HARBOUR HEAT READY TO LIGHT UP THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
With the Heat already confirming the coup signings of NZ Breakers players Rick Rickert and Dillon Boucher to play alongside returning Heat stars Corey Webster, BJ Anthony and veteran forward Daryl Cartwright, news today that the stylish American has been lured to the North Shore based club will once again get opposing teams looking over their shoulders at the Judd Flavell coached side.
34 year old Franklin will join the side on March 9, missing this Saturday night’s season opener against Otago at the North Shore Events Centre. Head Coach Judd Flavell is pleased to have secured the signature of such an experienced campaigner.
“Kavossy will bring huge maturity and experience to the table and I’m sure will be a wonderful asset to us on and off court. He presents a scoring threat from long range and can take the ball to the hoop but importantly will also be a great mentor for the younger players on our roster and further assist in their development.”
Franklin came out of Augusta State University and has played his basketball in Australia since 2003, winning a title with the Sydney Kings that season before stints with the Hunter Pirates, South Dragons and Hawks.
With the Heat tipping off their participation in the league this Saturday with a home game against Otago, new coach Flavell has been working his new charges hard in practice.
“The start of the season can always be a dangerous time as players become available at different stages of our preparation. We have really only had our Breakers players for a week or so and BJ has just returned from Germany but the rest of the squad has been working hard now for a month or so together.
“Saturday night will be an important game for us to begin the season on the right note but to do that we will have to switch on immediately against an Otago side with a point to prove on their return to the league.”
Heat has brought together a squad with a good blend of experience and youth with promising youngsters Brad Anderson, Sam King, Houston O’Riley and Morgan Nathan included in the full roster while BJ Anthony and Corey Webster are both still just 21 years old.
Home games will be played at the North Shore Events Centre and the nearby AUT campus on the Shore on two occasions when the NSEC is unavailable.
The full season draw and further information can be found at www.basketball.org.nz
Harbour Heat v Otago
Saturday March 6
North Shore Event Centre
7pm tip off
Appliance Shed Harbour Heat Roster
Brad Anderson #12 Guard 190 cm 19
Benny (BJ) Anthony #20 Forward, 198 cm 21
Dillon Boucher #24, Fwd/Guard, 196 cm 34
Daryl Cartwright #33 Forward 200 cm 32
Reece Cassidy #TBC Fwd/Guard 200 cm 28
Sam King #13 Forward 199 cm 18
Morgan Nathan #15 Fwd/Guard 197 cm 19
Karl Noyer #10 Guard 190 cm 22
Houston O'Riley # Guard 181 cm 20
Rick Rickert #7 Forward 211 cm 27
Corey Webster #9, Guard, 185 cm 21
Kavossy Franklin #8 Guard 188 cm 34
Head Coach Judd Flavell
Assistant Coach Milos Petkovic, Lawrence Levi, Jamie Hall
Home Game Schedule
March 6th Saturday NSEC v Otago 7.00pm
March 14th Sunday NSEC v Southland 3.00pm
March 19th Friday NSEC v Wellington 7.00pm
March 26th Friday AUT v Palm. North 7.00pm
April 1st Thursday NSEC v Nelson 7.00pm
May 8th Saturday NSEC v Waikato 7.00pm
May 21st Friday NSEC v Hawkes Bay 7.00pm
June 3rd Thursday AUT v Canterbury 7.00pm
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.