Former Far Eastern University Tamaraw Ken Tuffin opens a new chapter in his young career on Saturday. And SMART Sports will be there for him.
Tuffin will make his debut for his hometown Wellington when the 2021 season of the Sal’s New Zealand-National Basketball League opens its curtains.
The Saints’ game against the Otaga Nuggets will air on SMART Sports’ official Facebook page (https://web.facebook.com/SMARTSportsPhilippines/) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
The former FEU swingman played for the Taranaki Mountainairs last season. But playing for Wellington and under Saints assistant coach Kenny McFadden was hard to resist for him during the off-season.
“It’s always been a dream to play for my hometown Wellington,” said the 23-year-old, 6-foot-4 swingman, who averaged 9.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in Taranaki’s fourth place finish last year.
“Our assistant Coach Kenny was the one who introduced me to the game. Furthermore, Coach Kenny was there in the camp when FEU first came over to scout and recruit me in 2015.”
In Wellington, Tuffin will get to play alongside former De La Salle University foreign student-athlete in Taane Samuel and Tall Blacks standout Dion Prewster. The Saints will also have two imports this season in 7-foot-2 Romaro Gill and former G-League standout Kerwin Roach — both of whom are G League vets.
Wellington were the champions in the 2019 season of the league but decided to skip the shortened 2020 season.
“I know my role playing alongside elite one-on-one players like our imports and out captain Dion Prewster. I will always be there to shoot and play D, just picking my spots to shine,” said Tuffin.
“The Saints are a dominant team. and anything less than a title is considered a disappointment. My goal is to be a star in my role for the champions.”
Tuffin is thankful that SMART will be broadcasting his debut.
And he is hoping to make everyone proud.
“I’m really appreciative that SMART can broadcast the games for my friends, family, and supporters back home to watch. Thanks to everyone and want to make you proud.”