Bennett-Keil returns home to represent South Auckland

The EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls are pleased to announce that Mangere native Kane Bennett-Keil will join the team for the 2022 Sal’s NBL season.

Kane is Samoan (Tufuiopa & Mulifanua) Maori (Te Arawa) who was born and raised in Auckland.

He pointed to the fans and the community as a major reason for joining, saying: “This community really turns out for the team. The fans have the gym rocking every single game!”

Bennett-Keil grew up in Mangere, attended Auckland Grammar School, and played representative basketball for Auckland. Kane played college basketball in America for Barstow Community College, Chaminade University of Honolulu and the University of Antelope Valley before returning to New Zealand where he was drafted by the championship winning Otago Nuggets in the 2020 Sal’s NBL Showdown. Bennett-Keil signed with the Wellington Saints for the 2021 Sal’s NBL before being unable to participate in the season. He was also a member of New Zealand national junior teams in his youth career.

The versatile 198cm wing can’t wait to get started with his new team.

“Coming off injury and sitting out this last year has made me super hungry to get back on the court! I think the thing I’m most looking forward to is competing with the lads during games,”

“The Bulls made me feel comfortable from our very first interaction, they had come to me with a plan of how they can help me develop & progress as a hooper, and as a person, which really hit home for me.” Adds Bennett-Keil

Head Coach Maskell is excited at the prospect of Bennett-Keil in a Bulls uniform. “Kane is a winner. He’s a team-first guy that is excellent for culture. He thinks the game and makes intelligent decisions on the court. He’s an amazing shooter who holds a lot of gravity, and he’s incredibly versatile,” said Maskell.

Bennett-Keil shows equal amounts of faith in Coach Maskell saying, “He knows me almost better than I know myself on the basketball court. The in-depth knowledge and attention to minor details amazed me, and has me super excited for the season. I’m really looking forward to being a sponge and soaking up all the knowledge he can pass on to me this year.”

Bennett-Keil joins Denhym Brooke on the roster for the 2022 EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls side.

The Bulls tip off their season on April 7th vs Auckland Tuatara