International Rusbatch to leave the Rams
Canterbury Rams co-captain and Tall Black Ethan Rusbatch is in talks with rival National Basketball League (NBL) teams and won’t return in 2018.
Rusbatch’s departure is a blow, considering he has been an established starter since the Rams returned to the league in 2014 after the earthquakes.
The 25-year-old swingman is the side’s most capped player since rejoining the NBL, appearing in 72 games, and averaged 12.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists this past season.
Rusbatch, a Cashmere High product, was a development player with the New Zealand Breakers during the 2016-17 Australian NBL. He was too old for a development spot this season and wasn’t resigned by the Breakers.
He has been selected in an extended 23-man Tall Blacks squad for their Fiba World Cup qualifier against South Korea in Wellington on November 23.
The two-time defending champion Wellington Saints and Bay Hawks are understood to be possible options for Rusbatch.
Rams coach Mark Dickel said in a release they backed Rusbatch’s decision to play elsewhere.
‘‘Ethan is always welcome back to Canterbury and we are supportive of him to play away from home and continue to develop as a player like he has.’’
Rusbatch could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Canterbury have signed Christchurch-based swingman Tony Tolovae, who was with the team in 2015 before spending time in the ANBL with the Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings.
Tolovae suited up for the Bay Hawks in this year’s New Zealand NBL and enjoyed a breakout campaign, averaging 13.6 points.
Guard Taylor Britt has also committed, becoming the first player to return to the Rams since a United States college stint at Southeast Community College in Nebraska.
They join experienced power forward Marques Whippy as confirmed signings for 2018.
Whippy, a Fijian international, was retained in August and will play as an import under the league’s new rules, where Oceania players are no longer permitted to play as locals.
Tongan sharpshooter Marcus Alipate, who spent the past two seasons at the Rams, isn’t returning as a result of the ruling.
Teams can carry three imports next season and the Rams are expected to go with two Americans and Whippy.
The Rams are committed to creating a development pathway for young Canterbury basketballers, who have been away on college basketball scholarships in the United States.
They hope emerging talent like Britt, a Rams development player in 2014 and 2015, will play for the team after returning to Christchurch upon graduating.