Rangers signs two snakes for the season
The James Blond Supercity Rangers are pleased to announce the signings of imports duo Mitch McCarron and Nnanna Egwu ahead of the upcoming Bartercard NBL season. Both were key players as the Cairns Taipans reached the semi-finals of the 2016/17 Australian NBL season before being eliminated by the Perth Wildcats.
Egwu, having visited Auckland a couple of times with the Snakes when playing against the Breakers, is looking ahead to his time in New Zealand.
‘I’m so glad I’m here and joining a great group of people in this next opportunity. New Zealand is a great country and I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve spent there already but I’m excited to travel more of the country while playing with my teammates as we compete to win a championship.”
The 211cm centre, who lists watching the Chicago Cubs as one of his favourite pastimes, had a solid season for the Taipans playing all 30 games averaging 5 points and 4 rebounds per game.
Prior to joining the Taipans, Egwu had spells in the NBA Summer League with the Orlando Magic and Dallas Mavericks. He spent four years at the University of Illinois playing 136 games and in his senior year earned Big Ten All-Defensive team honours.
Australian McCarron, born in Alice Springs, is also looking forward to his time with the Rangers, "It’s great to be here in New Zealand with my teammates, and I’ve heard a lot of great things about the guys. I'm excited to play in the NZNBL, and hopefully help the Rangers go all the way to the title."
The 24 year old guard attended Metropolitan State University where he won the 2015 NCAA Division II National Player of the Year after averaging 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4.2 assists in his senior year.
Following his successful college career McCarron had pre-draft workouts with the LA Lakers and Denver Nuggets before playing a season in Spain.
Coach Jeff Green said after discussions with Taipans Coach Aaron Ferne, we settled on the guys as a tandem that would fit Rangers basketball. Both Mitch and Nnanna have a skill set that we require, rebounding; defence first attitude and great team players.”
The Rangers picked up 2 wins this past weekend in the pre-season Northern Blitz in New Plymouth, wining 97-95 against the Taranaki Mountainair’s and 75 – 70 against the Hawkes Bay Hawks.
As announced previously the Rangers will play all of their home games at Trusts Stadium, Waitakere. The opening fixture is against Canterbury Rams at Trusts on Saturday March 18th, 7pm tip-off.
McCarron and Egwu as of today will join the confirmed roster of Lindsay Tait, Dillon Boucher, Brook Ruscoe, Nick Barrow and Hyrum Harris. Further signings will be announced in the coming days.
For further information contact:
Reuben Waihi
General Manager
James Blond Supercity Rangers
021 686267
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