Warrick Siddall sees the Northland Suns as an organisation that walks the talk.
It is what convinced the 2.06m forward/centre to sign with the basketball team this year for their national second division campaign (Conference Basketball League), starting in September.
The 23-year-old has done stints with National Basketball League division one teamsHawkes Bay Hawks in 2010 and played part of this season with the Auckland Pirates. However, two imports playing in his position meant he got limited game time.
His need for a starting spot and his affiliation with Suns player Travis McIlroy saw him make the move north from his Auckland base.
"I met Travis a while back through basketball and he contacted me last year about playing for the Suns. I decided to sign as it was a good opportunity to get out of Auckland and get a change of scenery.
"Plus, the organisation has done everything they have said they would, which is far more than what most organisations do," Siddall said.
Siddall adds height to the team, along with experience and leadership qualities, as the Suns try to establish themselves nationally in what will be their second season back playing after a 12-year hiatus.
Although Siddall has only trained briefly with the team in the pre-season, he is no stranger to most of the Suns players, his new teammate McIlroy said.
"He's played a couple of Super 6 games up here, and he trained with Corey Poa at the New Zealand Breakers Academy - our new import Niasi Malua was also training at the Pirates with him before coming up here. We have brought him in to win games for us - his addition will make the organisation a lot stronger," McIlroy said.
And from what little Siddall had seen of the team in action at recent practices, he said he had already picked up good vibes.
"It's hard to say at the moment what the team will be like ... but they have good systems in place and there are a good bunch of guys - young guys who are athletic and keen, whose willingness to win means something in the end."
The Suns' chances in the CBL looked strong, with their size, intentions and work ethics working in their favour, he added.
Siddall is shifting to Whangarei next week, and is looking forward to joining the Suns in their build up to the CBL, with pre-season games next month and in August.
