Te Rangi Extends Contract for Two Years

Guard Reuben Te Rangi has re-signed with the Phoenix inking a two-year contract extension with no player option, which sees him tied to the club until the end of NBL24.

Te Rangi has been an essential member of the squad since coming across from the Brisbane Bullets before the NBL21 season.

The New Zealand native is lauded for his strong defence, playing multiple positions, and for his leadership within the group.

Te Rangi has played 265 games at only 27 years of age, often described around the league as the young veteran.

(Te Rangi will be a Phoenix player until the end of NBL24.)

“I’m pretty stoked, and I cannot wait to be around here a little longer and improve my game and try to win a few championships,” Te Rangi commented on his contract extension.

“Playing for the club, I love the group of boys, the core group we have here I’m good friends with and really enjoy the coaching staff here as well.

"I'm still working on my leadership, but I think being around the block a long time, you get to learn a few things. Just passing that knowledge onto some of the younger boys and helping out where I can with the older boys,” he said.

Along with many NBL accolades, Te Rangi has represented his native homeland of New Zealand for the Tall Blacks winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Commonwealth Games.

(With many years under his belt, has been able to bring leadership for younger players and help out older players.)

Phoenix Head Coach Simon Mitchell was full of praise on Reuben’s re-signing, highlighting his various skills and leadership.

“I think Reuben brings all the intangibles that you want to embrace, that you want to embody, and if everybody follows in the footsteps the way Reuben approaches the game and approaches practices, then you’re going to have a very good team,” Mitchell said.

“He’s the embodiment of what you need in defence off the ball, he’s talking to everybody on the ball, he provides pressure, he’s a great all round player.

“He’s a leader in our group, especially amongst the Kiwi boys, and it’s great for the club to have him back for the next two years,” Mitchell commented.

“We are excited to have Reuben remaining with the club for another two seasons. At a young age, Reuben brings with him an incredible amount of experience both internationally and within the NBL, which is something as a young club we value highly.

"Reuben has an expansive skill set, making him a versatile asset for the roster. We are eager to see it continue to develop,” Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said.

Te Rangi has been in good form recently, starting the last two games in the absence of Ryan Broekhoff, who is out with a shoulder injury.

Phoenix Media (24/3/22)