Airs training well ahead of opening match

Will Johnston

Taranaki Steelformers Airs coach Trent Adam believes the last month has been a crucial time for the team as it builds towards the opening game of the Sals National Basketball League.

Taranaki will play the Canterbury Rams in Christchurch, which finished seventh after the regular season.

With confidence high in the Airs’ set up this year after its most successful season in 2022, where it finished at the top of the regular season, Adam said the team has been focused on several core areas.

“Over the last month, our group has been working hard on building our base, putting in our concepts and growing our team culture,” he said.

“Our group has had a good build up and is looking forward to the opportunity to show improvement as both individuals and as a team.”

The team is fortunate to have several players from last year’s season return and Adam is excited about the growth and development opportunities for the younger players.

Most of this year’s team is still under 19 and Adam said their continued improvement has allowed the team to grow.

He said to keep an eye out for Zavier Adam, Cameron Quinnell, Riley Tuuta and Oscar Goodman.

“They have bright futures ahead of them.”

Taranaki’s line up on Sunday features Illinois six-foot five shooter Armon Fletcher, Icelandic guard David Azore and former Wellington, Nelson and Franklin centre Anzac Rissetto.

There are a few connections with Canterbury as well. Coach Judd Flavell was with the Airs during the off season and former Taranaki player Tai Wynyard has moved south to join them.

Adam said Wynyard’s individual growth and development over the last couple of years has helped the Airs improve and grow as a team. 

In 13 games last year, he averaged 12.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.

“We’re expecting a well organised Rams team that will get after it defensively and play with precision on offence,” Adam said.

Taranaki is on the road for the first three matches, before playing its first home game on Thursday, April 22 against the Otago Nuggets at 7pm at the TSB Stadium.

Taranaki Airs general manager Cole Brown couldn’t have expected a better start to the season with all commercial and sponsorship offerings for the season sold out.

Steelformers Airs v Canterbury Rams, Cowles Stadium, Sunday, 6pm, Sky Sport 2.

Zavier Adam, Richie Rodger, David Azore, Scott Telfer, Armon Fletcher, Benjamen Freeman, Quintin Bailey, Marcel Jones, Anzac Rissetto. Coach: Trent Adam.