A development year appears to be on the agenda for the Otago Nuggets.
General manager Angela Ruske said uncertainties around player availability this season had led the team to pursue a developmental approach for 2022.
The team’s lack of player announcements has been notable since the National Basketball League’s free agency opened in November last year.
Departures by Richie Rodger and Pafe Momoisea, to the Taranaki Airs and Manawatu Jets respectively, have been the only notable links to the team so far.
Two starters from last year, Sam Timmins and Josh Aitcheson, were among those not yet attached to a team.
Ruske said it had been an "interesting" season for recruitment and the Nuggets had been taking their time given uncertainties.
She confirmed signings would be announced in the coming weeks, although was unable to comment further.
There were several factors she said had influenced the team’s approach.
The status of imports remains unclear, given the ongoing border restrictions imposed by the Government.
Likewise, the Australian NBL’s open-ended finishing date — due to continual Covid-19 delays — made player availability uncertain for those in that league.
The situation with MIQ also was also an issue, as it had a bearing on whether New Zealanders playing overseas would be able to return.
The potential for Tall Blacks players to be unavailable, due to clashes with World Cup qualifiers and the Asia Cup, as well as New Zealand 3x3 players, was also a complicating factor.
"With so many unknowns, we made the decision early on to use this season as a development year," Ruske said.
"We look forward to giving our up-and-coming athletes an opportunity to prove themselves."
A link to the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United with new ownership group SEN had proved valuable and Ruske said the group’s involvement would benefit Otago basketball.
Ruske felt it would enable the Nuggets to field strong teams.
"Moving forward, the involvement with SEN will provide the Nuggets the ability to put a strong team on the court every season. It’s looking very promising."
Alongside Rodger and Momoisea, the team has also lost Akiva McBirney-Griffin from last year, the young forward having begun a college career in the United States.
Rodger, in particular, was a significant loss, having been among the league’s best non-import point guards last year.
Ruske said while he would be missed, she did not begrudge him making the move.
"I know he was very torn about leaving.
"But it’s very difficult to turn down an option when your goal is to make a New Zealand team and you’ve got the ability to work with the Tall Blacks coach.
"I definitely don’t envy his decision making there. He had to make a personal decision that was best for his career."
The Nuggets’ season begins on April 10 when they host the Airs at the Edgar Centre.
