Knox returning for new campaign with Otago Nuggets

BASKETBALL

THE Otago Nuggets have confirmed the return of a second player from last year’s champion team.

Darcy Knox has signed with the side for this year’s National Basketball League.

The 25yearold point guard averaged 4.18 points per game and provided energy off the bench during last year’s championship run.

Alongside that he brings speed and highlevel perimeter defence to the team.

Knox attended Otago Boys’ High School and was named club basketball’s most valuable player in 2019.

He joins Matthew Bardsley as the other confirmed returning player from last year’s successful squad.

Of the others from last year, star trio Jordan Ngatai, Jarrod Kenny and Jordan Hunt are playing for the Cairns Taipans in Australia.

The clash in timing of the leagues this year would make them unlikely to feature in the New Zealand league.

Meanwhile, Kane Keil joined the Wellington Saints, while Benoit Hayman has returned to play his third season for Nyon in Switzerland.

Key local duo Josh Aitcheson and Richie Rodger would be likely targets for the Nuggets, although they have not yet been confirmed.

Sam Timmins and Pafe Momoisea are the two other New Zealanders to have signed on for this season.

Imports Australian Geremy McKay and American Isaiah Moss were both confirmed last week, pending being granted government approval to enter the country.

The league is due to begin on April 24 when the Nuggets will host the Wellington Saints at the Edgar Centre in Dunedin.