Basketball: Motivation strong in Nelson side

Pero Cameron. Photo / APN

Chris Tupu will not rant and rave to rev up his Nelson players during the countdown to a potentially classic National Basketball League semifinal against defending champions Wellington.

In fact, the fourth-year coach is sure he can zip his lips in the capital tonight when Nelson's unconvincing season goes on the line against the Pero Cameron-coached Saints.

Tupu reckons the enormity of the challenge and the reward of a finals berth against either Waikato or Hawkes Bay are enough on their own to serve as sufficient motivation mechanisms for Nelson.

"This is the time of the season when the big ball players come out to play," said Tupu.

"There should be no need for me to gee the players up. Players should not need any extra motivation at this time of the year.

"Wellington with a home crowd and on their home court ... fantastic is what I say, and I've told the guys that they have to embrace it.

"They have got to get out there and perform in the moment. They can't hold anything back, they can't save anything. It comes down to who brings it on the night."

Nelson have come off a topsy turvy regular season, with a nine-win, seven-loss record - compared to Wellington's 13-win, three-loss return - reflecting the problems to beset the perennial playoffs contenders in search of their first championship title since 2007.

Wellington, as the top qualifiers, have had the benefit of more time off ahead of the semifinal, which will be preceded tonight at the same venue with the other top-four contest between Waikato and Hawkes Bay.

"We had a patchy start but in a short season like this it is all about how you finish," Tupu said.

"We have had some ups and downs. Both Mika [Vukona] and Phill [Jones] were tied up with the Australian playoffs, but other teams had to contend with that as well."

It is only in the past fortnight that Tupu has been able to use Darryl Jones, who had an off-season back operation only to be frustrated this season by quad and calf injuries.

Despite the ups and downs, Nelson remain a genuine threat against a Wellington side expected by most to go all the way again this season.

Tupu has the utmost respect for the hosts.

"Wellington have a talented roster, they have a good coach, a solid fan base, and it's going to be a fantastic game."

- NZPA