Kalib Mullins

The Property Brokers Manawatū Jets have re-signed young power forward Kalib Mullins for the 2021 Sal’s NBL season.

Mullins was less than six months out of school when he was selected by the Jets with their last pick in the 2020 NBL Showdown draft. Despite his inexperience at the top level, the Rotorua Boys High School product provided valuable minutes off the bench for the team, including in the grand final.

Jets Head Coach Tim McTamney admits Mullins was a genuine surprise at the Showdown.

“Provided with the opportunity, Kalib showed an incredibly mature feel for the game,” McTamney says.

“He’ll continue to grow as a player this year and his contribution will be important if we’re to be successful in 2021. I’m just really excited to have him back with the Jets.”

McTamney adds that Mullins is an excellent example to all aspiring young players.

“Kalib exhibits outstanding character, a selfless 'team first' approach, tremendous loyalty and absolute coachability.”

Mullins’ size and strength make him a handful on both ends of the court, but he also has a versatile skillset that helps the Jets spread the floor. It was this combination that made him an easy selection for the four-man Jets team that competed in the 2020 Schick 3x3 Cup in November too.

“Last year with the Jets was just an unreal experience,” he says.

“We just all bonded together so quickly, and I was able to soak up all the knowledge and experience of the veterans in the team. To play in a (Sal’s NBL Showdown) grand final in my rookie season was more than I could have ever asked for too.”

Mullins says he’s looking forward to this season, with great talent onboard and some exciting new combinations coming into the mix.

“I’m excited about it, but first and foremost I’ll just continue to learn from the coaching staff and my teammates and work hard to get better each day.”

The 2021 Sal’s NBL gets underway for the Property Brokers Jets in Auckland on Thursday 29th April when they take on the Auckland Huskies.