The Southland Sharks have confirmed their third American import player for the opening half of the 2025 Sal’s New Zealand National Basketball League season.
Josiah Allick, a Lincoln, Nebraska native, returned home to play with the Nebraska Huskers last season after playing for New Mexico and Missouri-Kansas City during his collegiate career and will now take his first steps as a professional in Southland next month.
Both Nebraska and UMKC posted their highest win totals in the last 30 years with Allick on the roster. During his collegiate career, Allick totalled 1,246 points and 781 rebounds in 136 career games, including 111 career starts.
He played a key role in Nebraska’s return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade and was recognised for his contributions on and off the court, as Nebraska’s Sportsmanship Award nominee in men’s basketball.
Sharks’ Head Coach Jonathan Yim is delighted to be able to bring a quality person and basketball talent like Allick to the Sharks to kick-start their campaign.
“I’m thrilled we’re able to bring Josiah down to Invercargill. He’s someone we’ve had our eye on because of his unique skill set and the intangibles he brings to a team. His versatility, energy, and leadership make him a player who can immediately impact our locker room and on the court. Every time he steps on the floor, he plays with an edge, and that’s something you can’t teach. His motor is nonstop, and his willingness to do the little things—crash the boards, dive for loose balls, battle in the paint—sets him apart.”
“Coming from a top program like Nebraska and playing for a coach I have the utmost respect for in Fred Hoiberg, I know Josiah will be ready to compete and perform at a high level. He’s been in a system that demands excellence and has been coached by someone with NBA experience, which has prepared him for the professional game. He understands what it takes to win and how to be a great teammate, and that’s the kind of player we want in our program. His ability to defend multiple positions, make hustle plays, and provide a spark offensively makes him an incredible player for us.”
“Josiah has a flair and a distinct playing style that fits exactly how we want to play. He’s a jack-of-all-trades, capable of impacting the game in multiple ways, and I believe he’s going to showcase his winning spirit not just to New Zealand but to the world. He’s a one-of-a-kind player who transforms teams with his passion, and I have no doubt he will make his presence felt every time he steps on the court.”
Allick has spent the last year working as a graduate assistant with the Huskers while continuing to train and prepare for his first professional assignment.
He is excited to start his professional career under Coach Yim in Southland and is ready to unlock his full potential as a player with the Sharks.
“I’m excited for my first opportunity to play professional basketball to be for a team that is as supported and professional as the Sharks appear to be," Allick said.
"Coach Jonathan has come off as someone that will be a great mentor for me and my development going forward being someone that has worked in the NBA for many years and understands how to work and carry oneself as a pro. We’ve had great chemistry already in our talks and been able to already really connect even through phone calls."
"My team goals are to never lose a game and be one of the most aggressive teams offensively and defensively. My identity as a player is rooted in my defense but I have worked extensively on my offensive game but have never allowed myself to play with the aggressiveness I know I can be extremely impactful with. So one of my personal goals is to trust myself to do what I’ve always worked on," he said.
Allick has been signed for the first half of the 2025 season, after which he will return to United States, with the Sharks confirming a replacement player will be announced closer to the time.
He is set to arrive in Invercargill on Monday and will join the Sharks for the formal start of their pre-season preparations on Wednesday.
Season tickets to see Allick and his Sharks teammates in action are available now at ILT Stadium Southland reception or online at sharksbasketball.flicket.co.nz.
