The Franklin Bulls are excited to announce the signing of tall black, Ethan Rusbatch to the roster for 2024.

 

Rusbatch has been a stalwart in the SalsNBL since debuting for the Southland Sharks in 2011 including a stint with the Airs and the Rams.

Since 2018 Ethan has been a mainstay with the Hawkes Bay Hawks, helping the club get to two SalsNBL finals.

 

This year the Hawks were knocked out of the finals by the eventual Champions the Canterbury Rams.  Rusbatch averaged 14 points 5 rebounds while living up to his sniper status from three which included a clutch three to beat the Bulls at home in game one of last season.

 

“We are over the moon that Ethan has decided to head to Pukekohe for the 2024 NBL. He’s a player we have followed and always been interested in signing. His truly a sniper and have set the Stockyard alight on more that one occasion. We are just glad he's with us now!”says co-founder Jamie Reddish

 

Rubatch’s experience is going to be invaluable this season especially with a new coach at the Helm. Coach Sebastian Gleim expects the Tall Black to lead from the front this season “Ethan is an experienced player, a very good shooter and someone willing to get better. He is going to be key in fulfilling our vision this season. As a Tall Black and a leader and together with Isaac, it’s great to have another leader on board to help develop our young Bulls”, says Head Coach Sebastian Gleim.

 

Rusbatch has been an incredibly loyal player for the Hawks and Bulls Co-Founder, Scott Kelso says this signing is incredibly humbling for the young Bulls club

 

“We’ve always admired Ethan’s professional on and off the court and we know he will bring a high standard to our club. We know he’s in contention for the Tall Blacks Olympic qualifiers campaign this year, which only adds to the standards we know he’ll bring. We hope that we can keep Ethan around for years to come!” adds Co-founder Scott Kelso

 

Get your season pass to see Ethan play for the Bulls in season 24.

https://www.bullsbasketball.nz/memberships