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The Franklin Bulls would like to formally acknowledge the SalsNBL career of Tall Black and Bulls sharp shooter, Ethan Rusbatch. At 3pm - 2nd of June 2024, he will play his 200th SalsNBL game.
It all began with the Southland Sharks in 2011/2012. At just 18 years old Rusbatch played just 4 games, but it would mark the start of an amazing career.
The next season he went to Taranaki and started 10 games. Averaging almost 10 pts and 5 rebounds.
The long tenure with his home town team was next, spending 4 Seasons with the Canterbury Rams. During this time he averaged more than 12 points and starting all but 7 games. During this time he was also recruited by the New Zealand Breakers and would get his first call up to the Tall Blacks squad.
But it was his time with the Hawks, that transformed Rusbatch into the sniper he is today. The Bulls shooter averaged well over 30% from three and making the SalsNBL Grand Final twice. Once under coach Zico Coronel and the second under Jacob Chance and Adam Forde.
In 2024, the Bulls were excited to recruit Ethan to the Franklin Bulls. The Tall Black is currently averaging over 40% from the three for the Bulls and has helped the team into a race for the top 4 teams in the league.
His selection to the Tall Blacks in 2024 solidifies his place in New Zealand NBL folklore and by playing 200 games.
"On behalf of the Bulls and I am sure all the other teams that have been part of Ethan's journey, we'd like to congratulate Ethan on an amazing milestone. It is our pleasure to have Ethan join the Bulls for 2024 and we look forward to one day celebrating 300 with him!" Says Bulls Co-Founder, Scott Kelso.
The Bulls fans may not get a chance to celebrate Rusbatch's 200th game at home due to his Tall Black call up for the Olympic Qualifiers. But the Bulls team have announced a commemorative T-shirt that the squad will wear in honour of the Tall Black vs Taranaki on June 23rd. The shirt was designed to highlight the amazing character of the man himself and the team's he's played for.
The T Shirt is available for pre-sale online to NBL fans and will be available for pick up on June 23rd. All fans are encouraged to wear this in celebration of Ethan's 200th game milestone. https://www.bullsbasketball.nz/shop
But this afternoon vs the Sharks, the league, the Bulls and the team it all started with, Southland, will enjoy the 200th game milestone. Congrats Ethan. We're glad your with us and we are thankful we get to share this moment with you. From all the Bulls family!
Watch live on SkySport or Sky Open (free to air) at 3pm.