Top dog to underdog still fun for Frank
THE hunted have become the hunters and Casey Frank is loving every minute of it.
Last season’s Wellington Saints roster and the one before that, were so loaded that, in Frank’s own words ‘‘we really expected the championship’’.
They delivered on those expectations but, following an offseason player exodus, Frank realises he needs to lift his own game to another level if the Saints are to three-peat, with Hawke’s Bay and the Auckland Pirates shaping as the early title favourites.
He did just that in the Saints’ last outing, a comprehensive defeat of the Otago Nuggets, pouring in 23 points on 10 of 12 shooting before limping off with a calf strain.
‘‘It’s certainly a different situation than it was the last couple of years,’’ Frank said.
‘‘We felt it was our right and we were going out there to grab it. This year it is a different experience but it’s no less valuable and it’s no less fun because it’s always nice to be more of an underdog. No-one’s really thinking about us as championship contenders, so we’ve got to go into games and improve on a weekly basis.
‘‘That has been one of the pleasures of being on a basketball team – building something up as opposed to just maintaining it.’’
Frank expected to be available for tomorrow’s away game against Manawatu Jets after getting his calf worked on by the Breakers and Tall Blacks physio this week.
With the Saints being spoilt for offensive riches over the past two seasons, Frank had been happy to concentrate on rebounding and defence.
But the veteran big man joked the Otago game ‘‘was almost like I’d turned back the clock a couple of years to when I used to have to score’’.
His focus tomorrow will be back-to-basics matching up with former Saints centre Nick Horvath, who had a ‘‘varied offensive arsenal’’.
‘‘I wouldn’t say I’m looking forward to it; he’s a tough player,’’ Frank said.
‘‘I need to keep him off the boards, the offensive glass especially. I think if I can do that, it will go a long way towards securing a victory for us.’’
Manawatu’s other gun is import Josh Pace but Frank said the Saints were delighted with their own two Americans, guards Jason Crowe and Anthony Gurley.
Gurley has led the 1-1 Saints’ scoring in both games played, while Crowe was just one rebound shy of a triple double against Otago.
‘‘Jason’s a great floor general and he really has the ability to hurt teams both with his shooting and his ability to create for other guys. And he’s one of the better defenders in the league too, so he can affect the game in so many ways,’’ Frank said.
‘‘Anthony has got a really good combination of inside and outside scoring but his ability to slash, with his quickness, is I think what we really need from him.’’