Peck Signs-On With Jets
Tagged in: NBL
Penny Miles, Manawatu Standard
Manawatu Jets coach Tim McTamney hopes rookie Dan Peck’s National Basketball League season won’t be ruined again by ankle injuries.
McTamney confirmed that the 20-year-old South Island point guard has re- signed with the Jets.
Timaru-born Peck struggled with ligament strains to both ankles last year and wasn’t seen near his best form, averaging three points per game in 14 appearances.
But according to McTamney, Peck has huge talent.
“People in Palmerston North never really got to see Dan at his best,” McTamney said. “I’m very excited to have him back. He’s put on a bit of size in the off-season and put the ankle problems behind him.”
Peck, a 1.83-metre point guard, joins his former Breakers Academy teammate Piers Finch. While Finch, a 1.98m guard from Waikato, signed for two years in August, it was Tall Black Ben Hill’s appearance that clinched the deal for Peck.
“I was offered a chance to sign earlier, but it wasn’t until Tim got a couple of good players that I really made up my mind.
“I was pretty excited to see Ben Hill in the team and to see Kaine [Hokianga] named as captain.
“Just the fact that he’s [Ben Hill] is a Tall Black and to have someone of such high a calibre will make the difference.
“We missed that experience with the Kiwi players last year.”
Peck will move to Palmerston North in January, and is considering studying at Massey University.
“It’s going to be a good group of guys, I think the chemistry will be good.”
McTamney is relieved the the young duo, who were offered plenty of court time at the end of last season, have remained loyal. He said they were the kind of players the team needs.
“Dan and Piers fit with our philosophy of recruiting hard-working and intelligent players.”
McTamney said he was close to signing another high level New Zealand player, but needed two. Imports would be slotted in once the basis of the team was secured.
