Waikato Pistons - 2011 Season

2011 Season

An exciting signing for the Pistons this year is former Harbour Heat big man Benny Anthony. BJ is a development player for the New Zealand Breakers in the Australasian NBL and last season played for the Harbour Heat in the New Zealand NBL.

The first of the import signings for the Pistons this season is former Louisville star Jerry Smith who has recently played for the Springfield Armor in the NBA D-League and averaging 13 points 3 rebounds and 3 assists.

The second is Fresno State standout Sylvester Seay. Seay has been playing in Korea and is already loving life in New Zealand after only a few days in the country. In his final year at Fresno State University, Seay averaged 15.3 points, 5.8 rebounds in 29 minutes. Good numbers in a low scoring league. But since the beginning of the season Seay has been dropped as he was not suited to coach Vickerman's style. So a familiar face has been signed in order to fill the 2nd import spot for the Pistons. Jason Crowe has been called back to the Pistons to help win another championship, and so far that could very well be the case with Crowe leading the NBL in assists and steals.

The Pistons also welcome back swingman Thomas Abercrombie, big man Alex Pledger, live wire Ray Cameron, shooting guard Hayden Allen and solid 6th man Puke Lenden. The Pistons also have a new back-up point guard to play behind Jerry Smith who has been outstanding in the pre-season games by the name of Marco Alexander from Auckland. Marco received the MVP at the National Championships in 2010, and also won 4 age group national titles with North Harbour and has received 5 tournament team mentions in age group tournaments. He was also a member of the New Zealand under-18 basketball team and the NZ Breakers Development team in 2009.

But once again the Pistons felt defeat in the semi-final, losing 95-86 to the Hawkes Bay Hawks who would eventually end up losing the final to a powerful Wellington Saints team.