High praise for milestone man Te Rangi

During the 2012-13 season, Reuben Te Rangi first stepped foot on an NBL court as a development player for the New Zealand Breakers. That was the same year he won his first of two championships at the club.

While some things change over a 13-year professional career, a lot stays the same, and after 349 games he still carries the same qualities he had when he first started. 

“As a teammate, he is one of the best,” Adam Gibson, who played alongside Te Rangi for five seasons between Brisbane and South East Melbourne, said. 

“It’s all the intangibles that make him one of the best both on and off the floor.

“I don’t think you’d find anyone who would say a bad word about him.” 

To start your career at a time when New Zealand basketball was at its very best is one of the moments that the milestone man reflects on to this day.

“My favourite moment of my career was signing my first NBL contract and walking into the locker room,” Te Rangi said.

“I was surrounded by players I idolised — C.J. Bruton, Mika Vukona, Cedric Jackson, and others. Being in the same room as them was surreal and inspiring.”

After leaving the Breakers in 2016, Te Rangi joined the Bullets where he would have one of the best statistical seasons of his career.

In 2019, he was awarded with the NBL’s Best Sixth Man and Most Improved Player award.

In that same year, Te Rangi was part of a Wellington Saints team that went undefeated on its way to another championship in the NZNBL.

“He’s definitely someone that you would want on your team any day,” Saints teammate and Melbourne United guard, Shea Ili, said.

“He’s a glue guy that keeps teams together and someone that will go to bat for you in battle.” 

Ili and Te Rangi also spent a lot of time together during international tournaments for the Tall Blacks, where they had some of their best memories on the court.

“He’s the definition of a ‘young vet.’ His experience and leadership makes a big impact on any team he plays for and has done for his whole career,” Ili added.

After some time at the Phoenix, Te Rangi joined the Tasmania JackJumpers this season and has made an instant impact both on and off the floor according to coach Scott Roth.

“He’s got a warrior mentality,” Roth said. 

“He shows up every single day…he puts in the work and he’s the ultimate teammate.

“He’s durable, reliable and professional. He ticks all the boxes you would want in players who are all about the team and he’s been perfect for us down here in Tasmania.”