Kane Keil has brought more than just points and rebounds to the Otago Nuggets.
He has generated quite a wave of support for the side in Auckland, too.
The 23-year-old returned from five years at college in the United States this year and was snapped up by the Nuggets in the fourth round of the NBL Showdown draft.
It gave the side an Auckland local: all the games are being played there.
It also gave him the chance to play in front of his family.
When the side takes the court against the Manawatu Jets tonight, you can bet they will be in full voice.
"Most games feel like home games for us," he said.
"I feel like we almost have the loudest crowd at every game.
"So it’s awesome the family are all behind the boys. They’re absolutely loving it.
"It’s awesome — there’s nothing like playing in front of the family... it’s quite nice hearing Dad yell at you from the sideline again."
The 1.98m forward has become an increasing scoring threat for the Nuggets.
His shooting range has been a weapon, as has his ability to create opportunities for himself in the mid-range.
In the last game against the Jets he exploded for 29 points, while impressing with 16 points on six of eight shooting in Tuesday’s thrashing of the Auckland Huskies.
He was enjoying playing with the team and was feeling more comfortable with every game.
Some had a few bragging rights over him from years back, too.
When Otago won the under-17 national title in 2013, he had 20 points for the Auckland side that was pipped in overtime in the final.
Richie Rodger, Josh Aitcheson and Benoit Hayman had been on that Otago team, while Sam Aruwa was also on the Auckland team.
It was a loss Keil said "haunts him to this day".
But he was enjoying playing with them now, after growing up playing against them.
In the intervening years he had a successful time in the US.
He played two years of junior college at Barstow Community College, followed by a season with each of Chaminade and Antelope Valley.
It had been a great experience and he came away with a business management degree as well.
For now his focus was on tonight.
He was expecting the Jets to be "a handful" in a top-of-the-table clash.
But he felt the team was tracking well and it was good to be in such good form heading into the playoffs.
"I feel like we’re adding pieces each game and improving each game.
"So hopefully [we’re] heading to a peak at the end of next week, hopefully take it all out."
