[NZcoachParticipant]

 Hey guys. So this week in New Zealand is highschool basketball nationals. Since we are a small country we are able to have the best highschool teams all compeating to become the national champ, something that America would find rather hard to acomplish. But it also means that anyone watching finds it easy to get a look at our best prospects since they are all in the same arena. I live in the city where the tournament is held so I thought I would just write what I see from our well known prospects. I will mainly only mention a couple of teams but if anyone wants me to watch a specific college or prospect just let me know.

Day 1. Rangitoto vs Pakuranga.

Rangitoto : Tai Wynard.

So I got there a bit late and missed warm ups and the first few min, but Rangitoto were solidly in front. Rangitoto were running a fullcourt trap on defense and some Horns and Triangle on offense. The team as a whole was taller, longer and more athletic than Pakuranga. They got at least 15 steals at halfcourt from their fullcourt trap and got out quickly in transition from opponents misses. There is a noticable drop off in skill level when the subs come on, but no drop off in hustle, and even though there was the drop off in skill, the subs were still stronger than the other teams starters. Rangitoto was blocking everything. Apart from Tai, Rangitoto has at least 3-4 other players that could play in the NZ league, but doubtful they would make it to USA college at this point. They start big with a guy I refer to as "Sideshow Bob" because of his curly hair and big as feet playing the 3, but later in the game he switches to the 4. They dont really have a 5, Tai and another african? player both play big, but on their fullcourt defense Tai is the one that plays back deep. Sideshow Bob was getting his head near the rim on breakaway dunks. They have 5 or 6 fowards that they rotate, with maybe two being able to play the 3. Their guards are solid aswell, not super flashy but they make the right pass and attack hard and finish on the fast break. The team knows their strength is on the inside aswell and gets it done. The scores after each quarter were all in Rangitoto’s favour:

1st Q: 26-14

Half: 54-27

3rd Q: 83-36

Fulltime: 114-41

Tai Wynard: Straight away it was easy to see he is more athletic this year. Has alot more bounce and threw down 3 putback dunks, 2 off 1 or 2 steps, and the 3rd straight up off the spot, all in the middle of defense. Is a much improved shotblocker aswell getting alot more height on his blocks and with better timing. Has timmed off some baby fat but runs like he still has it. Still very solid though and strong. At one point the opposing 5 got the ball on the low block and tried to back Tai down. Tai hardly had to bend his knees and wasnt moved a single inch, just far too strong. Is also more of a vocal leader now and talks well on defense which is good considering he is still not the oldest in his team. 

On offense he shows a very soft touch finishing with a variety of hooks. Keeps the ball well away from the defense on his shots, will be surprised if I see him get blocked. Will scrap for the offensive reb and at one point hustled after one under the hook, picked it off the ground and dunked it off the spot. Body language can still look a bit unsure on offense when he doesn’t have the ball. Shows the ability to change his shot in the air and still finish well and strong. Fills the lanes well and gets to his spots which gave him some easy buckets in the defenses confusion. Shows good poise in the post. Good passing aswell with some passing into the low post and outlets on the fast break were well weighted. 

On defense he stays on his heels a little bit too much when he gets faced up, but anyone who trys to back him down will need to put in some big time effort and have a big body too. As I mentioned, his shot blocking is alot better and is muched helped by improved athleticism. When he decides to box out, whoever he puts a body on will not get the rebound. He is just too big and too strong, straight up moves people, same thing when he sets screens. There were a couple of ocasions though where he got caught watching the shot on defense and found himself a little bit far from the basket so didnt bother to go in for the rebound.

Its easy to see he is still a kid, laughing with his teammates and joking around, maybe not taking it super seriously, but it was a blow out win and you can tell he wants the W. Knows when a mistake was his fault and takes responsibility, and has a good unsderstanding of the game. Is still young aswell.

I didnt count but Tai must have finished with around 18p, 12r, 3a, 3b.

 

This was the main game I saw yesterday as the next game St Pats won 88-25 but I have no idea how. Then I ended up going home and sleeping as I was still awake from the day before haha. These are just my personal opinions, Im no scout or anything. But NZ basketball is reported on much so thought it was worth posting a few comments. Hope to watch another Rangitoto game today aswell as Westlake which has two players that were at Addidas nations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Kinguy11Participant]

 Great post, nice to know more about the guy.  Do you think that – in the long term – he’ll be a centre or a power forward?

I’m curious if the rumour that Coach Cal is interest him has any substance.

 

[tblazer_NZParticipant]

How much the grows will help determine what position he will play. I’m picking he will be a PF with the ability to play at Center.

[tblazer_NZParticipant]

How much the grows will help determine what position he will play. I’m picking he will be a PF with the ability to play at Center.

[NZcoachParticipant]

 I would agree that longterm he will definatly be a PF. Still hoping he will grow and inch or 2 but if he could probably fill in a few min at C at the next level. Would love it if those rumors of Kentucky are true.

[NZcoachParticipant]

 I would agree that longterm he will definatly be a PF. Still hoping he will grow and inch or 2 but if he could probably fill in a few min at C at the next level. Would love it if those rumors of Kentucky are true.

[Kinguy11Participant]

 Great post, nice to know more about the guy.  Do you think that – in the long term – he’ll be a centre or a power forward?

I’m curious if the rumour that Coach Cal is interest him has any substance.

 

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