Riley number one in New Zealand NBL for round 12 (by Hoops Agents)

- June 15, 2026

POSTED BY: Eurobasket News

Zach Riley

Zach Riley

Guard Zach Riley (196-G-2003) put on an amazing game in the last round for top-ranked Auckland Tuatara, receiving a Hoops Agents Player of the Week award for round 12.
The 22-year old player was the main contributor (26 points, seven rebounds and three assists) to his team's victory, helping them to beat Saints (#4, 8-4) 96-88. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. It allowed Tuatara to take over top position in the New Zealand NBL. Tuatara have a solid 11-2 record. Riley turned to be Tuatara's top player in his first season with the team. Zach Riley averages this season 16.9ppg and 6.2rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was young American Isiah Small (202-F-1998) of Manawatu Jets. Small had a very good evening with 23 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Bad luck as Jets was edged by the higher-ranked Whai (#6, 5-7) 96-92. This loss caused Jets to drop to 9th position in the standings. His team is not often considered as one of the league's best with a mere 4-9 record. Small is one of the most experienced players at Jets and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players.

Third on the list of top players last round was forward James Moors (208-F/C-2000) of Taranaki Airs (#8). Moors scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Airs, leading his team to a 85-73 win against slightly higher-ranked Whai (#6, 5-7). The chances of Airs not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 8 games, recording just four victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Moors could try to bring Airs' a little bit higher in the standings. Moors has individually a great season in New Zealand. After only 6 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 11.0rpg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Tai Webster (193-G-1995) of Jets - 37 points and 4 assists
5. Akech Aliir (204-F-2000) of Saints - 22 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
6. Daniel Grida (197-G/F-1998) of Hawks - 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
7. Sean Bairstow (203-G/F-2000) of Tuatara - 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Tamenang Choh (196-F-1998) of Rams - 24 points and 9 rebounds
9. Jordan Ngatai (198-F-1993) of Whai - 25 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Robert Loe (211-F/C-1991) of Tuatara - 18 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists

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 : ZACH RILEY, AUCKLAND TUATARA, NEW ZEALAND BASKETBALL,