Teghan Ngatai '23 Recruiting Profile

Hey! I’m Teghan, but the name Teegs has stuck with me throughout my basketball career. I am 5’6 tall and am versatile in the guard positions. I would like to share with you some aspirations in regard to my possible academic and athletic future in the U.S. 

I was born and have grown up in Taranaki, New Zealand (until moving to Mount Maunganui this year to further my high school Basketball exploits) and have Cook Island roots. My love for competitive sports and trying new things has always been my most noticeable attribute. From different versions of Rugby (Touch, Sevens, League) to different versions of Basketball (3X3, 5X5). I am constantly looking to expand my knowledge and skills in sports where I am able to, just so that my competitiveness is eased. My exploits in 3X3 began in 2020 when I was named in the Taranaki Thunder who would compete in the first-ever 3X3 Schick Cup held in Invercargill, New Zealand - I was also the youngest player to compete in this tournament. 

I have represented many clubs (Taranaki Basketball Assoc., Waikato Basketball Assoc., Tauranga Basketball Assoc., Netball Taranaki) in their top teams and have also represented my high schools at the highest level (Premier) since my Freshman Year in top-level Basketball competitions, taking out our local competitions. I was recently named as a New Zealand U18 Junior Tall Fern reserve (set to compete in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Championship) and later made the New Zealand U18 3X3 Junior Tall Ferns team which travelled to Debrecen, Hungary to compete in the FIBA 3X3 U18 Women’s World Cup 2022. Earlier this year I was named to the Waikato U19 Women’s team and assisted in taking out the AON U19 Championship in June 2022. 

I am known widely for my aggression to attack and physicality on defence, this has been drilled into me since I was young. I also have no problem with penetrating the basket to then kick to an open teammate. If I am given the opportunity, I will shoot the ball from any position on the floor and I am able to recognise when to pull up for a midrange shot. 

As hard as I try, high school has never really been my stronghold, having been affected by COVID-19. I have found it has disrupted not only my education but my athletic life as well. However, this year I have tried my hardest to get back on track with being both a student and an athlete. Having always enjoyed the athletic aspect of the student-athlete life, this has led me to the decision of wanting to major in Sports Science.

I am therefore more interested in schools with stronger  - learning help, as well as Sports Science programs, especially in Physiotherapy. I would also of course love to be a part of a robust and competitive women’s basketball team.