To'omata spent last season learning all he could from the former Tall Blacks point guard when they played together for the Christchurch Cougars.
But their friendship will be put on hold for a few hours tonight when the Nuggets attempt to upset the Hawkes Bay Hawks at Pettigrew Green Arena in Napier.
"Last year I played alongside him and it was always him passing the ball to me. I'd just catch and shoot," To'omata said.
"He is one of the dudes I looked up to. He's given me a lot of advice but now I'm going to have to match my teacher."
Henare has not long returned to the court following corrective surgery on his ankle. At his best, the experienced campaigner is one of the best distributors in the league, claiming the league's assist tittle in 2001, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2009. He also made the all-star five in 2003 and 2005.
To'omata, by contrast, is in his first season as a regular starter. The 24-year-old University of Otago student has been one of the best-performed Nuggets players, albeit on a weak roster.
He outshone United States imports John Barber jun and Tyler Amaya in a heavy defeat to the top-of-the-table Waikato Pistons two weeks ago, scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 boards to complete his first double-double for the franchise.
But, arguably, his breakthrough performance came earlier in the year against the Southland Sharks when he posted 17 points in a narrow loss.
That performance seemed to give him the confidence to take more shots and shoulder more of the scoring responsibilities.
The form of back-up point guard James Ross has also helped To'omata's development. Ross has forced his way into the starting five which meant To'omata shifted to shooting guard - a role in which he seems better suited.
"I'm pleased with the way he has been coming along this season," To'omata said of Ross.
"He takes a lot of pressure off me when he's on the court. He's fast and he attacks, just like a point guard should."
The pair led the scoring for the Nuggets in an otherwise disappointing performance against the Manawatu Jets on Saturday night.
Ross top-scored with 18 points, landing five of his six three-point attempts, and To'omata chipped in with 13 points.
They are the sort of players the franchise needs to hold on to if it is going to build its base for next year. But To'omata, who hails from Winton, north of Invercargill, admits he would be keen to play for the Southland Sharks if the opportunity arose.
The Nuggets have not beaten the Hawks since 2003 and have lost 15 of the last 16 games between the sides.
The Nuggets will not have much time to dwell on the outcome. They have to get on a plane early in the morning and return to Dunedin for a game against the Harbour Heat tomorrow night.
NUGGETS v HAWKS
- Taradale, tonight, 7pm
Otago Nuggets: John Barber jun, Tyler Amaya, Matt Gillan, Steve Robinson, Sam To'omata, James Ross, Matt Trueman, Tom Rowe, Riki Buckrell, Luke Aston, Chris Hepburn.
Hawkes Bay Hawks: Jarrod Kenny, Everard Bartlett, Miles Pearce, Josh Pace, Nat Connell, Chris Daniel, Ben Hill, Jon Rogers, Paul Henare, Warrick Siddall, David Langrell.
