Taine Murray here. Thought I would give you an update on what I have been up to lately....

I departed New Zealand on December 12th heading to Australia with the Sky Sport Breakers to begin the ANBL (Australian National Basketball League) season, as an unpaid Development Player. We were originally based in Melbourne, but due to border closures in relation to COVD-19 we have been on the move ever since. We have been based in Tasmania, Adelaide, Cairns, Sydney and now based back in Melbourne, all in the space of 4 months. 

During all this movement around Australia, I  was fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to play in the FIBA Asia qualifiers game between New Zealand and Australia. I was released from the Sky Sport Breakers on 17th February and flew to Cairns to play with the Tall Blacks, for the game held on the 20th of February. It is always an honour and privilege to represent New Zealand at the highest level, in any situation. I have since returned from the Tall Blacks and currently with the Sky Sport Breakers playing in the ANBL Cup, held in Melbourne, for February and March. 

If all goes to plan I am due to arrive at the University of Virginia around June for Summer School, and to uphold a four-year full-ride basketball scholarship which I accepted at the end of last year to further my academic and basketball aspirations. 

Below is a quick video of the highlights from the recent Tall Blacks game: (click on the image to view)

Once again I would like to thank the North Harbour Club & Chartable Trust for there ongoing support of me, I am very grateful. 

Taine.

Thanks for the update Taine - what a start to 2021 you have had so far. All the best for the future, we hope to continue following your basketball achievements in the States and wish you the best of luck. Stay safe!