The 2024 New Zealand NBL, once again, drew the plaudits for an increasingly competitive basketball league, with several teams showcasing exceptional talent, dynamic tactics, and mouthwatering battles on the court. This was the 43rd iteration of the NZNBL, with Kiwis enjoying the rapid ascent of a league that’s quickly staking its claim as the Southern Hemisphere’s most exciting competition.
From the Canterbury Rams successfully defending their title (albeit only beating the Taranaki Airs by a whisker in the semis) to the debut for new team Tauranga Whai and the return of the pre-season blitz, there was plenty for fans to get excited about.
With the NZNBL getting ever tighter and harder to call, sports bettors have also benefited from an exhilarating challenge to guess the right results and anticipate the new rising stars. Poring over statistics and placing targeted wagers complements this celebrated basketball league in New Zealand, improving all-round ball knowledge and making the season highlights even more gripping.
Speaking of which, we’ve selected some of the most pertinent NZNBL 2024 season highlights below. Keep reading for the lowdown.
Canterbury Rams Defend the Title
The Canterbury Rams picked up their sixth NZNBL title after a comprehensive demolition job against the Auckland Tuatara, who never really stood a chance. Watching Lachlan Obrich strut his stuff on the court was a sight to behold, and it’s no surprise the 20-year-old Australian picked up the NZNBL Most Valuable Player award alongside several other awards, including the Grand Final MVP and Youth Player of the Year.
But it wasn’t just Obrich. The whole Rams roster was very much up for the fight, a point proven by one of the games of the season against the Taranaki Airs—a contest so good it gets its own section later in this article.
Debut for Tauranga Whai
NZNBL fans have been waiting for the Tauranga Whai to finally debut in the league since the new team’s 2021 launch. The Whai became the eleventh team this season, playing out of the Mercury Baypark in the Bay of Plenty.
With esteemed coach Matt Lacey at the helm, the newly assembled team defied expectations to finish eighth—impressive considering their unfamiliarity with the league. Fans were delighted to see the Whai win their debut match against the Hawke’s Bay Hawks, running out 91–70 winners at the bouncing Mercury Baypark.
Lachlan Olbrich Named MVP
Lachlan Olbrich’s arrival on the NZNBL scene was one of the most exciting young player emergencies in recent memory. The 20-year-old Adelaide native spent last year at the Illawarra Hawks and also picked up the Freshman of the Year award in the US college basketball scene with Southern Tigers.
Despite his already well-known pedigree, few people expected Lachlan to make such an impact in his debut NZNBL season. The Australian had 29 points, 18 rebounds, and 6 assists in the final against the Auckland Tuatara—proof of his skill and capacity to deliver ample big-game moments. The power forward could easily make the jump to the NBA in the next few seasons.
Luther Muhammad Wins Top Scorer
Although he missed out on the MVP award, Luther Muhammad ended up as the most prolific baller in the NZNBL. A former US college basketball sensation, the New Jersey native struggled to break into the NBA. A professional stint in the Finnish league helped the ex-Arizona State Sun Devils guard find his feet, with the Franklin Bulls bringing him on for the 2024 season.
And what a season he had, averaging 25.7 points per game and winning the Top Scorer prize. Whether or not he remains at the Bulls remains to be seen, but they’ll be doing all they can to keep hold of their talisman.
A Classic Between the Canterbury Rams and Taranaki Airs
The semi-final between the Canterbury Rams and Taranaki Airs could easily stake a claim to be one of the best games in the history of the NZNBL. Even the famed sports analyst Jay Cooper struggled to choose a winner beforehand, and the game went well and truly down to the wire.
An inspired performance from none other than Lachlan Olbrich just about sealed the deal for the Rams, with an unprecedented double-overtime win giving them an extremely narrow 112–111 victory. It was a contest many Kiwis won’t forget in a hurry and a great advert for one of the world’s most exciting basketball leagues.
