Defence First for Returning Te Rangi

If there’s someone you don’t want guarding you this coming season, it’s Phoenix veteran Reuben Te Rangi.

The former NBL Best Sixth Man has developed a strong focus on defence this off-season, and it’s the Phoenix who’ll reap the rewards.

Incoming head coach Mike Kelly has preached a defence-first game-plan, and according to the guard, he’s all in.

“Mike [Kelly] has talked to me about what he wants to achieve on the defensive end, I hang my hat on defence, so much of that will come easy,” Te Rangi told Phoenix Media.

The Phoenix had no problem scoring at will in NBL23 but have looked to balance the other end of the floor this season with the additions of defensive beasts Matt Kenyon and Ben Ayre, providing Te Rangi with some much-needed support.

The 28-year-old has been a key feature of Auckland Tuatara in New Zealand’s national competition, and his defensive numbers are up from his last season in Melbourne.

“The league over here is very defensive-minded, and that’ll help with the transition to a new game style when I get back to Melbourne.”

Kelly has kept a close eye on Te Rangi, a two-time championship winner with the New Zealand Breakers, praising his team-first attitude.

"Reuben is scoring well [for Auckland], but I love how unselfish he is,” Kelly said.

“He and his teammates are consistently making the right plays for each other. Reuben is playing in a way that will translate to the NBL.”

Te Rangi is set to play his 100th Phoenix game in NBL24 in his fourth year with the club. 

Phoenix Media (05/07/23)