Latest news with #JordanNgatai
RNZ News
20-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Basketball: Welington Saints player dedicates NBL victory to late coach
The Wellington Saints finally reeled in the Southland Sharks in the NBL final. Photo: Marty Melville The Wellington Saints have clinched their 13th National Basketball League title after narrowly defeating the Southland Sharks by five points. Hyrum Harris and forward Jordan Ngatai were instrumental in the Wellington side's superb 88-83 win on their home court at TSB Arena in Wellington. Ngatai dedicated the victory on Sunday to the team's late American coach Kevin Braswell who died in February aged 46. Harris, the game's MVP brought an energetic display in the decider as he led the scoreboard with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Ngatai was hot on his heels contributing 19 points to the total. Expected to challenge the Wellington side, the Southerners came in to the grand final on a nine-game winning streak. Southland's first half performance led to some nervous moments for Saints fans in the stands as the visitors raced out of the blocks. Leading 44-41 at halftime the Sharks had the run of play, but the Saints found another gear to storm back from the brink. With 11 rebounds in a mighty defensive performance Nick Marshall was another key cog for Wellington with 18 points on the scoreboard. "I just wanted to win and we just had to find a way," a delighted Marshall said. Saints head coach Aaron Young claimed his first title in charge in the capital after tasting defeat with the Auckland Tuatara in the past three finals. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
17-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Jordan Ngatai to lead Tall Blacks for first time
Jordan Ngatai will captain the Tall Blacks at the FIBA Asia Cup. Photo: David Rowland/ Tall Blacks veteran Jordan Ngatai will lead the side at the FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, next month. Ngatai, 32, has played 84 games for the New Zealand team, but will captain the team for the first time at the two lead-up tournaments, both in China, as well as having the leadership reins in Jeddah. Ngatai made his debut in the black singlet almost 12 years ago, aged 20. Tall Blacks coach Judd Flavell said it was an easy decision to give Ngatai the captaincy. "He's just a great professional and somebody that has the ability to connect with people from all backgrounds and ages. Jordan's got the persona about him where he has the mana but is also very approachable. "So yeah, really excited for Jordan and it's something I know he'll take pride in fulfilling." Tall Blacks coach Judd Flavell has named a squad of 12 for the Asia Cup. Photo: Ngatai will lead the Wellington Saints against the Southland Sharks in the NBL final on Sunday, hoping to claim his fifth national league championship. But he had never really thought about being Tall Blacks captain. "It's a huge honour for not only myself, but for my family. "Honestly, I don't think I would have imagined myself being the captain of my national team - let-alone one of the veterans to last this long in a Tall Black singlet as well. "So, I think that in itself is an honour and I'm grateful for it." Ngatai, who is from Porirua, will lead a squad of 12 at the Asia Cup, which follows their lead-up tournaments, the FIBA Solidarity Cup in Guangdong , and Four Nations Tournament in Shenzhen. The Asia Cup squad includes three debutants - centre Jack Andrew (Taranaki Airs), guard Mohave King (Tauranga Whai), and guard Dontae Russo-Nance (Manawatū Jets) - while only Ngatai and forward Tohi Smith-Milner (69 games) have represented their country more than 50 times. Forward Ben Gold, who plays for Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is only available for the Asia Cup, while Jordan Hunt (Franklin Bulls), Hayden Jones (Nelson Giants) and Luca Yates are additions for the two lead-up tournaments. C - Jack Andrew* (Taranaki Airs), debutant G - Taylor Britt (Canterbury Rams & New Zealand Breakers), 34 games G - Flynn Cameron (Franklin Bulls & Adelaide 36ers), 28 games F - Max Darling (Canterbury Rams & New Zealand Breakers), 9 games F - Carlin Davison (Taranaki Airs & New Zealand Breakers), 4 games F - Ben Gold (Marquette University), 7 games G - Mojave King* (Tauranga Whai), debutant G/F - Taine Murray (Brisbane Bullets), 10 games G/F - Jordan Ngatai (Wellington Saints), 84 games G - Dontae Russo-Nance* (Manawatū Jets), debutant F/C - Tohi Smith-Milner (Canterbury Rams & Brisbane Bullets), 69 games F - Jordan Hunt (Franklin Bulls & Surrey 89ers), 12 games G - Hayden Jones (Nelson Giants & University of Wisconsin), 1 game C - Luca Yates* (Hawke's Bay Hawks & Illawarra Hawks), debutant 26 July Tall Blacks v Brazil 27 July Tall Blacks v Guangdong 28 July Tall Blacks v Montenegro 30 July Tall Blacks v Brazil 31 July Tall Blacks v TBC 5 August Tall Blacks v Iraq 8 August Tall Blacks v Philippines 10 August Tall Blacks v Chinese Taipei
