Ken Tuffin’s next chapter in his basketball career will be with the New Zealand-National Basketball League’s top dog.
The Far Eastern University product has signed with 2019 NZ-NBL champions Wellington Saints.
The announcement came out Thursday morning (Manila time).
“It is great to be back in my hometown to play for the Wellington Saints, a club with an amazing reputation, blessed to be able to put on the singlet.
“The growth I can achieve with the club and under Zico is an awesome opportunity and I look forward to progressing my career further and getting out to contribute to my local community,” said Tuffin, who is a product of Wellington-based high school St Patrick’s College.
Back in 2019, the 6-foot-4 swingman threw his name into the NZ-NBL draft. He was the 44th overall pick by the Taranaki Mountainairs.
He helped Taranaki to the semis with averages of 9.2 points on 42.4-percent shooting from three and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Last month, Tuffin, 23, decided to forego his final year with FEU after serving the school for four years. He ended his UAAP career with averages of 5.22 points on 35.7-percent shooting with 2.87 rebounds in 68 games played.
This will further boost the already stacked Wellington team that took a leave of absence in 2020.
During the 2019 season, the Saints completed a 20-game sweep of the season for the franchise’s 11th championship.
“A product of St Pat’s Silverstream via Far Eastern University in the Philippines, where he spent four seasons, Kenneth is a young player who is hungry to learn and improve,” said head coach Zico Coronel.
“He showed in 2020 at the Showdown that he shoots the ball efficiently, offers size and athleticism as a guard – which aids him finishing on the interior and when rebounding – and that he is a willing versatile defender. We’re excited for Kenneth to add these attributes and more to our mix as we continue to build our roster.“
The NZ-NBL season looks to begin on April.
