Troy Temara

The tall timber keeps coming for the Property Brokers Manawatū Jets, with Troy Temara joining his brother, Shane, in the squad for the 2021 Sal’s NBL season.

The younger of the Temara brothers, Troy is a familiar face for Jets fans, having played for the Palmerston North-based franchise in 2018, and again 2019, when he played alongside Shane for the first time since the two were in high school.

Like his brother, Troy was born and raised in Syracuse, New York, and played college basketball in the US, but has remained in New Zealand to pursue a professional career after family links brought the pair here in 2018.

Jets head coach Tim McTamney is excited to have another athletic 6’9” (2.06m) big man to add to this year’s squad.

“Finding tall, athletic basketball players with genuine ability is never easy,” said McTamney. “Guys like the Temara brothers don’t grow on trees.

“When we discovered Troy was available to play in New Zealand this year, it was a no-brainer to sign him alongside his brother.

“Troy is off the charts athletically. He can really move up and down the floor, has incredible vertical ability and always plays with great energy. We are looking forward to him making a great contribution in 2021.”

Temara says he’s very happy to be back in the Manawatū and with the Jets.

“I loved the Manawatū community, the Jets organisation and the coaching staff,” he said. “I’m looking forward to a great season and can’t wait to get to work.”

The 2021 Sal’s NBL gets underway for the Property Brokers Jets in Auckland on Friday 30th April when they take on the Auckland Huskies.

Troy Temara in action for the Jets against the Wellington Saints in the 2019 Sal’s NBL. Copyright © Photosport Ltd 2019 www.photosport.nz