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15 Facts About Mika Vukona

1.

Mika John Vukona was born on 13 May 1982 and is a Fijian-born New Zealand former professional basketball player who is the general manager of basketball operations for the Tasmania JackJumpers of the Australian National Basketball League.

2.

Mika Vukona was a regular with the Nelson Giants in the New Zealand National Basketball League and was a long-time New Zealand Tall Black.

3.

Mika Vukona was adopted by his birth mother's brother, a Fijian named Clem.

4.

Mika Vukona played rugby until third form at Bethlehem College, when his anti-rugby mother forced him to stop.

5.

Mika Vukona subsequently followed his brother's footsteps and took up basketball.

6.

Mika Vukona went on to become a member of the national under 16,18 and 20 sides.

7.

Mika Vukona played five seasons for the Breakers before joining the South Dragons in 2008.

8.

Mika Vukona played for the Nelson Giants between 2000 and 2002 before playing for the Manawatu Jets in 2003.

9.

Mika Vukona then played for the Giants between 2004 and 2007 before playing for the Harbour Heat in 2008.

10.

Mika Vukona played for the Giants between 2010 and 2015, then with the Super City Rangers in 2016, and then again with the Giants in 2018,2019 and 2020.

11.

In 2020, Mika Vukona played for the Southern Districts Spartans of the Queensland State League.

12.

Mika Vukona retired from international duties in February 2021 after 152 games for the Tall Blacks.

13.

In March 2021, Mika Vukona joined the Tasmania JackJumpers' basketball programme as a consultant.

14.

Mika Vukona was elevated to a full time capacity as general manager of basketball operations on 31 October 2023.

15.

Mika Vukona served as general manager of the Franklin Bulls during the 2023 New Zealand NBL season.