Jones Misses Deadline
Tagged in: NBL
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Veteran NZ Tall Black Phill Jones will have to sit out the Dominion Finance NBL after returning too late to join Blue Chip Nelson Giants.
Jonesís Cantu club was eliminated from the Italian Lega A playoffs last week and he sought clearance from the National Basketball League to be added to the Giants roster with less than the five required games remaining in the regular season.
The exemption would have needed 75% approval from the 10 NBL franchises, but a poll of teams failed to raise the necessary support.
Jones has missed only one other season since debuting in 1993. He was also denied entry two years ago after returning late from Italy.
NBL commissioner Bryn McGoldrick signaled the league would explore ways to loosen restrictions on top Kiwi players returning from overseas contracts.
ìThis rule is obviously there to stop franchises ëstackingí their teams for the playoffs,î he said. ìBut it doesnít leave much scope for elite players like Phill, who have been loyal supporters of the league, to come back and play for their teams.î
Nelson have just three games left in a six-team scramble for semifinal spots.
