photo credit Cameron Walker
BNZ Northern Kāhu
If you THINK picking your starting line-up each week is easy THEN spare a thought for Jody Cameron. The Kāhu have recruited a little differently to the other four teams, electing to go with three FIBA Asia imports and two American imports. Why will this matter? In Rapid League a team can play up to two FIBA Asia players, meaning the Kāhu will have to either start one of their FIBA Asia players in Tauihi games, or bring them off the bench (but not play Rapid League). With Americans Iimar’I Thomas and Megan Mullings almost guaranteed to start in Tauihi games, if Cameron elects to also start one of her FIBA Asia players (Steph Bairstow, Chloe Forster, Lily Rotunno) then it means one of Krystal Leger-Walker, Penina Davidson or Tahlia Tupaea will be coming off the bench. Sound confusing? Simply speaking, one of Leger-Walker, Davidson or Tupaea comes off the bench in Tauihi, or the Kāhu will be playing with six players in Rapid League.
Mainland Pouākai
If you THINK the Pouākai are looking for some import star power this season THEN Mckenzie Forbes could be the player to watch. The Californian is heading to NZ off a successful season with Waverley in Melbourne (NBL1) where she averaged 15 points per game with the Falcons. The 28th pick at this year’s WNBA draft (Los Angeles Sparks) came after her senior year at USC where she started all 35 games and averaged 14 points per game. Forbes will be one to watch!
Southern Hoiho
If you THINK the Hoiho might be looking for a good luck charm to help lead them to a successful season THEN they need look no further than their namesake. The Hoiho (New Zealand’s native yellow-eyed penguin) has just been named the country’s Bird of the Year, the second time it has taken the crown after claiming the top prize back in 2019. Perhaps a good omen for the Southern Hoiho!
Tauranga Whai
If you THINK the Whai unearthed some great young talent last season THEN you’ll be excited to know many of those young stars are signed and ready to step it up this season. Pahlyss Hokianga, Anika Hyland, Sophie Rogers and Emma Rogers are all 19yo or under and will turn plenty of heads over the next three months.
ANZCO Tokomanawa Queens
If you THINK the Queens can find time to watch some TV this week THEN the channel will be stuck on the WNBA playoffs (Sky, ESPN) where Jordan Horston will step on court for the Seattle Storm against the imposing Las Vegas Aces in a best-of-three first round, How deep into the postseason the Storm are able to go will be the determining factor on when Horston will be able to depart the States and arrive in New Zealand to join her fellow Queens for the Tauihi season.
