McBirneyGriffin back with Nuggets
AKIVA McBirneyGriffin finished his rookie season as a champion and he would like to repeat that effort this season.
The 18yearold forward has signed on for a second season with the Otago Nuggets.
And why not? The first season went tremendously well. He helped the Nuggets win their maiden National Basketball League title and he has a good relationship with head coach Brent Matehaere.
The pair have teamed up before, when McBirneyGriffin, who is from Hamilton, was playing for the national under17 team Matehaere coached.
The teenager, who measures in at 2.06m and 100kg, has a bright future ahead. He has been offered sporting scholarships in the United States and, Covid19 willing, will take up one of the opportunities in August.
But before he does that he will have a chance to suit up for the Nuggets again and is looking forward to building on his game.
He is working on getting stronger so he can ‘‘ bang with the big bodies’’ and on improving his outside shooting.
‘‘I’ve worked a lot on that this summer and just to stretch the floor and help the offence cover a bit of space,’’ he said.
McBirneyGriffin grew into his frame late, so he retains a lot of athleticism smaller players enjoy.
While he is committed to basketball these days, he grew up wanting to be an All Black. His father Aaron Enoka played professional rugby in England and France.
‘‘But eventually a teacher saw I was tall and threw me into the basketball team and from there I just developed a love of the game and have been playing ever since.’’
McBirneyGriffin is staying with Otago Nuggets general manager Angela Ruske while he gets settled, but may end up flatting with some teammates.
The Nuggets roster is starting to take shape nicely. The franchise has already secured the services of key big man Sam Timmins, and Pafe Momoisea.
Darcy Knox and Matthew Bardsley are confirmed returnees from last year’s championship squad.
And the Nuggets have pencilled in a couple of imports. Australian Geremy McKay and American Isaiah Moss have signed, but may not be able to get into the country due the New Zealand’s border restrictions.
The three Js — Jordan Hunt, Jarrod Kenny and Jordan Ngatai — are playing for the Cairns Taipans in the Australian league, while Kane Keil has signed with the Wellington Saints and guard Benoit Hayman has returned to play his third season in Switzerland.
The Nuggets’ opening match is against the Wellington Saints at the Edgar Centre on April 24.