The Taylor Hawks are thrilled to announce the last member of their 2024 roster, Luke Sutherland. From Syracuse, New York, Sutherland showcased his exceptional talent as a standout player for Le Moyne College throughout the 2023/24 season. Sutherland will bring a formidable scoring prowess to the Hawks, shooting close to a 50/40/90 stat line last season..

Taylor Hawks Head Coach Sam Gruggen expressed his excitement about Luke, saying “We are really excited to have Luke for this upcoming season. He just finished off a great year at Le Moyne and the coach and staff had excellent reviews on his work ethic and character. We feel Luke will be a great fit for our Hawks organisation and the fans will love him.”

As an elite shooter, Sutherland possesses the ability to score effectively from all areas of the court. During his time at Le Moyne College, he boasted an impressive shooting percentage of 48.9% from the field, 39.6% from beyond the arc, and 85.5% from the free-throw line. The Hawks have high expectations for Sutherland to maintain these exceptional percentages throughout the upcoming 2024 Sals National Basketball League.

Taylor Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny said “It’s awesome to have Luke here with the team and confirm our decision. He is the result of a numerous number of hours of film watched by Sam. He shoots the ball so effortlessly and with such consistency that it is a pleasure to watch. Luke’s skill set compliments the rest of the team we have assembled and I’m looking forward to him having a big impact this season.”

Notably, Sutherland comes from a family deeply rooted in sports excellence. His mother, Sandy, played soccer at Le Moyne College, while his father, Russ, achieved All-American status as a wrestler at Buffalo. Additionally, his sister, Alyssa, excelled in basketball at Loyola Maryland, and his brother, Jake, earned the title of All-American in soccer at Oneonta NY.

The Taylor Hawks organisation warmly welcomes Luke Sutherland and looks forward to witnessing his exceptional abilities contribute to their success in the 2024 season.

Sutherland joins teammates Balin Casson, Clifton Bush lll, George Stent, Harry Keighley, Isaac Cox, Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Ryder Moore, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler.

The Taylor Hawks are thrilled to announce the last member of their 2024 roster, Luke Sutherland. From Syracuse, New York, Sutherland showcased his exceptional talent as a standout player for Le Moyne College throughout the 2023/24 season. Sutherland will bring a formidable scoring prowess to the Hawks, shooting close to a 50/40/90 stat line last season..

 

Taylor Hawks Head Coach Sam Gruggen expressed his excitement about Luke, saying “We are really excited to have Luke for this upcoming season. He just finished off a great year at Le Moyne and the coach and staff had excellent reviews on his work ethic and character. We feel Luke will be a great fit for our Hawks organisation and the fans will love him.”

 

As an elite shooter, Sutherland possesses the ability to score effectively from all areas of the court. During his time at Le Moyne College, he boasted an impressive shooting percentage of 48.9% from the field, 39.6% from beyond the arc, and 85.5% from the free-throw line. The Hawks have high expectations for Sutherland to maintain these exceptional percentages throughout the upcoming 2024 Sals National Basketball League.

 

Taylor Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny said “It’s awesome to have Luke here with the team and confirm our decision. He is the result of a numerous number of hours of film watched by Sam. He shoots the ball so effortlessly and with such consistency that it is a pleasure to watch. Luke’s skill set compliments the rest of the team we have assembled and I’m looking forward to him having a big impact this season.”

 

Notably, Sutherland comes from a family deeply rooted in sports excellence. His mother, Sandy, played soccer at Le Moyne College, while his father, Russ, achieved All-American status as a wrestler at Buffalo. Additionally, his sister, Alyssa, excelled in basketball at Loyola Maryland, and his brother, Jake, earned the title of All-American in soccer at Oneonta NY.

 

The Taylor Hawks organisation warmly welcomes Luke Sutherland and looks forward to witnessing his exceptional abilities contribute to their success in the 2024 season.

 

Sutherland joins teammates Balin Casson, Clifton Bush lll, George Stent, Harry Keighley, Isaac Cox, Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Ryder Moore, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler.

We are excited to announce the signing of Isaac Cox. Cox, a dynamic shooting guard, is making a big impression on the Taylor Hawks having proven himself on both ends of the court, showcasing his versatility and commitment to excellence.

A product of Hawke’s Bay, Cox has a strong foundation in basketball having played for the U19 Hawke’s Bay Reps team where he contributed to their commendable 5th place finish in 2021. He continued to excel, earning a spot on the U23 Hawke’s Bay Reps team in 2021, 2022, and 2023, further solidifying his reputation as a standout player.

Taylor Hawks Head Coach Sam Gruggen said “Isaac is a tough and competitive player who is extremely committed to the Hawks. He has a great work ethic and will always put the team first. We are excited to have him in our squad this season.”

In addition to his on-court achievements, Isaac is also making strides off the court. He currently serves as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Taylor Hawks, a role that allows him to apply his passion for sports science and enhance the performance of the team. Isaac is pursuing his studies in Sport Science at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), demonstrating his commitment to both his athletic and academic pursuits.

“I love having Isaac as part of the team, he is an outstanding person. Not only has he been great on the court, he has more than earned his spot off it. I’m glad we’ve also been able to provide him with an opportunity to experience training professional athletes working alongside our strength and conditioning coach Chris. Through the preseason Isaac has already led a number of sessions both on court and in the weight room”, said Taylor Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny.  

Cox’s dedication to basketball, coupled with his determination to continuously improve, makes him a standout talent to watch. As he continues to hone his skills and expand his knowledge, Isaac is poised to make a significant impact on the basketball scene in Hawke’s Bay, not only on it but off it also.

Cox joins teammates Balin Casson, Clifton Bush lll, George Stent, Harry Keighley, Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Ryder Moore, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler with more signings to be announced shortly.

We are excited to announce the signing of Ryder Moore as our newest guard. Standing at 186cm, Moore brings an advanced and dynamic offensive presence to the Taylor Hawks. With his speed and shot making ability Moore will soon become a fan favourite. 

Moore’s basketball journey began in Hawke’s Bay, where he showcased his skills playing for Napier Boys High School. In 2022, he led his team to victory in the Hawke’s Bay Secondary Schools competition, averaging an impressive 18.3 points per game. 

“We are excited to sign Ryder, another Hawke’s Bay local, into the squad this upcoming season. He has a unique way of scoring the ball and getting two feet into the key. We hope he continues to develop his game and take it to another level this season,” said Taylor Hawks Head Coach Sam Gruggen.

Moore made the move to Wellington during his final year of high school, to represent St Bernard’s College. He helped them secure a 3rd place finish in the local Wellington competition which gained them qualification for the New Zealand Secondary Schools National tournament. 

Taylor Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny was thrilled that Moore is a Hawk, stating, “Ryder did have options to go elsewhere this year, so I’m really pleased that he saw the value in what we’re able to provide and what we’re creating here. Retaining local players is something we have identified as a club that is really important, and Ryder is a big part of that. I’m looking forward to seeing Ryder make the most of his opportunities this season.”

Moore joins teammates Balin Cason,Cifton Bush lll, George Stent, Harry Keighley, Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler with more signings to be announced shortly.

The Taylor Hawks are excited to announce the signing of 6’8 Harry Keighley. Having begun his basketball journey again a little over 18 months ago, Keighley has already made his mark in the game. 

Keighley’s basketball journey first began in intermediate, but after several years away from the game it was in 2022 with Basketball Hawke’s Bay, where he refound his passion for the game. A student at Napier Boys High School, he played a pivotal role in their success last year. As a result of his dominance in the middle, the team secured the Hawke’s Bay secondary school title and achieved an impressive 2nd place finish in the Super 8 competition. Additionally, they clinched 3rd place in the zone 3 regionals, showcasing Keighley’s talent and determination.

Taylor Hawks Head Coach Sam Gruggen said, “Harry is another Hawke’s Bay junior who has an impressive future ahead of him. He has a thirst for knowledge and developing his game and we are very excited to see his development over this season and beyond.”

His exceptional performance caught the attention of the basketball community, earning him the position of non-travelling reserve for the U16 New Zealand team in 2023. This year, Keighley has been selected to trial for the New Zealand U17 team, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport.

The Taylor Hawks organisation is excited to welcome Keighley to the team. His skillset, attitude and dedication to the game make him a valuable addition to the roster. Fans can look forward to witnessing his growth and impact on the court.

“I think Harry has a really bright future in the game! His skillset is really developed, he has great touch around the rim and shoots the three at an impressive rate. Having Harry apart of the team this season will be awesome for his development but will also make the Hawks environment more competitive,” said Taylor Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny.  

Keighley joins teammates Balin Cason,Cifton Bush lll, George Stent, Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler with more signings to be announced shortly.

The Taylor Hawks are thrilled to announce the signing of George Stent, a 16-year-old student from St. John’s College in Hastings. George is a familiar name in the Hawke’s Bay basketball, having begun his journey with the Paul Henare and Paora Winitana Basketball Academy, where he honed his skills before moving on to represent Basketball Hawke’s Bay at all age groups.

“Another member of our aspiring athlete kaupapa, George has worked hard over the summer to develop his skill set and level of fitness. The St John’s College Hastings student consistently works hard in everything he does, making him a welcome addition to the Taylor Hawks in 2024,” said Taylor Hawks Assistant Coach Kaine Hokianga.

One of George’s standout moments came when he led his St. John’s Senior A team to a remarkable victory against Wellington College, the reigning national champions at the time. This achievement showcased George’s leadership and skill on the court, earning him recognition as a rising star in the basketball community.

In addition to basketball, George is also an accomplished canoe polo player, representing St. John’s College and preparing for his fourth nationals this year. His dedication to both sports demonstrates his commitment to excellence and passion for athletics.

George’s determination, skill and commitment make him a valuable asset to the Taylor Hawks and his future in sports looks promising as he continues to excel in both basketball and canoe polo.

Taylor Hawks General Manager said, “It’s been great having George with us, he’s a great young man who plays the game the right way. His competitiveness is a point of difference that’s seen him be successful not only in basketball but also at the recent Canoe Polo Secondary School Nationals where he finished third with St John’s College.” 

Stent joins teammates Balin Cason,Cifton Bush lll, Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler with more signings to be announced shortly.

The Taylor Hawks are thrilled to announce the signing of Clifton Bush III for the upcoming 2024 Sals National Basketball League.

A standout basketball talent from Hawkes Bay, known for his natural scoring ability and exciting and dynamic style of play. Despite a challenging knee injury and health setbacks along the way, Bush lll has demonstrated unwavering determination to earn his place on the team. Now, he is more motivated than ever to return to full match fitness and make a significant impact for the Taylor Hawks.

“Clifton has been with the Hawks for a number of years now and we hope he is ready to take on a bigger role this upcoming season. He has a desire to play professionally and we want to provide that environment and platform for him, as well as all our athletes”, state Taylor Hawks Head Coach Sam Gruggen.

Another proud Napier Boys alumni, Bush lll has already made a significant impact in the basketball community. Having represented Hawke’s Bay at all age groups, his exceptional skills earned him the opportunity to represent New Zealand as part of the Junior Tall Blacks. Additionally, he was invited to showcase his talent at the NBA Basketball Without Borders camp in Tokyo, where he was selected in the prestigious all-star five.

General Manager Jarrod Kenny eagerly anticipates Bush’s return stating “Clifton has faced challenges with injuries and setbacks recently, but he remains optimistic and committed to his goals. I believe in his ability to make a strong impact on the court when he fully recovers, and I’m looking forward to seeing him make the most of that opportunity. I know how much it means to him to represent the Hawks and the Hawke’s Bay community”.

Bush lll joins teammates Balin Cason, Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler with more signings to be announced shortly.

The Taylor Hawks are excited to announce the signing of Balin Casson for the 2024 Sals National Basketball League. At just 16 years old Casson, a student at Napier Boys High brings a raw dynamic and aggressive playing style to the team.

Known for his athleticism and ability to score, Casson poses a constant threat on offence. He fearlessly attacks the rim and excels in offensive transitions. A good physical rebounder and with a willingness to take on challenges and do the dirty work make him a valuable asset to the team.

Taylor Hawks Head Coach Sam Gruggen said, “Balin brings a good level of intensity and hustle every time he steps on the floor. We are excited to welcome Balin, another young Hawke’s Bay local, into our program and look forward to watching his development over the season.”

Casson’s raw talent and natural athleticism make him a player to watch out for. As he continues to develop and receive coaching at higher levels, his potential for growth is limitless. Having represented Hawke’s Bay throughout the age group’s, Casson now has the opportunity to take the next step and play National League Basketball. 

“We are thrilled to have Balin a part of our team,” said Taylor Hawks General Manager, Jarrod Kenny. “Balin is a really good athlete with good size at the wing position. He is a young raw talent, and being in this environment on a daily basis is exactly what he needs for his development. I’m looking forward to seeing Balin make the most of his opportunities, especially during the Sky Broadband Rapid League where I think that format will see him excel”. 

Casson joins teammates Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Tanae Lavery, Tommy Fergusson and Zoram Smiler with more signings to be announced shortly.

Zoram Smiler, a skilled basketballer with a bright future, has achieved a childhood dream. Having represented Hawke’s Bay at all age group levels, he has now fulfilled a goal by joining the Taylor Hawks for the 2024 Sals National Basketball League.

After recently starting at a new school, Smiler is setting new goals for 2024 and beyond. Born and raised in Flaxmere, he is a point guard known for his lightning-fast speed, strength, and shifty ball-handling skills. He excels at getting into the paint and finishing with finesse, using both hands off jump stop moves. 

Assistant Coach Kaine Hokianga expressed, “Zoram has represented Hawkes Bay in every age group, continuously developing his skill set and understanding to higher levels each year. His selection into the Hawks team for the 2023 3×3 Cup demonstrated his ability to apply what he has developed over his age group representative years at the SalsNBL level. We look forward to seeing him make the most of his opportunities as part of the Taylor Hawks this year.”

In 2023, Smiler was selected for the Taylor Hawks 3×3 team that finished 7th at the New Zealand 3×3 Cup in Invercargill. A strong performance in this competition boosted his confidence and growth, showing his ability to play top level basketball. Despite a recent rolled ankle, Smiler is determined to get back on the court and continue showcasing his skills.

“It has been a pleasure to have Zoram a part of the team this preseason. Despite recent setbacks with injury he continues to come in and work hard at the things he can do and take control of his own development. After playing with Zoram at the 3×3 Cup, I know he is capable of playing at this level. Going up against quality teammates at practice will only give him more confidence for when his opportunity presents itself”, says Taylor Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny.

Smiler joins teammates Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara, Tanae Lavery and Tommy Fergusson with more signings to be announced soon.

After a season-ending injury sidelined him in 2023, Tommy Fergusson is back for the 2024 Sals National Basketball League. Despite rupturing his ACL at the end of 2022, Fergusson has displayed remarkable determination to earn his spot for 2024. A graduate of Napier Boys’ High School, he has already left a significant impact on the Hawke’s Bay basketball community, representing New Zealand as a Junior Tall Black and participating in the NBA Basketball Without Borders camp in Tokyo.

Having grown up and developed his basketball skills in Hawke’s Bay, he is not only a talented athlete but also a familiar face and role model for aspiring young local basketball players. Fergusson is not only a resilient player, but he also brings aggressiveness and physicality to the team. His presence on the court will be impactful, and will contribute to the team’s success. As preseason progress, Fergusson continues to display his biggest asset, his exceptional work rate as he strives to reach peak fitness. His ability to play at a high intensity for prolonged periods of time has often separated him from his peers. 

“It’s awesome to see Tommy back on court this season, he’s worked hard and deserves his opportunity. He’s a great teammate and person who comes in everyday with a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard, learn and get better”,  states Taylor Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny.

In addition to his achievements, Tommy maintains a strong work ethic. Balancing a full-time job in a physically demanding role in orchard construction, rigorous training with the Hawks and his own gym work showcases his commitment to both his craft and the team.

Assistant coach Kaine Hokianga is pleased with how Fergusson is progressing, “It’s not an easy task to get back on court after such a serious knee injury. It takes time and a lot of work to begin to have the confidence in yourself and in your knee again, let alone finding your rhythm on the court. Tommy is making significant strides every week and we are excited to have him back this season”. 

Fergusson joins teammates Isaiah Moore, Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen, Kobe Kara and Tanae Lavery, with more signings to be announced soon.