MacLeod vows more aggression

Manawatu Jets centre Calum MacLeod wasn't going to play this season until a late clearance on a hand injury allowed him to head north for the National Basketball League.

The Lower Hutt-based 26-year-old will play for the Jets this season after spending last year restricted to limited minutes at the Wellington Saints.

MacLeod tore the tendons and nerves in the middle and index fingers on his left hand in a freak accident while fixing a computer at home last year and was out of action for five months.

"It's still not 100 per cent but I'm still cleared to play," he said yesterday.

"There's a lot of nerve damage and I still can't feel the tips of my fingers."

The top joint of his middle finger no longer works but it didn't bother the 2.16m tall MacLeod during the Jets' pre-season loss against the Hawks in Waipukurau last weekend.

He looked surprisingly sharp on offence for a player of his size and said he enjoyed contributing some points.

"When I have the ball in my hands I can do things with it, but I like to play a team game as well. I like it when everyone's involved and everyone's got a piece of the pie.

"If you just have a couple of guys scoring, it can be a bit demoralising when they aren't."

A lack of rebounding cost the Jets last weekend and MacLeod said he and 2.08m tall power forward Ronald Allen would be more aggressive on the boards when the Jets open their campaign against the Wellington Saints tomorrow night at Arena Manawatu.

Jets coach Ryan Weisenberg stressed the importance of defence to his big men this week but said every player on his roster needed to do more.

"I think we got it through their heads," he said.

"I made sure during practice this week that they knew the significance of it and I think they picked up as a team.

"You'll see a major difference on Saturday."

The Jets haven't beaten the Saints since 2007 but Weisenberg said with three former Saints in their side, including MacLeod, Hugh Quinlivan and Matt Te Huna, their scouting was top drawer.

"We've been breaking down a lot of film for them.

"I think we are well prepared. I'm hoping the players come through and really show that."

The Saints come into town tomorrow without player-coach Pero Cameron and import Erron Maxey, who have sponsorship commitments to the Gold Coast Blaze.

If the Jets were ever going to start an NBL season with a win over Wellington, this is their chance.

Point guards Te Huna and Paul Bristol must find import Richard Jeter and give him space to score, but he needs backup from co-captain Kaine Hokianga and MacLeod.

Import Allen is under an injury cloud with back problems but is expected to be fine, which is vital to the Jets' cause after he drained 25 points against the Hawks last weekend.

Manawatu need to rebound the ball and be hungry on defence. If they can put pressure on the Saints, they are a great chance for an upset.

Tip-off is at Arena Manawatu at 6pm.

Manawatu Jets: Richard Jeter, Paul Bristol, Kaine Hokianga, Piers Finch, Calum MacLeod, Callum Brock, Ronald Allen, Logan Funnell, Matt Te Huna, Hugh Quinlivan, Josh O'Connell, Adrian Torrie.

Wellington Saints: Darryl Hudson, Lindsay Tait, Leon Henry, Nick Horvath, Randall Bishop, Damien Ekenasio, Troy McLean, George Le'afa, Arthur Trousdell, David Hopoi, Corey Vessey.

- © Fairfax NZ News