The Auckland Tuatara Basketball franchise have made a big free agency splash by signing Tall Blacks big man and North Shore native Rob Loe, as their first ever signing for the 2022 Sal’s NBL.
The former Westlake Boys product and current Sky Sport Breakers player has agreed to come back and play for his hometown team – and will immediately become one of the leading players in the national league.
The 30-year-old centre has enjoyed two separate stints with the Sky Sport Breakers and played for the Wellington Saints in the 2019 Sal’s NBL.
He is renowned for his professional standards and family values and will be a real leader for the Tuatara in their inaugural campaign.
“We are absolutely delighted to bring Rob Loe back to the Sal’s NBL and to Eventfinda Stadium,” Tuatara Basketball chief executive Regan Wood said.
“He is a player of immense character and will be a massive presence for us as we establish ourselves in this league.
“We expect him to work with some of our younger players and show them what it is like to be a fulltime professional while also being one of the best players in the Sal’s NBL.”
Loe was only too keen to commit to the Tuatara after speaking with Tuatara head coach Aaron Young.
“I am a big fan of Aaron and love the direction the Auckland Tuatara are going to take this franchise and was keen to be a part of it,” Loe said.
“Being in a right fit is really important for me at this stage of my career and it will be great to play for an Auckland team, while remaining with my family on the North Shore.”
The Auckland Tuatara are in dialogue with a number of other players and will add more signings in the coming weeks.