A couple of seasoned veterans have signed on with the Auckland Tuatara for their inaugural Sal’s NBL campaign with big man Nick Barrow and guard Chris McIntosh agreeing to terms for the 2022 season.
Both players spent the 2021 Sal’s NBL season with the Auckland Huskies and had little hesitation in joining former coach Aaron Young at the Tuatara.
Barrow is an under-rated big man that works as a policeman in Auckland. The 6’8” 29-year-old averaged 19 minutes a game with the Huskies last season and will enter his 10th season in the league in 2022.
McIntosh joined the Huskies last year after playing in the 2020 Sal’s NBL Showdown with the Franklin Bulls. He was a valuable contributor playing both guard positions.
A physiotherapist by trade, McIntosh will captain the Auckland Tuatara’s 3X3 side at the Schick Cup in February and has plenty of experience playing the abbreviated format of the game.
“These guys are both ultimate team players and will be absolutely invaluable to us this season,” coach Aaron Young said.
“Nick is the consummate professional and will just do all the fundamentals really well that make us a good basketball team. The box score never does him justice, but we know how important he is to us.
“Likewise, I think Chris is poised for a huge season for us. He works so hard at his craft, and I have absolutely loved what I’ve seen from him at training.
“I am thrilled to have both of these guys on the roster.”
Barrow and McIntosh join Tall Black and Sky Sport Breakers big man Rob Loe and exciting teenage star Dontae Russo-Nance on the 2022 Auckland Tuatara roster.