Talented Aucklander Ben Adamson is the latest to be added to the Southland Sharks for the upcoming Sal's New Zealand National Basketball League season.
Adamson, who is fresh back from a month at a basketball academy and prep school in Jacksonville, Florida will link with his Sharks' team mates this week and is bursting to get started in what will be his second NBL campaign.
"I spent 2021 in Darwin, learning and playing after an opportunity arose, so I grabbed it. Last year I was down at the Hawks in Hawke's Bay which was really cool and I got to learn a lot from some pretty talented ball players that they have down there. I just shot over to Florida and now I'm ready to get down and see what Invercargill's like," Adamson said.
He jumped at the chance to head State-side to further his basketball education.
"A coach of mine from Auckland let me know there was an opportunity to go over and play and as a young basketballer when you hear about playing in America your eyes light up, so I jumped on a plane as soon as I could and was over there for just on a month. It was cool to learn how the game is played over there and the coach I had was really smart so I learnt a heap that hopefully I can bring back to the NBL this year, he said.
Adamson came highly recommended from former Hawks' coach Mick Downer who coached Adamson in his rookie NBL season last year.
"It was nice to hear Mick put in a few good words for me. He helped me a lot last season. I've only heard good things about the Sharks and have heard that Guy (Molloy) is a brilliant coach. The players who have been announced for this season are well credited so I'm looking forward to learning a few more things from the guys and getting involved where I can," Adamson said.
Sharks' Head Coach Guy Molloy believes Adamson is a great pick-up for his squad.
"Ben is a terrific young lad with a high ceiling. He has been steadily gaining experience in New Zealand and the USA and will bolster our forward depth. He is highly-athletic with a good skill set already and I'm excited to bring him to the Sharks," Molloy said.
The Southland Sharks will open their 2023 campaign against the Manawatu Jets on Good Friday (7 April) at 7:00pm at ILT Stadium Southland. Season tickets for all nine home games from April to July are available now at Stadium reception.
Image: Roshy Sportfolio