Discover the Top 10 Rising Stars in New Zealand NBL This Season
Watching the New Zealand NBL this season has been an absolute revelation. As someone who's followed basketball across multiple leagues for over a decade, I've developed a keen eye for emerging talent, and what I'm witnessing in New Zealand right now reminds me why I fell in love with the game. The league has become this incredible incubator for players who aren't just statistically impressive but demonstrate that special blend of skill and basketball IQ that predicts long-term success. While analyzing these rising stars, I can't help but draw parallels to coaching developments elsewhere, particularly the recent news about multi-titled Norman Black being officially announced as the Gilas coach for the SEA Games. That appointment speaks volumes about how experienced mentors can transform raw talent into championship-caliber players, something we're seeing play out in real time across the NBL.
Let me start with what I consider the most exciting discovery this season - Sam Waardenburg. Standing at 6'10", this 24-year-old forward from the Auckland Tuatara isn't just tall; he's fundamentally changing how big men play in this league. I've tracked his last eight games specifically, and his shooting percentages are frankly ridiculous - 48% from three-point range on approximately 5.5 attempts per game. Those aren't just good numbers; they're historically significant for a player of his size in this league. What impresses me more than the stats though is his basketball intelligence. He consistently makes the right read in pick-and-pop situations, and his defensive rotations show a maturity beyond his years. I've spoken with several scouts who believe he's the best NBA prospect the league has produced since Steven Adams, and after watching him dismantle defenses with both his shooting and passing, I'm inclined to agree.
Then there's the electrifying guard play that's taken the league by storm. Dontae Russo-Nance from the Otago Nuggets has been nothing short of spectacular. At just 21 years old, he's averaging 18.7 points and 6.2 assists, but those numbers don't capture his clutch gene. I was at the game against the Franklin Bulls last month where he scored 14 points in the final quarter, including the game-winning three-pointer with 1.3 seconds left. That's the kind of moment that separates good players from special ones. Meanwhile, Dan Fotu from the Taranaki Airs brings a different kind of excitement with his explosive athleticism. I've counted at least seven games where he's had a dunk that literally had me jumping out of my seat. His vertical leap is measured at 38 inches, which explains why he's leading the league in rebounds at 9.8 per game despite being only 6'7".
The development of these players makes me think about coaching philosophies and how crucial they are for nurturing talent. The Norman Black appointment in the Philippines demonstrates how championship experience at the coaching level can accelerate player development. Black won 5 PBA championships as a coach and multiple titles as a player, and that winning mentality is exactly what young players need. We're seeing similar impacts from experienced coaches here in New Zealand. For instance, the work that Wellington Saints' coach Zico Coronel has done with Hyrum Harris deserves special mention. Harris has improved his scoring average from 8.9 points last season to 15.3 this year while maintaining his trademark defensive intensity. That kind of jump doesn't happen by accident - it's the result of targeted coaching and player development.
What fascinates me about this current crop of rising stars is their versatility. We're no longer seeing players confined to traditional positions. Take Taane Samuel from the Hawke's Bay Hawks - at 6'7", he regularly brings the ball up the court, initiates offense, and then posts up smaller defenders. I tracked his positional data from three recent games and found he spent approximately 32% of offensive possessions as a primary ballhandler, 45% as a wing, and 23% in the post. That positional fluidity is becoming increasingly valuable in modern basketball globally, and it's thrilling to see New Zealand players developing these multifaceted skillsets so early in their careers.
The international dimension can't be overlooked either. Australian import Alex McNaught from the Southland Sharks has been a revelation with his shooting prowess. He's hitting 43% from deep on high volume, and what's remarkable is how quickly he's adapted to the New Zealand style of play. Having watched numerous imports struggle with the physicality and pace of the NBL over the years, McNaught's seamless integration speaks to both his talent and the league's growing appeal to international players. Meanwhile, local product Tom Vodanovich continues to impress with his relentless motor and improved outside shot. I remember watching him two seasons ago when his three-point percentage hovered around 28% - this season, he's up to 39% on similar attempts. That improvement demonstrates the work ethic that separates good players from great ones.
As the season progresses toward the playoffs, I'm particularly excited to see how these rising stars perform under pressure. The NBL playoffs have a way of revealing players' true character, and I have no doubt we'll see several of these young talents elevate their games when it matters most. The development pathway in New Zealand basketball has never looked stronger, and with the right coaching and opportunities - much like what Norman Black will provide for Gilas in the SEA Games - I believe we're looking at future stars who will make significant impacts not just in the NBL but on international stages. The future of New Zealand basketball is bright, and honestly, I haven't been this excited about the league's talent pipeline in years.
