The Whai are making serious moves for the 2026 season, and the latest signing is one that will have the local basketball community buzzing. Taine Murray is coming home to Aotearoa. After stints at the University of Virginia and the Brisbane Bullets, Murray is reuniting with a coach who knows his game better than perhaps anyone else: Matt Lacey.
We sat down with Coach Lacey to talk about the history between the two, the "pro’s pro" mentality Taine brings to the locker room, and why this signing is a massive win for the fans in the Bay.
What was your initial reaction when the opportunity came up to reunite with Taine at the Whai?
This was an exciting opportunity. I know Taine super well, and I’m very familiar with his character and the way he plays. When the chance came up, it was a no-brainer. He’s coming off his collegiate experience at the University of Virginia and his first season with the Bullets, so it’s another great opportunity to coach him at a stage of his career where he’s really looking to take those next steps forward.
You and Taine have a strong history together. What stands out most to you about your relationship and the journey you’ve both been on since working together previously?
The thing that really sticks out about Taine is his work ethic. I’ve seen him transform from a young rugby player into the hardest-working player I’ve ever coached at any level. That passion is what has allowed him to succeed in elite environments at the collegiate level and continue to progress in his professional career.
Beyond the stats, culture is such a huge part of what you’re building here. What does Taine bring to this Whai group in terms of the "intangibles" and team chemistry?
For us, we wanted to make sure that we're continually taking steps forward each year in terms of how we go about things—the players we recruit and the standards we hold on and off the floor. Taine encapsulates a lot of that in terms of his professionalism, how he goes about his work, and the goals he has. He’s going to be a massive addition in terms of what he does on the floor, but also his daily habits rubbing off on the guys trying to go on the same journey. We have a lot of young players and amateurs who I think will learn a lot from him.
For Whai fans, what excites you most about seeing Taine back in your system for the 2026 season?
He’s a player who has a great amount of length and athleticism. I think he'll be someone who plays out in transition and will be fun to watch in that regard. He’ll also be a player who plays both ends—a real core piece of our defensive system. Fans can expect someone who will make highlight plays, but also someone who will do the things that contribute to winning.
With the 2026 season fast approaching, the addition of a high-IQ, high-energy player like Taine Murray suggests the Whai aren't just looking to compete… they’re looking to lead. It’s going to be a fun year for Whai fans.
