The Otago Nuggets' latest recruit was discovered in the most unlikely location: at a camp with the Canterbury Rams.
Sydney-based New Zealander Tony Tolovae was in Christchurch trying out for the Rams and impressed the right person. Turns out that person was Nuggets player-coach Mark Dickel.
Dickel was in Christchurch earlier this year with another basketball team when he spotted Tolovae.
He liked what he saw in the 1.95m shooting guard and swooped.
Dickel was unavailable for comment yesterday but Basketball Otago general manager Markham Brown said Tolovae (21) shaped as the ideal replacement for Riki Buckrell, who has plans to move to China and teach English.
''I think he will fit the style of play quite nicely that Mark is wanting to play which is, first and foremost, a tough defence and to create a lot of fast-break opportunities,'' Brown said.
''He is a young guy who can run around all day - and he is obviously talented.''
Tolovae plays for the West Lions in the Ultimate Basketball League, a club tournament in Sydney. In nine games, he averaged 21.6 points and 11.1 rebounds.
He has long arms and is similar in body shape to former Nuggets player Leon Henry.
A scouting report provided to the Otago Daily Times by Basketball Otago suggests Tolovae is a good ball handler who can create his own scoring opportunities.
He can be a streaky shooter but rebounds well, is a good defender and ''could be a starter in the Australian NBL within the next couple of years - he is that talented and has that much upside''.
Tolovae joins Dickel, Brendon Polyblank, Sam King, Fijian international Marques Whippy and Americans Troy Payne and Warren Carter as confirmed players for 2014.
The Nuggets open their season with a match against the Southland Sharks in Invercargill early next month.
