May 8, 2026 • 6 mins
A massive boost for the Wellington Saints and their National Basketball League title defence, with captain Izaiah le'Afa back on court following a lengthy foot injury.
After playing 20 minutes in his return game, Le'Afa joined Adam Cooper to preview the Saints' next assignment - hosting the Franklin Bulls in Porirua on Sunday night.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Basketball now and the Wellington Saints head to Potty Deers
to Open a Heart Arena tomorrow night to host Franklin.
And for the Saints, they've had ten days off between games,
but it's on the back of two huge back to
back wins, which I think it's fair to say up
the season back on track. The most recent win over
Tartanaki was pretty special too because it finally saw the
return of club storewart and captain Isaiah Leeafa back from
(00:23):
a lengthy foot injury. So let's chat to Isaiah now
as we look ahead to this game tomorrow night at
to Open a Heart Arena. Morning to Isaiah, I guess
with the two wins and yourself coming back and fair
bit of excitement to hit to potty Door and continue
this momentum tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Yeah, definitely know it's you know good, you know, being
able to get back out to the potty door and
play a game out there, and obviously first game back
last week and just try to kind of give myself
back in the group and you know, build that team
chemistry and on and off the court. But no, it's
definitely a big game. Obviously, the balls are playing some
good bass right now and pretty sharp. Definitely going to
(01:01):
be a good battle.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
How patient did you have to be to kind of
wait to get back on to court knowing you were
you were one hundred percent good to go. Was it
a bit frustrating towards the India? I know you were
hanging around the team in those few early rounds.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
Yeah, definitely, As you know, it's tough when you just
got to being on the sidelight for so long. It's
you know, doing all the rehab and the right things,
but obviously the process of you know, was feeling slow,
but it was kind of you know, supposed to happen
their way, and I kind of just waited my time
until you know, obviously I got the full clear to
get back on court, and obviously I was on restricted minutes.
(01:34):
But even just being able to get back and you know,
play with the brothers, was you know, just super grateful this.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Yeah, you're on there for twenty minutes or so. I
guess you've had a teen day turnaround. Now, how much
does that restricted? But it's increased by this week?
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Yeah, definitely. It's been full going training this week and
you know, we had a few days off after the game.
Obviously a long ten day break. But yeah, no, everything's
you know, full clear to go, and you know, no
that's restriction or anything like that. So definitely looking forward
to getting out there.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
And what's that mindset out coming back for so long,
like a moment that I guess you look forward to
right through that rehab process, but also not wanted to
take any risks with it. Is that is that tough
mentally to sort of balance that out?
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Yeah, definitely. Obviously I didn't have too much control over
when I could play. It was more you know, the
trainers and you know, the physios and that giving me
the all clear. But I was just doing everything day
by day and the second the day what I needed
to get done, and you know, just a little extras
here and there speed up the process, even though you
know I felt like a long one, and you know
(02:36):
it was long one, being five months, But yeah, I
just kind of let the steed go as I needed to.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
After a couple of tough results earlier in the season.
How pleasing was it for the team being back at
home for a couple of games and getting a couple
of really good hard fall wins.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
Yeah, it's always because obviously, you know, dropped a few
games at the start and kind of learned from them,
and we were still trying to trying to click and
jaw as a team, and you know we still are
to this day. Obviously have any played one game with them,
but you know they're just kind of get on the
floor as much as we can. And yes, it's mainly
just getting on the court earlier, just getting repetitions. And
(03:13):
I think, you know, it's done a good job this
week and you've got to.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
Spend a bit of time, I guess on on the
on the side of the court looking at how this
team plays. Does does your role change much on court?
You know, and position wise at all this year? What
you need to offer this team.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
No, it's probably similar to last year, trying of just
bringing the energy and you know, leading the group and
just putting them in positions the best positions to you know,
obviously for us to get the wins. And you know,
I'm a team player, so I just do whatever you
know it needs to be done with the team and
I'll be out of feeling. I just told everyone to
keep doing what you's are doing because you know you're
doing everything at a high level, and I'll find my
(03:47):
way and I'll just sit and where I need to
and you know where the Caps are, so it's pretty
smooth transition. Stick into the team with the group.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
Elijah Pepper someone obviously you'll be familiar with them from
the A n B L. But Jesus based onto the
the Saints first month, hasn't He was making a few
statements almost clocking forty in the most recent game ten
or so days ago. Obviously we can see what he's
offering on the court, but just tell us what he's
brought to the whole Saints environment.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Yeah, definitely he needs to pass for more more, that's
for sure. You know, he's definitely been helping out and
killing it for us, and you know there's a good
deal on and off the court too, and makes the
boys laugh and he's got a different side of humor
to him, so you know, it brings a little different
American Aussie claim to him. So so you know, he's
always a good vibe.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
And I don't know, as I've been told that you'll
really sort of focused on that leadership role within the
team this year as well. It's something you sort of
you know, want ones a home. Tell us a bit
about that sort of is a passion of yours to
want to be part of, you know, a really strong
leader within this the Saints group.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Yeah, of course, obviously last year we had hired and
you know Sha Lee and Brucie and all those guys
that you know, we're amazing leaders and kind of just
picked their brain and you know, lead from them. So
kind of just trying to implement you know, what we
come built last year and the years before and kind
of you know, bringing to this group. As you know,
we've got quite a young group, so just being able
(05:06):
to lead and you know, share with my actions and
then you know, le everything else handle itself.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
And we know that TSB on the waterfront your fortress.
But how important is it for for you for the
playing group? There's obviously a lot of pody do our
connections in the Saints over the years, but how important
is it bringing this game out to today open the
heart each year?
Speaker 2 (05:25):
Yeah, it's a it's amazing getting up here. You know,
the crowd is loud, and they're really us nice, you know,
small and compact, but you know they always think I
think it's definitely one of the best. Obviously New Jill,
and so we're just grateful that we get to be
able to go out there and play a game and
you know, give the fans what they want. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
Great, And you mentioned at the start tough game expected.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
Yeah, definitely. Obviously balls are informed and playing well together
and they're kind of just finding their feet too, so
it's definitely going to be a tough battle and you
know we're looking forward to it. And with Fellow we've
done you know, top I'm a scoured and everything, and
you know we've got practice and skin everything ready.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Great.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Well, it's been awesome to sing you back out on
the court in that most recent game, mate, So glad
to hear you've been playing a few more minutes this weekend.
So all the best on Sunday, mate, and for the
rest of the season. Really appreciate your time.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Cool, Thank you appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
For more from News Talks ed B, listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcast on iHeartRadio.
Basketball now and the Wellington Saints head to Potty Deers
to Open a Heart Arena tomorrow night to host Franklin.
And for the Saints, they've had ten days off between games,
but it's on the back of two huge back to
back wins, which I think it's fair to say up
the season back on track. The most recent win over
Tartanaki was pretty special too because it finally saw the
return of club storewart and captain Isaiah Leeafa back from
(00:23):
a lengthy foot injury. So let's chat to Isaiah now
as we look ahead to this game tomorrow night at
to Open a Heart Arena. Morning to Isaiah, I guess
with the two wins and yourself coming back and fair
bit of excitement to hit to potty Door and continue
this momentum tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Yeah, definitely know it's you know good, you know, being
able to get back out to the potty door and
play a game out there, and obviously first game back
last week and just try to kind of give myself
back in the group and you know, build that team
chemistry and on and off the court. But no, it's
definitely a big game. Obviously, the balls are playing some
good bass right now and pretty sharp. Definitely going to
(01:01):
be a good battle.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
How patient did you have to be to kind of
wait to get back on to court knowing you were
you were one hundred percent good to go. Was it
a bit frustrating towards the India? I know you were
hanging around the team in those few early rounds.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
Yeah, definitely, As you know, it's tough when you just
got to being on the sidelight for so long. It's
you know, doing all the rehab and the right things,
but obviously the process of you know, was feeling slow,
but it was kind of you know, supposed to happen
their way, and I kind of just waited my time
until you know, obviously I got the full clear to
get back on court, and obviously I was on restricted minutes.
(01:34):
But even just being able to get back and you know,
play with the brothers, was you know, just super grateful this.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Yeah, you're on there for twenty minutes or so. I
guess you've had a teen day turnaround. Now, how much
does that restricted? But it's increased by this week?
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Yeah, definitely. It's been full going training this week and
you know, we had a few days off after the game.
Obviously a long ten day break. But yeah, no, everything's
you know, full clear to go, and you know, no
that's restriction or anything like that. So definitely looking forward
to getting out there.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
And what's that mindset out coming back for so long,
like a moment that I guess you look forward to
right through that rehab process, but also not wanted to
take any risks with it. Is that is that tough
mentally to sort of balance that out?
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Yeah, definitely. Obviously I didn't have too much control over
when I could play. It was more you know, the
trainers and you know, the physios and that giving me
the all clear. But I was just doing everything day
by day and the second the day what I needed
to get done, and you know, just a little extras
here and there speed up the process, even though you
know I felt like a long one, and you know
(02:36):
it was long one, being five months, But yeah, I
just kind of let the steed go as I needed to.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
After a couple of tough results earlier in the season.
How pleasing was it for the team being back at
home for a couple of games and getting a couple
of really good hard fall wins.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
Yeah, it's always because obviously, you know, dropped a few
games at the start and kind of learned from them,
and we were still trying to trying to click and
jaw as a team, and you know we still are
to this day. Obviously have any played one game with them,
but you know they're just kind of get on the
floor as much as we can. And yes, it's mainly
just getting on the court earlier, just getting repetitions. And
(03:13):
I think, you know, it's done a good job this
week and you've got to.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
Spend a bit of time, I guess on on the
on the side of the court looking at how this
team plays. Does does your role change much on court?
You know, and position wise at all this year? What
you need to offer this team.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
No, it's probably similar to last year, trying of just
bringing the energy and you know, leading the group and
just putting them in positions the best positions to you know,
obviously for us to get the wins. And you know,
I'm a team player, so I just do whatever you
know it needs to be done with the team and
I'll be out of feeling. I just told everyone to
keep doing what you's are doing because you know you're
doing everything at a high level, and I'll find my
(03:47):
way and I'll just sit and where I need to
and you know where the Caps are, so it's pretty
smooth transition. Stick into the team with the group.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
Elijah Pepper someone obviously you'll be familiar with them from
the A n B L. But Jesus based onto the
the Saints first month, hasn't He was making a few
statements almost clocking forty in the most recent game ten
or so days ago. Obviously we can see what he's
offering on the court, but just tell us what he's
brought to the whole Saints environment.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Yeah, definitely he needs to pass for more more, that's
for sure. You know, he's definitely been helping out and
killing it for us, and you know there's a good
deal on and off the court too, and makes the
boys laugh and he's got a different side of humor
to him, so you know, it brings a little different
American Aussie claim to him. So so you know, he's
always a good vibe.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
And I don't know, as I've been told that you'll
really sort of focused on that leadership role within the
team this year as well. It's something you sort of
you know, want ones a home. Tell us a bit
about that sort of is a passion of yours to
want to be part of, you know, a really strong
leader within this the Saints group.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Yeah, of course, obviously last year we had hired and
you know Sha Lee and Brucie and all those guys
that you know, we're amazing leaders and kind of just
picked their brain and you know, lead from them. So
kind of just trying to implement you know, what we
come built last year and the years before and kind
of you know, bringing to this group. As you know,
we've got quite a young group, so just being able
(05:06):
to lead and you know, share with my actions and
then you know, le everything else handle itself.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
And we know that TSB on the waterfront your fortress.
But how important is it for for you for the
playing group? There's obviously a lot of pody do our
connections in the Saints over the years, but how important
is it bringing this game out to today open the
heart each year?
Speaker 2 (05:25):
Yeah, it's a it's amazing getting up here. You know,
the crowd is loud, and they're really us nice, you know,
small and compact, but you know they always think I
think it's definitely one of the best. Obviously New Jill,
and so we're just grateful that we get to be
able to go out there and play a game and
you know, give the fans what they want. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
Great, And you mentioned at the start tough game expected.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
Yeah, definitely. Obviously balls are informed and playing well together
and they're kind of just finding their feet too, so
it's definitely going to be a tough battle and you
know we're looking forward to it. And with Fellow we've
done you know, top I'm a scoured and everything, and
you know we've got practice and skin everything ready.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Great.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Well, it's been awesome to sing you back out on
the court in that most recent game, mate, So glad
to hear you've been playing a few more minutes this weekend.
So all the best on Sunday, mate, and for the
rest of the season. Really appreciate your time.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Cool, Thank you appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
For more from News Talks ed B, listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcast on iHeartRadio.
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