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{{Short description|New Zealand basketball team}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox Basketball club
{{Infobox basketball club
| name = Waikato Pistons
| color1 = yellow
| color1 = yellow
| color2 = red
| color2 = red
| name = Waikato Pistons
| logo = 2013 Waikato Pistons logo.jpg
| logo = 2013 Waikato Pistons logo.jpg
| league = [[National Basketball League (New Zealand)|National Basketball League]]
| imagesize = 200px
| leagues = [[National Basketball League (New Zealand)|NBL]]
| founded = 1982
| founded = 1982
| folded = November 2014
| history = Hamilton (1982–1986)<br>Waikato Warriors (1987–2000)<br>Waikato Titans (2001–2005)<br>Waikato Pistons (2006–2011, 2013–2014)
| history = '''Hamilton'''<br>1982; 1984–1986<br>'''Waikato Warriors'''<br>1987–2000<br>'''Waikato Titans'''<br>2001–2005<br>'''Waikato Pistons'''<br>2006–2011; 2013–2014
| arena = [[Hamilton Boys' High School]], [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]] <br /> [[Claudelands Arena|Claudelands Events Centre]], [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]]
| location = [[Hamilton, New Zealand]]
| arena = [[Hamilton Boys' High School]]
| colors = Black, Yellow, Red, White
| location = [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]], [[Waikato]],<br>New Zealand
| President =
| colors = Black, yellow, red, white
| vice-president =
| president =
| coach =
| coach =
| championships = '''4''' (2001, 02, 08, 09)
| championships = '''4''' ([[2001 New Zealand NBL season|2001]], [[2002 New Zealand NBL season|2002]], [[2008 New Zealand NBL season|2008]], [[2009 New Zealand NBL season|2009]])
| website =
| website =
| h_body = A00000
| h_pattern_b = _whitesides
| h_shorts = A00000
| h_pattern_s = _whitesides
| a_body = FFFFFF
| a_pattern_b = _redsides_2
| a_shorts = FFFFFF
| a_pattern_s = _redsides
}}
}}


The '''Waikato Pistons''' were a New Zealand professional [[basketball]] team that represented the [[Waikato Region]] in the [[National Basketball League (New Zealand)|New Zealand National Basketball League]].
The '''Waikato Pistons''' were a New Zealand [[basketball]] team based in [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]]. The Pistons competed in the [[National Basketball League (New Zealand)|National Basketball League]] (NBL) and played their home games at [[Hamilton Boys' High School]].


The Pistons did not compete in the 2012 NBL season after the Waikato Basketball Council decided to make community basketball its top priority.<ref name="Stuff.co.nz_5858847">{{cite news |last=Anderson|first=Ian|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/5858847/Waikato-Pistons-out-of-2012-national-league |title=Waikato Pistons out of 2012 national league |date=27 October 2011 |work=Stuff.co.nz |accessdate=30 November 2011}}</ref> In November 2012, it was announced that the Pistons would return to the NBL in 2013.<ref>[http://www.basketball.org.nz/news/pistons-return-to-nbl/ Pistons return to NBL]</ref><ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/8233525/Waikato-Pistons-back-in-the-action Waikato Pistons back in the action]</ref> However, after just two seasons, the Pistons again pulled out of the NBL for the 2015 season due to financial considerations after the Waikato Basketball Council felt their resources were better placed on less expensive development operations.<ref>[http://nzhoops.co.nz/pistons-2015-nbl/ Pistons Out Of 2015 NBL]</ref><ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/63565576/Waikato-Pistons-pull-out-of-NBL-competition Waikato Pistons pull out of NBL competition]</ref>
After sitting out the 2012 NBL season,<ref name=out-2012>{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Ian|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/5858847/Waikato-Pistons-out-of-2012-national-league|title=Waikato Pistons out of 2012 national league|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=27 October 2011|access-date=30 November 2011}}</ref> the Pistons returned to play in 2013 and 2014,<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/8233525/Waikato-Pistons-back-in-the-action Waikato Pistons back in the action]</ref> before permanently withdrawing again in November 2014.<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/63565576/Waikato-Pistons-pull-out-of-NBL-competition Waikato Pistons pull out of NBL competition]</ref>


== Last roster ==
==Team history==
The Waikato Pistons, then known as Hamilton, were a foundation member of the [[National Basketball League (New Zealand)|National Basketball League]] (NBL) in 1982. After finishing seventh in the eight-team competition, the team was relegated to the second-tiered [[Conference Basketball League]] (CBL) in 1983. After finishing as CBL Northern champions in 1983, Hamilton was promoted back into the NBL in 1984. In 1987, the team was renamed Waikato. Waikato saw little success in the NBL until 2001, when they claimed their first minor premiership with a first-place finish and a 15–1 record. Behind the likes of [[Clifton Bush]] and [[Pero Cameron]], the Titans defeated the [[Auckland Stars]] 93–88 in the semi-finals before winning their maiden [[List of New Zealand NBL champions|NBL championship]] with a 112–97 win over the [[Wellington Saints]] in the final.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2001/|title=2001 National Basketball League|work=Basketball.org.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114172046/http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2001/|archive-date=14 January 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{Basketball roster header|team=Waikato Pistons
| color1 = #FFFF00 | bg1 = #000000 | color2 = #FF0000 | bg2 = #000000}}
<!-- list of players -->
{{player3 | num = 6 | nat = New Zealand | first = Matt | last = Lacey | dab = basketball | pos = PG | m = 1.80 }}
{{player3 | num = 7 | nat = New Zealand | first = James | last = Comer | dab = basketball | pos = SG | m = 1.90 }}
{{player3 | num = 9 | nat = New Zealand | first = Dyson | last = King-Hawea | pos = SF | m = 2.00 | note = DP }}
{{player3 | num = 11 | nat = Australia | first = Zac | last = Carter | pos = G/F | m = 2.03 }}
{{player3 | num = 12 | nat = United States | first = Corin | last = Henry | pos = PG | m = 1.80 | note = I }}
{{player3 | num = 13 | nat = New Zealand | first = Karl | last = Noyer | pos = SG | m = 1.94 }}
{{player3 | num = 14 | nat = New Zealand | first = Alex | last = Talma | pos = F | m = 2.03 }}
{{player3 | num = 15 | nat = New Zealand | first = Nick | last = Barrow | pos = PF | m = 2.03 }}
{{player3 | num = 16 | nat = United States | first = Akeem | last = Wright | pos = G/F | m = 2.00 | note = I }}
{{player3 | num = 20 | nat = New Zealand | first = Jack | last = Salt | pos = F/C | m = 2.05 }}
{{player3 | num = 43 | nat = New Zealand | first = Casey | last = Frank | pos = PF | m = 2.03 }}
<!-- end list of players -->
{{Basketball roster footer
| head_coach =
* {{player||NZL|[[Pero Cameron]]}}
| asst_coach =
* {{player||NZL|Zico Coronel}}
* {{player||NZL|Anthony Corban}}
; Team manager
* {{player||NZL|Dave Murry}}
| DP = y
| TP = y
| legend1 = '''(I)''' Import
}}


In 2002, the Titans finished second in the regular season with an 11–5 record. Behind the likes of Cameron, [[Dillon Boucher]] and [[Brendon Pongia]], the Titans defeated the [[Canterbury Rams]] 91–81 in the semi-finals before claiming back-to-back championships with an 85–83 win over the [[Nelson Giants]] in the final.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2002/|title=2002 National Basketball League|work=Basketball.org.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114172019/http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2002/|archive-date=14 January 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== History ==
The club made their first appearance in the NBL in 1982 as Hamilton, later changing their name to the Waikato Warriors in 1987. In 2001, they were renamed the Titans before changing their name again in 2006 to the Pistons.


In 2003, the Titans claimed their second minor premiership in three years with a first-place finish and a 16–2 record. Behind the likes of Cameron and Boucher, the Titans reached their third straight final with a 98–77 win over the Auckland Stars in the semi-finals. In the final, they were defeated 97–88 in overtime by the Saints.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2003/|title=2003 National Basketball League|work=Basketball.org.nz|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719200039/http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2003/|archive-date=19 July 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===2000 to 2005===
In 2000, the Warriors lost in the semi-final to the Nelson Giants 105-100 with Darryl Johnson top scoring for the Warriors with 27 points along with 19 rebounds. [[Phill Jones]] of the Giants top scored for them with 25 points. In 2001, the newly named Titans enjoyed much success winning the NBL championship for the first time under new head coach Jeff Green. [[Clifton Bush]] top scored in this game with 26 points and 11 rebounds as they defeated the Wellington Saints. The Titans went on to win back-to-back championships in 2002 after defeating the Nelson Giants, 85-83. [[Brendon Pongia]] top scored in this game with 17. In 2003, the Pistons went for three in a row but lost in the final to Wellington 97-88 with the top scorer being [[Pero Cameron]]. The 2004 season saw a change in coaching with the Titans bringing in Tim McTamney as head coach. They finished sixth with a record of 10 wins and 8 losses. The following season was the best under McTamney with the Titans losing in the semi-final to the Nelson Giants, 77-65. The top scorer was Greg Lewis with 22 points.


In 2008, Waikato finished second in the regular season with a 13–5 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/nbl/results/2008-nbl-round-15/|title=2008 NBL Round 15|work=Basketball.org.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216193127/http://www.basketball.org.nz/nbl/results/2008-nbl-round-15/|archive-date=16 February 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Behind the likes of Cameron, [[Brian Wethers]] and [[Jason Crowe (basketball)|Jason Crowe]], the Pistons defeated the Auckland Stars 86–80 in the semi-finals before winning their third NBL championship with a 2–0 series win over the Wellington Saints in the finals. In game one, they won 95–78, and in game two, they won 84–79.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/nbl/results/2008-nbl-playoffs/|title=2008 NBL Playoffs|work=Basketball.org.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130219154440/http://www.basketball.org.nz/nbl/results/2008-nbl-playoffs/|archive-date=19 February 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/nbl/results/2008-nbl-finals/|title=2008 NBL Finals|work=Basketball.org.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130219103413/http://www.basketball.org.nz/nbl/results/2008-nbl-finals/|archive-date=19 February 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/news/pistons-pride/|title=Pistons Pride!|work=Basketball.org.nz|date=20 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080702024852/http://www.basketball.org.nz/news/pistons-pride/|archive-date=2 July 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===2006 to 2009===
The next year saw another coaching change with Murray McMahon stepping into the shoes of head coach for the newly named Pistons team. In March 2006, it was decided that the club would change their name to the Pistons from the Titans which they used from 2001 to 2005. This was primarily because Hamilton became the motorsport capital of New Zealand after gaining the rights to host the [[V8 Supercars]] and the New Zealand leg of the [[World Rally Championship]]. The 2006 season, however, saw the Pistons finish ninth with a dismal 4-14 record. The 2007 season ended with the Pistons losing the semi-final in overtime to the Nelson Giants 109-103 with the top scorer being [[Jason Crowe (basketball)|Jason Crowe]] with 28. The 2008 season saw the Pistons once again bring the winning feeling back to Waikato as they won the championship over the Wellington Saints in a best-of-three series that the Pistons won 2-0. The top scorers in these games were Jason Crowe with 26 in the first game and Pero Cameron with 20 in the second game. The 2009 season saw another coaching change after the unexpected death of Murray McMahon.<ref>[http://www.3news.co.nz/sport/basketball-champion-waikato-pistons-coach-murray-mcmahon-dies-2008070809#axzz3w0reEP8w Basketball: Champion Waikato Pistons' coach, Murray McMahon dies]</ref> Breakers assistant coach Dean Vickerman filled the head coach vacancy and led the Pistons to their second straight title, defeating the Nelson Giants 2-0 in a best-of-three series. Top scorers were [[Adam Ballinger]] with 22 in the first game and [[Justin Bailey (basketball)|Justin Bailey]] with 32 in the second game.<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/2539548/Piston-power-socks-it-to-Nelson Piston power socks it to Nelson]</ref> The 2009 season saw the Waikato franchise win back-to-back championships for the second time in their history.


In 2009, the Pistons won the minor premiership with a first-place finish and a 14–2 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.saints.co.nz/portals/55/files/2009%20NBL%20Quarter%20Finals%20Media%20Guide.pdf|title=2009 NBL Quarter Finals Media Guide|work=Saints.co.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210100331/http://www.saints.co.nz/portals/55/files/2009%20NBL%20Quarter%20Finals%20Media%20Guide.pdf|archive-date=10 February 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Behind the likes of Cameron, [[Michael Fitchett (basketball)|Michael Fitchett]], [[Thomas Abercrombie (basketball)|Thomas Abercrombie]], [[Justin Bailey (basketball)|Justin Bailey]] and [[Adam Ballinger]], the Pistons defeated the [[Christchurch Cougars]] 96–89 in the semi-finals before winning their fourth NBL championship with a 2–0 series win over the Nelson Giants in the finals. In game one, they won 81–69, and in game two, they won 94–84.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/Portals/26/Results%20Archive/2009%20Results%20Annual%20incomplete%203Mar2010%20FINAL.pdf|title=2009 Results Annual|work=Basketball.org.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923182718/http://www.basketball.org.nz/Portals/26/Results%20Archive/2009%20Results%20Annual%20incomplete%203Mar2010%20FINAL.pdf|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Ian|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/2539548/Piston-power-socks-it-to-Nelson|title=Piston power socks it to Nelson|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=26 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628155153/http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/2539548/Piston-power-socks-it-to-Nelson|archive-date=28 June 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Ian|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/2539559/Waikato-Pistons-crowned-again|title=Waikato Pistons crowned again|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=26 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627124447/http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/2539559/Waikato-Pistons-crowned-again|archive-date=27 June 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10580808|title=Basketball: Pistons clinch NBL series|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=26 June 2009|access-date=30 July 2019}}</ref>
===2010 season===
In 2010, the Pistons made the finals again under Dean Vickerman despite a mid-season mishap. In April 2010, after an incident in a Napier bar, import [[Eric Devendorf]] was released by the club just hours after spending time in a Napier police station.<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/3573101/Eric-Devendorf-dumped-by-Waikato-Pistons Eric Devendorf dumped by Waikato Pistons]</ref> They went on to face a strong Wellington Saints team in the finals but lost the series 2-1. The top scorers in the games for the Pistons were Tom Abercrombie with 32 in the first game, Rashad Tucker with 18 in the second and Tom Abercrombie again in game three with 29.

===2011 season===
An exciting signing for the Pistons in 2011 was former [[Harbour Heat]] big man [[B. J. Anthony]] who was also a development player for the [[New Zealand Breakers]] in the Australian [[National Basketball League (Australia)|NBL]]. The first of the import signings for the Pistons was former Louisville star [[Jerry Smith (basketball)|Jerry Smith]] who had recently played in the [[NBA Development League]] for the [[Springfield Armor]] where he averaged 13 points, three rebounds and three assists per game. The second was Fresno State standout Sylvester Seay. In his final year at Fresno State, Seay averaged 15.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. However, he was later released by the club after not suiting coach Vickerman's style. Former import Jason Crowe subsequently stepped in to fill the Pistons' vacant import spot for the rest of the season. The Pistons also welcomed back swingman [[Thomas Abercrombie (basketball)|Thomas Abercrombie]], big man [[Alex Pledger]], live wire [[Ray Cameron]], shooting guard [[Hayden Allen]] and solid sixth man [[Puke Lenden]]. Youngster [[Marco Alexander]] also joined the Pistons for 2011. Despite the promising squad, the Pistons were defeated in the semi-final, losing 95-86 to the Hawke's Bay Hawks who would eventually end up losing the final to a powerful Wellington Saints team.

===2013 season===
The Pistons returned to the NBL in 2013 after not participating in the 2012 season. Notable signings included the return of [[Marco Alexander]] and James Comer, former Pirates forward Nick Barrow and ex-Harbour Heat swingman, Ana Haku, as well as [[New Zealand Breakers]] point guard [[Tai Webster]], the younger brother of Wellington Saints and New Zealand Breakers shooting guard, [[Corey Webster (basketball)|Corey Webster]].<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/8516797/Tai-Websters-signing-should-get-Pistons-firing Tai Webster's signing should get Pistons firing]</ref> Their first import was former Clemson University standout Vernon Hamilton. While at Clemson, he averaged 12.3 points, 3.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game. The second import for 2013 was ex-Harbour Heat centre, Zack Atkinson.<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/8552975/Waikato-nab-big-man-Atkinson-to-bolster-side Waikato nab big man Atkinson to bolster side]</ref> On 2 May 2013, the Pistons released Hamilton just two games into the season.<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/sport/8621542/Hamilton-wrong-fit-for-Waikato-Pistons Hamilton wrong fit for Waikato Pistons]</ref> Then on 7 May, the Pistons signed import forward Garrius Holloman who had been recently been released from the Manawatu Jets.<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/sport/8638710/New-import-for-Waikato-Pistons New import for Waikato Pistons]</ref>

===2014 season===
In November 2013, Pero Cameron was announced as the organisation's new head coach/player development manager.<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/9434939/Cameron-a-man-Pistons-can-look-up-to Cameron a man Pistons can look up to]</ref>

In January 2014, the Pistons announced the signing of New Zealand Breakers development player Jack Salt. They also announced the signing of Alex Talma and the re-signing of Nick Barrow.<ref>[http://nzhoops.co.nz/pistons-grab-salt/ Pistons Grab Salt]</ref> On 5 February 2014, Australian Zac Carter signed with the Pistons for the 2014 season.<ref>[http://nzhoops.co.nz/pistons-add-carter/ Pistons Add Carter]</ref> On 11 February 2014, [[Casey Frank]], a former Wellington Saints championship player, signed with the Pistons for the 2014 season.<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/sport/other/9708783/Casey-Frank-signs-with-the-Waikato-Pistons Casey Frank signs with the Waikato Pistons]</ref>

On 20 February 2014, Thomas Abercrombie signed with the Pistons for the 2014 season, returning to the club after playing with them from 2009 to 2011.<ref>[http://nzhoops.co.nz/abercrombie-signs-pistons/ Abercrombie Signs With Pistons]</ref> However, on 31 March 2014, Abercrombie was released from his contract to allow him to sign in France.<ref>[http://nzhoops.co.nz/abercrombie-signs-france/ Abercrombie Signs in France]</ref>

On 11 March 2014, the Pistons signed former Otago Nuggets import, Akeem Wright, for the 2014 season.<ref>[http://nzhoops.co.nz/pistons-title-contention/ Pistons Signal Title Contention With Signing]</ref> On 24 March 2014, the Pistons signed former [[Sydney Kings]] import, [[Corin Henry]], for the 2014 season.<ref>[http://nzhoops.co.nz/pistons-add-anbl-star-loaded-roster/ Pistons Add ANBL All-Star To Loaded Roster]</ref>

Despite the promising line-up, the Pistons had a poor season as they missed the playoffs after finishing sixth with an 8-10 record. A positive for the Pistons was forward Akeem Wright who averaged 20.8 points per game, which was good for seventh in the league.<ref>[http://www.foxsportspulse.com/comp_info.cgi?client=11-8336-114269-298804-0&a=STATS&sgroup=scoring&sgstat=Av%20Pts 2014 BARTERCARD NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE – Scoring Summary]</ref>

== Notable former players ==
{{columns-list|2|
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Adam Ballinger]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Pero Cameron]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[David Hopoi]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Dillon Boucher]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Prem Krishna]]
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Clifton Bush]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[George Le'Afa]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Brendon Pongia]]
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Jason Crowe (basketball)|Jason Crowe]]
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Eric Devendorf]]
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Carl Krauser]]
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Rashad Tucker]]
* {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Tony Ronaldson]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Kevin Smith (basketball)|Kevin Smith]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Mike Homik]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Mark Overdevest]]
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Jerry Smith (basketball)|Jerry Smith]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Ben Hill (basketball)|Ben Hill]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Thomas Abercrombie (basketball)|Thomas Abercrombie]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Alex Pledger]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[B. J. Anthony]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Hayden Allen]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Ray Cameron]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Puke Lenden]]
}}


In 2010, the Pistons finished second in the regular season with a 13–5 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/_r/uploads/2010/06/2010-nbl-quarter-finals-media-guide.pdf|title=2010 NBL Quarter Finals Media Guide|work=Basketball.org.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212023343/http://www.basketball.org.nz/_r/uploads/2010/06/2010-nbl-quarter-finals-media-guide.pdf|archive-date=12 February 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Behind the likes of Abercrombie, [[Hayden Allen]], [[Alex Pledger]] and Rashad Tucker, the Pistons reached their third straight finals series with a 74–62 win over the Nelson Giants in the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite web|last=McNae|first=Pete|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/3858547/Gallant-Giants-have-final-hopes-wrecked|title=Gallant Giants have final hopes wrecked|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=26 June 2010|access-date=30 July 2019}}</ref> In the finals, they were defeated 2–1 by the Saints, winning 80–74 in game one, before losing 98–69 in game two and 82–79 in game three.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/get_file.cgi?id=1142306|title=2010 Results Annual|work=SportsTG.com|access-date=30 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Ian|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/sport/3878111/End-of-the-Pistons-fairytale|title=End of the Pistons' fairytale|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=2 July 2010|access-date=30 July 2019}}</ref>
== Imports ==
* 2000 - [[Adrian Boyd]], [[Clifton Bush]]<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=147396 Basketball: Punters may take a slam-dunking on close finals]</ref>
* 2001 - [[Clifton Bush]]
* 2002 - [[DeWayne McCray]]
* 2003 - [[Iona Enosa]]
* 2004 - [[Geordie Cullen]], [[Mike Chappell]]
* 2005 - [[Greg Lewis (basketball)|Greg Lewis]], [[Kamtrail Horton]]
* 2006 - [[Vidal Massiah]], [[Graeme Dann]]/[[Kitwana Rhymer]]
* 2007 - [[Kevin Smith (basketball)|Kevin Smith]], [[Jason Crowe (basketball)|Jason Crowe]]
* 2008 - [[Brian Whethers]], [[Jason Crowe (basketball)|Jason Crowe]]
* 2009 - [[Adam Ballinger]], [[Justin Bailey (basketball)|Justin Bailey]]
* 2010 - [[Tony Ronaldson]], [[Eric Devendorf]]/[[Carl Krauser]]/[[Rashad Tucker]]
* 2011 - [[Jerry Smith (basketball)|Jerry Smith]], [[Sylvester Seay]]/[[Jason Crowe (basketball)|Jason Crowe]]
* 2012 - no imports due to no team this season
* 2013 - [[Zack Atkinson]], [[Vernon Hamilton]]/[[Garrius Holloman]]
* 2014 - [[Akeem Wright]], [[Corin Henry]]


In October 2011, the Pistons were withdrawn from the NBL after the Waikato Basketball Council (WBC) decided to make community basketball its top priority.<ref name="out-2012" /> In November 2012, the WBC were granted a three-year NBL licence and thus re-entered the Pistons into the NBL for the 2013 season.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130208201008/http://www.basketball.org.nz/news/pistons-return-to-nbl/ Pistons return to NBL]</ref> However, two years later, in November 2014, the Pistons were withdrawn by the WBC once again after they felt their resources were better placed on less expensive development operations.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150113155403/http://nzhoops.co.nz/pistons-2015-nbl/ Pistons Out Of 2015 NBL]</ref>
== Season results ==
* 2000 - Lost semi-final to [[Nelson Giants]], 105-100<ref>[http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2000/ 2000 | Basketball New Zealand]</ref>
* 2001 - '''Champions''', defeated [[Wellington Saints]], 112-97<ref>[http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2001/ 2001 | Basketball New Zealand]</ref>
* 2002 - '''Champions''', defeated Nelson Giants, 85-83<ref>[http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2002/ 2002 | Basketball New Zealand]</ref>
* 2003 - lost final to Wellington Saints, 97-88<ref>[http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2003/ 2003 | Basketball New Zealand]</ref>
* 2004 - 6th, record of 10 wins, 8 losses<ref>[http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2004/ 2004 | Basketball New Zealand]</ref>
* 2005 - lost semi-final to Nelson Giants, 77-65<ref>[http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2005/ 2005 | Basketball New Zealand]</ref>
* 2006 - 9th, record of 4 wins, 14 losses<ref>[http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2006/ 2006 | Basketball New Zealand]</ref>
* 2007 - lost semi-final to Nelson Giants, 109-103<ref>[http://www.basketball.org.nz/_r/uploads/2007/07/pistons-v-giants.htm Game Box Score – Giants vs Pistons]</ref>
* 2008 - '''Champions''', defeated Wellington Saints, 2-0
* 2009 - '''Champions''', defeated Nelson Giants, 2-0
* 2010 - lost final to [[Wellington Saints]], 2-1
* 2011 - lost semi-final to [[Hawke's Bay Hawks]], 95-86<ref>[http://www.basketball.org.nz/_r/uploads/2011/07/Pistons-v-Hawks-Box-Score.pdf Waikato Pistons 86 - 95 HBS Bank Hawks]</ref>
* 2012 - Did Not Compete
* 2013 - 8th, record of 2 wins, 14 losses
* 2014 - 6th, record of 8 wins, 10 losses


== References ==
==CBL team==
Between 2005 and 2007, Waikato's second division [[Conference Basketball League|CBL]] team, the Waikato Titans, won three straight championships under coach Jeff Green.<ref>{{cite web|title=Titans CBL Three-peat|work=Basketball.org.nz|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-news/titans-cbl-three-peat/|date=28 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829172050/http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-news/titans-cbl-three-peat/|archive-date=29 August 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/2375683/Green-comes-back-in-from-the-cold Green comes back in from the cold]</ref> The Titans also made the 2008 CBL final, where they lost to the [[Wellington Saints]].<ref>{{cite web|title=2008 Annual Results|work=Basketball.org.nz|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/Portals/26/Results%20Archive/2008%20Tournament%20Results.pdf|access-date=16 June 2015|page=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Meikle|first=Hayden|title=Basketball: Satisfactory placing for Penguins|work=odt.co.nz|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/basketball/basketball-satisfactory-placing-penguins|date=1 September 2008|access-date=16 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Shot at big time too early for Suns|work=The New Zealand Herald|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503345&objectid=10973895|year=2008|access-date=16 July 2019}}</ref>
{{reflist|2}}


==References==
== External links ==
{{reflist|30em}}
* [http://basketball.australiabasket.com/team/Advice_First_Waikato_Pistons/1253 Team profile] at EuroBasket.com
* [http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/teams/waikato-pistons/ Team profile] at Basketball.org.nz


{{National Basketball League (New Zealand)}}
{{National Basketball League (New Zealand)}}

Latest revision as of 04:59, 28 May 2023

Waikato Pistons
Waikato Pistons logo
LeagueNational Basketball League
Founded1982
FoldedNovember 2014
HistoryHamilton
1982; 1984–1986
Waikato Warriors
1987–2000
Waikato Titans
2001–2005
Waikato Pistons
2006–2011; 2013–2014
ArenaHamilton Boys' High School
LocationHamilton, Waikato,
New Zealand
Team colorsBlack, yellow, red, white
Championships4 (2001, 2002, 2008, 2009)

The Waikato Pistons were a New Zealand basketball team based in Hamilton. The Pistons competed in the National Basketball League (NBL) and played their home games at Hamilton Boys' High School.

After sitting out the 2012 NBL season,[1] the Pistons returned to play in 2013 and 2014,[2] before permanently withdrawing again in November 2014.[3]

Team history

[edit]

The Waikato Pistons, then known as Hamilton, were a foundation member of the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1982. After finishing seventh in the eight-team competition, the team was relegated to the second-tiered Conference Basketball League (CBL) in 1983. After finishing as CBL Northern champions in 1983, Hamilton was promoted back into the NBL in 1984. In 1987, the team was renamed Waikato. Waikato saw little success in the NBL until 2001, when they claimed their first minor premiership with a first-place finish and a 15–1 record. Behind the likes of Clifton Bush and Pero Cameron, the Titans defeated the Auckland Stars 93–88 in the semi-finals before winning their maiden NBL championship with a 112–97 win over the Wellington Saints in the final.[4]

In 2002, the Titans finished second in the regular season with an 11–5 record. Behind the likes of Cameron, Dillon Boucher and Brendon Pongia, the Titans defeated the Canterbury Rams 91–81 in the semi-finals before claiming back-to-back championships with an 85–83 win over the Nelson Giants in the final.[5]

In 2003, the Titans claimed their second minor premiership in three years with a first-place finish and a 16–2 record. Behind the likes of Cameron and Boucher, the Titans reached their third straight final with a 98–77 win over the Auckland Stars in the semi-finals. In the final, they were defeated 97–88 in overtime by the Saints.[6]

In 2008, Waikato finished second in the regular season with a 13–5 record.[7] Behind the likes of Cameron, Brian Wethers and Jason Crowe, the Pistons defeated the Auckland Stars 86–80 in the semi-finals before winning their third NBL championship with a 2–0 series win over the Wellington Saints in the finals. In game one, they won 95–78, and in game two, they won 84–79.[8][9][10]

In 2009, the Pistons won the minor premiership with a first-place finish and a 14–2 record.[11] Behind the likes of Cameron, Michael Fitchett, Thomas Abercrombie, Justin Bailey and Adam Ballinger, the Pistons defeated the Christchurch Cougars 96–89 in the semi-finals before winning their fourth NBL championship with a 2–0 series win over the Nelson Giants in the finals. In game one, they won 81–69, and in game two, they won 94–84.[12][13][14][15]

In 2010, the Pistons finished second in the regular season with a 13–5 record.[16] Behind the likes of Abercrombie, Hayden Allen, Alex Pledger and Rashad Tucker, the Pistons reached their third straight finals series with a 74–62 win over the Nelson Giants in the semi-finals.[17] In the finals, they were defeated 2–1 by the Saints, winning 80–74 in game one, before losing 98–69 in game two and 82–79 in game three.[18][19]

In October 2011, the Pistons were withdrawn from the NBL after the Waikato Basketball Council (WBC) decided to make community basketball its top priority.[1] In November 2012, the WBC were granted a three-year NBL licence and thus re-entered the Pistons into the NBL for the 2013 season.[20] However, two years later, in November 2014, the Pistons were withdrawn by the WBC once again after they felt their resources were better placed on less expensive development operations.[21]

CBL team

[edit]

Between 2005 and 2007, Waikato's second division CBL team, the Waikato Titans, won three straight championships under coach Jeff Green.[22][23] The Titans also made the 2008 CBL final, where they lost to the Wellington Saints.[24][25][26]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Anderson, Ian (27 October 2011). "Waikato Pistons out of 2012 national league". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  2. ^ Waikato Pistons back in the action
  3. ^ Waikato Pistons pull out of NBL competition
  4. ^ "2001 National Basketball League". Basketball.org.nz. Archived from the original on 14 January 2015.
  5. ^ "2002 National Basketball League". Basketball.org.nz. Archived from the original on 14 January 2015.
  6. ^ "2003 National Basketball League". Basketball.org.nz. Archived from the original on 19 July 2012.
  7. ^ "2008 NBL Round 15". Basketball.org.nz. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013.
  8. ^ "2008 NBL Playoffs". Basketball.org.nz. Archived from the original on 19 February 2013.
  9. ^ "2008 NBL Finals". Basketball.org.nz. Archived from the original on 19 February 2013.
  10. ^ "Pistons Pride!". Basketball.org.nz. 20 June 2008. Archived from the original on 2 July 2008.
  11. ^ "2009 NBL Quarter Finals Media Guide" (PDF). Saints.co.nz. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 February 2013.
  12. ^ "2009 Results Annual" (PDF). Basketball.org.nz. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 September 2015.
  13. ^ Anderson, Ian (26 June 2009). "Piston power socks it to Nelson". Stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 28 June 2009.
  14. ^ Anderson, Ian (26 June 2009). "Waikato Pistons crowned again". Stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 27 June 2009.
  15. ^ "Basketball: Pistons clinch NBL series". The New Zealand Herald. 26 June 2009. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  16. ^ "2010 NBL Quarter Finals Media Guide" (PDF). Basketball.org.nz. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 February 2013.
  17. ^ McNae, Pete (26 June 2010). "Gallant Giants have final hopes wrecked". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  18. ^ "2010 Results Annual". SportsTG.com. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  19. ^ Anderson, Ian (2 July 2010). "End of the Pistons' fairytale". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  20. ^ Pistons return to NBL
  21. ^ Pistons Out Of 2015 NBL
  22. ^ "Titans CBL Three-peat". Basketball.org.nz. 28 August 2007. Archived from the original on 29 August 2007.
  23. ^ Green comes back in from the cold
  24. ^ "2008 Annual Results" (PDF). Basketball.org.nz. p. 4. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
  25. ^ Meikle, Hayden (1 September 2008). "Basketball: Satisfactory placing for Penguins". odt.co.nz. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  26. ^ "Shot at big time too early for Suns". The New Zealand Herald. 2008. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
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