The Otago Nuggets are thrilled to announce that Joshua Aitcheson has re-signed with the team for the 2025 Sal’s New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) season. 

Aitcheson has previously played with the Nuggets across six seasons, having first signed with the team in 2019.  Over his career to date with the Nuggets, Aitcheson has played 92 games, with highlights including a career-high of 22 points in a game against the Huskies in 2020, 10 rebounds in a game against the Huskies in 2020, and 6 assists in a game against the Taranaki Airs in 2020. In the 2020 season – where the Nuggets would go on to win the 2020 NBL Showdown - he averaged 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.  Aitcheson was also named in the Rapid League All Star Five team in 2024. 

This season, Aitcheson - along with teammates Darcy Knox and Matthew Bardsley, who have already been announced as also re-signing with the Nuggets for the 2025 season – is closing in on the milestone of 100 games for the Nuggets.  Aitcheson has already played 100 NZNBL games overall - including stints with Southland (2 games) and Canterbury (6 games) - but this achievement will see him become one of just five Nuggets to have played 100 games for the club. 

Aitcheson expressed his excitement about re-signing with the Nuggets for another season. 

“I'm stoked to continue my journey with the Nuggets into 2025,” Aitcheson said.  “This team is like family to me, and I'm looking forward to what we can achieve together this season." 

"I love Josh's versatility and aggression, and he will help establish how this group will play,” Nuggets head coach, Mike Kelly, added.  “His experience and leadership on and off the court are crucial for our success this season.” 

The Nuggets will kick off their 2025 season on March 14, with a home game against their South Island rivals – the Southland Sharks - at the Edgar Centre. 

Don’t miss a moment of the action this 2025 Sal’s NBL season, by signing up for an Otago Nuggets Membership, here.