Manawatu Jets

Last updated

Manawatu Jets
Manawatu Jets new logo.png
League NZNBL
Founded1982
HistoryPalmerston North Jets
1982; 1985–1987; 1989–2001
Manawatu Jets
2002–2015; 2018–present
Arena Central Energy Trust Arena
Location Palmerston North, Manawatū, New Zealand
Team coloursGreen, white, black
Main sponsorProperty Brokers
ChairmanCraig Nash
Head coachTony Webster
OwnershipTim Mordaunt [1]
Championships0
Retired numbers1 (12) [2]
Website thejets.co.nz

The Manawatu Jets are a New Zealand professional men's basketball team based in Palmerston North. The Jets compete in the National Basketball League (NBL) and play their home games at Central Energy Trust Arena. For sponsorship reasons, they are known as the Property Brokers Manawatu Jets.

Contents

Team history

The Palmerston North Jets were a foundation member of the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1982. After finishing eighth in the eight-team competition, the Jets were relegated to the second-tiered Conference Basketball League (CBL) in 1983. After finishing as CBL runners-up in 1984, they were promoted back into the NBL in 1985. They finished fifth in both 1985 and 1986, but after finishing tenth in the ten-team competition in 1987, the Jets were relegated to the CBL in 1988. The 1988 season saw the Jets win the CBL championship, which saw them promoted back into the NBL in 1989. [3] The Jets were regular season winners in 1989, but despite being the top seed at the finals weekend, they were defeated 92–84 in the semifinal by the Canterbury Rams. [4] In 1992, the Jets reached the NBL final, where they were defeated 79–71 by the Rams. [4] In 2002, the team became known as the Manawatu Jets. [5]

In November 2015, the Jets withdrew from the NBL due to reduced funding and an unsustainable business model. [6] [7] In April 2017, the Jets lodged their application to Basketball New Zealand to compete in the 2018 NBL season. [8] Their application was successful, and on 29 August 2017, the Jets were readmitted into the league. [9] [10]

In 2020, the Jets reached the NBL final for the second time in their history, [11] [12] where they lost 79–77 to the Otago Nuggets. [13] [14]

Players

Current roster

Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.

Manawatu Jets roster
PlayersCoaches
Pos.No.Nat.NameHt.
G Flag of New Zealand.svg Russo-Nance, Dontae 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Head coach
  • Flag of the United States.svg Tony Webster
Assistant coach(es)
  • Flag of New Zealand.svg Tia-Toa Temata-Frost

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Development player
  • (I) Import player
  • Cruz Roja.svg Injured

Updated: 28 November 2024

Notable past players

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References

  1. Lampp, Peter (10 August 2024). "Jets covet a settled 2025 roster to start chasing wins". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  2. "A touching tribute for Jake McKinlay, as the @manawatujets retire his No. 12 jersey". twitter.com/nznbl. 23 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  3. Lampp, Peter (13 November 2015). "Historical debt and reduced trust funding forcing Jets to take a season out". Stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Aside from spells in two seasons in division two in 1983-84 and 1988, Palmerston North has had a team in the first division since it started in 1982.
  4. 1 2 Egan, Brendon (4 April 2014). "Keith Mair reflects on Rams' halcyon days". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 27 October 2015.
  5. Jets History
  6. Manawatu Jets out of 2016 basketball league
  7. Manawatu Jets Out Of 2016 NBL
  8. Manawatu Jets throw their hat in the ring for 2018
  9. NZ NBL AGREE TO THE RETURN OF MANAWATU JETS IN 2018
  10. Manawatu Jets cleared for takeoff in National Basketball League
  11. Hinton, Marc (30 July 2020). "Sal's NBL Showdown: Otago Nuggets' golden run continues; Manawatu Jets also into final". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  12. Hinton, Marc (31 July 2020). "Sal's NBL Showdown: Soaring Manawatu Jets enjoying life in the hoops fast lane". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  13. "NUGGETS STRIKE GOLD IN SAL'S NBL SHOWDOWN". nznbl.basketball. 1 August 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  14. Hinton, Marc (1 August 2020). "Sal's NBL Showdown: Otago Nuggets grab first title as they shade Manawatu Jets in thriller". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 1 August 2020.