National Basketball League (NBL) franchises were among the thousands doing some shopping over the holiday period.
Tall Blacks Dan Fotu and Dom Kelman-Poto have found new homes, with the Auckland Tuatara and Taranaki Airs, respectively, over the last week, while Ethan Rusbatch will remain with the Franklin Bulls in 2025.
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After seasons with the Bulls and Nelson Giants, Fotu will return to his hometown Tuatara, who he played three games for in 2022.
The 6-foot-7 power forward averaged 17.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 55 percent shooting in 18 games for the Bulls in 2023, and 18.6 points, 6.3 boards, 2.1 assists and 50 percent from the field in 19 games with the G-Men last season.
“Dan is a great player that has established himself as one of the leading Kiwi players in the competition,” said Tuatara head coach Cam Gliddon.
“I have worked with him during my time at the Breakers and I know what a talent he is. It is great to be able to bring him home and I know he is really looking forward to representing his hometown team again.”
The 25-year-old, who joins fellow Kiwis Rob Loe and Tom Vodanovich on the Tuatara roster, is currently playing in Japan's B.League with the Gifu Swoops, averaging 10.3 points and 4.9 rebounds.
Fotu will attempt to take the Tuatara one step further, having lost four straight NBL championship games.
While losing Kelman-Poto to the Airs, the Bulls secured the return of Rusbatch for his second season in Pukekohe and 13th NBL season overall.
Rusbatch, 32, averaged 13.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists, while shooting 41 percent on three-point attempts in 18 games for the Bulls in 2024.
The 6-foot-5 wing, who has appeared 28 times for the Tall Blacks in FIBA competitions since 2017, is currently playing for Pyrinto Tampere in the Finnish Korisliiga, where he is averaging 6.1 points in 10 games.
"Having Ethan back in the Bulls team for 2025 is a big signing," said head coach Sebastian Gleim. "He keeps us together; trains and plays tough all the time and is committed to what we are doing. We wish him all the best for his season in Finland and can’t wait to see him back on the court for the Bulls."
The Bulls also announced the signing of 6-foot-2 local forward Halasiale Miale, who was a Rapid League regular and bench depth player for them in 2024.
Kelman-Poto, who has spent considerable time with the 3x3 Tall Blacks in recent years, will suit up for his fourth NBL franchise in eight seasons next year.
The 6-foot-7 forward spent the last two seasons with the Bulls, averaging 8.5 points, 4.2 boards and 62 percent shooting in 2023, and 6.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 57 percent shooting in 2024.
The Airs also confirmed this week the return of local product Scott Telfer for 2025. The 6-foot-5 small forward spent last season with the Southland Sharks, averaging 19 minutes and 5.3 points in 20 games, after three years in New Plymouth.
NBL FREE AGENT TRACKER
Auckland Tuatara: Rob Loe, Tom Vodanovich, Dan Fotu
Indian Panthers: None
Franklin Bulls: Ethan Rusbatch, Halasiale Miale
Tauranga Whai: None
Taranaki Airs: Carlin Davison, Dom Kelman-Poto, Scott Telfer
Hawke's Bay Hawks: None
Manawatu Jets: Dontae Russo-Nance, Kenny Goins
Wellington Saints: Hyrum Harris, Troy Plumtree
Nelson Giants: None
Canterbury Rams: None
Otago Nuggets: None
Southland Sharks: None