Basketball: NBL urged to rein in coaches

Hawkes Bay coach Shawn Dennis has swiped back at those from other franchises who have criticised the refereeing in Taradale this season.

"They should be focusing on improving the players instead of bitching and moaning. I think it is unfair they have basically called the referees cheats."

Auckland's Kenny Stone was the latest to question how the vocal home crowd influenced the officials in Hawkes Bay after the Stars were beaten 101-89 after a disastrous last quarter in which they gathered repeat fouls and the Hawks scored 17 free-throws.

Dennis said: "I'm getting sick of listening to this. We're five-nil [wins] on the road. We'll continue to let our play do the talking."

He believes the NBL league should step in to improve the behaviour of coaches and players.

Dennis said: "I think the behaviour from some of the coaches is appalling. In any other country a coach stepping on to the court will get a technical foul call - not here.

"The league has allowed this to happen, if they disciplined the players and coaches more it wouldn't happen."

Hawkes Bay go to Nelson tomorrow night and to Wellington on Saturday in the games of the round this weekend. Waikato host Canterbury in Hamilton tonight, Taranaki go north to play North Harbour on Saturday and Auckland on Sunday and Manawatu play away to Otago on Sunday and Canterbury on Monday.

Round 10 of 13 is not one that will greatly influence the competition ladder, with the playoff four of Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Nelson and Wellington well clear of the chasers.

Meanwhile, Tall Black point guard Paul Henare is expected back in Hawkes Bay soon after his team Banvitspor's elimination from the playoffs in Turkey.

The team coached by Tall Blacks mentor Tab Baldwin lost the first two layoff games away to Ulkespor, won 95-82 at home with Tall Blacks captain Pero Cameron top-scoring with 19, then lost game four 78-86, Cameron again top-scorer for Banvit with 16.

NBL rules require players to make at least five appearances in the regular season in order to qualify for the finals.

The Hawks have five more games to come after this weekend's double-header and Henare, who played one game before departing for Turkey, must feature in four of those.

Dennis said Henare is unlikely to walk straight back to a starting spot.

Elsewhere, Saints import Nick Horvath is seeking a trial with the LA Lakers. The high-scoring Horvath has yet not committed to the West Sydney Razorbacks again and is pinning his hopes on a trial for the NBA team.

Townsville Crocodile Brad Newley is trialling with Orlando and has attracted interest from the Clippers, Pistons and Rockets.