The Mike Pero Nelson Giants are pleased to announce the signing of their first import player for the 2022 Sal’s NBL – Trey Mourning. Trey is a versatile big man that can play across both the Centre and Power Forward positions and will be relied on to provide production at the offensive end and leadership at the defensive end.
Giants Head Coach Michael Fitchett is ecstatic with the signing.
“Trey popped onto our radar during the NBA G League season that has just finished. Trey was playing with the Sioux Falls Skyforce and had strung together a number of good games. I took a deeper look at his game, and he has the tools we were looking for. Our depth inside is a little thin this year. Apart from Sam Dempster, our bigs are pretty young and green, so to get a player with Trey’s versatility is fantastic.”
Mourning averaged 5 points and 4 rebounds per game in limited minutes in the G League but is looking forward to making a bigger impact with much more playing time for the Giants.
“I can’t wait to get on the floor with the guys. I didn’t get as many opportunities as I was hoping for in the past G League season, but I know I have more to offer. Coach has let me know that I will have a big role down here and will be relied on to produce, so I’m really looking forward to that opportunity.”
If the Mourning name rings a bell to Giants fans, it is because Trey is the son of NBA Hall of Fame Centre, Alonzo Mourning. Like his father, Trey attended Georgetown University, but is making his own name in the basketball world.
“Obviously it was great to grow up around the NBA and to have my father to lean on for advice and guidance, but I am my own man and my own type of player, so I look forward to showing that off. Our games are a little different, with my father having a huge defence focus and I feel I can offer the Giants a bit more offence.”
Fitchett has also been impressed with Mourning’s maturity and character since they have been connecting about Trey joining the Giants.
“We are super focussed on bringing in high character guys. Our players are heavily involved in the community through the Giants in Schools programme and the other community outreach we take part in. Trey ticks all the character boxes, and I know the people of Nelson will really fall in love with him.”
Mourning arrived in Nelson from Miami this morning (Monday 25th) after 36 hours of travel and will join the team for training from tomorrow. He has been impressed with what he has seen of the city so far.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better day to fly in. The sun was out, lots of people down at the beach. We had a great meal and got to meet a few locals. I know I will enjoy my time here. I can’t wait to get out on the floor on Thursday night!”.
Mourning has been sponsored by Stoke New World. The support of our Player Sponsors is integral to the Club’s operations, and we thank the team at Stoke New World for their support of the Giants and Trey.
The Giants tip off the season against the Otago Nuggets this Thursday at 7:30pm at the Trafalgar Centre. Tickets are available at giants.flicket.co.nz.