CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – As the roster continues to take shape, we figured it’s finally time to drop a YAEGER-bomb. Join us in welcoming another Aussie star to the squad – and a familiar name to Tauihi fans – Morgan Yaeger!
Yaeger made her Tauihi debut with the Tauranga Whai in 2024, suffering a broken wrist in game one, but bouncing back strongly to win the Tauihi Finals MVP award. In her return to play, Yaeger averaged 14.7 points and 4.5 assists per game, notching 19 points and 3 steals in their franchise-first Grand Final win.
Head Coach Alex Stojkovic has full confidence in Yaeger’s impact and ability, saying, “Morgan was arguably the best point guard in the league last season. She’s an elite floor leader—deadly in the pick and roll, able to get downhill, create for others, and score it herself.”
“She knows how to put pressure on the defense from the opening tip. Athletic, tough, and confident—she’s a true baller in every sense of the word.”
“I’m incredibly grateful that Morgan has chosen to come down to Christchurch. She broke her wrist in Game 1 of last season and still came back to win Finals MVP – that tells you everything you need to know about her toughness and competitive spirit. If she stays healthy, I believe she’ll be right in the MVP conversation this year. She’s that good.”
Yaeger spent her offseason playing in the NBL1 Central for the Eastern Mavericks. She proved to be one of the most productive guards in the competition, averaging 24.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, also notching a season-high of 47 points against the Central Districts Lions.
“I love opportunities to play in new places and I’m really looking forward to being a part of the club and community, but I’d be lying if Alex didn’t have a huge part in me joining Pouākai,” said Yaeger on her decision to join the squad. “I loved playing for him last year and I’m forever grateful for the opportunities he has given me in such a short time of knowing him.”
“Morgan will be the engine of this team,” added Stojkovic. “She’s our point guard, our floor general, and someone I trust completely to run the show. We’ve built a strong bond over the past year, and the fact that she already knows how I think, how I coach, and what I want to see on the floor is massive. With her at the helm, we’re not starting from scratch – we’re building on something solid.”
Discussing her experience of already having made a championship run with Coach Stojkovic, Yaeger said, “Our championship last year was probably my most meaningful one of my career. Alex supported me so much when I broke my wrist two minutes into the season and being able to get through that together and finish with a championship meant so much.”
On her goals for the 2025 season, Yaeger has her sights set solely on raising the trophy once again.“A championship, nothing less,” she stated.
Pouākai season memberships are available now! Fly Fearless with us in 2025 as we chase our first-ever Tauihi championship!
2025 ProBuild ITM Mainland Pouākai: Charlotte Whittaker, Taylor Mikesell, McKenna Dale, Abigail Fogg, Marena Whittle, Morgan Yaeger.
