Draft:Tony Tolovae

Tony Tolovae (born 29 May 1992) is a Samoan-Australian professional basketball player currently playing for the Inner West Bulls in the NBL1 East league. He has previously played in the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) and the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) with the Sydney Kings. Tolovae has also represented Samoa in international competitions, including the Pacific Games and FIBA Oceania tournaments.

Early life

Tolovae was born in Sydney, New South Wales, to Samoan parents. He began playing basketball at a young age and was part of the Bankstown Bruins' junior program. He later represented New South Wales in under-18 competitions.

Professional career

Tolovae started his professional career with the Otago Nuggets in 2013. He then played for the Canterbury Rams and had stints with the Illawarra Hawks and Taranaki Mountainairs. In the 2016–17 season, he joined the Sydney Kings in the NBL. After returning to New Zealand, he played for the Hawke's Bay Hawks, where he averaged 13.4 points per game. He later captained the Canterbury Rams before moving to Norway to play for Gimle BBK. Since 2023, he has been a key player for the Inner West Bulls in NBL1 East.

China basketball experience

Tolovae has participated in several invitational tournaments in China, including events in Shenzhen, Beijing, and Xi’an, where he competed against CBA development squads and top Asian clubs.

Endorsement with Rigorer Sport

In 2025, Tolovae became an ambassador for the Chinese athletic brand Rigorer Sport, supporting grassroots basketball initiatives and promoting the brand across Oceania.

National team career

Tolovae has represented Samoa at the Pacific Games and FIBA Oceania competitions. He was also selected for a New Zealand invitational squad that toured China in 2019.