The Mike Pero Nelson Giants have made their second signing for the 2022 Sal’s NBL season, bringing back starting shooting guard Tom Ingham. This will be Ingham’s 9th year with the Giants. Ingham also played 3 season for the Otago Nuggets.
Head Coach Michael Fitchett is ecstatic to be bringing Ingham back into the Giants fold for another season.
“Tom has shown great growth and development through the 2020 Showdown and the 2021 NBL season. After playing a lesser role in 2019, Tom has proved he is a legitimate NBL starter, and a player that can be riled on week in week out to put performances on the court.”
Fitchett is also impressed with the off-court work Ingham has put in over the offseason.
“Tom is our fittest player. He has dedicated the offseason to being in the best shape of his career, and he has achieved that. In addition to that, he has shown fantastic leadership to bring other team members up to the level of dedication and sacrifice it takes to make your mark in the NBL. This is a new aspect of his leadership and I love it.”
Ingham is looking forward to another season donning the Giants colours at the Trafalgar Centre and around the country.
“We didn’t achieve what we set out to achieve last year, so that has pushed me to work hard this off-season. I am in fairly good nick at the moment and can’t wait to get into the season. I’ve had a couple of solid years, but I feel like I have another level to get to and I want to make that happen.”
Ingham averaged a 10.9 points per game, 2.5 rebounds per game and 1.6 assists per game during the 2021 NBL season. He started all 16 games and averaged a career high 29 minutes per game. Fitchett can see those numbers increasing.
“It takes some time to get comfortable as a starter in the NBL and I think Tom has reached that point now. He can improve his shooting accuracy – I’d like to see him above 40% from 3, and I think he can increase his playmaking for his teammates too. He has been looking good in this area through the preseason.”
Ingham is known for his contagious energy and enthusiasm on the court, which make him a fan favourite in Nelson.
“I grew up going to Giants games and watching guys like Phill Jones and Josh Pace light it up. I don’t take it for granted that I get the chance to do that now, so I figure I may as well enjoy myself out there and try to get my team and the fans hyped!”.
Ingham has again been sponsored by Southfuels. The support of our Player Sponsors is integral to the Club’s operations, and we thank the team at Southfuels for their continued support of the Giants and Tom.