Canterbury Rams
| Canterbury Rams | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||
| League | National Basketball League | ||
| Founded | 1981 | ||
| History |
Canterbury Rams 1981–2008; 2014–present |
||
| Arena | Cowles Stadium | ||
| Location | Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand | ||
| Team colours | Black & red | ||
| Main sponsor | Buildtech | ||
| Head coach | Mark Dickel | ||
| Ownership | Andrew and Nicky Harrison | ||
| Championships | 4 (1986, 1989, 1990, 1992) | ||
| Website | Rams.org.nz | ||
| Uniforms | |||
|
|||
The Canterbury Rams are a New Zealand basketball team based in Christchurch. The Rams compete in the National Basketball League (NBL) and play their home games at Cowles Stadium. The four-time NBL champions pulled out of the NBL following the 2008 season due to financial constraints, but returned in 2014 thanks to the efforts of Christchurch businessman Andrew Harrison.
After debuting in the Conference Basketball League in 1981 with players such as Al Robson, Stan Hill and John "Dutchie" Rademakers, the Canterbury Rams were one of eight foundation sides for the National Basketball League's inaugural season in 1982. Over the first four years, the league was dominated by the North Island sides, Auckland and Wellington, who won two titles each. Most sides, including the Rams, struggled to attract quality players due to the appeal of the North Island cities and the job opportunities offered.
The Rams ended up dominating the NBL in the subsequent years. From 1986 to 1994, the Rams played in seven grand finals, winning four of them. This successful nine-year tenure was thanks to stand-out American players like Eddie Anderson, Angelo Hill and Clyde Huntley. Other players to play a key role during this era were local players such as Terry Brunel, Glen Denham, Gilbert Gordon, John Hill, John Rademakers, Graham Timms, Chris Tupu, Ian Webb, Ralph Lattimore, and another star American import in Kenny Perkins (father of NBA player Kendrick Perkins). The architects of this success were coaches Gary Pettis, who led the team from 1986 to 1988, and Keith Mair, who took over in 1989.
Following a down period between 1995 and 1998, the Rams returned to title contenders in 1999. This was combined with their move to the Westpac Arena for the 1999 season. There was a great deal of anticipation before the season in Christchurch, with the Rams faithful hoping for some silverware after not having won a title since 1992. This was combined with an exciting roster consisting of American Clifton Bush, Canadian Robert Wilson, and an up-and-coming team of kiwis like David Langrell, Jason Kyle and Craig Farrant. The Rams started the 1999 season slowly, but made the playoffs with a 10–6 record. They went on to make the grand final, where they were defeated 79–72 by the Auckland Rebels.
...
Wikipedia