Southland Sport
- Alonzo Burton returns for a fifth season, continuing as a key leader.
- Sam Timmins and Keylan Boone add skill and experience to the Sharks' roster.
- Johnny Helu returns, bringing energy after a year away from basketball.
The Southland Sharks are building momentum for the 2025 Sal’s New Zealand National Basketball League season with a string of key player signings. Returning to the team is Alonzo Burton, who will embark on his fifth season with the Sharks, reaffirming his status as a cornerstone of the franchise. Burton, who captained the team last year, is among the top five in Sharks’ history for games played and points scored. He expressed excitement about playing under new head coach Jonathan Yim, stating, “I love the facilities, the fan base, and I’m really looking forward to this season.”
The Sharks have also welcomed back Johnny Helu for his third season. Helu took a year away from the game in 2024 but is rejoining with renewed passion. He credited Yim’s coaching and the presence of his partner, Southern Steel player Aliyah Dunn, as motivating factors for his return. Coach Yim, who arrives from Los Angeles later this month, shared his enthusiasm for Helu’s return, highlighting his ability to energise and elevate his teammates.
Adding even more strength to the Sharks’ roster is Tall Black Sam Timmins, one of New Zealand’s top basketball centres. Known for his powerful performances, Timmins has joined the Sharks after recent stints with the Otago Nuggets and Franklin Bulls. While he is currently playing in Japan’s B.League, Timmins is eager to make an impact in Southland, stating, “I’m pumped to learn from Coach Yim and help bring wins to Invercargill.”
Rounding out the latest signings is American forward Keylan Boone, who will begin his professional career with the Sharks. Boone, a versatile player from UNLV, has already impressed Coach Yim, who described him as a hard-working and team-first athlete. Boone is equally excited, saying, “I’m blessed to play in this great league and under Coach Yim’s leadership.”
The Sharks’ pre-season preparations kick off in March with the Westside Blitz tournament in Greymouth and Westport. The 2025 NBL season begins on 14 March, with the Sharks opening against the Otago Nuggets. Their first home game is on 29 March at ILT Stadium Southland, where they will play 11 games this year as part of the extended 22-game season. Season tickets will go on sale soon, with more details at sharksbasketball.co.nz/tickets.