Giants secure signature of rising Tall Black

The NBS Nelson Giants have begun Sal's NBL Free Agency with a bang, by locking in Tall Black and Breaker Dan Fotu for the 2024 season.

The Power Forward averaged 17.8 points per game for the Franklin Bulls in 2023, along with 6.8 rebounds, and shot at just under 55% from the field.

Standing over two metres tall and weighing just over 100kg, Dan has been in the basketball spotlight since a young age.

At 14, Dan had already joined the Breakers Academy and he helped Rangitoto College to back-to-back national secondary school titles in 2015 and 2016.

It's also because the family have sporting greatness in their genes, with Dan the younger brother of experienced Tall Black Isaac and Tall Fern Ella Fotu.

All three wear the number 42 when on court to mimic their family name, which is pertinent as the Giants franchise turns 42 years old in 2024.

Dan joined the Breakers as a development player in the 2017/18 season before starting his college career at St Mary's in California, where he averaged 5.8 points and 3.4 rebounds a game across 126 matches.

The opportunity to continue learning from Giants Head Coach Mike Fitchett was too good to turn down for the 24-year-old

"I've worked with Fitch on Tall Blacks duty, so when he started talking to me about coming to Nelson, I jumped at the chance. The Giants have a great history, and I can't wait to be a part of it."

For Mike, this signing represents the biggest "coup" in his five years as head coach of his hometown team.

"Dan is a great player and will be a great person to have around the club and the town. I was lucky enough to coach Dan at the Breakers Academy and through the NZ age group programme, so when he started tearing through the NBL last season I was watching closely.

"He is a highly skilled player and I believe he has the ability to be an MVP in this league.

He says that there were a "few sleepless nights" as they tried to ink the deal, but believes it's the best way they could kick off their 2024 season.

"His ability to play across multiple positions, along with his size and athletic skills made him a no-brainer target for us this offseason.

"I hope we can help him achieve his professional and international goals, I can't wait to start working with him again."