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{{Short description|Basketball team in Pukekohe, New Zealand}}
{{Short description|Basketball team in Pukekohe, New Zealand}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Cleanup rewrite|date=November 2023}}
{{Fanpov|date=November 2023}}
{{More citations needed|date=November 2023}}
{{Original research|date=November 2023}}
{{Primary sources|date=November 2023}}
{{COI|date=November 2023}}
}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2019}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
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| league = [[National Basketball League (New Zealand)|NZNBL]]
| league = [[National Basketball League (New Zealand)|NZNBL]]
| founded = November 2019
| founded = November 2019
| history = '''Franklin Bulls'''<br>2020–
| history = '''Franklin Bulls'''<br>2020–present
| arena = [[Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre]]
| arena = [[Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre]]
| location = [[Pukekohe]], [[Auckland]], New Zealand
| location = [[Pukekohe]], [[Auckland]], New Zealand
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In July 2019, the Franklin Bulls were granted provisional entry into the [[National Basketball League (New Zealand)|National Basketball League]] (NBL) for the 2021 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/franklin-bulls-set-to-enter-nbl-in-2021/|title=FRANKLIN BULLS SET TO ENTER NBL IN 2021|work=nznbl.basketball|date=12 July 2019|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712035739/https://www.nznbl.basketball/franklin-bulls-set-to-enter-nbl-in-2021/|archivedate=12 July 2019}}</ref> However, following the withdrawal of the [[Southern Huskies]] and [[Super City Rangers]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/basketball/new-franklin-bulls-franchise-ready-next-years-national-league|title=New Franklin Bulls franchise ready for next year's national league|work=odt.co.nz|date=6 November 2019|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106033545/https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/basketball/new-franklin-bulls-franchise-ready-next-years-national-league|archivedate=6 November 2019}}</ref> the Bulls expedited their process to complete a set of requirements set down by the league, and in November 2019, they were granted entry into the NBL for the [[2020 New Zealand NBL season|2020 season]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/franklin-bulls-set-to-charge-into-nbl-2020/|title=FRANKLIN BULLS SET TO CHARGE INTO NBL 2020|work=nznbl.basketball|date=6 November 2019|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106033739/https://www.nznbl.basketball/franklin-bulls-set-to-charge-into-nbl-2020/|archivedate=6 November 2019}}</ref>
In July 2019, the Franklin Bulls were granted provisional entry into the [[National Basketball League (New Zealand)|National Basketball League]] (NBL) for the 2021 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/franklin-bulls-set-to-enter-nbl-in-2021/|title=FRANKLIN BULLS SET TO ENTER NBL IN 2021|work=nznbl.basketball|date=12 July 2019|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712035739/https://www.nznbl.basketball/franklin-bulls-set-to-enter-nbl-in-2021/|archivedate=12 July 2019}}</ref> However, following the withdrawal of the [[Southern Huskies]] and [[Super City Rangers]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/basketball/new-franklin-bulls-franchise-ready-next-years-national-league|title=New Franklin Bulls franchise ready for next year's national league|work=odt.co.nz|date=6 November 2019|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106033545/https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/basketball/new-franklin-bulls-franchise-ready-next-years-national-league|archivedate=6 November 2019}}</ref> the Bulls expedited their process to complete a set of requirements set down by the league, and in November 2019, they were granted entry into the NBL for the [[2020 New Zealand NBL season|2020 season]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/franklin-bulls-set-to-charge-into-nbl-2020/|title=FRANKLIN BULLS SET TO CHARGE INTO NBL 2020|work=nznbl.basketball|date=6 November 2019|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106033739/https://www.nznbl.basketball/franklin-bulls-set-to-charge-into-nbl-2020/|archivedate=6 November 2019}}</ref>


Because of the effects of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand|COVID-19 pandemic]], the 2020 season was initially suspended and later played at a single venue, the [[Trusts Arena]] in [[Auckland City]].<ref>{{cite web |date=17 March 2020 |title=Coronavirus: NZ NBL considers options ahead of planned season start |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120093948/coronavirus-nz-nbl-considers-options-ahead-of-planned-season-start |accessdate=8 May 2020 |work=Stuff.co.nz}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=20 March 2020 |title=SAL'S NBL MEN POSTPONE 2020 SEASON, NOW LOOKING AT A MODIFIED COMPETITION TO COMMENCE IN MAY OR JUNE |url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/sals-nbl-men-postpone-2020-season-now-looking-at-a-modified-competition-to-commence-in-may-or-june/ |accessdate=8 May 2020 |work=nznbl.basketball}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=19 May 2020 |title=AUCKLAND TO HOST 2020 SAL'S NBL, TIPPING OFF 23 JUNE |url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/auckland-to-host-2020-sals-nbl-tipping-off-23-june/ |accessdate=19 May 2020 |work=nznbl.basketball}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=27 May 2020 |title=2020 SAL'S NBL WILL BE PLAYED AT THE TRUSTS ARENA IN AUCKLAND |url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/2020-sals-nbl-will-be-played-at-the-trusts-arena-in-auckland/ |accessdate=27 May 2020 |work=nznbl.basketball}}</ref><ref>https://nznbl.basketball/2020-season-to-be-known-as-sals-nbl-showdown/</ref> The modified format for the season included a draft for that season only;<ref>https://nznbl.basketball/franklin-bulls-team-roster/</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=FRANKLIN BULLS &#124; TEAM ROSTER |url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/franklin-bulls-team-roster/ |accessdate=30 October 2020 |work=nznbl.basketball}}</ref> the Bulls selected [[Sam Timmins]] with their first pick. They finished fifth in the regular season with a 7–7 record and lost in an elimination final to the Taranaki Mountainairs, 95–107.<ref>https://nznbl.basketball/airs-through-to-final-4-with-win-over-bulls/</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=29 July 2020 |title=AIRS THROUGH TO FINAL 4 WITH WIN OVER BULLS |url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/airs-through-to-final-4-with-win-over-bulls/ |accessdate=30 October 2020 |work=nznbl.basketball}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2020 Sal's NBL Showdown ladder |url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/stats/competition-stats/?WHurl=%2Fcompetition%2F27176%2Fstandings |accessdate=30 October 2020 |work=nznbl.basketball}}</ref>
Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand|COVID-19 pandemic]], the 2020 season was initially suspended indefinitely.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120093948/coronavirus-nz-nbl-considers-options-ahead-of-planned-season-start|title=Coronavirus: NZ NBL considers options ahead of planned season start|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=17 March 2020|access-date=8 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/sals-nbl-men-postpone-2020-season-now-looking-at-a-modified-competition-to-commence-in-may-or-june/|title=SAL'S NBL MEN POSTPONE 2020 SEASON, NOW LOOKING AT A MODIFIED COMPETITION TO COMMENCE IN MAY OR JUNE|work=nznbl.basketball|date=20 March 2020|access-date=8 May 2020}}</ref> The league returned in a reduced format based entirely in Auckland at [[The Trusts Arena]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/auckland-to-host-2020-sals-nbl-tipping-off-23-june/|title=AUCKLAND TO HOST 2020 SAL'S NBL, TIPPING OFF 23 JUNE|work=nznbl.basketball|date=19 May 2020|access-date=19 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/2020-sals-nbl-will-be-played-at-the-trusts-arena-in-auckland/|title=2020 SAL'S NBL WILL BE PLAYED AT THE TRUSTS ARENA IN AUCKLAND|work=nznbl.basketball|date=27 May 2020|access-date=27 May 2020}}</ref> The inaugural Bulls roster was coached by Liam Simmons and featured [[Everard Bartlett]] and [[Sam Timmins]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/franklin-bulls-team-roster/|title=FRANKLIN BULLS &#124; TEAM ROSTER|work=nznbl.basketball|access-date=30 October 2020}}</ref> The team finished fifth in the regular season with a 7–7 record<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/stats/competition-stats/?WHurl=%2Fcompetition%2F27176%2Fstandings|title=2020 Sal's NBL Showdown ladder|work=nznbl.basketball|access-date=30 October 2020}}</ref> and lost 99–90 in their elimination final against the [[Taranaki Mountainairs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/airs-through-to-final-4-with-win-over-bulls/|title=AIRS THROUGH TO FINAL 4 WITH WIN OVER BULLS|work=nznbl.basketball|date=29 July 2020|access-date=30 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Peter|url=https://central.rookieme.com/basketball/2020-sals-nbl-team-review-franklin-bulls/|title=2020 Sal’s NBL team review: Franklin Bulls|work=central.rookieme.com|date=4 August 2020|access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref>


In [[2021 New Zealand NBL season|2021]], the Bulls finished their first full season in the league in eighth place with a 5–13 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://countiessportshub.co.nz/saints-put-on-a-clinic-in-bulls-final-game/|title=SAINTS PUT ON A CLINIC IN BULLS' FINAL GAME|work=countiessportshub.co.nz|date=16 July 2021|access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref> The team was coached by Jamie Reddish<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bullsbasketball.nz/post/bulls-season-comes-to-an-end|title=Bulls Season Comes to An End|work=bullsbasketball.nz|date=20 July 2021|access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref> and featured Isaac Davidson.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bullsbasketball.nz/post/davidson-back-for-2022-season|title=Davidson Back for 2022 season|work=bullsbasketball.nz|date=7 April 2022|access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref>
In 2021, their first normal home and away situation, the Bulls finished eighth in the league with a 5–13 record. [[Issac Davidson]] led the team in scoring (13.4 points per game), assists (2.7 per game) and rebounds (5.8 per game).{{Cn|date=November 2023}}


For the [[2022 New Zealand NBL season|2022 season]], the Bulls recruited [[Leon Henry]] and [[Corey Webster (basketball)|Corey Webster]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Peter|url=https://central.rookieme.com/basketball/2022-nznbl-preview-franklin-bulls/|title=2022 NZNBL preview: Franklin Bulls|work=central.rookieme.com|date=26 April 2022|access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref> alongside new coach Morgan Maskell.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nzsportswire.com/morgan-maskell-named-franklin-bulls-head-coach-for-2022-nbl/|title=Morgan Maskell named Franklin Bulls head coach for 2022 NBL|work=nzsportswire.com|date=25 August 2021|access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref> They finished the regular season in eighth place with a 7–11 record.<ref name=memorable>{{cite web|last=Egan|first=Brendon|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/132475737/franklin-bulls-memorable-nbl-season-rolls-on-with-top-two-finish-in-sight|title=Franklin Bulls' memorable NBL season rolls on with top two finish in sight|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=9 July 2023|access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref> Webster was named [[New Zealand NBL Most Outstanding Kiwi Guard Award|Most Outstanding Kiwi Guard]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Egan|first=Brendon|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/129510396/wellington-saints-star-xavier-cooks-earns-nbl-mvp-honours|title=Wellington Saints' star Xavier Cooks earns NBL MVP honours|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=9 August 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809102502/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/129510396/wellington-saints-star-xavier-cooks-earns-nbl-mvp-honours|archive-date=9 August 2022}}</ref>
Key signings for 2022 included [[Corey Webster]],<ref>https://www.bullsbasketball.nz/post/superstar-returns-to-auckland</ref> [[Leon Henry]],<ref>https://countiessportshub.co.nz/veteran-leon-henry-joins-franklin-bulls/</ref> [[Anzac Rissito]]<ref>https://www.bullsbasketball.nz/anzacrissetto</ref> and [[Jayden Bezzant]].<ref>https://www.bullsbasketball.nz/post/bezzant-signs-with-bulls</ref> They improved to 7–11 on the season but finished eighth in the table again. Webster led the team in scoring (25.4 points per game) and assists (7.1 per game); Henry led in rebounds (10.9 per game). Five Bulls were selected to the Tall Blacks at various points in the FIBA World Cup and Asia Cup qualifiers: [[Kane Bennett-Keil]], Bezzant, Issac Davidson, Rissito, and Webster.


In [[2023 New Zealand NBL season|2023]], the Bulls were considered a success story under new coach Daniel Sokolovsky.<ref name="memorable" /> Their roster included imports [[Rickey McGill]] and Jamaal Brantley, as well as Jayden Bezzant, Dan Fotu, Tyrell Harrison, Isaac Davidson and Dom Kelman-Poto.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Egan|first1=Brendon|last2=Hinton|first2=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/131685438/your-team-by-team-guide-to-the-2023-nbl-basketball-season|title=Your team by team guide to the 2023 NBL basketball season|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=6 April 2023|access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref> Mid season additions included [[Matt Freeman (basketball)|Matt Freeman]] and Jared Wilson-Frame.<ref name="memorable" /> They finished the regular season in fourth place with a 12–6 record<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nzsportswire.com/rams-top-bulls-earn-third-seed-for-nbl-playoffs/|title=Rams top Bulls, lock up the third seed for NBL playoffs|work=nzsportswire.com|date=15 July 2023|access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nznbl.basketball/caseys-corner-final-6-preview-2/|title=CASEY'S CORNER – FINAL 6 PREVIEW|work=nznbl.basketball|date=19 July 2023|access-date=12 September 2023}}</ref> and defeated the [[Wellington Saints]] 124–104 in the play-in game.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/300932147/nbl-playoffs-canterbury-rams-ride-luck-to-pip-hawks-franklin-bulls-upset-saints|title=NBL playoffs: Canterbury Rams ride luck to pip Hawks; Franklin Bulls upset Saints|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=20 July 2023|access-date=12 September 2023}}</ref> In the semi-final, the Bulls lost 92–67 to the [[Auckland Tuatara (basketball)|Auckland Tuatara]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Egan|first=Brendon|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/132569440/nbl-playoffs-jarrad-weeks-stars-as-tuatara-ease-their-way-into-final|title=NBL playoffs: Jarrad Weeks stars as Tuatara ease their way into final|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=21 July 2023|access-date=12 September 2023}}</ref>
Additions to the roster for 2023 included [[Dan Fotu]] of the [[New Zealand Breakers]],<ref>https://www.bullsbasketball.nz/danfotu</ref> Americans [[Rickey McGill]] and [[Jamaal Brantley]],<ref>https://www.nzsportswire.com/bulls-saints-rams-sign-imports-for-2023-nbl-season/</ref> Dom Kelman-Poto,<ref>https://www.bullsbasketball.nz/domkelmanpoto</ref> [[Jared Wilson-Frame]] (from the [[Canturbury Rams]])<ref>https://countiessportshub.co.nz/bulls-pick-up-ex-ram-wilson-frame/</ref> and Tall Blacks centre [[Tyrell Harrison]].<ref>https://countiessportshub.co.nz/bulls-sign-big-man-tyrell-harrison/</ref> The Bulls had their best season to date with a 12–6 record, fourth-place regular season finish, first appearance in the finals (in the regular top six format), and first post-season win, a 124–104 victory over the fifth-placed [[Wellington Saints]]<ref>https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/300932147/nbl-playoffs-canterbury-rams-ride-luck-to-pip-hawks-franklin-bulls-upset-saints</ref> in the preliminary finals. They lost to the [[Auckland Tuatara (basketball)|Auckland Tuatara]] 67–92 in the semi final. Rickey McGill led the league in steals (2.6 per game) and led the team in assists (5.5 per game). Dan Fotu led the team in scoring (17.8 points per game) and rebounds (6.8 per game). Fotu was selected to the Tall Blacks 14-man squad for the FIBA Basketball World Cup warm-up trip to Japan, Europe and China.<ref>https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/496524/tall-black-isaac-fotu-selected-for-third-basketball-world-cup</ref>

Departures after the 2023 season include: [[Dom Kelman-Poto]], who was signed as an injury replacement to play for the [[New Zealand Breakers]] in the [[Australian NBL]];<ref>https://countiessportshub.co.nz/breakers-sign-kelman-poto-as-injury-cover/</ref> [[Issac Davidson]], who was signed by the [[LoKoKo Bisons Loimaa]] for the 2023–24 season in Finland;<ref>https://bisons.fi/joukkue/</ref> and [[Rickey McGill]], who was signed by the [[Newcastle Eagles]] for the upcoming 2023–24 UK1 League in England.<ref>https://newcastle-eagles.com/news/bulls-star-signs-for-eagles/</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=19 July 2023 |title=CASEY'S CORNER – FINAL 6 PREVIEW |url=https://nznbl.basketball/caseys-corner-final-6-preview-2/ |access-date=12 September 2023 |work=nznbl.basketball}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Hinton |first=Marc |date=20 July 2023 |title=NBL playoffs: Canterbury Rams ride luck to pip Hawks; Franklin Bulls upset Saints |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/300932147/nbl-playoffs-canterbury-rams-ride-luck-to-pip-hawks-franklin-bulls-upset-saints |access-date=12 September 2023 |work=stuff.co.nz}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Egan |first=Brendon |date=21 July 2023 |title=NBL playoffs: Jarrad Weeks stars as Tuatara ease their way into final |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/132569440/nbl-playoffs-jarrad-weeks-stars-as-tuatara-ease-their-way-into-final |access-date=12 September 2023 |work=stuff.co.nz}}</ref>

===NZ NBL 2023 3v3 format===

The Bulls headed to Invercargill for the NZ NBL 3v3 tournament. The team was selected from the wider Sals NBL 2023 squad, competing in Pool A of the draw and coming 8th overal.

Knocking over a few teams, notably getting the Saints number again (that's 4-0 on the season) and squaring the "09 series" 1-1 with the Tutara.

* Guard and Captain - Corey Perry
* Forward - KC Nwafor
* Guard / Forward - Brody Perry
* Guard - Christian Vano

The team also features Injury replacement players - Noah Campbell and Payton Hughes.

Pool Play details: (Bold font denotes winner):
*G1. Bulls 13 vs. '''Sharks''' 21,
*G2. Bulls 18 vs. '''Rapids''' 21,
*G3. Bulls 19 vs. '''Jets''' 21,
*G4. '''Bulls''' 20 vs. Nuggets 19,
*G5. Bulls 15 vs. '''Tutara''' 20,
*G6. '''Bulls''' 19 vs. Airs 17,
*G7. Bulls 20 vs. '''Giants''' 22 (OT)
*G8. '''Bulls''' 21 vs. Tavake 13,
*G9. '''Bulls''' 21 vs. Saints 16,
*G10. Bulls 16 vs. '''Hawks''' 22,
*G11. Bulls 11 vs. '''Whai''' 21
*G12. '''Bulls 21''' vs. Waikato Uni 18,
*G13. '''Bulls''' 22 vs. Rams 11.

Finals details:

*G14 '''Bulls''' 21 vs. Tutara 17 (last 16),
*G15 Bulls 13 vs. '''Sharks''' 18 (QF),
*G16 Bulls 10 vs. '''Whai''' 18 (5th place PO),
*G17 Bulls 18 vs. '''Hawks''' 20 (7th place PO).


==Season by season record==
==Season by season record==
Line 94: Line 48:
| Season || GP || W || L || W–L% || Finish || Finals
| Season || GP || W || L || W–L% || Finish || Finals
|-
|-
| [[2020 New Zealand NBL season|2020]] || 14 || 7 || 7 || {{Winning percentage|7|7}} || 5th || Lost in Elimination Final 3, 90–99 ([[Taranaki Mountainairs]])
| [[2020 New Zealand NBL season|2020]] || 14 || 7 || 7 || {{Winning percentage|7|7}} || 5th || Lost Elimination Final, 90–99 ([[Taranaki Mountainairs]])
|- style="font-weight:bold; background:#eee;"
|- style="background:#eee;"
| [[2021 New Zealand NBL season|2021]] || 18 || 5 || 13 || {{Winning percentage|5|13}} || 8th || Did not qualify
| [[2021 New Zealand NBL season|2021]] || 18 || 5 || 13 || {{Winning percentage|5|13}} || 8th || Did not qualify
|-
|-
| [[2022 New Zealand NBL season|2022]] || 18 || 7 || 11 || {{Winning percentage|7|11}} || 8th || Did not qualify
| [[2022 New Zealand NBL season|2022]] || 18 || 7 || 11 || {{Winning percentage|7|11}} || 8th || Did not qualify
|- style="background:#eee;"
|- style="background:#eee;"
| [[2023 New Zealand NBL season|2023]] || 18 || 12 || 6 || {{Winning percentage|12|6}} || 4th || Won Preliminary Final, 124–104 ([[Wellington Saints]])<br />Lost Semi Final, 67–92 ([[Auckland Tuatara (basketball)|Auckland Tuatara]])
| [[2023 New Zealand NBL season|2023]] || 18 || 12 || 6 || {{Winning percentage|12|6}} || 4th || Won Preliminary Final, 124–104 ([[Wellington Saints]])<br />Lost Semi Final, 67–92 ([[Auckland Tuatara (basketball)|Auckland Tuatara]])
|}
|}


Revision as of 02:15, 25 November 2023

Franklin Bulls
Franklin Bulls logo
LeagueNZNBL
FoundedNovember 2019
HistoryFranklin Bulls
2020–present
ArenaFranklin Pool and Leisure Centre
LocationPukekohe, Auckland, New Zealand
Team coloursYellow & black
Main sponsorEnviroNZ
General managerMika Vukona
Head coachDaniel Sokolovsky
Championships0
Websitebullsbasketball.nz

The Franklin Bulls are a New Zealand basketball team based in Pukekohe, Auckland. The Bulls compete in the National Basketball League (NBL) and play their home games at the Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre. For sponsorship reasons, they are known as the EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls.

Team history

In July 2019, the Franklin Bulls were granted provisional entry into the National Basketball League (NBL) for the 2021 season.[1] However, following the withdrawal of the Southern Huskies and Super City Rangers,[2] the Bulls expedited their process to complete a set of requirements set down by the league, and in November 2019, they were granted entry into the NBL for the 2020 season.[3]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 season was initially suspended indefinitely.[4][5] The league returned in a reduced format based entirely in Auckland at The Trusts Arena.[6][7] The inaugural Bulls roster was coached by Liam Simmons and featured Everard Bartlett and Sam Timmins.[8] The team finished fifth in the regular season with a 7–7 record[9] and lost 99–90 in their elimination final against the Taranaki Mountainairs.[10][11]

In 2021, the Bulls finished their first full season in the league in eighth place with a 5–13 record.[12] The team was coached by Jamie Reddish[13] and featured Isaac Davidson.[14]

For the 2022 season, the Bulls recruited Leon Henry and Corey Webster[15] alongside new coach Morgan Maskell.[16] They finished the regular season in eighth place with a 7–11 record.[17] Webster was named Most Outstanding Kiwi Guard.[18]

In 2023, the Bulls were considered a success story under new coach Daniel Sokolovsky.[17] Their roster included imports Rickey McGill and Jamaal Brantley, as well as Jayden Bezzant, Dan Fotu, Tyrell Harrison, Isaac Davidson and Dom Kelman-Poto.[19] Mid season additions included Matt Freeman and Jared Wilson-Frame.[17] They finished the regular season in fourth place with a 12–6 record[20][21] and defeated the Wellington Saints 124–104 in the play-in game.[22] In the semi-final, the Bulls lost 92–67 to the Auckland Tuatara.[23]

Season by season record

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, W–L% = Winning percentage

Season GP W L W–L% Finish Finals
2020 14 7 7 .500 5th Lost Elimination Final, 90–99 (Taranaki Mountainairs)
2021 18 5 13 .278 8th Did not qualify
2022 18 7 11 .389 8th Did not qualify
2023 18 12 6 .667 4th Won Preliminary Final, 124–104 (Wellington Saints)
Lost Semi Final, 67–92 (Auckland Tuatara)

Current roster

Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.

Franklin Bulls roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Nat. Name Ht.
G 0 New Zealand Anderson, John
G 2 United States McGill, Rickey (I) 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
G 4 United States Wilson-Frame, Jared (I) 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in)
G 5 New Zealand Vano, Christian
G 6 New Zealand Campbell, Noah
F 7 United States Brantley, Jamaal (I) 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)
F 8 New Zealand Mckenzie, Zach
F 9 New Zealand Freeman, Matt 2.07 m (6 ft 9 in)
F 12 New Zealand Davidson, Isaac 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in)
G 13 New Zealand Lewis, Te Tuhi
G 21 New Zealand Hughes, Payton
C 24 New Zealand Harrison, Tyrell (C) 2.14 m (7 ft 0 in)
F 25 New Zealand Kelman-Poto, Dominique 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in)
G 28 New Zealand Bezzant, Jayden 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
G 38 New Zealand Perry, Brody 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
F 42 New Zealand Fotu, Dan 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in)
F/C 52 New Zealand Easthope, Zach 2.02 m (6 ft 8 in)
Head coach
  • United States Daniel Sokolovsky
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Development player
  • (I) Import player
  • Injured Injured
Updated: 4 June 2023

References

  1. ^ "FRANKLIN BULLS SET TO ENTER NBL IN 2021". nznbl.basketball. 12 July 2019. Archived from the original on 12 July 2019.
  2. ^ "New Franklin Bulls franchise ready for next year's national league". odt.co.nz. 6 November 2019. Archived from the original on 6 November 2019.
  3. ^ "FRANKLIN BULLS SET TO CHARGE INTO NBL 2020". nznbl.basketball. 6 November 2019. Archived from the original on 6 November 2019.
  4. ^ "Coronavirus: NZ NBL considers options ahead of planned season start". Stuff.co.nz. 17 March 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  5. ^ "SAL'S NBL MEN POSTPONE 2020 SEASON, NOW LOOKING AT A MODIFIED COMPETITION TO COMMENCE IN MAY OR JUNE". nznbl.basketball. 20 March 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  6. ^ "AUCKLAND TO HOST 2020 SAL'S NBL, TIPPING OFF 23 JUNE". nznbl.basketball. 19 May 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  7. ^ "2020 SAL'S NBL WILL BE PLAYED AT THE TRUSTS ARENA IN AUCKLAND". nznbl.basketball. 27 May 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  8. ^ "FRANKLIN BULLS | TEAM ROSTER". nznbl.basketball. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  9. ^ "2020 Sal's NBL Showdown ladder". nznbl.basketball. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  10. ^ "AIRS THROUGH TO FINAL 4 WITH WIN OVER BULLS". nznbl.basketball. 29 July 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  11. ^ Williams, Peter (4 August 2020). "2020 Sal's NBL team review: Franklin Bulls". central.rookieme.com. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  12. ^ "SAINTS PUT ON A CLINIC IN BULLS' FINAL GAME". countiessportshub.co.nz. 16 July 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  13. ^ "Bulls Season Comes to An End". bullsbasketball.nz. 20 July 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  14. ^ "Davidson Back for 2022 season". bullsbasketball.nz. 7 April 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  15. ^ Williams, Peter (26 April 2022). "2022 NZNBL preview: Franklin Bulls". central.rookieme.com. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  16. ^ "Morgan Maskell named Franklin Bulls head coach for 2022 NBL". nzsportswire.com. 25 August 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  17. ^ a b c Egan, Brendon (9 July 2023). "Franklin Bulls' memorable NBL season rolls on with top two finish in sight". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  18. ^ Egan, Brendon (9 August 2022). "Wellington Saints' star Xavier Cooks earns NBL MVP honours". Stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022.
  19. ^ Egan, Brendon; Hinton, Marc (6 April 2023). "Your team by team guide to the 2023 NBL basketball season". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  20. ^ "Rams top Bulls, lock up the third seed for NBL playoffs". nzsportswire.com. 15 July 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  21. ^ "CASEY'S CORNER – FINAL 6 PREVIEW". nznbl.basketball. 19 July 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  22. ^ Hinton, Marc (20 July 2023). "NBL playoffs: Canterbury Rams ride luck to pip Hawks; Franklin Bulls upset Saints". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  23. ^ Egan, Brendon (21 July 2023). "NBL playoffs: Jarrad Weeks stars as Tuatara ease their way into final". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
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