NEWS

The University of Otago enjoyed a strong showing at the UTSNZ National Tertiary 3x3 Championships, with both the men’s and women’s teams returning home with medals after an impressive weekend of competition. The University of Otago women’s team claimed bronze after defeating the University of Canterbury in the third-place playoff. Representing Otago were Alexa Duff, Fay Fualau, Tia Pavihi and Millie Simpson, coached by Alf Arlidge. The group showed resilience and consistency

Mercury have etched their name into Basketball Otago history, claiming the inaugural Patston Media Women's Rush League title. The evening began with two very close semi-final matchups that saw Mercury defeat Wahs, and Spartans take down Rush City to advance to the Grand Final. Semi Finals Mercury 39-36 Wahs Another strong performance from Wahs' Zoe Richards (14 points) wasn't quite enough to cancel out the balanced scoring display from the eventual champions, with all but one

Two of Otago's rising talents took their games offshore for the 2025/26 season, with Laura Ring and Elise Carline testing themselves in the North American collegiate system. From adjusting to a new style of play and balancing the demands of study and sport, the pair have gained valuable experience across their respective seasons. As their campaigns have now wrapped up, we take a look back at how Ring and Carline fared and the impact they've made on the court during their time

Week two of the Patston Media Women's Rush League delivered another exciting night of action and even more thrilling contests. With combinations starting to click and competition for league positions heating up, every game carried significance. Round Three Spartans 41-29 Miners The Spartans carried over their momentum from round two with another victory over the struggling Miners. Abby Harris and Otago U18 representative Bella McEntyre lead from the front with 12 points each.

The BNZ Kiwi Hoops programme is continuing to make a powerful impact across the Otago region, with more than 1,300 tamariki engaged through in-school delivery during Term 1 alone. BNZ Kiwi Hoops is Basketball New Zealand’s national introductory programme, designed to create positive first experiences in basketball. Through fun, inclusive activities and games-based learning, the programme supports tamariki to build fundamental movement skills, develop confidence and foster a l

The next generation of Otago basketball is already making its mark, with youngsters Oak Chisholm and Harry Bezett enjoying impressive starts to the 2026 NZNBL season for the Otago Nuggets. Both players - graduates of Otago Boys High School and members of the Otago U20 representative team - have stepped seamlessly into the senior environment. They have played every minute of the Rapid League so far, underlining the trust placed in them by the coaching staff, while also featur

The brand-new Women’s Rush League burst into life last night, delivering a high-energy showcase of local basketball talent and setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting competition. Designed to keep the action intense and the stakes high, the Rush League follows a Rapid League format, featuring shortened quarters that demand urgency from the opening tip off. With no playoffs, every possession matters and the team that finishes top of the standings will be crowned

Two former Tall Blacks, Corey Webster and BJ Anthony, brought a wealth of international experience to Dunedin recently, delivering a series of basketball skills masterclasses to aspring ballers. Held across multiple sessions, the clinics gave young players the chance to learn directly from two players who have competed at the highest level of New Zealand basketball. Beyond the on-court skills, both Webster and Anthony emphasised the importance of work ethic, reslience and enj

Wānaka recently played host to the inaugural Southern Elite Performance Camp, bringing together the top young basketball talent from across the southern region of New Zealand. Basketball Otago was proud to see a strong contingent, with a total of twenty five representative players attending the camp. The event also featured five coaches from the Otago region, including professional players, representative coaches and local high school coaches. Their presence added invaluable

Basketball Otago’s very own Harry Townsend has been selected for the New Zealand U18 Select Team set to compete at the upcoming Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany. Harry’s selection follows an outstanding individual performance at the BBNZ U18 Nationals, where he finished among the top five leading scorers of the tournament. His work ethic, talent, and commitment have truly stood out, earning him the opportunity to represent New Zealand on the international stage. The Al