Best players of New Zealand NBL round 6 (by Hoops Agents)

- May 14, 2026

POSTED BY: Eurobasket News

Rylan Jones

Rylan Jones

American Rylan Jones (183-PG-2000) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's leader Southland Sharks and that's him to receive a Hoops Agents Player of the Week award for round 6.
The 25-year old playmaker had a double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds, while his team beat Airs (#6, 3-4) 82-74. It allowed Sharks to jump to the first place in the New Zealand NBL. They would have been even better if they did not have these two lost games earlier in Regular Season. Sharks has a very solid 6-2 record, but they cannot be too comfortable about keeping top position. In the team's last game Jones had a remarkable five three-pointers out of 9 attempts. He just recently signed at Sharks, being already a very valuable addition to the team. Samford University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Jones is in league's top in assists (9th best: 6.1apg) and averages solid 2.4spg and 61.9% FGP.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was young American guard Kaden Sand (198-G-2001) of Manawatu Jets. Sand impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 27 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as Jets lost that game 78-102 to the higher-ranked Sharks (#1, 6-2). Despite lost game Jets moved up to 10th position in the standings. 6 lost games are too many comparing to just two victories Jets managed to get this year. Sand is one of the most experienced players at Jets and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 24.1ppg (#3). His other stats are also decent: 6.5rpg and 3.9apg.

The third best performed player last round was another Sharks' star - international forward Samuel Timmins (211-F/C-1997). Timmins scored 24 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. He was another key player of Southland Sharks, helping his team with a 82-74 win against the lower-ranked Airs (#6, 3-4). Sharks confirms their top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 6 victories and 2 lost games. Timmins has a great season in New Zealand. After only 7 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 11.4rpg (#1 in league). He also has 2.3bpg and a FGP of 63.8%.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Reuben Te Rangi (198-F/G-1994) of Whai - 31 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Daniel Grida (197-G/F-1998) of Hawks - 16 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Walter Brown (196-F-2003) of Rams - 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Buay Tuach (198-G/F-1995) of Nuggets - 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
8. Brandon Stroud (198-G-2002) of Airs - 21 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Caleb Asberry (191-G-2000) of Sharks - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists
10. Jamal Poplar (204-F/C-1996) of Jets - 26 points and 18 rebounds

The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

The Player of the Week awards are presented by Hoops Agents. Hoops Agents is the most complete website about the agencies and players they represent. With more than twenty years of experience, Hoops Agents is already recognized as the most reliable destination for the players who wish to continue their career in professional basketball and are searching for a reputable and connected representation. Hoops Agents is also most complete source of transactions news.

Tags : RYLAN JONES, SOUTHLAND SHARKS, NEW ZEALAND BASKETBALL,