The Otago Nuggets have re-signed the 2.11m centre for 2023.
Timmins was busy preparing for the Breakers’ ANBL semifinal against the Tasmania Jackjumpers tonight and could not be reached for comment yesterday.
But the big fellow has had plenty to say about what it means to play for his home team in the past.
The 25-year-old was born in Dunedin and made his debut for the franchise as a 15-year-old.
His basketball dreams took him to United States, where he played in the college system for the Washington Huskies.
He had a stint with the Auckland-based Franklin Bulls when he returned to New Zealand, but linked back up with the Nuggets in 2021 and last year led the franchise to its first NBL title proper — the Nuggets won the NBL showdown in 2020.
In a moving post match interview, he told the Otago Daily Times he knew what it was like to grow up in Otago and feel like the team had been written off.
"Anyone from Otago has a chip on their shoulder because no-one thinks we’re going to do anything — that’s just the way it is,’’ Timmins said.
"But the more you win, kids see that, [and say] ‘Wait, a team from down here won in basketball? We can do that?’
"That’s inspiring to people. I think that makes it so much sweeter.
"Kids can see what we’re doing from the place we come from and believe they can compete with the biggest names in the country in the biggest places.’’
With comments like that, Timmins was always destined to return.
But the confirmation still brought a "big smile’’ to face of Nuggets coach Brent Matehaere.
"Having Sam Timmins back in the group for 2023 is huge for us,’’ Matehaere said.
"We love him to bits and we love to see Sam doing good work with the Breakers and we welcome him back.
"He has certainly been the centrepiece of our team for the past couple of years.’’
"I think loyalty and connectiveness is the key for Sam. He believes in the franchise and he believes in us as a group and he wants to put his efforts into that.’’
Timmins has only been getting limited minutes for the Breakers, so he will be hungry when he gets back.
The Nuggets have made further signings and Matehaere said to watch this space for further announcements.
"We want to get people excited for April 9th for our first game, which is against the Jets — so we’re building towards that.’’
