Harbour Heat Coach Judd Flavell is under no illusions that despite a two game winning start to the Bartercard National Basketball League, the visit of the Saints to the North Shore Events Centre this Friday night is the first real test for his side and a mouth watering prospect for fans in the stadium.

Flavell by no means is being disrespectful to either of the Otago Nuggets or Southland Sharks teams his Heat side has already dispatched, rather it is a case of genuine title contenders the Saints coming to town with all the hype surrounding one of the pre-season favourites.

“Otago and Southland are brave sides that gave their all and will pick up their share of wins during the season. But for both a road trip to the North Shore Events Centre so early in the season was probably considered even by them to be a tough assignment on return to the NBL. The Saints however are the real deal as far as title contenders go and with Pero Cameron at the helm, I have no doubt they will be a very focused and well drilled side. Import Daryl Hudson is posting some great numbers and with Casey Frank and Erron Maxey in the lineup, they can hurt you in a number of ways.”

Indeed the Saints have won the NBL a record five times and been runner up on a further five occasions and with former Saints legend Kenny McFadden assisting Cameron in the coaching department, do not lack for experience or leadership in the coaching department.

However the Heat will be improved themselves this week with import Kavossy Franklin having a week of practice under his belt following his promising debut against Southland, scoring 21 points despite only arriving in the country three days before the game. But it is defensively that Flavell wants an improved effort from his side.

“Offensively we will score against most teams and have options inside and out that when on song, will be a handful for any side. But to be competitive against the best teams in this league you have to control the defensive end of the court, limit opposing teams, especially on your home court. We have had spells in both games so far when we have lost concentration and allowed big scoring runs against us. The only saving grace is the fact we were enjoying big leads at the time. But against the likes of the Saints we won’t have that luxury and will have to stay focused throughout the game to be in with a shot.”

The quality of the game on Friday night promises to be of a high standard, with a number of players coming off successful seasons in the Australian NBL. Rick Rickert, Dillon Boucher, Corey Webster (all Breakers) and Kavossy Franklin (Hawks) will have to contend with the likes of player coach Pero Cameron, Erron Maxey, Casey Frank (all Gold Coast Blaze) and Nick Horvarth (South Dragons). All are used to the higher pace and physicality of the ANBL and will bring that intensity with them to the North Shore Events Centre on Friday night in a game that promises plenty of thrills for the fans.

Bartercard National Basketball League

Harbour Heat v Wellington Saints

North Shore Events Centre

Friday 19^th March

7pm tip off