The Otago Nuggets have a coach even if their identity remains under wraps for now.
And it is not before time.
The National Basketball League gets under way in March and the Nuggets’ opening game is a home fixture against the Southland Sharks on March 14.
But the 2022 champions are leaving their run awfully late this season.
The franchise made the decision to part ways with former coach Brent Matehaere late last year and still have not announced who his replacement is.
There have also been no player announcements.
Rest assured, there will be some soon.
The franchise’s general manager, Angela Ruske, has left for a pre-planned overseas holiday for three weeks. But she has promised to keep everyone updated once the Nuggets’ owners, SEN, give her the green light.
"Yes we do," Ruske responded to a text message asking if they had a coach yet.
"But SEN have a few things to get finalised before we can release."
Last month, Ruske told the Otago Daily Times "the majority of our local players are keen to play for the Nuggets again".
"But, obviously, when you come to selecting a roster with those high-end Kiwi players and imports, it's important that the coach has input in that because their coaching and their reputation is also on the line, I guess.
"So that does make it challenging when you don't have that head coach role in to start those discussions."
— The Southland Sharks yesterday announced their first player signing for the 2025 season. Alonzo Burton will return for his fifth season.
