The League is proud to announce the EnvioNZ Franklin Bulls have confirmed their second import with the signing of American star forward, 6'9", Zane Waterman for the 2021 Sal’s NBL season.
The club is working with the League and New Zealand Immigration on applying for a critical worker exemption to help bring Waterman to the Bulls and continue the tradition of having skilled international players working alongside local players and entertaining the wider community.
Waterman has spent the last few months in the Czech Republic and is now in Poland. In the aforementioned country he was an elite forward starting and scoring an average of 18.5 points and nine rebounds per game. He also shot over 40% from beyond the arch, which makes him a forward who can stretch the floor. This coupled with his elite athleticism will make him fun to watch in Pukekohe this season.
"We are beyond excited to have a player like Zane come to New Zealand. For the past 39 years the league has placed enormous value on our import players.
"For us it's great for our local guys to have imports play along side them, cause they see the standards you have to meet as a pro overseas," says Bulls General Manager Scott Kelso.
Head Coach Jamie Reddish and his assistant coaches, Morgan Maskell and Joe Reddish, spent the holidays working with agents to find the best fit for the club and they landed two quality import players in Waterman and former NBA point guard, Josh Selby.
"We love what Zane can do. His numbers are outstanding. He's consistent, plays under control and is smart. He's going to be key for us this season. Teaming him up with Josh Selby is going to be exciting for fans and we are excited to welcome him to the team," Reddish says.
“We hope imports will be permitted entry into NZ, they are critical workers in our industry and our business, not to mention it would be a shame for the fans to not have them here.
"We need sport, our kids need great role models and our community needs to be able to enjoy the Sal's NBL at home for the first time ever!
"This is our inaugural home season and it would be a shame to not be able to host the talent of import players like Zane Waterman," added Kelso.
