Saints Make A Splash In Third Week Of Free Agency

The free agency period continues to slowly chug along ahead of the 2023 Sal’s NBL season with the majority of teams continuing to play their cards close to their chest.

After three weeks, only four teams have announced players, leaving a further six teams yet to join the free agency frenzy.

The Wellington Saints joined the fray in a major way last week, announcing Tom Vodanovich will be returning for another season at TSB Bank Arena. The popular power forward is currently enjoying a successful season with the Sky Sport Breakers in the ANBL and will no doubt be amongst the leading homegrown Kiwis in the Sal’s NBL yet again.

The Property Brokers Manawatu Jets also continued to grab the headlines last week, this time with exciting young guard Pafe Momoisea being confirmed as a returning player. The Jets have now announced seven players for the season, one more than all other nine teams put together.

Despite the quiet start to free agency, a number of players are expected to be announced this week with the Giants, Tuatara and Sharks all thought to be closing in on key players.

Under League rules, teams are required to roster a minimum of 12 players and can have up to 18 players on their books.

To check out all the latest signings visit the Sal’s NBL free agency tracker HERE.

MANAWATU JETS
Coach: Natu Taufale
LaGerald Vick – new (restricted)
Danny Pippen – new (restricted)
Javion Blake – new (restricted)
Tama Faamausili – returning
Liam Judd – new (Franklin Bulls)
Tu Kaha Cooper – returning
Pafe Momoisea – returning

TARANAKI AIRS
Coach: Trent Adam
Anthony Hilliard – returning (restricted)
Richie Rodger – returning
Anzac Rissetto – new (Franklin Bulls)
Marcel Jones – returning

SOUTHLAND SHARKS
Coach: Guy Molloy

HAWKE’S BAY HAWKS
Coach: Everard Bartlett
Jordan Hunt – returning

FRANKLIN BULLS
Coach: Daniel Sokolovsky

AUCKLAND TUATARA
Coach: Aaron Young

CANTERBURY RAMS
Coach: Judd Flavell

OTAGO NUGGETS
Coach: Brent Matehaere

WELLINGTON SAINTS
Coach: Troy McLean
Tom Vodanovich – returning

NELSON GIANTS
Coach: Mike Fitchett