A trip through the Manawatu Gorge has its own share of surprises.
To the frustration of motorists, sometimes even getting past it can be a challenge.
It's often fraught with danger, especially when it comes down to the numerous landslips despite the wire meshing placed on the cliff face to anticipate such eventualities.
But the twisting-and-winding 6.4km stretch from Woodville to Palmerston North can easily have the desired effect of running the gauntlet for the Hawks basketballers today.
Those who were in the squad last season will vividly recall the axe came down unceremoniously on American import John ``JT'' Thomas after the Hawks lost three games on the trot _ to the Waikato Pistons, Wellington Saints and then the Manawatu Jets _ in their National Basketball League (NBL) campaign.
The pressure intensified amid earlier calls from co-franchise owner Jeremy Bayliss that players should stop ``poncing about''.
Thomas became surplus to requirements due to his perceived unwillingness to fit into the team culture.
While those players will be mindful of not underestimating the Jets when they tip-off in round three of the 2010 NBL season at Arena Manawatu tonight at 6pm, Hawks coach Shawn Dennis told SportToday he expected the hosts to be more physical because they were smaller in stature.
Although the Hawks have beaten the Jets 110-83 in a pre-season affair, Dennis told his troops that they can't read too much into it.
``They've given 110 points and 116 last week so they'll be working hard on the defensive end this week.
``We'll have to improve on our offensive end and we'll have to be sharper in our execution,'' he said after the Hawks lost their opening match to the Christchurch Cougars last Thursday and beat newcomers Southland Sharks 105-90 in overtime in Invercargill.
He was satisfied Everard Bartlett embracing the role of point guard in the absence of injured Paul Henare and Jarrod Kenny as well as US import Josh Pace, who is still fulfilling his commitments in the American circuit.
Centre Miles Pearce and guard/small forward Chris Daniel were also putting in the hard yards for their third game on the road.
American power forward Ronald Allen hasn't recovered from his back problem and will sit out another game, which is a crushing blow for the Jets.
Dennis felt veteran David Langrell, of Christchurch, was an ideal skipper with his never-say-die attitude on the court.
``He commands a natural respect from the players. he's certainly showed that in every game and he a good IQ. I can see him moving on to a coaching role,'' he said, sympathising with his position of having to lead a new-look side.
Jets coach Ryan Weisenberg said last night his big players, Callum McLeod and import Ronald Allen were injured.
``We're still underdogs and my job is to turn that around,'' the former LA Lakers scout said.
``We have quite a few young players but it won't surprise me to see the them turn it on against the Bay Hawks tomorrow night.''
The tough match against the Saints was crucial in enabling his players to get rid off early season nerves.
They had spent three trainings on defence and last night focused on offensive moves.
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