Claim Southland Sharks players look disinterested
The Southland Sharks interim head coach has fended off a claim some players look disinterested and lack pride in the orange singlet.
The Sharks’ 2022 National Basketball League playoff hopes look shot as it sits last in the standings. It has won just one of its past nine games.
The latest loss came on Friday night at home against the Auckland Tuatara where it went down 89-77.
It was the first time in 2022 that the Sharks roster was at full strength, and it took on an undermanned Tuatara team that had lost four straight.
American point guard Daishon Knight impressed with his energy and willingness to attack the basket, but otherwise there was little for Sharks fans to get enthused about.
Former Tall Black Casey Frank – during the commentary – went as far as suggesting some Sharks players looked disinterested and questioned if they had ‘‘pride in the jersey’’.
Sharks coach Leyton Haddleton said he hasn’t listened to a lot of the noise that might be bubbling away outside the camp.
‘‘Honestly I’m not listening to Casey or any of the other commentators on it. I’ve got to have my own views.
‘‘I have heard some of the the stuff and I don’t agree with some of it, but he’s got every right to say what he wants,’’ Haddleton said. ‘‘I was trying to coach effort on Friday night, and yes there were definitely guys not giving as much effort as some others, that’s why some guys got rested a little bit longer than previous games.’’ Haddleton conceded Friday night’s loss has put a dagger into their playoff hopes, but he stressed there was plenty to inspire them through the final five games. ‘‘One is pride,’’ he said. ‘‘Also we’ve got a lot of support in the community, and if we give up that doesn’t sit well with myself or anyone else in the club. ‘‘The community of Southland deserves better than that, we are going to play hard for the rest of the season.’’
On top of that, the final month of the regular season will be important for many of the Southland players. ‘‘Some individuals need to think about what they are doing on the court and how that affects their future. And at the same time they need to think about what they are doing on court and how that affects the team.’’
Haddleton has been thrust into the head coaching job with Rob Beveridge recovering from a nasty fall in Australia.
Although prior to Beveridge’s accident the Sharks were already on a downward trend losing three straight games.
At the same time Haddleton is also juggling his second role as the Southland Basketball Association’s development officer.
Beveridge will return to New Zealand tomorrow to provide some added support to the struggling Sharks outfit.
Southland’s next chance to quash the suggestions of disinterest in the camp will take place on Saturday night when it takes on the Nelson Giants in Nelson.
The Sharks will again be missing Dom Kelman-Poto who will return to national 3x3 duties.