Mika Vukona celebrated as a Giants legend

JACK MALCOLM

Mika Vukona’s #14 jersey was immortalised on Saturday night as it was lifted into Trafalgar Centre’s rafters to be retired.

As one of only three players to receive the honour, emotions were raw as the crowd gave Mika multiple standing ovations as he walked onto the court after the game to watch his number hung in the rafters alongside Phill Jones’ #4 and Nenad Vučinić’s #13. Having played 11 seasons for the Giants between 2004 and 2020, Mika was a crucial part of the team’s culture throughout his over decade-long service.

In attendance were some of New Zealand Basketball’s royalty and former teammates, Tom Abercrombie, Pero Cameron and Dylan Boucher alongside Phill Jones.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more,” said Mika during the ceremony after the game.

“To all (Mike) Fitch and the Giants organisation of past, present,