Basketball New Zealand

Gareth Dawson (Photosport)

Brendon Egan, Southland Times
Big Red is back.

The Southland Sharks announced their fifth signing for 2011 yesterday with fan favourite Gareth Dawson re-signing with the franchise.

Dawson, at 2m tall, was a revelation for the Sharks in their inaugural year in the National Basketball League this year with the Timaruvian averaging 7.7 points and 5.5 rebounds a game.

He developed a cult following in Southland with his likable personality, imposing frame and trademark red hair.

The 21-year-old joins vice-captain Ian Cathcart, James Paringatai and Paratene McLeod as returning Shark players for next season.

Southland has also snapped up young Christchurch guard Sam Dobbs, who recently returned from college in the United States.

Dawson will turn out for the Cairns Taipans in the Australian league as a development player over the New Zealand off-season and link up with the Sharks before the start of the Kiwi league in April.

Sharks general manager Jill Bolger was delighted so many members of this year’s squad, which made the finals in their first year in the league, had been confirmed for 2011 already.

She believed Dawson’s experience with the Taipans would help him develop further as a basketballer.

“Hopefully he’ll have some new skills to show us. He’s working with a top notch coach over there.

“He’s only young still. Some of the big guys in the (New Zealand) league don’t reach their peak till later.”

The Sharks are also keen to bring Martin Iti back for another season with the giant centre close to re-signing.

Bolger said captain Luke Martin and mid-season pick-up Arthur Trousdell were also in the team’s sights. Off-season targets for Southland include a talented shooter, who can hit regularly from the outside, and another big man.

Bolger said preparations were well under way for next season with the franchise about to meet with sponsors and community funders. An NBL board meeting for all teams will be held in Wellington later this month where discussion is likely to centre around the possible inclusion of an Auckland-based side for next season.

Bolger said the franchise is expected to announce a small profit at the end of the Sharks’ financial year on September 30.

There had been a considerable increase on gate sales to what was budgeted, which was pleasing, she said.

“It’s a bit early to say. Most of our accounts are paid, but there’s still some things outstanding. I’d like to think (the profit) would be around the eight to 10k mark.”

The Southland Times understands that the Sharks will be one of the few teams in the league to announce a profit for the season.

Meanwhile, the Manawatu Jets confirmed the signing of former Tall Black forward Jeremiah Trueman for next season yesterday. Trueman played for Taranaki this season and will suit up in the Australian league for the Perth Wildcats.