AFTER a sixth placed finish in 2021 – following a title in the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) Showdown – the Otago Nuggets have an exciting roster for 2022. They have lost a key starter and some talented contributors from last season, but have kept the majority of their list and recruited well to be a side to watch this season.

KEY CHANGES:

FRESH FACES: Nikau McCullough, Keith Williams, Todd Withers, Danyon Ashcroft
KEY DEPARTURES: Isaiah Moss, Gerasimos McKay, Richie Rodger

It was a mixed back over the off-season for the Otago Nuggets, with some very handy players leaving, but an incredibly talented young guard coming in. The biggest loss will be felt in the way of Isaiah Moss who averaged 21.1 points,  5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals in an all-round effort. Geremy McKay (ranked third for points) and Richie Rodger (second for assists) will also create holes, but open up opportunities for others.

A very talented inclusion from the Manawatu Jets is Nikau McCullough who will run out with his third club in as many seasons having been picked for the Franklin Bulls for the 2020 NZNBL Showdown. McCulloch continued his rise up the ranks, assisting in the Tall Blacks making the FIBA 3×3 World Cup. He will be a huge addition alongside elite returning bigman Sam Timmins. Meanwhile 23-year-old American guard Keith Williams has headed to the Nuggets for his first professional gig, as has two-way guard Todd Withers, as has teenage young gun Danyon Ashcroft.

2022 OTAGO NUGGETS ROSTER:

Sam Timmins
Nikau McCullough
Josh Aitcheson
Keith Williams (T2)
Todd Withers (T2)
Danyon Ashcroft
Darcy Knox
Joe Ahie
Matthew Bardsley
Mike Ruske
Robbie Coman

KEY TO SUCCESS

The Nuggets have two incredible talents in Timmins and McCullough who have the potential to lead the Nuggets to wins off their own back. Timmins is the bigman who is among the best rebounders in the game, whilst McCullough is an outside threat. He is a player who can hit the big long-range bombs, and though a confidence player at times, can turn a game with his impact. He is one who can complement Timmins well from an inside-outside one-two combo, particularly in transition.

Ashcroft is a recruit that will be exciting to watch. Over the years, the NZNBL has helped showcase a number of promising Tall Blacks for future contracts and bigger stages, and Ashcroft, who has been a star a high school level, is one who will catch the eye. Though not a starter immediately, expect Ashcroft to come on and show crowds exactly what he is capable of. Then, the likes of Darcy Knox, Matthew Bardsley and Josh Aitcheson are still around, and will maintain a high level of basketball to ensure the Nuggets are competitive each week.

2022 SCHEDULE

R1 @ Giants | @ Rams
R2 vs. Saints
R3 vs. Hawks
R4 @ Bulls | @ Jets
R5 @ Sharks | @ Airs
R6 vs. Giants
R7 –
R8 @ Tuatara
R9 vs. Rams
R10 vs. Tuatara
R11 @ Saints | @ Hawks
R12 vs. Jets
R13 vs. Airs
R14 vs. Sharks
R15 vs. Bulls