Matthew Hunt and Serena Waters have committed to the Darwin Salties ahead of the Coles Express NBL1 North season.
Hunt is the first Darwin local to sign with the team, which coach Matt Flinn is extremely pleased about.
"An important part of building a franchise is to acknowledge the people and players who have helped create this basketball environment that has led to the Salties getting to this point (NBL1)," Flinn said.
"We feel that Matty is one of those guys who deserves a crack to take his game to another level.
"It would be naive and reckless of me to come in and ignore history- Matty will be given every opportunity to succeed.
"We will value his leadership around the group and it also shows to the local people of Darwin that this team is THEIR team."
For Waters, Darwin has a big spot in her heart.
This year, she will get to play in front of family and friends after crossing over to Woodville last season to play in NBL1 Central.
She said she is excited by the prospect.
"It not only gives me an opportunity to come home and play for my Dad’s country and mob but to be part of something special, the first-ever NBL1 team to represent the Territory as a whole," Waters said.
"There is nothing more inspiring to me than pride for where you come from."
Women's Head Coach Rod Tremlett was equally delighted to have Waters represent the Salties this year.
"We couldn't be more excited to have Serena at the Darwin Salties this year," he said.
"Serena plays with a defensive intensity that will help us establish the kind of team we want to be.
"At a young age, Serena has gained a lot of experience through playing experiences in New South Wales and more recently in the NBL1 Central at Woodville.
"Recently Serena has also been a train-on player with the WNBL Sydney Uni Flames.
"Serena has received first-class guidance and coaching from some of the country's best coaches in Joey Wright and Shane Heal and we can't wait for her to ply her trade on the hardwood in Darwin in front of her family's Larrakia heritage."
View the 2022 NBL1 roster tracker here.
Feature image taken by Emma Hoppo Photography
