Ahead of the 2021 Sal’s National Basketball League season the Auckland Huskies are delighted to announce the signing of American guard Armoni Brooks.
Huskies GM Matt Lacey believes Brooks, a key acquisition for the club, is a potential NBA player.
“Armoni is a legitimate NBA prospect, recently selected as the 10th pick in the G League draft.”
Just this week Brooks was drafted to Houston Rockets affiliate club Rio Grande Vipers. The 22 year-old will play in the 2021 G League, scheduled for February at the Walt Disney Resort near Orlando, before heading to Auckland to link up with the Huskies.
“It will be great for us to have such a young talent, just two years out of college, on our shores. Huskies fans will get a unique glimpse at a future star,” added Lacey.
Having also played the 2019-20 season in the G League, averaging 10.7 points and 3.3 rebounds for College Park Skyhawks, Huskies Head Coach Aaron Young is looking forward to working with Brooks.
“Armoni is an exciting player that shoots the ball at an elite level. His ability to create his own shot and also create high percentage shots for his teammates makes him a tough cover on all levels.
“Coming from a big time programme at the University of Houston, Armoni is a proven competitor and plays with great passion, something that will be infectious for our group and entertaining for our fans.
The 2020 NBL Showdown displayed the growing depth of talent in our own backyard, many of who have been snapped up by Australian NBL clubs. With more kiwis playing across the ditch than ever before, getting imports into the country is critical.
“The uncertainty of immigration allowing Armoni and other imports into the country has provided challenges in the recruitment process. I am hopeful we can find a way to get him here, he is critical to our success and would be a force in our league,” added Young.
“I look forward to helping Armoni grow as a player, he’s an exciting talent that is just scratching the surface with his potential.”
Brooks, a Texan native, attended McNeil High School before taking up a scholarship at the University of Houston where he played exactly 100 games for the Cougars.
In his third and final year Brooks was named to the All-American Athletic Conference (AAC) Second Team after averaging 13.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. The Cougars took out the 2019 AAC Regular Season title and also advanced to the NCAA Tournament. That experience provided the combo-guard with his career highlight to date.
“We reached the Sweet Sixteen and played against Kentucky at the Tournament. Playing in that atmosphere against a historic programme like Kentucky makes it live long in the memory,” he said.
Brooks, the first overseas player signed by the Auckland Huskies, is looking forward to linking up with the Huskies.
“It will hopefully give me an opportunity to be in more of lead role where I can grow as a player that’s relied upon to produce efficiently, lead, and defend at a high level.”
Asked what type of player Huskies fans would get to witness Armoni’s reply was short and to the point.
“I’m going to be an energetic and unselfish player. Willing to give everything to win each and every game.”
“I know that New Zealand is a great country with even better people. There’s a ton of things to do and to explore and I can’t wait to embrace the city of Auckland and really get a chance to experience the culture,” he added.
Pending visa approval from Immigration New Zealand, Brooks is set to join the Huskies in pre-season starting early April.
More player signings will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Huskies begin their 2021 NBL campaign with a trip down the southern motorway on Sunday April 25th to take on the Franklin Bulls.
The Huskies first home game will be on Friday April 30th against Manawatu Jets at Eventfinda Stadium.
See Armoni live at every home game by purchasing your Auckland Huskies season tickets right here www.aucklandhuskies.co.nz/2021-memberships
