Hawks Pick Up MacLeod
Tagged in: NBL
Warning: file_exists() [function.file-exists]: open_basedir restriction in effect. File(/var/www/vhosts/basketball.org.nz/httpdocs/resources/uploads/2008/04/calummacleod-web.thumbnail.jpg) is not within the allowed path(s): (/home/bbnz/:/tmp:/usr/local/lib/php/) in /home/bbnz/domains/tallblacks.org.nz/public_html/wp-includes/post.php on line 3943
Any issues the Easy LPG Bay Hawks may have had with their height have been relieved.
The Hawks, currently fifth after nine rounds, announced the signing of 2007 Tall Blacks triallist Calum MacLeod on Wednesday for the remainder of the Dominion Finance NBL.
MacLeod, a 2.13m centre, will graduate from Valparaiso University on May 10 and is scheduled to suit up for the Hawks for the first time in a round 12 game on May 17 against the Cartridge World Otago Nuggets in Dunedin.
Hawks coach Shawn Dennis believes MacLeod will bring much-needed height to the Hawks roster and his perimeter shooting will give them another offensive weapon.
“We are hoping at seven-foot-one he will be pulling down a few rebounds for us as well,” said Dennis, lamenting the Hawks rebounding numbers, which sees them ninth in both offensive and defensive board averages, and last in total rebounds.
The 24-year-old Wellingtonian averaged 2.1 points, 1.2 rebounds and five minutes in 21 games in his senior year for the Valparaiso Crusaders during the 2007-08 season, finishing 21-13 overall and 9-9 in the Horizon League. He also shot 40 percent from the field, 31 percent on threes and 67 percent from the free-throw line.
All his numbers were down from his junior year when he averaged 5.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 11.4 minutes in 28 games, while shooting 59 percent on field goals, 42 percent from distance and 85 percent from the foul line, and finished second on the team with 16 blocks.
It is MacLeod’s intention to use his time with the Hawks to push for selection in the Tall Blacks for the Beijing Olympics Qualifying Tournament in Greece in July.
He will be available for six Hawks regular season games, making him eligible for the NBL Playoffs if he plays in at least five games.
