Sky Sport has announced a strong eight-member commentary team for the upcoming GJ Gardner Homes Tauihi season.
Entering its third season, the Tauihi competition is set to soar to greater heights this year, backed by a new season window (October 4-December 22), increased player payments, and more global coverage with ESPN in the United States also showing every game live.
Sky’s commentary team has a familiar set of voices and faces to those who follow basketball in Aotearoa with Casey Frank, Justin Nelson, Taylah Johnson, Glen Larmer, Nick Bewley, Maia Williamson, Casyn Buchman and Miles Pearce featuring over the course of the season, with cameos by current and former players also likely.
For Frank, who has been a leading basketball voice for more than a decade in New Zealand, the buzz around Tauihi is real and he can’t wait to get started.
“Tauihi has been a brilliant addition to the basketball landscape in Aotearoa over the leagues first two season's, but it is undeniable that the overall level of talent has jumped in T3. To watch the level of play build over the first two seasons has been great to see but I have no doubt that the competition is tougher from top to bottom this year. Me and the rest of the mic squad can't wait for tip off."
Nelson, who was the key designer of the Tauihi competition back in his former role with Basketball New Zealand, believes the rapid growth of pro women’s basketball in New Zealand was always going to happen, it just needed the right model, corporate partners investment, and marketing strategy.
“Designing Tauihi was fun, and so many people have been a part of bring this exciting competition to life. It’s been a group effort, and the teams and players are a massive part of it. Tauihi is already being spoken about globally, there is real excitement, and I think you will see that on court this season,” said Nelson.
“At Sky we have put together an experienced commentary team, but underneath our work faces we are genuinely all fans of women’s basketball and love cheering on the big plays and moments. I can honestly say that we get just as excited as those sitting in the stands. It’s great fun.”
Tauihi Season 3 Tips off October 4th on Sky
