Basketball pair drop in on Porirua
They might be among the best basketballers in the country, but Jordan Ngatai and Brook Ruscoe still love being put through their paces by their childhood coach.
The pair were in Porirua for a flying visit last week. Jet lag had taken its toll – the Tall Blacks’ twoweek, eight-game tour of China wrapped up just days earlier.
But they wanted to stay sharp, so organised a skills sessions at Te Rauparaha Arena with Deslea Wrathall, whom they enjoy training with.
‘‘She treats us the same as anyone else; we don’t get any favours,’’ said Ruscoe, a guard who plays for the Nelson Giants in the national league.
‘‘There are great coaches here and it’s a real family feel for us in Porirua.’’
Ngatai and Ruscoe are regularly away from Porirua these days, but love returning home.
The two got valuable game time in China and were better for it, 22-year-old Ruscoe said.
New Zealand played China, Cameroon and several Chinese club sides, and finished the tour with a five win, three loss record.
‘‘It’s a level up from what we’re used to. The coaches come down more on you and you get pushed hard, but it’s great experience.’’
Ngatai, 20, a forward, said ‘‘focusing on the little stuff’’ and learning from the likes of Mika Vukona and Casey Frank were crucial to his development.
Ruscoe said questionable Chinese officiating reared its head more than once, but that the atmosphere made up for it.
‘‘Playing the Chinese in China is tough. You don’t get the calls, but most of us knew what to expect. It was cool playing in front of their fans, though – they make plenty of noise.’’
Ngatai and Ruscoe hope to be involved in the two- test series against Australia, starting tomorrow in Auckland.
After that, they will go their very separate ways.
Ngatai will be off to Brigham Young University-Hawaii, where he will continue his education on and off the court. Ruscoe will be pursuing television and basketball opportunities.
Ruscoe has trialed for the New Zealand Breakers, hoping to make their development set-up, and has been presenting sports items for The Erin Simpson Show.
He said he hoped to be in the Nelson Giants squad again next season.