From NZ to WA, Vaiangina returns to Wolves

The Joondalup Wolves have announced the re-signing of Joel Vaiangina for the 2021 NBL1 West season.

Vaiangina’s 2020 SBL season was cut short after having to fly back to New Zealand due to COVID-19 but he is returning to Joondalup for the forthcoming NBL1 West season.

The 6’8” forward attended college in the United States and represented Panola College in their basketball team. Vaiangina last played for the Franklin Bulls in the NZNBL.

“Returning to WA was a no brainer for me, coming home due to COVID last year I already knew I wanted to get back and finish what we had started,” he said.

“Leaving NZ isn’t easy but NBL1 is an opportunity I just can’t miss out on; it provides exposure and another level of competition I can’t wait to face.”

Wolves CEO and men’s coach Andrew Summerville shared his thoughts on Vaiangina’s return for 2021 NBL1 West season.

“Getting Joel back was one of the first things we wanted to do this off-season,” Summerville said.

“Joel signed to play SBL for us in 2020 but unfortunately when COVID hit we had to send him back home to NZ. It was disappointing as we felt Joel was going to have a breakout season in 2020.

“Before Joel left, I promised we would bring him back this season and he promised to come back. We stayed in touch and both kept our word and I’m glad, as he will play a very important role for us this year.

“At 6’8 with his athleticism and rebounding ability he will be a huge asset for us in the NBL1. I really hope playing in NBL1 will help get him on the radar of some NBL teams as he definitely has the potential to play at that level.”

Vaiangina will be joining Lochlan Cummings, Seb Salinas and Reece Maxwell on the Wolves men’s 2021 roster.