With the rise of Australian talent in the college basketball system we’ve seen a significant rise in touring colleges over the past few years. In recent months St Mary’s (California), Loyola Marymount and Drexler universities have all faced off against aussie talent.
The University of Hawaii team is another touring Australia, a team which features young Australian’s Owen Hulland (Adelaide), Mate Colina and Jack Purchase (both Melbourne).
This is the first international tour for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors since they toured China in 2011. Their venture down under started with a loss to the Brisbane Bullets heading south to visit Victoria.
The Rainbow Warriors prepare at The Veneto Club in Bullen, Melbourne.
This game was against the South Eastern Australia Basketball League (SEABL) side, the Melbourne Tigers. You may have heard of them. The Tigers are the oldest basketball association in Australia, dating back to 1931
Since the Tigers were bought out and rebranded as Melbourne United, the Tigers were revived and field Men’s and Women’s senior teams in the SEABL as well as running over 50 teams across the boys and girls programs in the VJBL. It is fair to say since the rebrand the Melbourne Tigers as continued on strong for support Australian Basketball.
To put an exclamation point on this, Jack Purchase was returning to play is club team and Andrew Gaze’s son, Mason Gaze, was playing for the Tigers side. The continued passionate support of local basketball really showed in this game.
The Veneto Athletic Club in Melbourne, is not a well known basketball venue. Arriving at the game felt similar to arriving for your local pick up game. A small sign pointed towards the entrance and tickets were provided by the staff out of a raffle book. This was local basketball at its finest. Passionate staff and a family vibe. The small grand stands to either side of the court were packed with some standing room. National Anthems were played and everyone settled in for the tip whilst Veneto Club members played a game of Bocce next door.
Teams stand for the national anthems of Australia and USA
Their was not a bad seat in the house and they were about to be treated to what ended up being a thrilling game of basketball. The atmosphere was electric with fans really getting behind the touring Rainbow Warriors and it’s Aussie contingent.
The Rainbow Warriors were quick and youthful in transition throughout the first half. They spread the court well for a college side and drained seven three pointers in the first half. Brocke Stepteau, the senior guard, was impressive throughout the first half. He was making excellent passes, showed a impressive three point range and some inventive drives inside. Think Casper Ware Jr. and Jerome Randle and it will give you an idea of the style of play he was displaying.
He led the Rainbow Warriors to a slender 39 – 38 lead at half time. Former Brisbane Bullet, Jeremy Kendle was brought in to lead the Tigers and his shooting and creation kept the Tigers in touch as the Warriors kept the pressure on. Felix Van Hoff, former Melbourne United development player, also suited up and drained some big shots to keep the Tigers close.
The view from the rafters as The Rainbow Warriors prepare
The Third quarter saw a small piece of history as Jack Purchase, son of former Tiger legend Nigel Purchase joined the court at the same time as his cousin and son of another Tiger legend Andrew Gaze, Mason Gaze.
Support in the Veneto Club for Purchase was huge as he went on to put up 7 points and Mason Gaze scored a layup out of transition. It was the end of the 3rd quarter that almost stole the show as Sheriff Drammeh, Senior guard from Sweden, scored from half court with ease. The Rainbow Warriors were leading 61 – 57 going into the final quarter.
The Warriors came out strong and were moving the ball fast and with purpose in the 4th. They moved to nine points ahead with just five minutes remaining. It was then Jeremy Kendle started to really shine hitting a pair of threes as the Tigers started clawing back. The Tigers hit 6 of 12 three pointers in the final quarter.
The game was tied and up stepped Brocke Stepteau who took the ball like a man possessed driving into the lane and laying it up for a two point lead. Time out called by the Tigers.
With just 18 seconds remaining the Tigers found Kendle in the corner who drained a three to bring the score to 86 – 85. The Rainbow Warriors called a time out and when play restarted, were passing the ball searching for one opening. Stepteau took the responsibility one more time, getting agonisingly close but the rebound came to the Tigers.
The Rainbow Warriors didn’t give up and started fouling to stop the clock, but they were three fouls from the bonus and the Tigers were able to hold on.
Jeremy Kendle ended with a game high 27 points. Brocke Stepteau lead the Warriors with 26 points whilst Australians Mate Culina with 16 and Owen Hulland with 12. Tigers winning this one 86 – 85.
This game provided a small slice of history and a tense and thrilling contest most would never expect to find on Monday night at the Veneto Club in Bulleen, a leafy suburb in Melbourne. It was an excellent reminder that quality basketball is played all year round in Australia.
The Rainbow Warriors will next face the Centre of Excellence in Canberra on Wednesday August 15. Melbourne Tigers will be back next year in the SEABL.
The match-up precedes a big week in state league basketball with the SEABL finals being held this weekend (Saturday 18 August) at the State Basketball Centre in Melbourne.
In Australia’s second best basketball competition the Nunawading Spectres and Hobart Chargers will face off for the Men’s championship while the Launceston Tornadoes take on the Bendigo Lady Braves for the Women’s.
For more information go the SEABL website.
View full highlights of the University of Hawaii Vs Melbourne Tigers (SEABL).