The Southland Sharks today announced their first player signing for the 2023 Sal's NBL season with Brayden Inger confirming his return for a third season in orange.
Inger, who burst onto the scene in 2021 and rode an outstanding debut NBL season into both the Tall Blacks and Cairns Taipans, is keen to help the Sharks return to form after a challenging season last year.
"Obviously we didn't do as well as we would have liked to last year so personally there's a bit of a chip on my shoulder to bounce back from that and also be part of a bunch of dudes who have that same point to prove. I think we are all coming in with the same motive and same drive to push each other," Inger said.
The 23-year-old small forward is also fizzing at the opportunity to continue to develop his game under new Sharks' Head Coach Guy Molloy.
"Keeping that top tier standard of coaching is something that I think all clubs want and I'm stoked to work with someone of Guy's calibre and from our chats he seems like a great man and he takes on my and other players' thoughts which I think is a great for a coach to do that before he can get us out on court," he said.
For Molloy, who takes the reins at Sharks HQ after coaching Wellington against Southland and Inger last season, bringing with him first-hand experience in just how difficult Inger was to prepare for as an opponent.
"It really is great news that the Club has re-signed Brayden. He was a difficult player to prepare for in scouting with his height, skill and shooting ability. He has already been a terrific resource to help me bring the new Sharks team together. I’m very excited to begin our journey together," Molloy said.
The Sharks open their 2023 Sal's NBL Season on Good Friday, April 7th at ILT Stadium Southland against the Manawatu Jets. Season tickets for all nine home games went on sale this week at ILT Stadium Southland.
