Christchurch Cougars (2009-present)
The Cougars entered the 2009 competition in place of the Rams. The new Christchurch team recruited well keeping former Rams player Jeremy Kench and recruiting Tall Blacks Point Guard Paul Henare and Swingman Paora Winitana. They imported Australian Tim Behrendorff and American Trenton Wurtz. In their first year in the NBL the Cougars managed to make the semi-finals before losing to the Waikato Pistons. Guard Paul Henare picked up the teams only award for the 2009 season winning the most assists award (with 6.5apg).
The Cougars pulled out of the 2011 NBL season due to mismanagement and the Canterbury earthquake.
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