Mountain Airs import set to take big step up

MARK DWYER/Taranaki Daily News

HIGH FLYER: American import DeMarshay Johnson dunks the ball during Taranaki Mountain Airs training at the TSB Stadium. Taranaki plays the Christchurch Cougars tonight.

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The big man is ready to do some talking on court.

American import DeMarshay Johnson is keen to showcase his talents to Taranaki basketball fans – starting tonight when the Taranaki Mountain Airs take on the Christchurch Cougars in a National Basketball League game at the TSB Stadium in New Plymouth.

"I'm always looking to improve on my game," said the 2.06m (6ft 9in) forward. "We're looking for a big one on Friday night to get our first win of the season."

Johnson, a graduate of the University of Nevada in Reno, believed the Mountain Airs were close to winning form.

"We've got a great group of guys. There's some really capable players," he said.

With 12 points against the Waikato Pistons last Saturday and 23 points in game one against the Nelson Giants, Johnson is looking to step up.

"Basketball is pretty much the same wherever you play. You're always going to be banged around a bit, but that's the same anywhere," he said.

"I'm loving it out here. It's a big change from the States.

"It's so laidback here, not so much of a rush. The people and support I've had has been amazing. Everyone is just so friendly."

Tonight's game against the Cougars is not going to be easy, despite the Christchurch side being thrashed 104-74 by the Waikato Pistons in Te Awamutu last night.

It has tasted success twice already this season from its four games and has a decent line-up.

The dangermen for the Cougars are point guard Jeremy Kench, forward Paora Winitana and big man Trent Wurtz. Winitana is averaging 24.3 points per game, scoring 26 in the 104-71 win over the Otago Nuggets in Dunedin last week. Kench scored 25 in that game.

Taranaki fans will remember Winitana from last year when he scored a whopping 40 points for the Cougars in New Plymouth.

The hardcore Taranaki fans will be hoping Winitana's hot run in New Plymouth will go cold and the Mountain Airs finally warm up.

- © Fairfax NZ News