A new season of the National Basketball League is underway and the Otago Nuggets are making their intentions clear.
“The goal is to win everything, every game we play we want to win no matter who it is," said Aussie import Ben Henshall.
The Nuggets have made quite the statement so far, winning three from three.
Henshall has been playing a starring role - at just 19 he’s been top scoring in all their wins.
“I have ultra confidence in myself to be honest," he said
"I've been working hard all year, I haven’t been able to show it as I didn't play much in Perth.
"I've been ready for this moment for a long time now.”
The challenge now for Henshall and the Nuggets is consistency.
Tomorrow they play a top-of-the-table clash with the Franklin Bulls. Then next week they face the defending champion Canterbury Rams.
It's a chance to deal to some unfinished business after the Nuggets' title hopes in 2023 were dashed when they lost their semi-final against the Rams.
“Can't be happy losing in the semis," said Nuggets forward Robbie Coman.
"And they whipped us in preseason as well. We were a bit under manned, so I think some of the boys are keen to get out there and show them the business.”
The start to the 2024 season is promising signs for the club who rose to their first NBL title in 2020, they then backed that up with another championship in 2022. The team are now chasing their third title in five years.
"We seem to go well in the even years, so yeah, why not," said Nuggets coach Brent Matehaere.
"Look, it's special. Those things are unbelievably special, and it takes a lot to come to fruition, there's a lot of work to be done but it's making sure we stick to that process.”
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