But with Henare and Penney departed, and Bruton and American Cedric Jackson struggling with injuries, coach Andrej Lemanis has begun calling Bloxham's number quite regularly, whether at practice or game time.
In five outings so far this season, he's logged 22 minutes 43 seconds, already more than he managed in seven games last year. Most significantly, Bloxham is entering games early,
"Over the last few weeks, I've had a lot more opportunities and taken them with open arms, to show the coach and other players I can do my job," says Bloxham.
Lemanis likes what he's seen so far from his apprentice.
"He's come in and played well, and shown those younger guys they'll get more and more opportunities if they continue to work hard."
As a point guard, a huge part of Bloxham's brief is to direct traffic and his biggest challenge has been to stamp some authority on players that have been heroes throughout his junior career.
"I've grown up watching them on TV and then they've been role models," he says. "I've been in a bit of awe of them for so long but now I feel like I'm out there competing with and against them, and earning their respect."
