They have certainly written a new chapter after winning the inaugural Tupu League title on their home court at the Edgar Centre on Saturday.
Otago, who had several Otago Nuggets players involved, dispatched the Harbour Heat 97-65 in the final and were dominant end-to-end to hold Harbour to just 29% from the field.
Coach Sam Fielding, who gathered the Otago crew about three months ago, said they were keen to create some success for the region.
With some players moving on next year, and the Nuggets not making the NBL playoffs, the players were keen to finish the season on a high note.
‘‘With this new Tupu tournament, we wanted to build a legacy for Otago,’’ Fielding said.
‘‘Regionally we haven’t had a lot of success. Otago [usually] . . . finishes in the top six.
‘‘Quietly we were just working away and we got it done. Everyone’s very happy.’’
Otago players, who ranged from 17 to 29, banded together throughout the tournament and their connections, and composure, steered them through.
‘‘It was just a real joy to be a part of and to get the result at the end of the day was really pleasing for everybody.’’
Nuggets forward Robbie Coman was a standout all tournament and finished the final with 27 points, 15 rebounds and two assists. The fan favourite was named the tournament MVP and also in the all star five.
Fielding, who praised Basketball Otago for their work in hosting the tournament, labelled Coman a ‘‘superstar’’.
‘‘His play speaks for itself, but even more than a player, he’s just a great bloke,’’ Fielding said.
‘‘As a role model for the younger basketballers in Otago and anyone who’s around him in the future, he’s just a fantastic player.
‘‘He puts in so much hard work and nobody sees that.’’
Otago Nuggets team-mate Matthew Bardsley was also named in the all star five and finished the final with 10 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Jaylen Gerrand (Harbour), Nathaniel Salmon (Porirua) and Christian Mcdaniel (North Canterbury) were also named in the all star five.
