Wellington Saints
2025: Champions.
Key players: Carlin Davison will bring some hustle and Izayah Le’afa is a scoring threat.
The oil: There have been plenty of roster changes and the absence of Hyrum Harris, Shea Ili and Jordan Ngatai will not help their prospects. But the Saints have re-signed Le’afa and have enlisted help from Davison, who made the All-Star team in 2025.
Southland Sharks
2025: Beaten finalists.
Key players: Caleb Asberry will set the tempo and Tall Blacks guard Tobais Cameron is expected to have a big impact.
The oil: Made a late run for the title in 2025 and have recruited well for another tilt. Rams forward Max Darling and Cameron will join the likes of Sam Timmins and Asberry on a deep roster. They will miss Josiah Allick, who was the league’s MVP.
Canterbury Rams
2025: Beaten semifinalists.
Key players: Former Nuggets star import Todd Withers is a defensive god and will combine with talented guard Taylor Britt.
The oil: The Rams have retained a solid core and added some good pieces in the front court, including another former Otago Nuggets player in Jack Andrew. Darling’s departure weakens the bench.
Tauranga Whai
2025: Beaten semifinalists.
Key players: The versatile Reuben Te Rangi joins the cause alongside Brisbane Bullets guard Taine Murray.
The oil: The Whai defended stoutly but struggled to score. They have retooled and should be more productive. Lots of changes, though. May take some time to get it right.
Auckland Tuatara
2025: Beaten quarterfinalists.
Key players: The evergreen Rob Loe returns for another stint and links up with Tom Vodanovich again.
The oil: The Tuatara will lean on imports Josh Dilling and Sean Bairstow to keep the scoreboard rolling. They have lost a lot of offensive firepower, but still have an impressive frontcourt.
Taranaki Airs
2025: Beaten quarterfinalists
Key players: Guard Xavier Green and James Moors shape as the major contributors.
The oil: The Airs have a new-look roster and their identity as a side has not been unboxed yet. We will learn more tonight when they play the Manawatū Jets in Palmerston North in the season opener.
Franklin Bulls
2025: Seventh.
Key players: American guard Jace Carter brings athleticism and KC Nwafor is primed for a larger role.
The oil: So much of their play was shaped around import Tae Hardy, who has moved on. The Cameron brothers — Tobais and Flynn — have gone, and seasoned small forward Ethan Rusbatch has popped up at the Otago Nuggets.
Manawatū Jets
2025: Eighth.
Key players: Proven match-winner Corey Webster and seasoned American centre Byron Mullens.
The oil: Webster will link up with Dontae Russo-Nance in a dangerous guard line. Forward Nate Wilson returns from a stint in the American college system and Kazlo Evans jun has made the move from the Saints in search of more court time.
Nelson Giants
2025: Ninth.
Key players: Experienced centre Tohi Smith-Milner and the creative Kruz Perrott-Hunt.
The oil: Tohi Smith-Milner is a fierce competitor in the paint and a shooting threat. He will probably have more freedom to fire off shots and the Giants will lean on Perrott-Hunt to find scoring solutions and step up his game.
Hawke’s Bay Hawks
2025: Tenth.
Key players: Hard-working Australian Daniel Grida returns and guard Keanu Rasmussen, last seen in a Hawks’ strip in 2024, is back as well.
The oil: The Hawks have opted to build rather than rebuild and have a good chunk of the crew returning. Rasmussen is a quality shooter and Grida is good for a double-double most nights.
- The Otago Nuggets finished 11th last season. We will preview their prospects in depth tomorrow.
