McRae excited at Sharks opportunity
New Southland Sharks recruit Callum McRae is seriously tall.
He’s not six foot six or anything, but he is seven foot one, or 2.15m, tall and will become the second-tallest Shark when he steps onto court. Top spot is taken by Romaro Gill, at 2.18cm, while McRae and Sharks favourite Alex Pledger at 2.15m both stand in second place.
McRae said he was looking forward to his new opportunity in Southland with the Sharks. “I am loving it here ... they’re a great bunch of guys. They’ve taken me out to do a bit of sightseeing and it’s going to be an exciting season.”
After spending five years in the US playing basketball, McRae returned and halfway through last season joined the Nelson Giants as an injury replacement. McRae was tall but he could also play basketball, draining 27 points in an impressive showing against the Sharks last year. “It’s been a very welcoming community so far.”
The Palmerston North-born basketballer said he had nothing on the table when the Sharks came calling. “My brother played here a few years ago and loved it, and I wasn’t committed to going anywhere, and the Sharks came calling, so I thought ‘why not’. It’s great to be here.”
McRae would add a real physical presence to the Sharks in the centre position. “I am just looking to do whatever is best for the team.”
McRae, who made his Jets debut when he was 14, had played basketball ever since he was a 9-year-old and said he was loving the professional element.
“It’s just a lot of fun. You get to travel and play basketball. The competition has got a lot better over here since I left to play College basketball. It’s got leaps and bounds better and it will help my career.”
There was plenty to like about the Southland Sharks squad in 2024.
“It’s been easy to fit in. Everyone is great - we’re spending a lot of time together off the court and hopefully we can put on a show for the Southland community.”
It was a strong squad assembled by coach Guy Molloy and one that wanted to right the wrongs of 2023. Several new faces had been added to the 2024 roster, such as American trio Joshua Turner, Marcale Lotts and LaGerald Vick.
At the Westside Blitz, a pre-season tournament on the West Coast, The Sharks would take on the Whai, Manawatu Jets and Canterbury Bulls across four action-packed days. The season starts on Easter weekend with the Sharks away to neighbours the Nuggets.