The Franklin Bulls have been snubbed at the Sal’s NBL Awards night with none of their players winning an award or making the All-Star Five team.
Guard Rickey McGill and forward Jamaal Brantley were both finalists for the Defensive Player of the Year award but lost out to Auckland Tuatara big Rob Loe.
There was no space in the All-Star Five for any of the Bulls players with Loe, Jarrad Weeks (Tuatara), Tevin Brown (Rams) and Todd Withers (Nuggets) selected as the league’s best this season.
The Otago Nuggets were named Club of the Year.
The Bulls are in the running for Coach of the Year through first-season head coach Daniel Sokolovsky, who has led the franchise to its maiden finals appearance this year.
That award is announced on Wednesday night.
The Bulls face the Wellington Saints on Thursday night in an elimination play-off at Trusts Stadium in Waitakere.
Watching the foul rate against the Bulls Basketball team for the past three years has been incredibly frustrating. It’s disheartening to learn that they currently hold the highest foul rate in the league, especially considering the changes in coaches and players. It’s like an ongoing issue that never seems to improve, which raises serious concerns for anyone overseeing all basketball teams from above.
If I were in charge of the main Basketball Management, I would undoubtedly be questioning the reasons behind this persistent problem. It might be essential to thoroughly investigate the actions of the referees and officials who consistently make dubious foul calls during the games. Perhaps, we could take inspiration from a qualified ref and coach from Great Britain who closely observes the games in New Zealand and has pointed out issues with the local referees’ operations.
It’s commendable that The Bulls players always acknowledge their mistakes and show sportsmanship by apologizing. However, it’s challenging for them to move on when they find themselves facing multiple fouls in a matter of minutes, including the coach. The recent Rams game felt particularly unfair, and some fans might have even been evicted if there, due to their frustration with the calls made.
Addressing this situation requires a collective effort, from the players, coaches, and referees, to ensure the game flows smoothly and fairly. Identifying and penalizing deliberate flops and theatrics from certain players can contribute to enhancing the integrity of the game. By doing so, we can create a more enjoyable experience for both players and fans, and hopefully, see positive changes in The Bulls’ foul rate in the future.