Otago Nuggets forward Sam King was touted as a potential Tall Black earlier this year.
Guard Olly Smith was still feeling his way in the National Basketball League but building the experience he needed to advance his game.
Now, they are both without a team following news the Nuggets will not feature in the 2015 national league.
They are devastated and have been left pondering their playing future. King, a former Junior Tall Black who gave glimpses of his enormous potential this season with a standout performance against Canterbury, said he was shocked by the news.
''I guess it came out of the blue,'' he said.
He is unsure where his basketball future lies.
''There are a few options on the table but I'm just weighing them up at the moment.''
Asked if he was owed any money, King declined to comment.
Smith was more forthcoming, though.
''Only, like, a tiny wee bit,'' he said.
''It's 500 Bartercards. It is not like real money.''
Bartercard's website says one Bartercard ''trade dollar is equivalent to one New Zealand dollar for all accounting and taxation purposes''.
Like King, Smith faces an uncertain playing future.
''I'm pretty gutted.
''The plan was to train hard over the summer and work a little bit.
''I'm not too sure now. I have to decide if I want to try to find another team or just wait for the Nuggets to get a team again.''
