Hokianga Takes Over
Tagged in: In The News, NBL
Penny Miles, Manawatu Standard
Kaine Hokianga will captain the Manawatu Jets in next year’s National Basketball League.
Hokianga, a 1.92m guard, joins Ben Hill and Piers Finch as signed players for the upcoming season while Paul Bristol and James Paringatai will be certainties, according to coach Tim McTamney.
The American imports have not yet been confirmed but Hokianga hopes Kantrail Horton and Keith Davis will return.
Hokianga takes over as captain from Stacey Lambert who has taken a year’s break from playing at the top level.
“I’m really looking forward to the role,” he said. “Having played with Stace has given me an idea about taking up the role.”
Hokianga says his strength will be helping the younger players peform. He expects the team to be more settled.
“I’ve been able to develop a relationship with the younger players. If we get the same imports, they’ll know what to expect in terms of moving to a small city.”
Hokianga, 27, grew up in Dunedin and started his career with the Otago Nuggets in the second division. He played with Hill and Lambert in Otago and was part of one of the same New Zealand age-group tours.
He moved to Palmerston North to play for the Jets in 2003. Wayne Brown was the coach and Lambert initiated the move. He also played for Taranaki in 2007.
Hokianga has been working as a teacher aide at Ashhurst School. He holds a physical education degree from Otago University and plans to study towards a one-year graduate diploma in teaching at Massey University next year. He would like to become a secondary school history teacher, with PE another subject option.
He said the Jets captaincy and study should fit together well.
