2017 U23 Men's Team National Results
Use the following links to view results and photos from the U23 Men's National Tournament in Porirua.
Photos Courtesy of Marelda O'Rourke-Gallaher
Social Media:
LiveStream - U23 Nats
Head Coach - Greg Brockbank
Managers - Jan Schriffer, Glenda Kaan, Suzanne TeAu
Tournament Wrap-up from Coach Greg Brockbank:
Coaching the U23 men was a rewarding and enjoyable task, every single player committed to the success of the team, hardworking and with great attitudes. This was optimized by their never say die attitude and backed up by fighting every possession every game. These boys deserved to end up in the top four regardless of some calling it a surprise.
Coming out of a tough pool to beat a heavily favoured North Harbour team in the quarters was the highlight, having close wins against the talented Counties and Rotarua teams meant there were no easy games at the tournament, with the other pool game against Hutt Valley who’d made the final 3 of the lasty four years.
Captain Darcy Knox and Vice Benoit Hayman had the team prepped and ready to go every game, while leading from the front with their aggressive nature with ball in hand and heart muscle driven defense. There were stand out performances from double-double machine Josh Aitchison and Johnny on the Spot Richie Rodger who both had outstanding tournaments. Liam Aston, Hamish Robertson and Tom Davison grew into their roles each game and became a defensive weapons while providing a scoring punch. Stan Muru showed he was a big man that could compete at this level, coming down with rebounds and tip ins in crucial moments. Jamie MacDonald and James Scobie showed they can take their game another step and will continue to grow after this experience, contributing in key moments in tough games.
The lads will retain a large number of players and will go better again next year, I strongly believe BBO needs to continue to send these teams to U23 nationals, as it is a great way to develop those club players who don’t have a higher pathway in town at the moment.
Lastly a huge thank you to all those who help us send a team, our shared Managers Jan and Glenda who we’d be lost without, Justin for his work with logistics prior to the tournament and last but not least Nat Visger and Brent Matehaere for their help assistant coaching in games, which shows we are spoilt for riches in Otago with the help our coaches receive.
