Trueman signs up with Jets

Taranaki Daily News

SLAM DUNK: Jeremiah Trueman will be throwing down dunks in a Manawatu Jets' singlet next season.

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Former Tall Blacks and Taranaki forward Jeremiah Trueman has been lured to the Manawatu Jets for next year's National Basketball League.

The one-year deal was finalised yesterday and Trueman, because of his 2.05m height, has been pigeon-holed as a power forward in the NBL, despite his ability to shoot the ball smoothly.

Jets general manager Dave Craig said Trueman jumped at the chance to work under coach Ryan Weisenberg and improve his all-round game.

"I think Ryan was the No1 one reason; he saw what Palmy was putting together last year," Craig said of Trueman. "He wants to develop his three game, he's a big guy, he's six-foot-nine and he can shoot the rock. He has such a nice open shot and we are going to utilise that next year."

Trueman was unable to comment yesterday, because he is in Perth preparing for the Australian National Basketball League with the defending champion Perth Wildcats, who he has linked with this season.

In two games against the Jets last year, Trueman scored in double figures both times and averaged six rebounds.

Because Trueman will spend the next six months playing in the ANBL, he will hit the ground running when the New Plymouth-born 23-year-old comes to Palmerston North next year.

The former New Zealand Breaker last played for the Tall Blacks in 2006 as a 19-year-old and was a trialist this year, but missed the cut for the world championships' squad.

It's a big signing for the Jets, who have been active in recruitment and retention during the winter with Matt Te Huna and Kaine Hokianga also confirmed for next season.

Weisenberg is still in the United States, but Craig said the head coach would be back this month.

Also on the Jets' shopping list is a point guard, and Craig confirmed they had a Kiwi player in their sights. "We have a contract out and we have been in contact with him and it's the nature of the game; we've just got to wait."

Southland Sharks point guard Luke Martin had been mentioned as a target, but Craig couldn't say who had been offered the deal.

Last season's import Darryl Hudson, who was a standout for the Jets, has a contract in front of him and Craig hoped Hudson would sign soon because he enjoyed his time here last year.

"We had a really good working relationship with him."

The team is likely to assemble in late September for regular practices, although they will be without anyone who is in the ANBL, because their season runs until early next year.

"We are starting early because we know that's what we need to do to be competitive in the league," Craig said.

- © Fairfax NZ News