Hale making himself at home

After a stuttering start to its season, American import Hunter Hale has set the Giant’s 2021 campaign alight with two blistering performances in the NZNBL last week.

The Michigan man put up some staggering numbers, scoring 37 and 41 points in consecutive outings.

Hunter led Nelson to a crucial 91-79 win over the the Canterbury Rams at the Trafalgar Centre on Thursday evening.

He landed 34 points across the first three quarters, before finishing with 37 points, six rebounds and a game-high six steals.

Hunter backed this effort up and delivered another masterclass to help the Giants withstand a gritty comeback by the Otago Nuggets. The Giants managed to clinch a thrilling 89-86 overtime win on Saturday night, dropping 41 points in a supreme performance.

Only eight games into his professional career, Hunter also tops the league’s MVP standings with 44 points, one clear of Bulls’ Josh Selby.

In just his first year playing professionally, Hunter says he is just trying to grow and learn as much as possible.

He admits to making a slow start in his first games for the Giants as he acclimated to the different style and rules.

“During the first few games I rushed a lot but now I am just learning to be comfortable out there.”

Hunter also had to adjust to life in a smaller city.

“It’s pretty different, it is much calmer, and I am learning to stay on the left side of the road when I drive and am getting used to all the roundabouts.”

With basketball in limbo across the United States in 2020, Hunter’s agent connected with the Giants to bring the 191cm, 75kg point guard over to Aotearoa.

“As soon as I got the call, I did not hesitate and said yes straight away. I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity.”

Hunter stayed fit by working out in a local high school gym and shooting hoops up to three times a day.

“I stayed ready, I didn’t cheat the grind.”

Hunter learnt to work hard when he took up basketball at just three-years-old.

Not even torrential snow would stop young Hunter playing out the front of his Michigan home.

“It has always been my family’s tradition, it runs deep in our roots.”

Hunter says while he would love to join the Summer League upon his return home, he is focussed on bringing a title to Nelson.

“I am just looking forward to rest of season. I believe the team can make it to the final four, when we play the right way, we can be unbeatable.”

The Giants were unable finish its road trip with a treble, going down to the Southland Sharks 101-92 in Invercargill on Sunday.

Nelson, now 3-5, will embark on a run of seven straight games at home starting with the Hawke’s Bay Hawks on Saturday evening.

Tip off is at 7.30pm.