Canterbury Rams are expected to boost their NBL Showdown hopes with the addition of Tall Black Reuben Te Rangi to their roster.
The sometime national team captain has been seen at the team's Auckland hotel over the past few days and may be revealed as a member of the side later Tuesday, with their next outing against Manawatu Jets scheduled for Wednesday.
Te Rangi will replace national team centre Jack Salt in the Rams squad, after the Rams' No.1 draft pick and US college champion was ruled out of the competition with a knee injury.
His addition would be much-needed boost for the team, who have lost their last six games, after winning their opening three.
The Rams have also lost guards Joe Cook-Green and Toby Gilooly during the league.
Te Rangi played for Brisbane Bullets in the Australian NBL last summer, winning Most Improved Player and Best Sixth Man in 2018, after beginning his career with NZ Breakers.
The Auckland Grammar product has previously represented Harbour Heat, Super City Rangers, Southland Sharks and Wellington Saints, winning two titles with the Sharks and last year with Saints.
