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The EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls are pleased to announce that Otahuhu native Anzac Rissetto will join the team for the 2022 Sal’s NBL season.
Anzac is Maori (Ngai Tahu, Ngatai Porou, Te Atiawa) Scottish and Italian born and raised in Auckland.
Signing another hometown local player was important for the Bulls, and Anzac is clear in his passion for the region.
“Having a lot of family in the South Auckland & North Waikato area, it makes sense for me to come home to be closer to them and so that I can give back to the community,” said Rissetto.
“This community is such a passionate place. I think the team we have will relate & connect to the community easily. I can’t wait to see everyone at the games!”
The 20 year old centre started every game he played for the Nelson Giants in the 2021 Sal’s NBL where he averaged 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 20 minutes of action on average per game.
Head Coach Morgan Maskell is extremely excited to have Anzac join the Bulls, saying “Anzac is a massive addition, literally and figuratively, he will be a presence around the rim on both ends of the floor that every team will have to factor in when they play us.”
“Anzac is so young. He’ll be 21 years old during the season. He’s 6’10 with a fantastic basketball body. He works really hard, takes care of his body, and is hungry to learn as much as he can about the game. His potential is extremely high.” Adds Maskell
Rissetto repaid the confidence Maskell has in him.... “Morgan is a great fit for the Bulls Head Coach role. With the pieces he has put in place, and the things he’s done behind the scenes, he is giving us the best chance to succeed.”
Anzac attended Queen Charlotte College in Picton, before attending Nelson College and then Auckland Grammar School. He represented Tasman & Auckland in representative basketball and represented New Zealand national junior teams in his youth career.
This will be Anzac’s third season in the Sal’s NBL as Rissetto had previously played for the championship winning 2019 Wellington Saints team. He then spent two seasons at the University of Charlotte for Division 1 college basketball in the United States before returning to New Zealand to play for the Nelson Giants in the 2021 Sal’s NBL season.
Anzac comes from a long line of athletes, his aunty Brenda Roberts represented the Tall Ferns in the 70s & 80s, whilst his uncle Riki Ellison won multiple NFL Championships with the San Francisco 49ers during the 80s. Anzac’s father Allen Ellison, and his uncle Morris Roberts, have both played for the Maori All Blacks as well.
Rissetto joins Denhym Brooke, Kane Bennett-Keil & Jayden Bezzant on the roster so far for the 2022 EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls side.
The Bulls tip off their season on April 7th vs the Auckland Tuatara. Get season memberships here.