The Schick 3X3 Cup (14-16 October) is fast approaching, but before we get there all teams must head to the Player Draft next Wednesday (1 September) where each Captain will make three selections.
The draft order for the first two rounds has been revealed, while the order of third round selections will be decided live on draft night.
One added complexity for the women’s teams is trying to cater for the players who were recently selected in a 19-player Sky Sport Tall Ferns wider squad ahead of the Asia Cup.
As it currently sits, the national team will still be in MIQ (following the Asia Cup) when the Schick Cup is being played.
Season 2021 Sal’s NBL players who have also registered for the 3X3 draft named in the Sky Sport Tall Ferns squad include Ella Fotu, Lauryn Hippolite, Ash Kelman-Poto, Esra McGoldrick, Katelin Noyer and Zoe Richards.
If a 3X3 team selects a player who is then selected for the Sky Sport Tall Ferns final squad of 12, the team can replace the player from the draft pool (of undrafted players).
What does all of this mean? Well, put simply, teams (captains) will need to think carefully how they approach the draft and who they select.
The Southland Storm, a new team, have the first pick. Possible options are 3X3 gun Tiarna Clarke, or Dream star Sharne Robati. Or do the Storm continue their fruitful relationship with the Kelman-Poto family? It's anybody's guess... here's ours...
Captains
Storm – Aliyah Dunn
Swish – Jacinta Beckley
Breeze – Jazz Kailahi-Fulu
Dream – Casyn Buchman
Wildcats – Lauryn Hippolite
Wizards – Kayla Manuirirangi
Sparks – Amanda Wayment
Thunder – Tara Clement
Gold Rush – Nicole Ruske
Blaze – Awatea Leach
