Stuff Digital Edition

Te Rangi looks to

Marc Hinton

This time four years ago Tall Blacks swingman Reuben Te Rangi experienced a low point of his basketball career. All going to plan, he’s weeks from what will be a highlight.

But first the 28-year-old has some business to attend to with the high-flying Auckland Tuatara in the Kiwi NBL, which he’s hoping should have him in mint form to make his first appearance at a Fiba World Cup with then New Zealand men’s team in the Philippines (August 25-September 10).

In 2019, Te Rangi’s timing sucked as floating cartilage in his knee required surgery at the end of the Australian NBL season, ruling him out of the global tournament held in China. Now the 52-cap Tall Black is hoping the fates are more propitious as he rides eye-catching form for the 7-3 Tuatara.

The smooth-shooting 1.98-metre small forward long ago came to terms with missing the ‘19 Cup, but is pumped about stepping on to the biggest hoops stage of all this year where the Tall Blacks will battle USA and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece in a brutal pool, with only two progressing to the knockout stages.

‘‘Man, they’re probably the greatest games you’ll ever play in,’’ he tells Stuff. ‘‘As an underdog you’ve got nothing to lose. It’s exciting just to go out and play good basketball and have fun with some of my friends.’’

Not that Melbourne-based Te Rangi is taking anything for granted in what will be a tough cut to make. It was a big part of his decision to come back to the Kiwi NBL for the first time since 2020’s bubble Showdown, and leave partner Kaitlin (in town this week for a visit) behind to look after their dog.

‘‘Being in Auckland I can train as much as I want, go to the gym, look after my body . . . being away from my partner wasn’t an easy one, but it’s a big year and I thought I’d make the sacrifice now and enjoy life later.’’

Te Rangi has found a groove with the Tuatara, averaging 19.3 points (48% FG, 40% from deep), 3.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists.

‘‘I feel good about my form so far, and hopefully now I can start ramping it up, get my legs under me, get fitter. The extra shots are nice,’’ he says of the responsibility he carries in this league. ‘‘But you’ve still got to be making shots and the right decisions. And we’ve been getting wins, so that’s a good indicator.’’

Sport

en-nz

2023-06-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/282196540335595

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