Basketball New Zealand

Jeremiah Trueman (Photosport)

Murray Hills, Taranaki Daily News
Tall Blacks and NZ Breakers basketballer Jeremiah Trueman will be playing in Taranaki next year.

Although he is yet to sign a contract, the 22-year-old confirmed yesterday that he would be with the Taranaki Dynamos for the 2010 National Basketball League.

“Definitely, I’m looking forward to playing for Taranaki,” said the 2.05m power forward. “My family is there [Trueman's parents Cathy and Marty, and brothers Matthew and Izaak live in Stratford].”

Trueman said the birth of son Josiah, now 12 weeks old, influenced his decision to return home.

“It will be nice being near my parents, especially with the little one. They’ll get to see him lots.”

Trueman said there was only one way for Taranaki to go next year – up.

“Things didn’t really work out last year with injuries a major factor,” he said. “They’ve got some good players down there. It’s pretty much a fresh start for the side and I’m excited to be part of it.”

“I know most of the guys like Aaron (Nowell), Link (Abrams), Josh (Paurini), Damon (Rampton), Alex (Wastney) and I’ve played with James Paringatai at under-18 age-group level.”

Trueman said he and his family would move to Taranaki after his season with the Breakers ended.

“It could be the end of February if we go to the playoffs, which looks likely,” he said. “I might miss the first two Taranaki games.”

Trueman is no stranger to the New Zealand league, playing for the Nelson Giants in 2004 and 2005 before heading to university in the United States.

Taranaki coach Angelo Hill said it was up to him to iron out the contract with Trueman.

“I just have to make sure it’s a good living environment for Jeremiah, his wife [Mary] and young child,” Hill said. “It’s just awesome. I’ve always wanted him to come here and play in front of his parents. It will be nice for them to have him close to home. It’s a win-win situation for Jeremiah … and us.”

Hill said he liked the way Trueman played.

“He plays hard and has a good work ethic. He will be very productive on the court for us,” he said.

“He won’t give us big scores, but he’s the type of player who will give you double doubles, say 15 points and 10 rebounds. That’s doing his job.

“I’m really excited about it. He’s a Taranaki kid and that’s crucial.”

Hill said he hoped Trueman would stay in Taranaki for a few years.

“He could have a big future with Taranaki, and work on his game and consolidate his position in the Breakers and the New Zealand side.”

Hill said he was also in talks with 2008 rookie of the year, Tyrone Davy – a Kiwi point guard from Auckland.

“He wants to come here and has said he will be at this weekend’s open trial. He’s coming down with a couple of other guys.”

Interest for the open trial in New Plymouth this weekend was high.

“Kevin Smith, who’s played for Waikato and Hawke’s Bay as an import, is coming. He’s a good rebounder, very athletic and shoots the ball well. He’s just having a look around like a lot of players,” Hill said.

“I’m excited about the trial … I have no idea of who, or how many players, are going to turn up. There’s an opportunity for players to come to a programme and play straight away. When you’re 0-16 [Taranaki was winless from its 16 games last season], there’s only one way to go.”

The trial, at the TSB Stadium, is from 9am-noon and 3-6pm on Saturday, then again on Sunday from 9am- noon.