Rosmini College and New Zealand U18 stars Tom Beattie and Charlie Dalton have joined the Auckland Tuatara for their debut season competing in the Sal’s NBL.
The local North Shore pair are two of the most exciting talents in the local game and have spent the past few months training with coach Aaron Young and other members of the Tuatara roster.
Both players will attend the Basketball New Zealand U18 April National Selection Camp this week before returning to the Tuatara for their debut next Saturday for their debut game in the Sal’s NBL against the Taranaki Mountainairs at Eventfinda Stadium.
Beattie, in Year 13 at the renowned basketball school, is a shooting guard known for his strong work ethic and commitment while Dalton is a mobile and lanky forward that really caught the eye of Young over the past few months.
“Tom B has been a rising star over the past few years,” Young said. “His development under Matt Lacey [Rosmini coach] and Sonny Tuaputa [Tuatara assistant coach] has allowed him to gain some serious ground and jump his way into the Premier scene with Rosmini College, where he has represented since 2020.
“We are excited to see Tom step up within his role and have full confidence in his ability to play both ends of the floor.
“Charlie is a real talent and has done a great job while we’ve been training together,” Young explained. “He has really earned his spot and I am very excited about what he is capable of, having seen some really good things in the training gym.”
Dalton comes from a renowned North Shore sporting family – his two siblings are also talented basketballers while his mother – the late Tania Dalton – had a decorated professional netball career.
Memberships and tickets can be purchased via www.tuatarabasketball.com.