Friends Close, Enemies Closer
Tagged in: NBL, Tall Blacks
Ian Anderson, Waikato Times
Waikato Pistons boss John Davey says his latest quality signing owes him one.
Sharp-shooting point guard Michael Fitchett has joined the defending National Basketball League champions for the 2009 season. Davey said the former Nelson Giants star had caused the Pistons plenty of problems in recent seasons, including one memorable display in 2007.
In the NBL semifinal in Te Awamutu, Fitchett caught fire with 34 points, including eight-of-10 from three point range, as Nelson stunned Waikato with a 109-103 overtime win on their way to a championship title.
“I’m not sure why I signed him he killed us in that game and I haven’t forgiven him for that yet,” laughed Davey, who said Fitchett had promised to make amends in Waikato colours.
The Tall Blacks squad member is the second Kiwi talent to join the Pistons in recent weeks after they snapped up swingman Thomas Abercrombie.
Davey said Fitchett may be handed the duties of running the Pistons’ offence next season, depending on who coach Dean Vickerman wants as his two imports. Last season’s NBL MVP Jason Crowe may return for a third season with the franchise, but that depends on his commitments for the European season. “Jason’s hoping to get a contract in Germany so we’ll see what happens there and what his availability will be,” Davey said.
“But we won’t be lacking for quality import options there’s two or three very attractive propositions lined up.”
Fitchett and Abercrombie will join a squad that will have several returning members from the 2008 champs, including Pero Cameron, Mike Homik, Puke Lenden, Ray Cameron, Jamie Barnett and Muka Silver.
“Once we start confirming imports in January I think we’ll find we’ve got an even stronger line-up on paper next year,” Davey said.
