Timmins to return as Sharks build 2026 roster

The Southland Sharks are delighted to announce the re-signing of New Zealand big man Sam Timmins ahead of the 2026 NZNBL season, securing a key piece of their roster as the club begins shaping its group for the year ahead.

Timmins joined the Sharks midway through the 2025 season and quickly became an integral part of the team, making an immediate impact on the court while also playing an important role within the locker room. The environment in Invercargill and alignment with the club’s values were central to his decision to return.

“I really enjoyed my time in Invercargill,” Timmins said. “Coming in halfway through last year, the way I was embraced by the team and the fans made it seamless. The way Coach Yim runs his team aligns heavily with how I believe things should be done for a team to build strong culture, have success on the court, and continue to grow as people away from it. We had a great season last year, and it was a no-brainer for me to come back and have a crack at making it one game greater this time around.”

Timmins also acknowledged the support of the Sharks’ fanbase and the pride that comes with representing the club. “The Sharks are a great and storied club, and that doesn’t happen without a great organization and fanbase behind it. That kind of support is a real privilege as a player and makes you want to work that much harder. Thank you for the way you welcomed me in last season — I’m pumped to build on it and keep it rolling in 2026. I’ll see you out and about in Invercargill and most importantly in the Shark Tank.”

Head Coach Jonathan Yim emphasized the importance of bringing Timmins back this offseason. “Re-signing Sam was a major priority for us this offseason,” Yim said. “I loved coaching him and the impact he had on our group during the back half of last season, and I’m excited to have a full year together. Sam brings a level of physicality, professionalism, and competitiveness that is hard to find, and it shows up every day in how he prepares and how he plays.”

Yim also highlighted Timmins’ importance beyond the box score. “Beyond what Sam gives us on the stat sheet, he sets the standard for how we want to work and compete every day. He’s incredibly selfless and fully invested in the group. Players like him are foundational to building something real, and having Sam back allows us to continue the momentum we built last season.”

Timmins enters the 2026 season with a clear focus on consistency. “That’s the big thing for me right now,” Timmins added. “I had some big games last year but also a few where I went missing. Consistency comes down to work ethic and attention to detail, and I’ll be looking to lead by example in those areas.”

Currently playing for Chun Lung in Hong Kong, Timmins is fully committed to the completion of his season with his overseas team joining the team at an appropriate time following the end on his season there. Timmins will bring a strong résumé to Invercargill. He played four years at the University of Washington, won an NZNBL championship with the Otago Nuggets in 2022, and has earned 18 caps with the Tall Blacks. During the 2025 season with the Sharks, he averaged 14.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game.

With Timmins locked in for 2026, the Southland Sharks take an important first step toward the upcoming season, retaining a key piece of last year’s group as the foundation continues to take shape ahead of further roster announcements.