Veterans named to lead Jets

Veterans Kaine Hokianga and Callum Brock have been named as team captains for the Manawatu Jets for this season.

Hokianga, 29, has played more than 150 games in the National Basketball League and captained the side last year while Brock, 34, has returned to the NBL after taking some time off.

Jets coach Ryan Weisenberg said the pair were logical choices.

"I'm really excited to have the two solid veterans as our captains," Weisenberg said. "Kaine has been the face of the Jets for the last couple of years and I think he's done a really good job working with the coaching staff."

Brock might be seen as a liability by some given his aging body and the fact he can only play limited minutes but Weisenberg said he was vital to the side.

"The reason he is so important to us is, when he says something, all the team listens to him, even the imports."

Brock played six seasons with the Jets and spent two years at the Wellington Saints before deciding to return to Manawatu this year.

The Manawatu Jets host the Saints at Arena Manawatu at 6pm on Saturday in their season opener. There is some good news for the Jets too, with the news that Wellington player-coach Pero Cameron and new import Erron Maxey are unavailable because of commitments to the Gold Coast Blaze.

Have you ever wondered what you would look like standing next to someone 2.16m tall?

Manawatu Jets fans have the opportunity to meet the players and coaches during their season launch at Arena 2 from 5pm tomorrow night.

Centre Calum MacLeod, who stands 2.16m tall and import Ronald Allen (2.08m) will be easy ones to spot among the rest of the players.

The launch will include a three-point shoot out, a slam dunk demonstration, giveaways and a game featuring some local faces against the Jets.

- © Fairfax NZ News