'Auntie' sole survivor in basketball side

ROBERT CHARLES/Manawatu Standard

LAST MAN STANDING: Aaron Bailey Nowell at work last season.

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"Auntie" is the old face in the Taranaki basketball team.

Aaron Bailey Nowell, or Auntie as he's known, has been a regular in the Taranaki men's team since 2005 when he forced his way into the starting lineup.

But following several defections, the 28-year-old forward is the only survivor from last year's starting five that battled through the 2009 season without a win.

"I'm the only old face left," Bailey Nowell said ahead of Friday night's National Basketball League match against the Christchurch Cougars in New Plymouth.

"We've got a new lineup this year and, while we haven't had a win, everyone is excited about the games coming up."

Bailey Nowell said it had been a tough start to the season for Taranaki with games against defending champion Waikato and last year's runner-ups Nelson.

"We could easily have won against Nelson first up and were in it until the last quarter against Waikato last Saturday," he said. "We showed a bit of fight. The guys are working hard and a win will come."

Bailey Nowell said he was enjoying his basketball more than ever.

"I'm loving the way Angelo (coach Angelo Hill) coaches," he said. "The new systems, the new culture. Just being more professional. The work ethic is better and it's just the little things on court now that are letting us down."

Bailey Nowell said his roll had changed a little.

"More into the rebounding. That's more my roll, to get double doubles (10 points or more and 10 rebounds or more)," he said.

Bailey Nowell said the newcomers to the starting five – Tall Black Jeremiah Trueman, imports DeMarshay Johnson and Jack Leasure, and point guard Tyrone Davey – had slotted in well.

"Jeremiah is great, he's got a great work ethic. He plays hard, works hard and has the energy on court," he said. "DeMarshay has been working hard.

"He's big and has long arms. Jack is a good shooter and teams have been sending a lot of players at him. Tyrone is still finding his feet but will only get better."

Bailey Nowell said the biggest hurdle for the side was to get the first win.

"We need that win. It's a confidence thing and hopefully that win will come on Friday night."

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