Turner bears no ill feeling towards Southland Sharks
American Josh Turner loved his time in Southland, even if it was only for a short period.
The 32-year-old American guard suited up for the Southland Sharks on six occasions – four pre-season matches and two NBL clashes – before being let go.
Southland Sharks coach Guy Molloy said letting imports go during the season was never something the organisation wanted to do. “I was very disappointed. He was a very good basketball player. He just got here and had mentally checked out, he just wasn’t engaged.”
Turner, who played against the Manawatū Jets in the Sharks’ first home game before being let go, said he harboured no ill feelings to the organisation.
“I loved Invercargill. The team was great, management and Jill were the best, always in contact with me on a daily basis making sure I felt at home,” Turner said.
“Basketball is basketball, and I definitely did not want to leave. I have played all over the world for 10 years and I’ve had to adapt to different styles of play but, unfortunately for whatever reason, I wasn’t able to here in Southland.”
Turner said after the pre-season Blitz tournament on the West Coast he was uncertain about his role. “I questioned my fit into the system. I think the team did as well. I tried the best I could to buy in and lead the team, but had lost all confidence in myself being able to do that, and when you never have confidence in yourself you won’t succeed in anything.”
He was thankful to the Sharks for the opportunity to visit New Zealand and Invercargill, albeit briefly. “I wish the Sharks and my replacement all the best for the remainder of the season as there is still plenty of games to turn the season around. I was very grateful for the opportunity.”
Meanwhile, new import Caleb Asberry was unable to propel the Sharks to victory in the team’s two matches at the weekend.
Asberry arrived in New Zealand last Friday, meeting with the side in Auckland and playing in the clash against the Tuatara, in which the Sharks fell to a 94-54 defeat.
On Sunday, the Sharks suffered a sixth consecutive loss and 88-73 defeat to competition newcomers the Whai.
At zero wins and six straight losses, the Sharks needed to start turning the season around, starting tomorrow evening against the Canterbury Rams in Invercargill.