Since free agency started we have been searching for a hard nosed defensively minded point guard that can run a team. With this in mind we are pleased to announce the signing of Tanae Lavery.

Having attended high school at St. Andrew’s college in Christchurch Lavery earned himself a basketball scholarship to Lincoln University. Lavery has previously been selected to represent Lincoln University and the New Zealand U23 3×3 team, playing tournaments in both Japan and Taiwan.

Taylor Hawks assistant coach Kaine Hokianga said, “Tanae is an exciting young talent and we are extremely happy he is joining the Hawks for the 2024 season. His development within the Lincoln University basketball programme over the past few years was rewarded with a spot on the Taranaki Schick 3×3 Cup team in 2023. He has certainly earned the opportunity to test his skill at the NZNBL level and we look forward to seeing him  succeed in Hawkes Bay.”

Lavery is a dynamic player with the ball in hand who has the ability to get into the paint, where he can finish with both hands, or create opportunities for his team mates. He makes solid reads off the dribble and out of pick and rolls. Lavery has a hard nosed attitude and competes on every possession. With a defensively minded approach to the game, Hawks fans are going to enjoy watching him leave it all out on court this season. 

“Tanae is a great kid, he turns up early, works hard and does it with a great attitude. He’s slotted right in and has found his feet quickly here in Hawke’s Bay. The intent he plays the game with on both ends is exciting to watch,” states Taylor Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny.

Lavery now joins Taylor Hawks team mates Isaiah Moore,  Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Jordan Ngatai, Josh Roberts, Keanu Rasmussen and Kobe Kara, with more announcements soon to follow.