Basketball: Hawks board to consider retiring Paul Henare's No 32 singlet

Paora Winitana (left) says Paul Henare deserves to have his Hawks No 42 singlet retired as well and the franchise board will consider that in its meeting early next month. Photo / File

The Hawke's Bay basketball franchise is taking on board stalwart Paora Winitana's suggestion that its board considers retiring the Hawks No 32 singlet in honour of former captain/coach Paul Henare.

"I must say that was quite a bit of good advice we got from him [Winitana]," says board chairman Keith Price.

"It's something we'll consider," says Price, revealing the matter will be tabled at the board meeting early next month.

Winitana mooted the idea of retiring Henare's singlet last week, leading up to receiving his own retired No 8 one at halftime in the Taylor Corporation Hawks game against James Blond Supercity Rangers in Napier on Saturday.

"He's been a stalwart of the club and he came through [a fortnight ago]," says Price of Henare who was among spectators at the Pettigrew-Green Arena in the match against Nelson Giants, albeit while fulfilling his duties as Tall Blacks coach.

Despite the current franchise not having Henare on its payroll, Price says he lauds him for his attitude in trying help the team as a homeboy.

"That's a step back from what we could have achieved but if you look at that he's been on track with some advice so maybe in the long term that's quite a good way to look at that."

Henare was reluctant to dwell on any impending gesture towards his involvement with the sport in the Bay but acknowledged the input of former teammate Winitana, who was in the mix of the 2006 Hawks under coach Shawn Dennis, who helped win their only NBL crown.

"I think it was awesome what they did for Paora. You know, it was the right thing to do for someone who has been so important for basketball in Hawke's Bay," he says before reflecting on himself.

"It's always good to get recognition but it's not going to be a deal breaker in terms of, you know, when you look back at your time with the club or anything like that.

"It's one of those things that happen and if they don't that's okay as well," says Henare.