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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
| name = Waikato Pistons
Line 5: Line 6:
| color2 = red
| color2 = red
| logo = 2013 Waikato Pistons logo.jpg
| logo = 2013 Waikato Pistons logo.jpg
| league = [[National Basketball League (New Zealand)|National Basketball League]]
| league = [[National Basketball League (New Zealand)|National Basketball League]]
| founded = 1982
| founded = 1982
| folded = November 2014
| folded = November 2014
| history = '''Hamilton'''<br>1982–1986<br>'''Waikato Warriors'''<br>1987–2000<br>'''Waikato Titans'''<br>2001–2005<br>'''Waikato Pistons'''<br>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]]
| arena = [[Hamilton Boys' High School]]
| location = [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]], [[Waikato]],<br>New Zealand
| location = [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]], [[Waikato]],<br>New Zealand
Line 20: Line 21:
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 '''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=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|accessdate=30 November 2011}}</ref> The Pistons returned to the NBL in 2013,<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/8233525/Waikato-Pistons-back-in-the-action Waikato Pistons back in the action]</ref> but after two seasons, they withdrew again; the Waikato Basketball Council felt their resources were better placed on less expensive development operations.<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>


==Team history==
==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>
The team 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 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>
===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 to go with 19 rebounds. [[Phill Jones]] of the Giants top scored for them with 25 points. In 2001, the newly-named Titans, under coach Jeff Green, enjoyed much success as they collected the franchise's first NBL title. [[Clifton Bush]] top scored in the grand final with 26 points to go with 11 rebounds, as they defeated the [[Wellington Saints]] 112–97. The Titans went on to win back-to-back championships in 2002 after defeating the Nelson Giants 85–83 in the grand final. [[Brendon Pongia]] top scored in the decider with 17 points. In 2003, the Pistons went for three in a row but lost in the final to Wellington 97–88. The 2004 season saw the Titans go 10–8 under coach Ken Strother.<ref>[https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3578262 Basketball: Search continues for Titans coach]</ref> In 2005, under coach Tim McTamney,<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10112387 Basketball: Tall talent shuffled as season set for tip-off]</ref> the Titans lost in the semi-finals to the Nelson Giants, 77–65.


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>
===2006 to 2009===
In 2006, the Titans were renamed the Pistons.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150114171855/http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2005/ 2005 | Basketball New Zealand]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150114171823/http://www.basketball.org.nz/competitions/nbl/nbl-2006/ 2006 | Basketball New Zealand]</ref> Under coach McTamney,<ref>[https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/waikato-times/20080320/282123517218340 Old boys return for a date with the Pistons]</ref> the Pistons finished ninth with a dismal 4–14 record. The 2007 season saw Murray McMahon step in to the head coaching role. The ended with the Pistons losing their semi-final clash in overtime to the Nelson Giants 109–103 despite a 28-point effort from [[Jason Crowe (basketball)|Jason Crowe]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081021222208/http://www.basketball.org.nz/_r/uploads/2007/07/pistons-v-giants.htm Game Box Score – Giants vs Pistons]</ref> The 2008 season saw the Pistons once again bring the winning feeling back to Waikato as they won their third NBL championship, sweeping the Wellington Saints in a best-of-three series. The 2009 season saw another coaching change after the unexpected death of McMahon in July 2008.<ref>[http://www.newshub.co.nz/sport/basketball-champion-waikato-pistons-coach-murray-mcmahon-dies-2008070809 Basketball: Champion Waikato Pistons' coach, Murray McMahon dies]</ref> Australian Dean Vickerman was appointed head coach for the 2009 season and led the Pistons to their second straight title, defeating the Nelson Giants 2–0 in the best-of-three finals 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> It was Waikato's second back-to-back championship effort.


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>
===2010 season===
In 2010, the Pistons made the finals again under coach Dean Vickerman despite a mid-season mishap. In April 2010, after an incident in a Napier bar, import [[Eric Devendorf]] was released by the team 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 [[Thomas Abercrombie (basketball)|Thomas Abercrombie]] with 32 in the first game, Rashad Tucker with 18 in the second, and Abercrombie again in game three with 29.


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>
===2011 season===
An exciting signing for the Pistons in 2011 was former [[Harbour Heat]] big man and [[New Zealand Breakers]] development player [[B. J. Anthony]]. The first of the import signings for the Pistons was former Louisville star [[Jerry Smith (basketball, born 1987)|Jerry Smith]], who had recently played in the [[NBA Development League]] for the [[Springfield Armor]]. The second was Fresno State standout Sylvester Seay. However, Seay was later released by the Pistons after not suiting coach Vickerman's style. Former import [[Jason Crowe (basketball)|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-finals, losing 95–86 to the [[Hawke's Bay Hawks]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120320083115/http://www.basketball.org.nz/_r/uploads/2011/07/Pistons-v-Hawks-Box-Score.pdf Waikato Pistons 86 - 95 HBS Bank Hawks]</ref>


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>
On 27 October 2011, it was announced that the Pistons would not be entering the 2012 season after the Waikato Basketball Council decided to make community basketball its top priority.<ref name="out-2012" />


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>
===2013 season===
In November 2012, the Waikato Basketball Council confirmed that they 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> Notable signings for their return season included [[Marco Alexander]], Nick Barrow, Ana Haku and [[Tai 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> while guard [[Vernon Hamilton]] and centre Zack Atkinson joined the squad as the two imports.<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> Just two games into the season, however, the Pistons released Hamilton<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/sport/8621542/Hamilton-wrong-fit-for-Waikato-Pistons Hamilton wrong fit for Waikato Pistons]</ref> and replaced him with forward Garrius Holloman, who had been recently 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> Things did not go well for the Pistons in 2013, as they finished second last on the ladder with a dismal 2–14 record.

===2014 season===
In November 2013, former Titan and Piston [[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> His first player appointments were Jack Salt, Alex Talma, Nick Barrow,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160126113306/http://nzhoops.co.nz/pistons-grab-salt/ Pistons Grab Salt]</ref> Zac Carter,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140222062113/http://nzhoops.co.nz/pistons-add-carter/ Pistons Add Carter]</ref> and [[Casey Frank]].<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> While Thomas Abercrombie initially agreed to join the team in 2014 for the first time since 2011,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140223211429/http://nzhoops.co.nz/abercrombie-signs-pistons/ Abercrombie Signs With Pistons]</ref> he was released from his contract prior to the start of the season to allow him to sign in France.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140331160751/http://nzhoops.co.nz/abercrombie-signs-france/ Abercrombie Signs in France]</ref> To round out the squad, Cameron picked up Akeem Wright and [[Corin Henry]] as the two imports.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140311092035/http://nzhoops.co.nz/pistons-title-contention/ Pistons Signal Title Contention With Signing]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140324080116/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.

On 26 November 2014, it was announced that the Pistons would not be entering the 2015 season after the Waikato Basketball Council 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>

==Players==
===2014 roster===
{{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
| I = y
}}

===Notable past players===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Thomas Abercrombie (basketball)|Thomas Abercrombie]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[B. J. Anthony]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Hayden Allen]]
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Adam Ballinger]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Dillon Boucher]]
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[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>
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Pero Cameron]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Ray Cameron]]
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Jason Crowe (basketball)|Jason Crowe]]
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Mark Davis (basketball, born 1960)|Mark Davis]]
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Eric Devendorf]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Judd Flavell]]<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/91326289/southland-sharks-coach-judd-flavells-impressive-basketball-journey-whangarei-to-invercargill Southland Sharks coach Judd Flavell's impressive basketball journey, Whangarei to Invercargill]</ref>
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Ben Hill (basketball)|Ben Hill]]
{{col-2}}

* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Mike Homik]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[David Hopoi]]
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Carl Krauser]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Prem Krishna]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[George Le'Afa]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Puke Lenden]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Mark Overdevest]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Alex Pledger]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Brendon Pongia]]
* {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Tony Ronaldson]]
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Jerry Smith (basketball, born 1987)|Jerry Smith]]
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Kevin Smith (basketball)|Kevin Smith]]
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[Rashad Tucker]]
{{col-end}}


==CBL team==
==CBL team==
Between 2005 and 2007, Waikato's [[Conference Basketball League|CBL]] team, the Waikato Titans, won three straight championships under coach Jeff Green.<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|accessdate=16 June 2015|page=4}}</ref>
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>


==References==
==References==

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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