Nuggets, Perez part ways
Otago Nuggets import Jose Perez has parted ways with the team.
The Nuggets last night released a brief public statement saying the American small forward had been released from his contract and would take no further part in the NBL season.
Perez, who last week was fined $500 for unsatisfactory conduct towards referees, averaged 20.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game for the 3-9 Nuggets. — APL
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Otago Daily Times
3 hours ago
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Dunedin collective to take ownership of teams
Mystery group to the rescue. After weeks of uncertainty, there is positive news for the Otago Nuggets and Southern Hoiho. In a statement released yesterday by the New Zealand National Basketball League, Sports Entertainment Group (SEN) says it intends to transfer ownership of the Nuggets and Hoiho "into the hands of a passionate collective of local Dunedin community supporters". It did not go further into the ownership structure or who was behind the passionate collective. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of next month. SEN's Australian sponsorship team will continue to support both teams through to September 2028, the statement said. General manager of the Nuggets and Hoiho Angela Ruske said it was "incredibly good news for basketball in Otago". "The Nuggets and Hoiho are more than just teams — they bring our community together through high-energy entertainment, inspire our youth, and create meaningful pathways for local players, coaches, and officials. They also contribute economically by drawing supporters and teams from around the country to Dunedin. "SEN has done a very good job in laying the foundation, and there's a real sense of passion and purpose to build on that legacy and take both teams to new heights. "Having local ownership brings a deeper connection and commitment to our region," she said. In the statement, SEN chief executive Craig Hutchison said his organisation was pleased to be able to provide some certainty for the clubs' players, staff, stakeholders and fans. "We flagged that our aim was to sell the teams to leaders motivated to maintain and grow them within the Otago region — a region that loves its basketball and takes great pride in its national teams, backed by an amazing and passionate fan base. "We believe both clubs are in the perfect hands, with strong local support and a deep understanding of what these teams mean to the community." Transfer of the ownership is subject to approval by the NBL's commission. — APL
Otago Daily Times
3 hours ago
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Janssen relishing bigger role with Nuggets
Jonathan Janssen has a chance to rewrite the script with the Otago Nuggets. Previously he got to hang out on the wing and toss up a few three-pointers. But the departure of import Jose Perez has meant the one-game Tall Black has had to step up and step into the paint. It is not exactly a new role for the 30-year-old. The 2.06m forward has always had the ability to mix it up on the inside. But he has been viewed as an outside shooter and that was what the Nuggets brought him in to do. "I think, in a sense, I'm still kind of doing the same thing that I was doing, I'm just doing it more. "Jose was an inside-based post kind of playing guy. So that allowed me to stretch the floor. "And now with him gone, it now requires more of a post presence for us. So, you know, just kind of stepping up to that." That means he has been setting more screens and rolling towards the hoop. His hook shot has proved quite productive. He had his best game in the 98-92 defeat to the Hawke's Bay Hawks in Dunedin late last month. He poured in 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. It was not enough for the Nuggets to post a breakthrough win, though. They are on a 10-game losing streak and host the Taranaki Airs at the Edgar Centre tonight. The visitors are well-placed to make the playoffs, whereas the Nuggets are playing for pride at this point in the season. It is a tough assignment but Janssen said the team was focused on improving. "I think we've shown really great improvements over the last three games since Jose's departure. "I think that we're playing good team basketball, and in two out of the three games we were actually up. "If you look at the Saints game, it was a three-point game with 50 seconds left." The Nuggets have certainly left some potential wins out on the court. They have lacked composure in the key moments. "We're up there competing with every single team and we know that we can do that. It's just going to come down to the end of the game and locking in when it matters most." Janssen was born in South Africa but spent his early years living in Auckland. His family moved to Queensland when he was 13. Janssen played college basketball in the United States. He had a stint with the Cleveland State Vikings before transferring to Hawaii Pacific. He had a professional gig in Kosovo and was preparing for a second season with the Canterbury Rams when Covid arrived. He played one game for the Tall Blacks during the pandemic. He joined a bunch of Australian-based New Zealanders for the fixture. Janssen has also had two seasons in Luxembourg, and also suited up for the Hawks in 2021 and played from the bench. He was sidelined with a foot injury last year and missed some games for the Nuggets at the start of the 2025 campaign while his foot was healing. But since returning, he has cemented himself in the starting side and his role has expanded with the exit of Perez. He has embraced the opportunity to have the ball in his hands more often. "I think everyone enjoys that, right? "I think I'm a good decision-maker ... which helps the guys and helps get other guys really good looks too. "In a sense, we've been playing really great team basketball and putting me in that position has helped that as well." NBL Edgar Centre, tonight, 7.30 Otago Nuggets: Jonathan Janssen, Matthew Bardsley, Donald Carey jun, Joshua Aitcheson, Jaylen Sebree, Patrick Freeman, Darcy Knox, Caleb Smiler, Christian Martin, Mac Stodart, Liam Boomer, Noah McDowall. Taranaki Airs (possible): Carlin Davison, Armon Fletcher, Deng Dut, Craig Moller, Jack Andrew, Jack Exeter, Scott Telfer, Jaylen Gerrand, Lyric Tuhaka, Dominique Kelman-Poto, Quintin Bailey, Cameron Quinnell.
Scoop
16 hours ago
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New Era For Otago Nuggets, Southern Hoiho, Driven By Local Leadership
Sports Entertainment Group (operating as Sports Entertainment Network - SEN) is pleased to announce it has signed a Term Sheet to transfer ownership of the Otago Nuggets and Southern Hoiho to the hands of a passionate collective of local Dunedin community supporters. The transaction is expected to be completed by 31 July 2025, with SEN's Australian sponsorship sales team continuing to support both teams through to September 2028. This move marks a major milestone for basketball in the South, with the teams now backed by those who know and love the region best. Rooted in community values, the new leadership brings a strong commitment to local engagement, long-term sustainability, and continued success on the national stage. Craig Hutchison, CEO of SEN, said his organisation was pleased to be able to provide some certainty to the future of the clubs for their players, staff, stakeholders and fans. 'We are delighted to hand over the long-term future of the Otago Nuggets and Southern Hoiho to a locally-led group who are the perfect point guards for the continued success of both teams. 'We flagged that our aim was to sell the teams to leaders motivated to maintain and grow them within the Otago region—a region that loves its basketball and takes great pride in its national teams, backed by an amazing and passionate fan base. 'We believe both clubs are in the perfect hands, with strong local support and a deep understanding of what these teams mean to the community. 'As owners, we were proud to share in many successes in Dunedin, including the 2022 New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) Championship for the Nuggets. 'We are excited to continue supporting both clubs as the sponsorship agency for the Australian region and look forward to cheering on the Hoiho and Nuggets as they move into a whole new era.' With the pride of Otago behind them, both the Nuggets and Hoiho are poised to grow stronger than ever, inspiring the next generation of basketball talent and continuing to unite fans across the region. Current General Manager of the Nuggets and Hoiho, Angela Ruske, said she was buoyed by the news the teams would be remaining at home in Dunedin. 'This is incredibly good news for basketball in Otago. The Nuggets and Hoiho are more than just teams - they bring our community together through high-energy entertainment, inspire our youth, and create meaningful pathways for local players, coaches and officials. They also contribute economically by drawing supporters and teams from around the country to Dunedin. 'SEN has done a very good job in laying the foundation, and there's a real sense of passion and purpose to build on that legacy and take both teams to new heights. Having local ownership brings a deeper connection and commitment to our region, and I'm really looking forward to what the future holds.' Maree Taylor, Basketball New Zealand 's General Manager of Leagues, overseeing the Sal's NBL, G.J. Gardner Homes Tauihi and Sky Broadband Rapid League competitions, also welcomed the transition. 'We fully support the transfer of the Otago Nuggets and Southern Hoiho to local leadership. Community-based ownership is a vital part of each League's success, and we're confident that the new owners will bring renewed energy and long-term stability to both franchises. 'We thank SEN for their significant contribution to the growth of basketball in the South Island, and look forward to continuing with the momentum with the new team behind the clubs.' The transfer of license is now subject to approval by the NBL Commission at an upcoming scheduled Commission meeting.
