Auckland Tuatara
Last season: Fourth.
Key players: Rob Loe, Dan Fotu.
Changed their name from the Huskies to the Tuatara, linking with the baseball franchise. The Tuatara has a genuine star in shooting big man Loe, while Fotu returns from Saint Mary’s College as a quality, versatile forward. Dynamic forward Chris Johnson is also back, filling an import slot. This team should be competitive.
Franklin Bulls
Last season: Eighth.
Key players: Corey Webster, Isaac Davidson.
Webster will likely be the league’s best player, provided he brings the quality he had before leaving for Egypt. He and Davidson were signed instead of imports, a handy strategy given the issues the Bulls had with imports a year ago. Jayden Bezzant, Anzac Rissetto and former Nugget Kane Keil are all great pick-ups and should have this team in the playoff mix.
Taranaki Airs
Last season: 10th
Key players: Richie Rodger, Tai Wynyard.
The Airs nabbed Rodger from the Nuggets and held on to big man Wynyard, who is looking in shape and having a resurgence. Young local forward Carlin Davidson brings athleticism and quality to the wing. Former King’s High School pupil Benji Freeman is there as a development player. Will likely be bolstered by yet-to-be-announced imports. Perhaps not title contenders, but the Airs should win some games this year.
Hawke’s Bay Hawks
Last season: Runners-up
Key players: Hyrum Harris, Jack Salt.
Guided by former Rams coach Mick Downer, the Hawks have gone entirely Kiwi — picking up three New Zealanders with their import slots. It is a strong team nonetheless, bolstered by big man Salt from Canterbury. The core of last year’s loaded roster is back, headlined by dynamic forward Hyrum Harris, knockdown shooter Ethan Rusbatch and veteran point guard Jarrod Kenny. Expect them to be among the title contenders.
Last season: Ninth.
Key player: Shane Temara.
A little light on New Zealand quality, although Temara is a useful big man, who also brings a handy jump shot. Former Nugget Pafe Momoisea also moves north to join the team and, at this stage, looks to be its second-best player. Ben Robertson, who played for Dunedin’s Magic Lions last year, has also signed with the Jets. Will be reliant on any imports to get any wins.
Wellington Saints
Last season: Champions.
Key players: Tom Vodanovich, Jordan Ngatai.
Continuing with the focus on locals that worked so well last year. Vodanovich returns to his hometown a much refined player and will be among the league’s best. Ngatai, who played for the Nuggets in 2020, returns to the league after a strong Australian NBL season, while Taane Samuel is back with the team after a year with the Brisbane Bullets. Yet to announce any tier two signings, meaning an already strong team promises to get significantly stronger. Should compete for the title.
Last season: Seventh.
Key players: Sam Dempster, Tom Ingham.
The Giants leant heavily on their imports last year and will be much the same this year. Former Nugget Tom Ingham is a useful guard, while Nic Trathen is an underrated piece. Imports are still to be announced.
Canterbury Rams
Last season: Fifth.
Key players: Max Darling, Taylor Britt.
The Rams retain a strong and deep local contingent, headlined by dynamic forward Max Darling, smooth left-handed guard Taylor Britt, big man Mike Karena and former Otago Boys’ High School guard Joe Cook-Green. Sunday Dech joins the team from the Adelaide 36ers, while the prospect of two more imports should get the Rams into the mix for a playoff spot.
Otago Nuggets
Last season: Sixth.
Key players: Sam Timmins, Tajhere McCall.
Should compete well, although have a very top-heavy roster. Timmins will be among the league’s best inside, while the import trio of McCall, Todd Withers and Keith Williams is very strong. Nikau McCullough minimises the impact of losing Rodger, but that remains a loss, while Josh Aitcheson’s signature is key. Beyond that, depth may hamper the Nuggets, but this team should win its share of games.
Southland Sharks
Last season: Third.
Key players: Dom Kelman-Poto, Mojave King.
Potentially very strong, depending on import announcements. Kelman-Poto is a league veteran and always produces at both ends, while Brayden Inger took huge strides last season and Alonzo Burton is one of the league’s most dangerous shooters. King, son of Nuggets great Leonard, brings a skillset that has had him on the NBA draft radar.
