NBA rookie calls himself Australian

BASKETBALL

FRESH San Antonio Spurs basketball signing Aron Baynes has mistakenly been referred to as a ‘‘Kiwi’’ by some in the US media, but admits he is Australian through and through.

The 2.08m centre, who was born in Gisborne, signed with the Spurs last week. He made his NBA debut in a road victory over the Dallas Mavericks, playing the last 48 seconds of the game, before registering seven points and nine rebounds against the Charlotte Bobcats on Thursday.

In his first game for the Spurs, Baynes, 26, confused some in the US media, who labelled him a New Zealander.

Baynes, whose parents are both Kiwis, said his family had shifted to Cairns when he was a baby and he very much viewed himself as an Australian.

Four years ago, Tall Blacks coach Nenad Vucinic made a pitch to Baynes to get him to commit to New Zealand, but he instead pledged his allegiance to Australia, and has gone on to represent them.

Baynes said he had not had to give the decision too much thought.

‘‘I grew up in Australia and played with a lot of the guys in the Australian team. Australia was great for me basketball-wise and I wanted to repay them for what they’ve done for my career,’’ he said. ‘‘People can say what they want. I know in my heart where is home. Any recognition basketball can get in Australia or New Zealand, I’m all for it.’’