Langton basketball GM of the year
Tuesday, Aug 09 2022
Will Johnston
While the Taranaki Airs are through to the NBL finals, its general manager received some recognition off the court.
Mitch Langton, 25, was awarded NBL general manager of the year at the domestic basketball awards chosen by the 10 NBL coaches and five independents, including former Tall Black Casey Frank.
The award is given out to the general manager who has done the most for a club during the year.
Langton was no doubt a clear favourite after turning the club around. The Airs came last in 2021 with the team attracting a few hundred people to the TSB Stadium. They were near capacity all season with a sellout crowd against the Nelson Giants in their final home game of the season last week, which saw the Airs win 98-67 to finish the regular season on top of the table.
He said he was honoured to receive the award.
“I appreciate all the support that has come with getting this award,” he said. “But also, this is an award for many that have helped the club through the last 12 months.”
He said the success on the court reflects what the club has done off it, with their complete turn around within a year.
“That’s probably the biggest reason for this.”
Airs chairman Laine Hopkinson said the team is “extremely lucky” to have Langton running the club.
“I couldn’t be happier to see him gaining the recognition he deserves. It’s a proud moment for the Steelformers Airs,” he said.
“Mitch has played an integral role in shifting this club to where we hope we could get it to.”
Without Langton’s drive and passion to succeed, Hopkinson said he’s not sure where the club would be.
“He walked into a demanding role and has turned us around by being creative and innovative. For me our sold-out final home game was the showcase of all the hard work Mitch has put in since he started this journey with us. He’s turned this club into something special.”
Taranaki players featured heavily in other awards.
Anthony Hilliard and Javonte Douglas were included in the all-star five, Corey Webster claimed the most outstanding New Zealand guard and Hilliard bagged the Alan Bland memorial trophy for being the ‘scoring champion.’
Wellington Saints import Xavier Cooks was the most valuable player this season.
With the play-offs scheduled this weekend, the Airs will play either the Hawkes Bay Hawks, Wellington Saints or Auckland Tuatara.