Basketball New Zealand

Warning: file_exists() [function.file-exists]: open_basedir restriction in effect. File(/var/www/vhosts/basketball.org.nz/httpdocs/resources/uploads/2008/04/nickhorvathi-web.thumbnail.jpg) is not within the allowed path(s): (/home/bbnz/:/tmp:/usr/local/lib/php/) in /home/bbnz/domains/tallblacks.org.nz/public_html/wp-includes/post.php on line 3943

Saints centre, and now New Zealand citizen, Nick Horvath (Photosport)

The Century City Wellington Saints moved to the top of the Dominion Finance NBL in round seven. And on Wednesday, they got a whole lot scarier.

Former import centre Nick Horvath officially became a New Zealand citizen in Wellington on Wednesday, ending a year-long process, that will see him play as an unrestricted player for the rest of the NBL and make him immediately eligible for the Tall Blacks.

Horvath, one of the Saints two imports for the first four rounds of the NBL, married former Black Sticks hockey representative Sheree Phillips on March 28.

“I’m ecstatic to be a Kiwi,” the 2.08m big man said.

“This is a very big day in my life and I’m thrilled to be a part of this wonderful country. I can’t wait to get back on the court and help the boys continue the good form shown of late.”

Horvath’s naturalisation means the Saints will have three import-quality players, with the 27-year-old returning to play alongside current imports, centre Kevin Owens, who replaced Horvath in late March, and Ernest Scott.

Horvath, a native of Shoreview, Minnesota, and graduate of Duke University under coach Mike Krzyzewski, was averaging 22.6 points and 10.0 rebounds, shooting 52.9 percent from the field, in five games before the hiatus.

Wellington were 3-2 and fourth with Horvath in the line-up, and have gone gone 4-1 since to lead the standings, with Scott, who replaced Marquis Webb two weeks ago, a key part of the resurgence.

“Nick’s citizenship is a huge bonus for us, as well as New Zealand basketball on the whole. Nick is such a quality person and player, both our talent base and team spirit have been given a positive boost,” said Saints first-year American coach Doug Marty.

Horvath rejoined Saints camp this week after a month off to get married and travel around New Zealand with his parents Mary-Kay and Nick Snr, who have extended their stay in the country to attend the official citizenship ceremony and watch Horvath’s first game as a New Zealander when the Saints host the Property Brokers Manawatu Jets on Tuesday, April 22, at the TSB Bank Arena.

“Nick’s citizenship is both huge for basketball here in Wellington and in New Zealand on the whole,” Saints owner Nick Mills said.

“Nick is a quality guy and he is going to make a difference both on the basketball court and in his every day life to New Zealand.”