Asberry to make third trip to Invercargill

The Southland Sharks have signed their first overseas import for the 2026 NBL season - and it’s a familiar face to Sharks fans.

American Caleb Asberry will return for his third season in the orange singlet as the Sharks look to go one better in 2026 after their Grand Final appearance last year.

Asberry led the league in assists last season at 7.5 per game, while also averaging 16 points and 4.7 rebounds.

He delivered one of the standout performances of the year with a 36-point effort in the home playoff game against the Auckland Tuatara.

Currently playing in Cyprus with Enosis Neon Paralimni, Asberry is averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists as he prepares for his return to Invercargill.

Asberry said the decision to return to Southland was straightforward.

“The culture and people made it an easy decision,” he said.

“From the organisation and my teammates to the wider community, there’s a real belief in what we’re building. I felt trusted and supported, and Invercargill has become my second home,” Asberry said.

“The support from the Shark Whānau is genuine and constant. Playing for people who truly care about the team and the region is a powerful motivator.”

Sharks coach Jonathan Yim said Asberry’s return reflects the identity the club is building.

“Caleb was a huge reason for our turnaround last season,” Yim said.

“He sacrificed a lot of his individual stats for the betterment of the team, and that team-first mindset matters when you’re trying to build something great.”

Yim and Asberry are fully aligned on continuing to fight for a championship alongside the rest of the playing group.

“Caleb has shared with me how much it would mean to him to bring a championship to Invercargill,” Yim said. “

He’s committed to winning and committed to finishing the job, just like the rest of the players who were part of last season.”

Asberry echoed that same mindset heading into the upcoming season.

“I’m bringing that energy, I’ll compete at a high level, and I’ll give everything I have to help the Sharks bring a championship to Invercargill,” he said.

“We were close last season, and I’m determined to finish the job this year.”

With the first import signing now confirmed, the club expects to release further news on additional player signings in the coming weeks.

To date, the Sharks have officially confirmed five signings - Asberry, Sam Timmins, Tukaha Cooper, Tobias Cameron, and Max Darling,

In what is shaping up to be a special season, fans are encouraged to secure Season Memberships for the upcoming NZNBL campaign at ILT Stadium Southland.