Boone confirms Sharks' return

The Southland Sharks’ 2026 NBL title hopes have been given a significant boost with confirmation that American import Keylan Boone will return this season.

Boone made an immediate impact in his first season with the Sharks in 2025, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.

The Tulsa, Oklahoma native led the scoring for Southland at 21.2 points per game, and led the entire league in regular season three-point percentage at 48%, and set a new Sharks single-season record with 78 made threes.

Since the conclusion of the 2025 season, Boone has continued to test himself at a high level, spending the offseason with Instituto in Argentina and in the NBA G League with the South Bay Lakers, the affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Now, Boone is set to return to a place that quickly became far more than just another stop in his basketball journey.

“What made me want to come back to Southland was being familiar with the program, them showing love by giving me my first professional opportunity,” Boone said.

“I wanted to give back and make sure we do one better than last season. I love the team and the community.”

“It’s nice to know that I have a second home in my life,” he added.

“I grew to love being down there and the whole Southland community. We did something amazing last season, and I hope we can continue to do amazing things this season.”

Sharks coach Jonathan Yim said Boone’s return is a major boost for the club both on and off the floor.

“Welcome back to Keylan Boone. He knows our program and our system, and he has thrived in it,” Yim said.

“I know the fans are going to be excited to see him back in the Shark Tank and welcome him back with open arms.”

“Keylan and I have been in constant communication since last season, and he has made it clear why he wanted to come back. One, he loved the community and the team, but two, he wants to compete for a championship.”

Boone will be in action against the Whai at ILT Stadium Southland on Sunday, April 26.

Doors open at 12 o’clock with the Rapid league game starting at 1pm, followed by the main game at 2pm.

Meanwhile, an undermanned Sharks outfit, without Boone and many other key players, produced an encouraging upset victory over the Franklin Bulls in Auckland on Thursday night, winning 94-86.

They will now take on the Auckland Tuatara in Auckland on Saturday night.