Basketball New Zealand

Jeremiah Trueman (Photosport)

Murray Hills, Taranaki Daily News
Taranaki Mountain Airs forward Jeremiah Trueman has landed a two-year contract with the Perth Wildcats.

The 22-year-old Tall Blacks player yesterday confirmed the deal to play in the Australian National Basketball League.

It’s good news for Trueman who was cut by the New Zealand Breakers in March.

“It gives me and my family [his wife Mary and eight-month-old son Josiah] a bit of security when you’re trying to make a living out of the sport,” Trueman said.

“With a two-year contract sorted, you can be more focused on what you’re doing.”

Trueman had also been in talks with the Cairns Taipans for the league, which starts in September.

“I felt more confident that Perth would be a better place for my family. There wasn’t much between the contracts.”

Also influencing his decision is that the Perth Wildcats are the defending champions and Bay Hawks coach Shawn Dennis is the assistant coach.

“Perth is one of the top teams and the organisation is one of the best in the league. I’m excited about the opportunity.”

Trueman will see out the remainder of the national league in New Zealand then head to Perth.

“Hopefully I’ll be back for the Tall Blacks trials on July 20.

“It’s every Kiwi basketballer’s goal to play for their country. It’s a big year with the world championships in Turkey in August, early September. I’d like to be there, but it will be tough … there’s a lot of guys pushing for positions.”

Trueman made a couple of brief appearances for the Tall Blacks in 2006 before heading to the United States for two years.

Last year, he was back in black and played eight games for the Tall Blacks.

“Once you’ve had a taste, you push hard for a spot.”

Trueman said it was too early to say whether or not he would return for a second season with the Mountain Airs in 2011.

“I like it here. We’ve had a couple of losses and lost our momentum. One game in four weeks doesn’t help though,” he said.

“But we’ve got a great bunch of guys here and good coaches.

“All the tools are in place to help the side move forward.

“It’s just about doing things right on the night.”

Trueman said this week’s southern doubleheader was crucial.

“We definitely need to win one game. We need to target Christchurch on Friday night and then try to back it up in Nelson,” he said.

“We’re in a position where we are running out of chances to make the playoffs.”

Friday,May 14

At Cowles Stadium, Christchurch

Christchurch Cougars v Taranaki Mountain Airs, 7pm

Referees – Gavin Zimmerman, Hayden Pipe, Raelene Forde

Saturday, May 15

At Trafalgar Centre, Nelson

Fico Finance Nelson Giants v Taranaki Mountain Airs, 7pm

Referees – Melony Wealleans, Brendan Hodgson, James Campion