Basketball: Table-topping Cougars plead for cash

Paul Henare. Photo / Brett Phibbs

NBL leaders Christchurch Cougars have appealed for financial assistance after admitting they will struggle to see out the season.

In their debut campaign after replacing the defunct Canterbury Rams, the franchise have won five straight games to head the NBL ladder.

But a press release issued by the club yesterday said: "Without immediate financial assistance, the Cougars will find it difficult to complete this year's campaign."

Having recruited Breakers stars Paul Henare and Tim Behrendorff, as well as former league MVP Paora Winitana and American Trent Wurtz, the Cougars have proved competitive on court and have attracted sell-out crowds to Cowles Stadium.

That popularity and success, however, hasn't translated into dollars and the Cougars are in danger of becoming the third Christchurch-based professional basketball team to fold in the space of a few months.

The Rams struggled for years with an uncompetitive side and eventually joined the Otago Nuggets in withdrawing from this year's competition, while women's team the Sirens lasted just one season in Australia's WNBL.

"In a short space of time we have brought together some incredibly talented players, coaches and volunteers that have taken us to the top of the NBL ladder," Cougars co-owner Amy Gardiner said.

True, but with the Cougars having apparently spent beyond their means, it's doubtful they will receive much sympathy from rival franchises.

The Christchurch side travel to New Plymouth to take on Taranaki (0-7) tomorrow night before heading to Hamilton to face defending champions Waikato (4-1) on Saturday.

Round seven kicks off tonight with the struggling Auckland Stars (2-4) hosting Nelson (5-2) at ASB Stadium.

In other matches, the Bay Hawks (4-2), another club to experience financial difficulties, host a Wellington Saints (5-2) team hit by recent news that point guard Lindsay Tait and forward Nick Horvath won't play for them after choosing to sit out the season.

Nelson complete their Auckland double-header with a match against Harbour Heat (4-3) at the North Shore Events Centre on Saturday.