Canterbury Rams announce the return of Tony Tolovae

The Canterbury Rams would like to announce the return of Tony Tolovae, for the 2019 Sal’s NBL Season.   This announcement comes as new Rams head coach Mick Downer’s first player signing.  Mick Downer, who is currently the assistant coach for the Brisbane Bullets with 11 years of ANBL experience and Australian Boomers experience as an assistant coach at the Rio Olympics.  Tolovae is currently playing for the Gimie BBK club that plays in Norway’s 1^st Division professional league.

Tony Tolovae started every game for the Rams in 2018 and is a 5 year veteran in the Sal’s NBL along with 2 seasons in the ANBL with the Illawara Hawks and Sydney Kings.  Tolovae is performing well at Gimie BBK in Norway averaging 16 points and 5 rebounds per game.  Tony has help take Gimie BBK from the bottom of the Norway League to 1^st place in just 1 season since his arrival.  Tolovae will join the Rams after the conclusion of the Norway season in early April.  Tony was part of the New Zealand Select tour who toured China last year and is part of the wider Tall Blacks Squad.

“We are really excited as a club that Tony is returning to the Rams this season after he completes his time in Europe.  From the first conversation with him it was apparent that he is a great culture guy and happy to do whatever is needed for the team to be successful.  After watching some games from last year and talking to fellow coaches it’s apparent that Tony’s versatility at both ends of the floor will really suit the style of game we want to play this year at the Rams,” stated Rams head coach Mick Downer.

Tony is very well known to Canterbury Rams fans having played for the side in both the 2014 & 2018 NBL season’s.  Tony also plays for the University of Canterbury men’s premier team in the Canterbury Basketball Association club basketball league.  Tony is known for his defence, rebounding and ability to play multi-dimensional on the offensive end.

The Rams are coming off a season in which 6,000 attended the Rams vs Saints game at Horncastle Arena which was a Sals NBL Record Crowd.  The team is looking forward to taking 2 games to Horncastle Arena in 2019.  Stay tuned regarding team announcements including season membership sales being released on 4^th February.

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About the Canterbury Rams-

The Canterbury Rams have been revived by a group of basketball enthusiasts with a combination of business and basketball acumen and experience who are committed to establishing a long-term and successful Canterbury Rams franchise that plays a significant role in increasing the numbers participating in community basketball, provides an aspirational development pathway for our talented Canterbury youngsters and contributes to community re-development in Christchurch.

The objectives of the Canterbury Rams involved are philanthropic in nature which is reflected in the fact that the sole beneficiary (limited partner) of the Canterbury Rams is a charitable trust established for the benefit of growing basketball and community development. The vision for the Canterbury Rams is:

1. For the Rams to contribute significantly to the growth of basketball throughout the region with a highly performing and well run elite team greatly enhancing the profile and popularity of basketball.
2. For the Rams players and coaches to directly benefit junior talent through the region.  Youngsters throughout the region will receive coaching from high quality coaches and their heroes, inspiring them to work towards their goals.  The support the Rams receive through physiotherapy, podiatry, strength & conditioning, nutrition and sport psychology will also be provided for young up and coming juniors in the region.  The Rams will provide a pathway, exposure and access for a significantly greater number of Canterbury players to play successfully at the higher levels.
3. For the Rams to facilitate and provide development opportunities and a pathway for coaches throughout the region.  By supporting regular group coaching clinics and mentoring opportunities for the coaches in Canterbury, the sharing of knowledge will raise the standard of basketball.  Coaches will get access to the latest coaching methodology and through a common goal of developing basketball players, Canterbury’s coaching network will continue to grow.
4. For the Rams to assist in providing a development pathway for young talented players who currently struggle to participate due to the extensive financial commitment required through the establishment of a Rams ‘scholarship’ system for promising players that puts a mentoring and financial support structure around them as required.
5. For the Rams to make a major contribution to not only the basketball community but also to the Christchurch re-build through bringing an outstanding entertainment option to the city and contributing to the development of best practice basketball and community programmes.