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Tukaha Cooper swims south to Sharks

Tukaha Cooper is the latest player to add his name to the Southland Sharks’ ranks for 2025 with the talented Northland-born guard arriving in Invercargill yesterday to start work ahead of the 2025 New Zealand National Basketball League.


Cooper spent three years with the Manawatu Jets before switching allegiances to the Auckland Tuatara last season, featuring in twenty games for the eventual beaten finalists.


Sharks Head Coach Jonathan Yim has no doubt the 22-year-old is going to grow into a big-time contributor for his team this year.

“From the start of free agency, Tukaha was a top target for us, and we’re over the moon that he’s decided to join the Sharks. He brings a level of toughness, versatility, and competitiveness that will make an immediate impact,” Yim said.


“Defensively, he has the potential to be one of the best point-of-attack defenders in the league. His length, instincts, and tenacity make him a nightmare for opposing guards. But he’s far from just a defensive specialist—he’s a capable scorer and lead ball handler who has already proven himself against some of the best guards in New Zealand.”


“What stands out most is his desire to be great. He’s going to rise to every challenge, and he’s already shown great resiliency in his journey to this point. No matter the situation, he finds ways to compete and make an impact. The fans are going to love his intensity, his work ethic, and the way he embraces everything that comes with being a Shark,” Yim said.

Cooper was just as keen to take the opportunity to elevate his career with the Sharks when the opportunity was presented.


“I can’t wait to get to work with coach Yim and the squad, to learn as much as I can and translate it out to the court. I’m super excited to be in Invercargill, especially coming from the far north. 2025 is the year I want to take my game to the next level and I think being at the Sharks is the place to do it,” Cooper said.


The Sharks open their NBL campaign on the road in Dunedin against the Otago Nuggets on Friday 14 March, while the first of eleven home games will be Saturday 29 March against the Manawatu Jets.



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