Career: Nelson Giants (New Zealand-NBL, 2000-03), Manawatu Jets (New Zealand-NBL, 2003), NZ Breakers (Australia-NBL, 2003-08), Nelson Giants (New Zealand-NBL, 2004-07), Harbour Heat (New Zealand-NBL, 2008)

Vukona made his international debut on the 2005 tour of China after six years as a hustling forward who brought a lot of energy to the court in the NBL. He was voted Outstanding Kiwi Forward in 2005, obviously benefiting from his role as a development player with the NZ Breakers over the previous two seasons. A powerful rebounder and relentless defender, Vukona became a fully contracted player with the Breakers and was voted the franchise’s 2006 Players’ Player of the Year, but has signed with the South Dragons under Australian Boomers coach Brian Goorjian for next summer. He was also instrumental in Nelson’s 2007 NBL championship, compiling “double doubles” in both games of their 2-0 series win over Bay Hawks.