There’s another new face in town as 23-year-old guard Tara Manumaleuga is starting her professional career with the Mainland Pouākai.
Manumaleuga played 5 years of college basketball, totalling 111 games with the Arizona Wildcats and TCU Horned Frogs. In her time stateside, she knocked down 79 three-pointers and dished out 149 assists.
“After an impressive collegiate career that saw stops at high profile programmes Arizona and TCU, we’re thrilled that Tara has chosen to join us for the upcoming Tauihi Aotearoa season,” said Head Coach Paul Flynn.
“Tara boasts a multidimensional skill set that I’m sure Pouākai fans will get excited about. What impressed me most is her floor vision and selflessness in finding her teammates in the right position at the right time.“
This July, she suited up for the 2degrees Tall Ferns select team and competed in two matches against the Japanese national team. Manumaleuga was also named in the Tall Ferns extended squad ahead of the FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifier tournament.
“Tara got a taste of Tall Ferns action at their most recent camp, and I’m looking forward to working alongside her to become a mainstay in that program also,” added Flynn.
“I’m excited to start my professional career with the Mainland Pouākai this season,” said Manumaleuga. “My decision was based on the fact I knew I could grow my game under coach Flynn, the coaching staff, and the competition.”
“Pouākai fans can expect someone who works hard on both ends of the floor and a versatile shooting guard who can read the game and facilitate at a high level.”
Tara Manumaleuga is set to play alongside Esra McGoldrick, Sharne Robati, Mikhaela Cann, Cassandra Brown, and McKenzies Forbes on this season’s Pouākai. Stay tuned for more player announcements coming your way soon!
2024 Mainland Pouākai season memberships are available now! Don’t miss a moment of the action by becoming a season member today.
