Melbourne pair to bolster Giants roster for 2018 season
The Nelson Giants have locked in two key pieces ahead of the 2018 National Basketball League, following the additions of Melbourne United pair Kyle Adnam and Tohiraukura Smith-Milner, but at this stage star forward Finn Delany remains on the market.
Adnam, a 24-year-old point guard out of Melbourne, will return for a second season in Nelson where he will be classified as an import, while 22-yearold power forward Smith-Milner moves north after a stint with Canterbury Rams.
Smith-Milner is a development player with Melbourne United in the ANBL and played six games for the Tall Blacks this year.
Giants chairman Bill Dahlberg said at 2.06m tall, SmithMilner will provide some much-needed size and quality in the frontcourt.
‘‘Last year we were just getting beaten up so Tohi at 6’9 and 100kg will help and I’m work- ing on another 6’8, 6’9 young lad who will also help and I’m also looking at a centre,’’ Dahlberg said.
The Giants have also returned locals Tom Ingham, Ali Granger, Sam Dempster and Bronson Beri, although Delany, who is currently playing for the New Zealand Breakers and was Nelson’s top scorer with an average of 18 points per game, remains unsigned.
Dahlberg was reluctant too comment on Delany’s status, other than to say he a player in ‘‘hot demand.’’
The Giants, who finished sixth with a 4-14 record last season, will be coached by Jamie Pearlman, the current Cairns Taipans assistant, in 2018.
Nelson Giants confirmed signings: Kyle Adnam, Tohiraukura Smith-Milner, Tom Ingham, Ali Granger, Sam Dempster, Bronson Beri.