand final to win their maiden NBL championship.[16] All teams were based in Auckland,[7] with all games played out of The Trusts Arena.[17]
Team information
| Team | City origin | Arena | Colours | Head coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland Huskies | Auckland | The Trusts Arena, Auckland |  Kevin Braswell | |
| Canterbury Rams | Christchurch |  Mick Downer | ||
| Franklin Bulls | Auckland | Liam Simmons | ||
| Manawatu Jets | Palmerston North |  Tim McTamney | ||
| Nelson Giants | Nelson | Michael Fitchett | ||
| Otago Nuggets | Dunedin | Brent Matehaere | ||
| Taranaki Mountainairs | New Plymouth | Doug Courtney |
Summary
Regular season standings
| Pos | Team | W | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Otago Nuggets | 9 | 5 | 1293 | 1233 | +60 | 18 | Qualifying Final |
| 2 | Manawatu Jets | 8 | 6 | 1346 | 1305 | +41 | 16[a] | |
| 3 | Auckland Huskies | 8 | 6 | 1207 | 1219 | −12 | 16[a] | Elimination Final 2 and 3 |
| 4 | Taranaki Mountainairs | 8 | 6 | 1382 | 1375 | +7 | 16[a] | |
| 5 | Franklin Bulls | 7 | 7 | 1150 | 1134 | +16 | 14 | |
| 6 | Nelson Giants | 5 | 9 | 1171 | 1252 | −81 | 10 | Elimination Final 1 |
| 7 | Canterbury Rams | 4 | 10 | 1201 | 1232 | −31 | 8 |
Source: New Zealand National Basketball League
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head results; 3) Points difference; 4) Points scored.
Notes:
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head results; 3) Points difference; 4) Points scored.
Notes:
- ^ a b c Head-to-head results: Manawatu 4–0, Auckland 2–2, Taranaki 0–4
Finals
Tuesday 28 July
- Elimination Final 1 – 6th vs 7th[18]
5:30 pm |
Box score Report |
| Nelson Giants 89, Canterbury Rams 93 | ||
| Scoring by quarter: 30–26, 17–23, 19–27, 23–17 | ||
| Pts: Mike Karena 19 Rebs: Mika Vukona 16 Asts: Karena, Trathen 3 each | Pts: Quintin Bailey 19 Rebs: Bailey, Britt 8 each Asts: Taylor Britt 7 | |
| Canterbury advances to Elimination Final 2 | ||
- Qualifying Final – 1st vs 2nd
7:30 pm |
Box score Report |
| Otago Nuggets 105, Manawatu Jets 80 | ||
| Scoring by quarter: 30–19, 23–16, 27–17, 25–28 | ||
| Pts: Jordan Hunt 23 Rebs: Kane Keil 12 Asts: Jordan Ngatai 6 | Pts: Taane Samuel 17 Rebs: 3 players 6 each Asts: Hyrum Harris 4 | |
Wednesday 29 July
- Elimination Final 2 – 3rd vs Winner EF1
5:30 pm |
Box score Report |
| Auckland Huskies 84, Canterbury Rams 98 | ||
| Scoring by quarter: 26–23, 16–13, 20–39, 22–23 | ||
| Pts: Izayah Mauriohooho-Le'afa 39 Rebs: Bailey-Nowell, Henry 8 each Asts: Izayah Mauriohooho-Le'afa 5 | Pts: Thomas Webley 21 Rebs: Toby Gillooly 12 Asts: Taylor Britt 10 | |
| Canterbury advances to Semi Final 1 | ||
- Elimination Final 3 – 4th vs 5th
7:30 pm |
Box score Report |
| Taranaki Mountainairs 99, Franklin Bulls 90 | ||
| Scoring by quarter: 26–18, 22–27, 24–19, 27–26 | ||
| Pts: Marcel Jones 31 Rebs: Marcel Jones 10 Asts: Raukawa, Jones 7 each | Pts: Dominique Kelman-Poto 31 Rebs: Dominique Kelman-Poto 10 Asts: Everard Bartlett 5 | |
| Taranaki advances to Semi Final 2 | ||
Thursday 30 July
- Semi Final 1 – Winner QF vs Lowest EF Winner
5:30 pm |
Box score Report |
| Otago Nuggets 97, Canterbury Rams 79 | ||
| Scoring by quarter: 29–22, 25–17, 27–18, 16–22 | ||
| Pts: Jordan Hunt 33 Rebs: Jordan Hunt 11 Asts: Kenny, Ngatai 7 each | Pts: Samuel Smith 13 Rebs: Talma, Webley 7 each Asts: Taylor Britt 5 | |
| Otago advances to Grand Final | ||
- Semi Final 2 – Loser QF vs Highest EF Winner
7:30 pm |
Box score Report |
| Manawatu Jets 105, Taranaki Mountainairs 95 | ||
| Scoring by quarter: 34–23, 21–27, 12–20, 38–25 | ||
| Pts: Tom Vodanovich 28 Rebs: Hyrum Harris 11 Asts: Hyrum Harris 7 | Pts: Derone Raukawa 32 Rebs: Marcel Jones 12 Asts: Marcel Jones 6 | |
| Manawatu advances to Grand Final | ||
Saturday 1 August
- Grand Final – Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2
7:30 pm |
Preview Box score Report |
| Otago Nuggets 79, Manawatu Jets 77 | ||
| Scoring by quarter: 15–17, 22–24, 15–14, 27–22 | ||
| Pts: Jordan Hunt 21 Rebs: 3 players 7 each Asts: Jarrod Kenny 8 | Pts: Tom Vodanovich 24 Rebs: Hyrum Harris 12 Asts: Harris, Samuel 4 each | |
| Otago wins NBL championship | ||
Awards
Statistics leaders
Stats as of the end of the regular season[19]
| Category | Player | Team | Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points per game | Derone Raukawa | Taranaki Mountainairs | 22.8 |
| Rebounds per game | Marcel Jones | Taranaki Mountainairs | 13.4 |
| Assists per game | Derone Raukawa | Taranaki Mountainairs | 7.6 |
| Steals per game | Izayah Mauriohooho-Le'afa | Auckland Huskies | 2.7 |
| Blocks per game | Sam Timmins | Franklin Bulls | 1.9 |
Regular season
- Most Valuable Player: Tom Vodanovich (Manawatu Jets)[20][21]
- Defensive Player of the Year: Jarrod Kenny (Otago Nuggets) and Izayah Mauriohooho-Le'afa (Auckland Huskies)
- Youth Player of the Year: Taane Samuel (Manawatu Jets)
- Coach of the Year: Brent Matehaere (Otago Nuggets)
- All-Star Five:
- G: Derone Raukawa (Taranaki Mountainairs)
- G: Izayah Mauriohooho-Le'afa (Auckland Huskies)
- F: Jordan Ngatai (Otago Nuggets)
- F: Marcel Jones (Taranaki Mountainairs)
- C: Tom Vodanovich (Manawatu Jets)
Finals
- Grand Final MVP: Jordan Hunt (Otago Nuggets)[16]
References
- ^ "2020 SEASON TO BE KNOWN AS SAL'S NBL SHOWDOWN". nznbl.basketball. 9 June 2020. Archived from the original on 9 June 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
- ^ "FINALS TO BE PLAYED ON HOME COURT IN 2020". nznbl.basketball. 30 November 2019. Archived from the original on 23 September 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
- ^ "SAL'S NBL SEASON 2020 SCHEDULE RELEASED". nznbl.basketball. 8 December 2019. Archived from the original on 29 September 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
- ^ "SAL'S NBL SET 2020 GRAND FINAL DATE". nznbl.basketball. 11 December 2019. Archived from the original on 27 September 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
- ^ "Coronavirus: NZ NBL considers options ahead of planned season start". Stuff.co.nz. 17 March 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
- ^ "SAL'S NBL MEN POSTPONE 2020 SEASON, NOW LOOKING AT A MODIFIED COMPETITION TO COMMENCE IN MAY OR JUNE". nznbl.basketball. 20 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
- ^ a b "AUCKLAND TO HOST 2020 SAL'S NBL, TIPPING OFF 23 JUNE". nznbl.basketball. 19 May 2020. Archived from the original on 19 May 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- ^ "SAL'S NBL 2020 FIXTURE ANNOUNCED". nznbl.basketball. 21 May 2020. Archived from the original on 24 May 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- ^ "NBL ALIGNS GROWTH STRATEGY WITH RECENT CHANGES". nznbl.basketball. 14 August 2019. Archived from the original on 21 September 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
- ^ "@BasketballNZ GM Justin Nelson has confirmed the..." twitter.com/newstalkzbsport. 16 May 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- ^ Seconi, Adrian (16 May 2020). "Nuggets could return soon to rejigged national league". odt.co.nz. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- ^ "Seven teams confirmed for NBL basketball competition in June". Stuff.co.nz. 19 May 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- ^ Hinton, Marc (10 June 2020). "Otago Nuggets to pick first as Kiwi NBL gets the ball rolling with historic draft". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ Hinton, Marc (15 May 2020). "Auckland Huskies unveiled as the latest new addition to New Zealand's NBL". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
- ^ "AUCKLAND HUSKIES – AUSTRALIAN OWNERS LAUNCH NEW SAL'S NBL TEAM". nznbl.basketball. 15 May 2020. Archived from the original on 15 May 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
- ^ a b "NUGGETS STRIKE GOLD IN SAL'S NBL SHOWDOWN". nznbl.basketball. 1 August 2020. Archived from the original on 1 August 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2020 SAL'S NBL WILL BE PLAYED AT THE TRUSTS ARENA IN AUCKLAND". nznbl.basketball. 27 May 2020. Archived from the original on 27 May 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
- ^ "HOW DO THE SAL'S NBL SHOWDOWN FINALS WORK". nznbl.basketball. 23 July 2020. Archived from the original on 23 July 2020. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
- ^ "Stats Leaders". nznbl.basketball. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- ^ "TOM VODANOVICH WINS SKYCITY MVP AT SAL'S NBL AWARDS DINNER". nznbl.basketball. 26 July 2020. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- ^ "SEASON AWARDS – WHAT'S UP FOR GRABS?". nznbl.basketball. 24 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
External links
- NBL Draft player pool Archived 8 June 2020 at the Wayback Machine
- NBL Draft recap and rosters Archived 11 June 2020 at the Wayback Machine
- Team-by-team guide
- "Saints, Southland Sharks non-starters as innovative Kiwi NBL battles to achieve liftoff" at stuff.co.nz
- "Basketball: NZ national league facing player exodus under proposed format" at newshub.co.nz
- "Nelson coach hoping to avoid Giant headaches ahead of shortened NBL" at stuff.co.nz
- "Otago Nuggets select Jordan Ngatai first in NBL Showdown draft" at stuff.co.nz
- "Opportunity, welfare, representation: Will NZNBL's Showdown thrive despite challenges?" at pickandroll.com.au
- "New Zealand NBL boss Justin Nelson defends revamped competition" at stuff.co.nz
- "Meet Justin Nelson, the workaholic Aussie who might have saved New Zealand basketball" at stuff.co.nz
