Development Players locked in for NBL25

Adelaide 36ers are excited to announce the signings of Keanu Rasmussen, Patrick D’Arcy and Fiston Ipassou as Development Players for the NBL25 season.

Rasmussen and Ipassou return as Development Players for a second season, while D’Arcy will join the NBL ranks for the first time.

Head coach Scott Ninnis said re-signing Rasmussen was a key after the 188cm guard had a breakout 2024 NZNBL campaign for Hawkes Bay.

“Keanu has improved out of sight during the off-season and we are delighted he is returning for NBL25,” Ninnis said.

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After spending NBL24 as a Development Player at the 36ers, Rasmussen was nominated for the 2024 NZNBL Youth Player of the Year, averaging 18.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game for the Hawks during 2024.

Ninnis said D’Arcy and Ipassou impressed at the recent Development Player two-day camp held at St Clair Recreation Centre.

“D’Arcy is a young, promising talent and Fiston has shown growth since returning from college,” Ninnis said.

D’Arcy joins the 36ers after being part of the Australian Emus under-19 team which won gold at this year’s Albert Schweitzer Tournament.

The 18-year-old spent 2024 NBL1 Central season with junior club Sturt Sabres, averaging 4.6 points and 1.6 rebounds per game playing behind NBL25 signing Jacob Rigoni.

Ipassou spent 2023-24 at Northern Kentucky University, rejoining Forestville Eagles in the NBL1 Central competition during 2024.

The 21-year-old guard, who was a Development Player fat the 36ers during the NBL23 season, has averaged 8.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per night for the Eagles.

All three Development Players will be on court when pre-season training begins on Thursday.