KENNY Of THE HOOPS
Kenny McFadden's premature death is a blow to NZ basketball at the highest levels and a blow to Wellington region basketball player development at all levels.
Kenny was not quite the trailblazer as portrayed as that merit goes to another American super guard Clyde ( The Glide) Huntley who preceded Kenny by a year.
The clashes that Kenny and Clyde had in playing for rival clubs were scintillating and legendary and Kenny not always played the better.
Always sketched in my mind was the famous triple time 3 pointer for Wellington Saints to beat Auckland in the NBL final at the Show Grounds stadium. McFadden rose towards the stadium roof and shot from way out with Frank Mulvihill providing a telling screen, just as the full time buzzer sounded.
The Sunday Times held up its entire production so I could hurriedly phone in over 2000 words with no notes on this "game of the century".
The paper left out my byline in error but I did get the NZ basketball writer of the year prize largely because of the review.
Kenny retired from the NBL a winner and could have easily coached the NZ men's ( or women's) teams at international level but he decided to keep local his lifestyle and loyalties. The likes of Huntley and Kenny should have won the lottery of selection for NBA (American) basketball but instead claimed and retained fame by being superstars in the NZ environment.
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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39.6% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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20.7% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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36% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.7% I didn’t know online booking was available
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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34.1% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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64.8% No, I enjoy it
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.3% Inside!
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23.7% On top!
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