Brisbane Capitals to take on NZ's best
The last minute opportunity to play in the tournament came when one of the NZNBL league teams pulled out of the competition. Wellington Saints owner Nick Mills, whose club is organising the tournament, contacted Capitals Head Coach Dale Ryan to invite the team to attend. “I first met Nick a few years back when I toured NZ with the Brisbane Bullets development squad and had always said I would like to bring a team back to Wellington” said Ryan, “so when the opportunity presented itself I jumped at the chance.”
With only 2 weeks to organise, the trip eventuated through the support of the Brisbane Basketball Association committee and the commitment of players who are funding half the trip. As well as the game against the Tall Blacks, the Capitals will take on some of New Zealand’s premier basketball teams including the past 3 NZNBL championship winning teams, the Hawkes Bay Hawks (2006), Nelson Giants (2007) and Waikato Pistons (2008).
“The chance to play against professional teams and players of this standard will be great preparation for our team for the upcoming QBL season” said Ryan, “and the opportunity to travel and play overseas will be great a experience for our players.”
The Capitals team will be lead by QBL veterans Braden Saunders, David Batholomaeus and Michael Shaw and will feature 2009 recruits Andrew Latimer, Mark Ferguson, Alex White as well as Capitals regulars James Lidstone, Ivan Pajnic and Matt Roberts.
With Brendan Beak, Tim Smith, Matt Hamilton-Smith, Lucian Mcguniess, Nathan Calder and the possibility of a former NBL player being added to the squad the Capitals feel they are putting together a team that will challenge for the QBL title which they last won in 2002.
Brisbane Capitals NZ Tour Itinerary
Friday 27th Feb 11.00am – Practise game v New Zealand Junior Tall Blacks
Friday 27th Feb
4.00pm – 0800 Easy LPG Hawkes Bay Hawks
5.00pm – ecogise Nelson Giants
8.00pm – Waikato Pistons
Saturday 28th Feb
9.00am – Appliance Shed Harbour Heat
1.00 - 3.00pm – Quarter & Semi-finals
5.00pm – Final
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