No doubt you caught the exciting news announced last week that the Men’s National Basketball League will begin on June 23rd with all games broadcast live on SKY Sport.

Equally exciting is the news that the newly formed Auckland Huskies will be one of the seven participating teams and Harbour Basketball would like to encourage all members to get behind our local NBL club.

With Harbour and Rosmini College coach Matt Lacey appointed as the Huskies General Manager and former Harbour Coach & Player Development Manager Kevin Braswell appointed Head Coach the pair will be looking to recruit local players to head their title challenge.

“One of the really cool things to come from the formation of the Huskies, and something I’m passionate about, is creating pathways for young players and coaches. On the playing side, I’ve coached a number of Harbour’s most promising players over the past five years, and to know there is a new local team they can aspire to play for is a major reason why I took on this role,” said Matt.

Playing rosters can’t be announced until the player draft takes place on Thursday June 11. The draft will see 84 players selected by the seven teams but Braswell can confirm that the Huskies playing roster will feature many Auckland players.

Harbour players that have already declared for the draft include Jarrod Kenny, Jack Salt, Taine Murray, Jaylen Gerrand, Reuben Fitzgerald, Nick Brophy, Mitch Dance and Jayden Boucher.

“We have been talking with a number of players, not only those who have played in the NBL before but also those who have recently returned from college in the States,” said Kevin, who will soon be headed back to Auckland after recently completing further studies at Georgetown University.

“We want a team that is representative of the whole of Auckland, both North and South of the Harbour Bridge,” he added.

Matt regrets that the Covid-19 restrictions will limit live engagement with the fans but urges the Auckland basketball community to get behind the Huskies and show their support.

“We would love to be able to engage face-to-face with the Auckland community, but that may have to wait until 2021 given the current circumstances. However, the upcoming modified season will allow us to demonstrate that we will play an exciting brand of basketball that Auckland fans will want to support.

“We will build a club based around local staff, coaches, players and community partners. We would love you to join us on the journey so sign up to be a Huskies member – Join The Pack todayhttps://www.aucklandhuskies.co.nz/product/2020-huskies-membership/

Auckland Huskies merchandise has also been released today. Get your Huskies gear here https://www.aucklandhuskies.co.nz/product/2020-huskies-membership/

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Website – www.aucklandhuskies.co.nz