METRONEWS
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by New Zealand Broadcasting School students

Rams looking for a more local vibe in their squad

Sport

Isaiah Smiler
whip
Marques Whippy will be back in the red and black for a fourth season.  Canterbury Rams

The Canterbury Rams are gearing up for another year of National League Basketball, but with a young local core.

They look like a brand new team with plenty of local young talent. 

The season opener against the Auckland Supercity Rangers at Cowles Stadium is just under a month away with plenty of season passes already sold.

The core of local young talent will be bolstered by the return of the experienced Tony Tolovae to the Rams after a year with the Hawke's Bay Hawks. 

He said he's more than ready to turn his focus on becoming a leader for the young side. 

"I'm not really a veteran but in this team I feel I have to be." 

The Canterbury Rams are ready to get down to business in this year's NBL

Marques Whippy will be back for his fourth season with the Rams, and will captain the side again this year. 

The Canterbury Rams looked good last season, finishing up fourth in the regular season before losing to Wellington Saints in the semi-finals. 

The Saints come to town on June 8, when the Canterbury Rams return to Horncastle Arena for the first time since the earthquakes.

Full squad:

C Marques Whippy (c) 

F Josh Aitcheson 
G Taylor Britt
F Nathan Campbell
F Max Darling 
G Max De Geest
F Nick Erwood
F Tom Higgins
G Tony Tolovae

Coach: Mark Dickel 
Assistant Coach: Ben Sheat
Assistant Coach: Piet van Hasselt

* two imports to be added