Matangirei Hipango

The final pieces are falling into place for the Property Brokers Manawatū Jets, with homegrown player Matangirei Hipango the latest to sign with the team for the 2021 Sal’s NBL season, and one more player set to be announced in the next couple of days.

Hipango made his National Basketball League debut for the Jets last season and was part of the squad that made the 2020 Grand Final. While the 6’4” (1.93m) swingman didn’t see a tonne of game-time in his rookie season, Jets head coach Tim McTamney notes that he has made considerable strides in his development over the past year and is extremely pleased to have him back for the 2021 campaign.

“Matangirei has made a complete positional shift – he’s embraced the learning of perimeter skill sets and is physically prepared to compete at the League level.

“He is an outstanding example to young players in his approach, his attitude and his willingness to improve as a player,” McTamney adds. “He exhibits outstanding character and is a fantastic team-mate.”

Hipango, who attended Manukura School and Hato Paora College, is looking forward to the opportunity to continue to develop and work hard.

“The 2020 season with the Jets was a great experience,” he says. “Being able to come back and be with my team-mates again and remain close to family made re-signing here a pretty easy decision.

“I’m really happy to be back working with the guys to deliver something exciting for the Manawatū basketball community.”

The Jets kick off their 2021 Sal’s NBL campaign against the Sky Tower Auckland Huskies in Auckland on 30 April. Their first home game is a rematch of last year’s grand final against the Go Media Otago Nuggets at Fly Palmy Arena on 15 May.

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