Head coach Aaron Young will be joined by assistants Sonny Tuaputa and Josiah Maama for the club’s first foray into the league.
The trio were at the helm of the Auckland Huskies in 2021 before the licence was purchased by the Tuatara and they reunite under the new banner.
Maama is the Basketball Director at Dilworth School and is the co-founder of Glen Innes Rise Basketball.
The 29-year-old was born and raised in Glen Innes, Auckland and is proudly of Tongan heritage. His brother Sione is the assistant coach of the Franklin Bulls, making for a nice rivalry.
Tuaputa is a TYMS Community Coach – Youth Mentoring Service for Pacific and Maori youth and their families as well as being assistant coach at Rosmini College on Auckland’s North Shore.
In addition to that the 30-year-old is Saints Basketball Development Coach (Harbour Basketball club).
Tuaputa grew up in Flaxmere in the Hawke’s Bay but went to Westlake High School.
“It is great to be able to bring Sonny and Josiah back to work with me for another season,” Young said.
“I think we worked really well together last year, and I feel, with the support of the Tuatara group around us, we will be able to achieve even more together this season.
“The players really respect and value the contribution Sonny and Josiah make, and I feel we are in a good place heading into the season.”