Basketball: Vukona no longer a newcomer

Mika Vukona in action for the Nelson Giants. Jeff Brass / Getty Images

Mika Vukona is the "rookie" of the four players profiled today, but at age 25 has playoffs and three seasons in the Australian NBL behind him and so is no mug.

He is the energiser bunny of the Giants, throwing himself around the court in defence and in gathering rebounds. "I see that as my job - get the rebounds, knock down the shots that come my way, to be a threat out there and so open others up."

The Giants had enjoyed a big lift with the re-injection of shooting guard Phill Jones, Vukona said, and he felt his own form too had lifted after they made a stuttering start to the season.

"Our imports have been going really well. The bench is going well. When we stick to what Nenad (coach Vucinic) wants we've been able to get on a roll. When we go off the game-plan that's when we've had some close ones. We need to stick to what Nenad wants, that's a goal for me personally and for the team. He knows how to win these finals games."

The Giants were confident going to Napier but saw no advantage in having won a semi there in 2004, he said.

Vukona was born in Suva, Fiji, but is a New Zealand citizen after being raised here from age seven. His goal post-finals is to make the Tall Blacks for Japan. "I need to impress Nenad and carry that into the trials."