The Bishop Fit, But Sits
Tagged in: Kiwis Abroad, Tall Blacks
Boti Nagy, The Advertiser
Adelaide again will be down two key men when it hosts Sydney Spirit on Sunday, skipper Brett Maher injured and key NBL recruit Paora Winitana unable to suit.
Maher (calf), is unlikely to be in uniform before the 36ers host Cairns on Saturday-week while Winitana should be back for the 36ers’ return bout against his former New Zealand Breakers club in Auckland next Thursday.
In fact, the lively 195cm small forward has been “training the house down” this week but is unavailable to face the Spirit because of the Holy Spirit.
A bishop with the Church of Jesus Christ - Latter Day Saints, Winitana’s faith prevents him from playing or training on Sundays.
In 2002 with the Tall Blacks at the world championship in Indiana, it cost him the semi-final game.
“We knew that about Paora coming in,” Adelaide coach Scott Ninnis said.
“We just didn’t know we’d drop five in a row and be riddled with multiple injuries. Plus he has just been unbelievable at training. He’s been fantastic.”
Winitana had a quiet opener against Townsville before his season was cut short by a foot injury. In two games back on the hardwood, he has not yet recaptured the confidence or pre-season touch which had diehard fans jumping from their seats at his skill.
“He’s been that player this week,” Ninnis said.
The good news is Winitana only will miss one further fixture due to his faith, on Sunday, November 16 at the Gold Coast.
The Sixers are likely to return to a starting quintet of Aaron Bruce, Mark Tyndale, Jacob Holmes, Adam Ballinger and Luke Schenscher for the Spirit, with Brad Davidson, David Cooper and Brad Hill the main men off the bench. Despite its top-heavy look, Adelaide started that way against the Hawks in Wollongong.
“We were seven up at half-time so it certainly wasn’t a combination which hurt us,” Ninnis said.
“I think Brad Davidson has turned the corner too.
“His back pulled up really well on Saturday night.”
Ninnis said he also was confident Bruce would be back to his best soon.
“Aaron has been erratic but with all the work he’s putting in - extra gym, extra shooting - he’ll turn it around,” Ninnis said.
“What he’s been doing for us defensively up the floor has been great.”
Ninnis said Cooper, who took a hard knock to the nose against Perth, had been “unbelievable” at practice. “He’s a very resilient guy,” he said.
