Collegiate product joins Bullets

The Brisbane Bullets have signed Taine Murray on a two-year deal. 

Murray, a former New Zealand Breaker joins the Bullets' roster in NBL26 after spending a four-year tenure at the University of Virginia. 

The New Zealand-born guard played for the Breakers in 2020-21, before taking a chance and entering the college basketball system in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). 

His standout junior career included a 49-point game in high school and MVP honours at the Nike All Asia Camp in 2019.

Murray has represented the New Zealand national team, playing for the Tall Blacks in 2021 for a FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier against Australia. The now 22-year-old played against NBA players Dyson Daniels and Taran Armstrong, where he scored 14 points. 

“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity with the Bullets,” Murray said. 

“Brisbane’s vision for the future really stood out to me – it’s a club that’s building something strong and competitive.

“I’m ready to embrace the challenge, keep developing my game, and contribute in any way I can to help this team win.”

Newly-appointed head coach, Stu Lash, spoke on Murray's potential in NBL26. 

“Taine’s body of work at one of the best college programs in the U.S. speaks volumes,” Lash said. 

“He’s a high-IQ player, a knockdown shooter, and someone who puts in the work on both ends of the floor.

“But more than that, he’s a great person and a team-first competitor. Our fans will love the energy and skillset he brings."

Murray is the first off-season player signing for the Bullets, and will join James Batemon, Tyrell Harrison, Sam McDaniel, Mitch Norton, Casey Prather and Tohi Smith-Milner as contracted NBL26 players.