Auckland time

Auckland has long proven a problem franchise in the Kiwi NBL. But the new chums with the baseball background are determined to change that narrative.

in 5-10 years I believe it will be the pre-eminent domestic sporting competition in New Zealand, and we want to be a part of it,” he says. Auckland basketball is thriving, and we want to be a plug for fans to continue that passion.” The Tuatara open with a visit to Nelson on Saturday. here the off-court stuff was handled, it was stress-free and it al;lowed the players to play, and play well.” That was in the ‘90s and early-00s, but for much of the new millennium Auckland’s representatives in the New Zealand NBL have struggled to establish a foothold in the league. We don’t want to be a 2-3-year franchise that fizzles out. He also coaches St Kent’s in the red-hot Auckland schools competition, and wants to leave something lasting for the city. ”We want to be sustainable. It’s a short season and a lot of imports only pick up form in the last month, or not at all. “We went after guys who have been around the game in New Zealand and Australia. With a solid support cast (including young comers Charlie Dalton and Tom Beattie) and suggestions the prized signature of Kiwi collegiate standout Kruz Perrot-Hunt will be a late addition, this looks a group capable of contending again. “The model the league is using is financially viable,” says Tuatara GM Sport and Communications Dale Budge who is one of two staffers working on both clubs.