Recruit Taine Wattie will make his debut in the Gators’ first game of the season.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
There’s a new Kiwi duo in town.
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Josh Kooiman is back for his third season with Shepparton Gators.
After leaving home for the first time to pursue a semi-professional basketball career, unsure of what lay ahead, Kooiman now feels like a local.
“It’s the people, man,” Kooiman said.
“I’ve met some pretty awesome people who are now a part of my life forever.
“Wish I could just pick my family up and bring them over here too.”
While fellow Kiwi sharpshooter Dylan Wilkie won’t be returning this season, the Gators have recruited another talent from across the ditch.
Enter Taine Wattie — a quick, crafty wing known for his speed in transition, sharp defensive instincts and relentless energy on the court.
With previous NBL1 experience for Townsville and Geraldton, Wattie brings valuable semi-pro experience to Shepparton.
It was Kooiman who convinced Wattie to return to the court after a few years away from the game.
And only a few weeks into his Shepparton stint Wattie is already feeling at home.
“The people here are amazing, so welcoming,” Wattie said.
“I’ve heard a lot about the Shepp crowd, so I’m excited to get out there and win.”
After a successful 2024 season when it reached the finals in its first year back in Big V’s top league in nearly two decades, Kooiman believes the team is ready to go further.
“We just weren’t exposed to as many close games in division one,” he said.
After winning division one in his debut season Josh Kooiman has become a leader at Shepparton Gators.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“I think we learned a lot last year about how to win those tight contests.
“You could see it in our results, the games we were losing early, we started to win by the end of the year.”
The new-look Shepparton Gators take on Blackburn at Shepparton Sports Stadium this Saturday, March 29 at 7pm.
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