The EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls have secured their first signing for the 2022 Sal’s National Basketball League season and have brought back forward Denhym Brooke for another season.
Brooke was arguably the Bulls’ most consistent player in the 2021 season – their first in the full Sal’s NBL. The 25-year-old had a breakout season averaging 11.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.
He was signed to the Bulls 3X3 side as captain of the team and will take part in the rescheduled competition in February.
Brooke was a threat on both ends of the court last season, playing mainly power forward but also as a stretch five at times.
“There’s no doubt that in an injury-riddled season for our team Denhym was our backbone,” Bulls head coach Morgan Maskell said. “He was the only player to play 20+ minutes per game and suit up for double digit appearances last season.”
The fan favourite was only too keen to put pen to paper and re-join the Bulls for a second season.
“I’m re-joining the Bulls because I liked what they were building towards last year and I feel like it’s the best place for me to continue improving my game,” Brooke said. “The team that is being built has something to prove, and I think we’re ready to put it all together. I’m really looking forward to playing with the group of guys we have signed and can’t wait for our fans to see the announcements.
“Our fans are awesome. They supported us through the entire season last year regardless of the result. The community and the sponsors are all very welcoming. I hope we can perform well for them in the upcoming season.”
Brooke is Maori (Nga Puhi), who was born and raised in Auckland, attending Rangitoto College, and playing reps for Harbour Basketball. He comes from great sporting pedigree with his uncles being legendary All Blacks Zinzan and Robin Brooke. He was also a member of some New Zealand junior national teams in his youth career, before attending BYU-Hawaii and the University of Hawaii at Hilo in America.
He returned to New Zealand in 2019, playing for the SuperCity Rangers in the Sal’s NBL before being drafted by the Taranaki Mountainairs in the 2020 Sal’s NBL Showdown prior to joining the Bulls in 2021.
The Bulls have been in discussions with a number of players and Counties Sports Hub understands they are likely to announce more players before Christmas including a significant recruit.
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