Ingham brings up a century

An eight-year-old Tom Ingham was playing mini-ball at Henley School when he won a ‘Giant effort award,’ which included tickets to the Nelson Giant’s next home game.

At the time, Tom dreamt of playing for the Black Caps but this soon changed as he was introduced to basketball.

“The folks took me along and I loved the pace, intensity and just fell in love with the sport. As soon as I went to a couple I tried to go to as many as I could.”

Twenty years later, Tom would bring up a first-class century, however it was not with the bat but in a Giants singlet.

Tom made his 100^th appearance for his beloved franchise during their 119-85 win over the Franklin Bulls in Nelson on Thursday evening.

“As a kid in the stands watching the Giants for all those years and then to celebrate 100 games with my own family and friends in the stands was pretty special. This club means a lot to me.”

Born and bred in Nelson, Tom grew up idolising the likes of Phil Jones and Ed Book.

“I have so many memories sitting in the stands of Phil Jones dominating to a Tony Ramden tip in on the buzzer to beat Wellington and obviously the 2007 championship. I was their biggest fan before I was a player that’s for sure.”

Tom has also seen plenty of ups and downs as a player during his 12-year career.

He still recalls his first NBL point which came on his first road trip on his 18th birthday.

“Phil took me under his wing for better or worse,” he jokes.

Another standout moment came in his first start for the team in which he produced 20 points and nine rebounds.

“I surprised myself with that.”

The 2018 run to the finals is another fond memory for the point guard.

“We tripped up at final hurdle, but we dominated the entire season, and it was a really good group of lads.”

Tom was first selected in the Giants as a 16-year-old in 2010.

“When my name got called it was pretty epic, I sprinted home, I couldn’t wait to tell mum and dad.”

During his debut, an exuberant Tom rushed out onto the court during the pre-game introductions.

“I was so excited I ran about 30 metres ahead, the old fullah’s told me to slow down so I had to go to a walk so they could catch up.”

The teenager was a barrel of nerves as he was called off the bench.

“It became real really quick. My heart was thudding through my chest, all my mates were in the stands screaming, I never had a feeling like it and it’s definitely one I won’t forget.”

Tom still remembers his first touch, a rebound, which was quickly followed by a length of the court run but missed a layup.

“I heard the groan of the crowd,” however the miss meant little as the Giants hammered the Otago Nuggets by 30.

He says he quickly learned a number of lessons including the fact that nothing is given.

“I never thought about the possibility of playing 100 games I just tried to get better and better every season.

The 28-year-old is hugely popular with both fans and teammates which he attributes to the energy and passion he plays with.

“I’m a pretty energetic dude and I try to have fun and they can probably relate to a little old Nelson battler.”

He admits he has never been the opposition’s favorite player though.

“Sometimes I look back at some of my celebrations and think ‘what a muppet!’ but in the moment I like to leave it all out there and wear my heart on my sleeve.”

His fan favourite status was reinforced as cut outs of Tom’s face were worn by fans at the Trafalgar Centre tom mark his milestone match.

“That was hard case.”

Tom says the fans at the Hangar are a fiercely loyal bunch.

“There are a lot of people I know from old teachers to coaches, the fans are special and the fact the season didn’t go as well as it should have they keep coming out and supporting us is pretty cool.”

Tom is also well known off the court through his work as a teacher at Nelson Intermediate.

He says while it can be a juggling act, he loves both of his careers.

“From day dot Nelson intermediate have looked after me and have given me every opportunity to progress as a basketballer but in the teaching profession as well.”

Coach Mike Fitchett has worked closely with Tom during his career.

“I am proud of the way he goes about his business, he is one of our hardest workers.”

Mike says Tom has been a huge contributor to the team, particularly in recent seasons.

“He’s a leader for us, a real connecter as a person always makes an effort to bring team together, always up for a laugh but knows when we need to be serious.”

After 100 games Tom is hopeful to play 100 more and of breaking a 14-year championship drought.

“If I can end my career as an NBL champion I will walk away very satisfied.”

One thing is for sure, he will never play for another franchise.

“I’m a Giant’s lifer.”