Benny And The Jets
Tagged in: Competitions, In The News, NBL
Penny Miles, Manawatu Standard
Manawatu Jets coach Tim McTamney has scored his biggest home-player signing.
Waikato Pistons standout Ben Hill has been locked in for two seasons after signing with the Jets.
Hill, a 1.96m Tall Blacks forward has a strong physical presence. The 29-year-old played the last eight seasons with the Pistons and said he was looking forward to a change of scene.
“I’ve known Tim for a while and it was an opportunity for me to get out of Waikato,” Hill said.
Hill’s inclusion means the Jets will have a big-game player who can shoot up close, something missing in last season’s team. He will also bring exceptional rebounding.
McTamney said he was thrilled to pick up a player with international experience and three national titles to his name.
“I’ve worked with Benny before in Waikato,” McTamney said.
“He’s a hell of a basketball player and does things you can’t teach.”
Hill, 29, born in Palmerston North, has a strong Manawatu heritage. His father, Stan Hill, a New Zealand basketball icon, played national league and coached Manawatu. His mother, Mandy, was an imposing presence as a player and coach.
Waikato’s new coach Dean Vickerman, who was the Pistons’ assistant coach last year, will be miffed. He was quoted a fortnight ago saying he wanted Hill, who played the last eight straight seasons with the Pistons.
But Hill was adamant he wanted to move on.
“Tim’s a good coach, he’s knowledgeable but hasn’t had a team of the best players yet.
“Hopefully more signings will come and make us a winning team.
“I’ve played with Kantrail (Horton) before in Waikato. He’s a very good player and a good friend. Hopefully I’ll get to play with him again, and we’ll be a pretty strong.”
Hill averaged 10.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and shot 43.3 percent from the field in 15 regular season games with Waikato, then had 10.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals and shot 50 percent from the field.
