Young Nuggets Shining Early

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 featuring briefly in the main NZNBL games. 

The Nuggets have opened their campaign in perfect fashion, sitting 2-0 in both the Rapid League and NZNBL following victories against the Southland Sharks and the Nelson Giants. 

Chisholm has shown composure and playmaking ability in his transition to the senior level. In the Rapid League win over Southland, he contributed 9 points and 3 assists, before backing it up with 3 points and 2 assists in the dominant performance against Nelson. 

Bezett has been equally influential, filling the stat sheet across both outings. Against the Sharks, he recorded 6 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, demonstrating his all-round game. He followed that with a standout performance versus the Giants, posting 11 points and 5 rebounds to help secure another convincing win. 

Photo credit: Otago Nuggets

Also making an impact was emerging talent Toby Hunt, who featured in the opening Rapid League clash against Southland. The Oamaru native, who has previously represented Otago at younger age-groups, led all scorers in that game with 10 points, further highlighting the depth of young talent coming through the region. 

With the Nuggets off to an unbeaten start and their rising stars already contributing, the early signs point to a bright future for the basketball community in Otago.