Kiwi trip to find import

T OWNSVIL L E Cr o c o d i l e s coach Shawn Dennis is hoping to discover a diamond in the rough on his upcoming trip to New Zealand for their national league’s final series.

Dennis knows the Kiwi league well after coaching the Hawkes Bay Hawks from 2004- 2010, including a memorable run to the 2006 title, and he also handed Brian Conklin his start in Australia after seeing him dominate the NZNBL.

After the success of discovering last season’s league MVP Conklin in New Zealand, Den- nis is heading over for the league’s final four to watch exciting import guard McKenzie Moore lead his Nelson Giants into the final four.

The 198cm import guard has starred for the Giants with impressive averages of 22.4ppg, 6.0rpg and 4.3apg.

Dennis will be keeping his eyes glued to the explosive 23year- old in his semi- final against a Wellington Saints side led by current Crocodile Leon Henry.

“I’m heading over there to have a look at Moore, he’s a very exciting player who has been playing well in the NZNBL and it will also be a good chance to catch up with Leon,” Dennis said.

“It’s a quality league and that’s where we discovered Brian Conklin, who went on to be the MVP of the NBL so there are definitely some diamonds in the rough in New Zealand.”

Townsville are also hoping to retain Conklin’s services for a third season playing in North Queensland.

Recent reports have also linked former Crocs big man Luke Schenscher to a return to The Swamp for the club he played for from 2010- 2012.

While Dennis wouldn’t be drawn into the contract talks surrounding the towering duo, he did say they would be a good fit for the club heading into the 2015/ 16 season.

“We think they would work well together as a frontcourt and that they would be excited to play together,” he said.