Ethan Rusbatch

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Ethan Rusbatch

| image =

| caption =

| position = Shooting guard / small forward

| height_cm = 196

| weight_kg = 97

| league = NZNBL

| team = Franklin Bulls

| number = 12

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1992|5|24}}

| birth_place = Christchurch, New Zealand

| high_school = Cashmere
(Christchurch, New Zealand)

| college = Lincoln Trail CC (2010–2011)

| career_start = 2012

| career_end =

| years1 = 2012

| team1 = Southland Sharks

| years2 = 2013

| team2 = Taranaki Mountainairs

| years3 = 2014–2017

| team3 = Canterbury Rams

| years4 = 2016–2017

| team4 = New Zealand Breakers

| years5 = 2018–2019

| team5 = Hawke's Bay Hawks

| years6 = 2019–2020

| team6 = New Zealand Breakers

| years7 = 2021–2023

| team7 = Hawke's Bay Hawks

| years8 = 2023

| team8 = Converge FiberXers

| years9 = 2024–present

| team9 = Franklin Bulls

| years10 = 2024–2025

| team10 = Tampereen Pyrintö

| highlights =

NZNBL Most Improved Player (2019)

| medaltemplates =

{{MedalCountry | {{NZL}} }}

}}

Ethan Stuart Marsters Rusbatch{{cite web |title=Ethan Stuart Marsters Rusbatch (New Zealand) - Basketball Stats, Height, Age |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/en/players/181208-ethan-stuart-marsters-rusbatch |website=FIBA Basketball |access-date=25 February 2025}} (born 24 May 1992) is a New Zealand basketball player for the Franklin Bulls of the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL). He began his New Zealand NBL career in 2012 with the Southland Sharks after spending one season in the United States playing college basketball for Lincoln Trail College. After playing for the Taranaki Mountainairs in 2013, he spent the next four seasons with the Canterbury Rams. He joined the Hawke's Bay Hawks in 2018 and won the NZNBL's Most Improved Player in 2019. He also played two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian NBL.

Early life

Rusbatch was born in the Canterbury city of Christchurch,{{cite web | last=van Royen | first=Robert | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/91500086/plenty-on-the-line-for-canterbury-rams-guard-ethan-rusbatch-in-nbl | title=Plenty on the line for Canterbury Rams guard Ethan Rusbatch in NBL | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=12 April 2017 | access-date=13 April 2017}} and grew up in Twizel. He began playing basketball at a young age thanks to family influence from his mother, aunt and uncle. His uncle is Kenny Perkins, an American who played in the New Zealand NBL for the Canterbury Rams during the 1980s. Rusbatch grew up idolising his uncle and dreamed of playing for the Rams himself.{{cite web | url=http://www.maifm.co.nz/Ethan-Rusbatch---Canterbury-Rams-Basketballer/tabid/468/articleID/9247/Default.aspx | title=Ethan Rusbatch - Canterbury Rams Basketballer | work=maifm.com | date=3 April 2014 | access-date=18 May 2016}}

Rusbatch did not receive many opportunities with basketball until he and his family moved to Wellington. He began attending regular camps and after-school basketball programs alongside players such as Brook Ruscoe and Dion Prewster. He lived in Wellington for three years before moving to Christchurch as a 10-year-old. There, Rusbatch trialled for the Canterbury under 12 team and was successful, going on to represent Canterbury in all age groups.

Junior and representative career

Rusbatch attended Cashmere High School and played for the school's basketball team every year he was there (2005–2009).{{cite web | url=http://www.schoolground.co.nz/chsboysbball/104775/ | title=Cashmere High School Boys Basketball | work=SchoolGround.co.nz | access-date=18 May 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603054316/http://www.schoolground.co.nz/chsboysbball/104775/ | archive-date=3 June 2016 | url-status=dead }} In 2008, Rusbatch played for the Canterbury under 17 team, made the Under 17 National Championships all-tournament team,{{cite web | url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/Portals/26/Results%20Archive/2008%20Tournament%20Results.pdf | title=2008 Results Annual | work=Basketball.org.nz | access-date=18 May 2016 | page=8}} and represented New Zealand for the first time with the under 17 squad.

In January 2009, Rusbatch captained the New Zealand under 18 team to a bronze medal at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival.{{cite web | url=http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=0-2831-0-0-0&sID=58587&articleID=8722838&news_task=DETAIL | title=U18 and U21 National teams named | work=FoxSportsPulse.com | date=25 March 2009 | access-date=18 May 2016}} He went on to captain the same squad in Spain at the Vilagarcía Basket Cup in April 2009,{{cite web | url=http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/basketball/51062/baskeball-nz-overwhelmed-under-18-opener | title=Baskeball [sic]: NZ overwhelmed in under-18 opener | work=ODT.co.nz | date=10 April 2009 | access-date=18 May 2016}} a tournament they finished last in.{{cite web | last=Garrido | first=Antonio | url=http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/deportes/2009/04/13/0003_7648630.htm | title=La selección de Francia gana la Vilagarcía Basket Cup | work=lavozdegalicia.es | date=13 April 2009 | access-date=18 May 2016 | language=es}} Later that year, he helped the Canterbury under 19 team win the Under 19 National Championships with a 79–69 win over Waitakere City in the final, a game Rusbatch top scored in with 20 points.{{cite web | url=http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=0-2831-0-0-0&sID=154964&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=10460274 | title=BWC Under 19 Boys Representative Team 2009 | work=FoxSportsPulse.com | access-date=18 May 2016}} He subsequently earned all-tournament team honours.{{cite web | url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/Portals/26/Results%20Archive/2009%20Results%20Annual%20incomplete%203Mar2010%20FINAL.pdf | title=2009 Results Annual | work=Basketball.org.nz | access-date=18 May 2016 | page=7 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604032150/http://www.basketball.org.nz/Portals/26/Results%20Archive/2009%20Results%20Annual%20incomplete%203Mar2010%20FINAL.pdf | archive-date=4 June 2016 | url-status=dead }} He again earned all-tournament team honours for his efforts during the 2010 Under 19 National Championships.{{cite web | url=http://www.sportingpulse.com/get_file.cgi?id=1142306 | title=2010 Results Annual | work=SportingPulse.com | access-date=18 May 2016 | page=10}}

In July 2010, Rusbatch competed in the five-day Conference Basketball League tournament in Porirua for the Junior Tall Blacks.{{cite web |url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/_r/uploads/2010/07/2010-conference-basketball-league-programme-as-at-25-jul-10.pdf |title=2010 Conference Basketball League |work=Basketball.org.nz |access-date=18 May 2016 |page=6 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150126011833/http://www.basketball.org.nz/_r/uploads/2010/07/2010-conference-basketball-league-programme-as-at-25-jul-10.pdf |archive-date=26 January 2015}} A few months later, he ventured to the United States to attend Lincoln Trail College. There he played for the school's basketball team, the Statesmen,{{cite web | last=Brown | first=Josh | url=http://robdailynews.com/print.asp?ArticleID=8321&SectionID=8&SubSectionID=152 | title=Statesmen edge John A. Logan, 59-55 | work=RobDailyNews.com | date=18 February 2011 | access-date=18 May 2016}} and during the 2010–11 season, he averaged 3.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 28 games.{{cite web | url=http://www.njcaa.org/sports/mbkb/2010-11/div1/teams/LincolnTrailCollege/players/EthanRusbatch.html | title=2010–11 NJCAA Stats – Ethan Rusbatch | work=NJCAA.org | access-date=18 May 2016}} Upon his return to New Zealand, Rusbatch joined the Canterbury under 21 team for the 2011 Under 21 National Championships. Behind a 17-point effort, he helped Canterbury win the tournament with a 75–65 win over Porirua in the final.{{cite web | url=http://www.sportingpulse.com/get_file.cgi?id=1347495 | title=BBNZ Community Newsletter May 2011 | work=SportingPulse.com | access-date=18 May 2016 | page=5}} He subsequently earned all-tournament team honours and was named tournament MVP.{{cite web | url=http://www.sportingpulse.com/get_file.cgi?id=1624251 | title=2011 Results Annual | work=SportingPulse.com | access-date=18 May 2016 | page=8}} At the 2012 Under 21 National Championships, Rusbatch earned all-tournament team honours for the fifth straight year.{{cite web | url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=1uW_6ZguBAA%3D&portalid=26 | title=2012 Results Annual | work=Basketball.org.nz | access-date=18 May 2016 | page=8 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126172102/http://www.basketball.org.nz/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=1uW_6ZguBAA%3D&portalid=26 | archive-date=26 January 2016}} In August 2014, he played for Canterbury Metro at the Under 23 National Championships. He subsequently earned all-tournament team honours for a sixth time.{{cite web | url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=MwwOQp_KINA%3D&portalid=26 | title=2014 Results Annual | work=Basketball.org.nz | access-date=18 May 2016 | page=8}}

Professional career

=New Zealand NBL=

==Southland Sharks (2012)==

With high school over and his college stint lasting just one year, a number of NZNBL teams were keen to acquire Rusbatch's services. He joined the Southland Sharks in April 2012, and in four games, he averaged 5.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.{{cite web | url=http://www.foxsportspulse.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=194961545&client=11-8336-151868-402361-25074081 | title=Player statistics for Ethan Rusbatch | work=FoxSportsPulse.com | access-date=18 May 2016}} His best performance came on 10 May against the Auckland Pirates, recording 14 points and six rebounds in a 107–89 loss.{{cite web | last=Egan | first=Brendon | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/6900476/Auckland-Pirates-too-sharp-for-Southland-Sharks | title=Auckland Pirates too sharp for Southland Sharks | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=10 May 2012 | access-date=18 May 2016}}

==Taranaki Mountainairs (2013)==

In February 2013, Rusbatch signed with the Taranaki Mountainairs for the 2013 New Zealand NBL season.{{cite web | last=Hills | first=Murray | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/8342075/Two-more-sign-for-Mountain-Airs | title=Two more sign for Mountain Airs | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=23 February 2013 | access-date=18 May 2016}} He scored in double figures five times, including a 24-point, 12-rebound performance in the team's season finale on 6 July against the Otago Nuggets, a game the Mountainairs lost 145–137 in quadruple overtime.{{cite web | last=Smart | first=Sharyn | url=http://nzhoops.co.nz/quadruple-overtime/ | title=Quadruple Overtime! | work=NZhoops.co.nz | date=6 July 2013 | access-date=18 May 2016 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128111126/http://nzhoops.co.nz/quadruple-overtime/ | archive-date=28 January 2016 }} The Mountainairs missed the playoffs in 2013 with a 5–11 record and a sixth-place finish. Rusbatch appeared in all 16 games for Taranaki, averaging 9.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.

==Canterbury Rams (2014–2017)==

===2014 season===

In 2014, the Canterbury Rams returned to the NZNBL for the first time since 2008. Rusbatch joined the Rams for their return season.{{cite web | last=Egan | first=Brendon | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/9461579/Harrison-targets-defence-as-key-for-new-Rams | title=Harrison targets defence as key for new Rams | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=30 November 2013 | access-date=18 May 2016}} On 20 June, he scored a season-high 20 points in a 108–83 loss to the Southland Sharks.{{cite web | last=Chalmers | first=Steve | url=http://pickandroll.com.au/nznbl-2014-round-12-dickel-triple-doubles-final-four-set/ | title=NZNBL 2014 Round 12: Dickel Triple Doubles while Final Four are set | work=PickAndRoll.com.au | date=24 June 2014 | access-date=18 May 2016}} In the Rams' season finale on 28 June, Rusbatch had 19 points and 10 rebounds in a 90–87 win over the Sharks.{{cite web | last=Chalmers | first=Steve | url=http://pickandroll.com.au/nznbl-2014-round-13-saints-lose-momentum-heading-final-four/ | title=NZNBL 2014 Round 13: Sharks lose momentum heading into Final Four | work=PickAndRoll.com.au | date=1 July 2014 | access-date=18 May 2016}} The Rams missed the playoffs in 2014 with a 6–12 record and a ninth-place finish. Rusbatch appeared in all 18 games for Canterbury, averaging 9.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.

===2015 season===

In December 2014, Rusbatch re-signed with the Rams for the 2015 season. He was subsequently named co-captain of the team alongside Marques Whippy.{{cite web | last=Egan | first=Brendon | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/63833129/canterbury-rams-resign-kench-and-rusbatch-for-nbl | title=Canterbury Rams re-sign Kench and Rusbatch for NBL | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=5 December 2014 | access-date=18 May 2016}} He had a breakout season for the Rams in 2015, which led to his coach Mark Dickel calling for him to receive a Tall Blacks trial. Granted more of an offensive license by Dickel in 2015, Rusbatch flourished and was dubbed the most improved New Zealand player in the league, along with Manawatu's Brook Ruscoe. Rusbatch twice scored 27 points during the season, a career high.{{cite web | last=Egan | first=Brendon | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/69491209/Canterbury-Rams-swingman-Ethan-Rusbatch-deserves-Tall-Blacks-basketball-trial | title=Canterbury Rams swingman Ethan Rusbatch deserves Tall Blacks basketball trial | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=19 June 2015 | access-date=18 May 2016}} The Rams missed the playoffs in 2015 with a 9–9 record and a fifth-place finish. He appeared in all 18 games for the Rams, averaging 14.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Following the 2015 season, Rusbatch gave up his furniture moving job to focus on basketball full time.{{cite web | last=Egan | first=Brendon | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/80113008/furniture-mover-to-tall-blacks-for-canterburys-ethan-rusbatch | title=Furniture mover to Tall Blacks for Canterbury's Ethan Rusbatch | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=18 May 2016 | access-date=18 May 2016}} Over the off-season, he had daily workouts with coach Mark Dickel and put up 1,000 shots per day.{{cite web | last=Egan | first=Brendon | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/77699861/Canterbury-Ram-Ethan-Rusbatch-dreams-of-breaking-into-the-Australian-NBL | title=Canterbury Ram Ethan Rusbatch dreams of breaking into the Australian NBL | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=9 March 2016 | access-date=18 May 2016}}

===2016 season===

Rusbatch returned to the Rams for the 2016 season with the goal being to attain an Australian NBL contract. On 28 March, he scored a career-high 30 points on 12-of-24 shooting in a 99–96 overtime win over the Hawke's Bay Hawks.{{cite web | last=Knowler | first=Richard | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/78315183/rams-pluck-hawks-in-nbl-thriller | title=Ethan Rusbatch sizzles in Rams' overtime victory | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=28 March 2016 | access-date=18 May 2016}} He helped the Rams win the minor premiership with a first-place finish and a 13–5 record, but they went on to lose 104–85 to the fourth-seeded Super City Rangers, with Rusbatch having a season-worst performance of four points on 1-of-16 shooting.{{cite web | last=Egan | first=Brendon | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/80720948/canterbury-rams-coach-rules-out-semifinal-nerves-after-nbl-exit | title=Canterbury Rams coach rules out semi-final nerves after NBL exit | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=3 June 2016 | access-date=3 June 2016}}{{cite web | url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/NZN/295868/ | title=Rams vs Rangers | work=FIBALiveStats.com | date=3 June 2016 | access-date=3 June 2016}} He appeared in all 19 games for the Rams, averaging 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

===2017 season===

On 17 October 2016, Rusbatch re-signed with the Rams for the 2017 season.{{cite web | last=van Royen | first=Robert | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/85422164/canterbury-rams-lock-in-core-of-squad-for-next-years-national-basketball-league | title=Canterbury Rams lock in core of squad for next year's National Basketball League | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=17 October 2016 | access-date=21 October 2016}} He missed the first two games of the season with a sprained ankle.{{cite web | last=van Royen | first=Robert | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/90524183/canterbury-cocaptain-ethan-rusbatch-ruled-out-of-seasonopening-road-trip | title=Canterbury co-captain Ethan Rusbatch ruled out of season-opening road trip | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=17 March 2017 | access-date=17 March 2017}} On 25 April, he scored a season-high 20 points in a 106–89 win over the Hawke's Bay Hawks.{{cite web | url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11844852 | title=Basketball: Wellington Saints move to 10-0 in NBL | work=NZHerald.co.nz | date=25 April 2017 | access-date=25 April 2017}} On 3 June, he matched his season high with 20 points against the Taranaki Mountainairs.{{cite web | url=http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=194961545&client=11-8336-151868-447731-25940030 | title=Player statistics for Ethan Rusbatch | work=SportsTG.com | date=31 October 2017}} The Rams finished the regular season in fourth place with a 10–8 record,{{cite web | last=Egan | first=Brendon | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/93669799/canterbury-rams-heavy-underdogs-for-nbl-semifinal-against-unbeaten-saints | title=Canterbury Rams heavy underdogs for NBL semi-final against unbeaten Saints | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=15 June 2017 | access-date=15 June 2017}} and lost in the semi-finals to the Wellington Saints. In 17 games, Rusbatch averaged 12.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

On 31 October 2017, Rusbatch parted ways with the Rams.{{cite web | last=Egan | first=Brendon | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/98403873/canterbury-rams-cocaptain-ethan-rusbatch-not-returning-in-2018 | title=Canterbury Rams co-captain Ethan Rusbatch not returning in 2018 | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=31 October 2017 | access-date=31 October 2017}}

==Hawke's Bay Hawks (2018–2019; 2021–2023)==

===2018 season===

On 18 January 2018, Rusbatch signed with the Hawke's Bay Hawks for the 2018 New Zealand NBL season.{{cite web | author=NZhoops | url=https://twitter.com/NZ_hoops/status/953799248096649216 | title=Ethan Rusbatch will be joining the Bay... | work=Twitter | date=18 January 2018 | access-date=25 January 2018}}{{cite web | last=Singh | first=Anendra | url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11977458 | title=Basketball: Ethan Rusbatch switches allegiances to Hawks in the NBL | work=nzherald.co.nz | date=19 January 2018 | access-date=25 January 2018}} On 1 June, he had a season-best game with 22 points and nine assists in a 91–76 win over the Rams in Christchurch.{{cite web | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/104381817/sharks-move-up-hawks-closes-in-on-rams-in-national-basketball-league | title=Sharks move up, Hawks close in on Rams in National Basketball League | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=1 June 2018 | access-date=1 June 2018}} He subsequently earned Player of the Week honours for round six.{{cite web|url=http://www.nznbl.basketball/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2018-National-Basketball-League-Media-Guide-Round-Seven.pdf|title=2018 National Basketball League Media Guide Round Seven|work=nznbl.basketball|access-date=8 June 2018}} On 7 July, he scored a season-high 23 points in a 113–86 win over the Super City Rangers.{{cite web | url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/hawks-move-ahead-of-the-rams-to-fourth/ | title=HAWKS MOVE AHEAD OF THE RAMS TO FOURTH | work=nznbl.basketball | date=8 July 2018 | access-date=27 October 2018}} On 27 July, he had a second 23-point effort in an 85–76 win over the Rams.{{cite web | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/105752794/Ethan-Rusbatch-shines-as-Bay-Hawks-topple-Canterbury-Rams | title=Ethan Rusbatch shines as Bay Hawks topple Canterbury Rams | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=27 July 2018 | access-date=27 October 2018}} The Hawks finished the regular season in fourth place with a 12–6 record before losing 99–73 to the Wellington Saints in the semi-finals. Rusbatch appeared in all 19 games for the Hawks in 2018, averaging 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.{{cite web | url=http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=194961545&client=11-8336-114263-486261-26179687 | title=Player statistics for Ethan Rusbatch – 2018 | work=SportsTG.com | access-date=27 October 2018 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027061735/http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=194961545&client=11-8336-114263-486261-26179687 | archive-date=27 October 2018}}

===2019 season===

In October 2018, Rusbatch re-signed with the Hawks for the 2019 season.{{cite web | last=Singh | first=Anendra | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12148543 | title=Basketball: Hawke's Bay franchise extend Zico Coronel's tenure as coach for another year | work=nzherald.co.nz | date=25 October 2018 | access-date=27 October 2018}} On 13 April 2019, he scored a career-high 34 points in a 98–86 win over the Rangers.{{cite web | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/112023345/ethan-rusbatch-soars-as-bay-hawks-roll-past-supercity-rangers-in-nbl | title=Ethan Rusbatch soars as Bay Hawks roll past Supercity Rangers in NBL | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=13 April 2019 | access-date=13 April 2019}}{{cite web | url=https://www.fibalivestats.com/u/NZN/1108639/bs.html | title=Hawks vs Rangers | work=FIBALiveStats.com | date=13 April 2019 | access-date=13 April 2019}}{{cite web | author=NZhoops | url=https://twitter.com/NZ_hoops/status/1116986509872128000 | title=A career-high 34 points from Ethan... | work=Twitter | date=13 April 2019 | access-date=14 April 2019}} He was subsequently named Player of the Week for round one.{{cite web|url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/sals-nbl-player-of-the-week-round-1/|title=SAL'S NBL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: ROUND 1|work=nznbl.basketball|date=15 April 2019|access-date=15 April 2019}} On 21 April, he scored 33 points in a 105–95 win over the Southern Huskies.{{cite web | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/112182855/southern-huskies-beaten-again-to-end-national-basketball-league-week-two | title=Southern Huskies beaten again to end their first National Basketball League weekend | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=21 April 2019 | access-date=22 April 2019}}{{cite web | url=https://www.fibalivestats.com/u/NZN/1108646/bs.html | title=Hawks vs Huskies | work=FIBALiveStats.com | date=21 April 2019 | access-date=22 April 2019}} Rusbatch impressed over the first four games of the season, leading the league in scoring at 26.5 points per game and hitting 22-of-38 from 3-point range—11 more than the next best.{{cite web | last=Egan | first=Brendon | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/112356960/nbl-tall-blacks-hopeful-ethan-rusbatch-pushing-world-cup-case | title=NBL: Tall Blacks hopeful Ethan Rusbatch pushing World Cup case | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=1 May 2019 | access-date=1 May 2019}} On 25 May, he scored 35 points in a 117–107 win over the Rangers.{{cite web | url=https://www.fibalivestats.com/u/NZN/1108669/bs.html | title=Rangers vs Hawks | work=FIBALiveStats.com | date=25 May 2019 | access-date=25 May 2019}}{{cite web | last=Singh | first=Anendra | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12234392 | title=Basketball: Hawks beat Supercity Rangers but the numbers don't really make much sense | work=nzherald.co.nz | date=25 May 2019 | access-date=26 May 2019}} The Hawks finished the regular season in second place with a 14–4 record. In the Hawks' semi-final against the Rams, Rusbatch scored 20 points in a 74–68 win.{{cite web | url=https://www.fibalivestats.com/u/NZN/1304006/bs.html | title=Rams vs Hawks | work=FIBALiveStats.com | date=20 July 2019 | access-date=20 July 2019}} In the grand final, Rusbatch scored 18 points in a 78–68 loss to the Saints.{{cite web | url=https://www.fibalivestats.com/u/NZN/1304007/bs.html | title=Saints vs Hawks | work=FIBALiveStats.com | date=21 July 2019 | access-date=21 July 2019}}{{cite web | url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/saints-come-from-behind-to-finish-2019-undefeated/ | title=SAINTS COME FROM BEHIND TO FINISH 2019 UNDEFEATED | work=nznbl.basketball | date=21 July 2019 | access-date=21 July 2019}} For the season, Rusbatch was named the NZNBL's Most Improved Player.{{cite web | url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/seasons-best-celebrated-at-annual-awards/ | title=SEASON'S BEST CELEBRATED AT ANNUAL AWARDS | work=nznbl.basketball | date=19 July 2019 | access-date=21 July 2019 | archive-date=19 July 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719120439/https://www.nznbl.basketball/seasons-best-celebrated-at-annual-awards/ | url-status=dead }} In 19 games, he averaged 20.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.{{cite web | url=https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Ethan-Rusbatch/Summary/40243 | title=Ethan Rusbatch | work=RealGM.com | access-date=24 December 2024}}

===2021 season===

Rusbatch was set to re-join the Hawks in 2020,{{cite web | url=https://www.facebook.com/NZBayHawks/photos/a.698321923552083/3101908466526738/?type=3&theater | title=Ethan Rusbatch and Derone Raukawa are our two... | work=facebook.com/NZBayHawks | date=22 January 2020 | access-date=21 February 2020}} but the team did not enter the modified, COVID-affected season.{{cite web|url=https://hawks.org.nz/taylor-hawks-will-not-enter-the-modified-2020-sals-nbl-competition/ |title=Taylor Hawks will not enter the modified 2020 Sal's NBL Competition |work=hawks.org.nz |date=16 May 2020 |access-date=16 May 2020}}

In February 2021, Rusbatch recommitted to the Hawks for the 2021 season.{{cite web | url=https://www.facebook.com/NZBayHawks/posts/4209320422452198 | title=Another crowd favourite, our one and only Ethan Rusbatch will be landing soon... | work=facebook.com/NZBayHawks | date=28 February 2021 | access-date=28 February 2021}} On 20 May, he scored a game-high 33 points in a 90–87 win over the Taranaki Mountainairs.{{cite web|url=https://men.nznbl.basketball/hawks-narrowly-swoop-by-airs/|title=HAWKS NARROWLY SWOOP BY AIRS|work=nznbl.basketball|date=20 May 2021|accessdate=20 May 2021}} On 12 June, he scored 36 points in a 103–73 win over the Otago Nuggets.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/300331549/ethan-rusbatch-stars-as-bay-hawks-hammer-otago-nuggets-in-nz-nbl|title=Ethan Rusbatch stars as Bay Hawks hammer Otago Nuggets in NZ NBL|work=stuff.co.nz|date=12 June 2021|accessdate=27 December 2021}} He helped the Hawks return to the NBL final, where they lost 77–75 to the Wellington Saints.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/125848304/wellington-saints-continue-nbl-dominance-with-grand-final-win-over-hawkes-bay-hawks|title=Wellington Saints continue NBL dominance with grand final win over Hawke's Bay Hawks|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=23 July 2021|access-date=23 July 2021}} In 19 games, he averaged 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

===2022 season===

In December 2021, Rusbatch re-signed with the Hawks for the 2022 season.{{cite web | url=https://hawks.org.nz/inspirational-sharp-shoot-rusbatch-returns-to-the-hawks-nest-in-2022/ | title=Inspirational sharp shoot Rusbatch returns to the Hawks Nest in 2022 | work=hawks.org.nz | date=14 December 2021 | access-date=5 January 2022}}{{cite web | last=Laing | first=Doug | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/rusbatch-back-to-chase-nbl-no1-with-the-hawkes-bay-hawks/S5LV7ZK7OW4BNNDTOWPNWYJRZ4/ | title=Rusbatch back to chase NBL No.1 with the Hawke's Bay Hawks | work=nzherald.co.nz | date=14 December 2021 | access-date=27 December 2021}} On 12 May, he scored a game-high 30 points in an 87–68 win over the Southland Sharks.{{cite web|url=https://men.nznbl.basketball/game-recap-hawks-down-sharks-in-invercargill/|title=GAME RECAP: HAWKS DOWN SHARKS IN INVERCARGILL|work=nznbl.basketball|date=12 May 2022|access-date=12 May 2022}} The Hawks finished the season in sixth place with a 10–8 record{{cite web|last=Nelson|first=Justin|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/129527092/taranaki-airs-are-tops-for-now-but-the-race-to-nbl-glory-is-wide-open|title=Taranaki Airs are tops for now but the race to NBL glory is wide open|work=stuff.co.nz|date=9 August 2022|access-date=10 August 2022}} and lost to the Otago Nuggets 91–80 in the play-in game despite a team-high 29 points from Rusbatch.{{cite web|url=https://men.nznbl.basketball/nuggets-beat-hawks-in-playoffs-opener-to-face-giants-in-semis/|title=NUGGETS BEAT HAWKS IN PLAYOFFS OPENER; TO FACE GIANTS IN SEMIS|work=nznbl.basketball|date=10 August 2022|access-date=10 August 2022}} In 18 games, he averaged 17.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

===2023 season===

In March 2023, Rusbatch re-signed with the Hawks for the 2023 season.{{cite web | url=https://hawks.org.nz/rasbatch-is-back/ | title=Rasbatch is BACK! | work=hawks.org.nz | date=8 March 2023 | access-date=8 March 2023}} In the season opener on 6 April, he scored a game-high 29 points in an 84–79 overtime win over the Franklin Bulls. He hit the game-tying 3-pointer to send the game into overtime.{{cite web | last=Laing | first=Doug | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/rusbatch-to-the-rescue-as-hawks-nail-nbl-opener/TJQIDM7MTBGR5FFJX77YP5R64Y/ | title=Rusbatch to the rescue as Hawks nail NBL opener | work=nzherald.co.nz | date=7 April 2023 | access-date=7 April 2023}} In 17 games, he averaged 14.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.

==Franklin Bulls (2024–present)==

In December 2023, Rusbatch signed with the Franklin Bulls for the 2024 season.{{cite web | url=https://www.bullsbasketball.nz/post/rusbatch-heads-north-signs-with-bulls | title=Rusbatch heads north; signs with Bulls | work=bullsbasketball.nz | date=18 December 2023 | access-date=18 December 2023}} He served as team captain in 2024.{{cite web | url=https://www.bullsbasketball.nz/post/rusbatch-returns-for-season-2025 | title=Rusbatch Returns for Season 2025! | work=bullsbasketball.nz | date=24 December 2024 | access-date=24 December 2024}} In 18 games, he averaged 13.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

In December 2024, Rusbatch re-signed with the Bulls for the 2025 season.

=Australian NBL=

In January 2016, Rusbatch spent 10 days working out with the Adelaide 36ers of the Australian National Basketball League.

On 24 August 2016, Rusbatch signed with the New Zealand Breakers as a development player for the 2016–17 NBL season.{{cite web | url=http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/news/development-squad-confirmed/ | title=DEVELOPMENT SQUAD CONFIRMED | work=NZBreakers.co.nz | date=24 August 2016 | access-date=24 August 2016 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827054534/http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/news/development-squad-confirmed/ | archive-date=27 August 2016}}{{cite web | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/83531246/ethan-rusbatch-derone-raukawa-handed-breakers-dunit-chance | title=Ethan Rusbatch, Derone Raukawa handed Breakers 'D-Unit' chance | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=24 August 2016 | access-date=24 August 2016}} He appeared in three games during the regular season.{{cite web | url=http://nbl.com.au/player/ethan-rusbatch | title=Ethan Rusbatch | work=NBL.com.au | access-date=28 July 2019}} He was too old for a development player spot in 2017–18 and wasn't re-signed by the Breakers.

On 19 September 2019, Rusbatch signed a full-time contract with the Breakers, returning to the club for a second stint.{{cite web | url=https://www.nzbreakers.basketball/news/article/ethan-rusbatch-joins-breakers-roster-following-abercrombie-injury | title=Ethan Rusbatch Joins Breakers Roster Following Abercrombie Injury | work=nzbreakers.basketball | date=19 September 2019 | access-date=19 September 2019}}{{cite web | last=Egan | first=Brendon | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/115929961/ethan-rusbatchs-stellar-play-earns-contract-spot-with-new-zealand-breakers | title=Ethan Rusbatch's stellar play earns contract spot with New Zealand Breakers | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=19 September 2019 | access-date=19 September 2019}}{{cite web | last=Egan | first=Brendon | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/116375783/furniture-removing-to-fedex-forum-for-new-zealand-breaker-ethan-rusbatch | title=Furniture removing to FedEx Forum for New Zealand Breaker Ethan Rusbatch | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=7 October 2019 | access-date=9 October 2019}} In 17 games during the 2019–20 NBL season, he averaged 1.6 points per game.{{cite web | url=https://nbl.com.au/player/3684/467273/ethan-rusbatch | title=Ethan Rusbatch | work=NBL.com.au | access-date=21 February 2020}}

=Philippine Basketball Association=

In December 2022, Rusbatch signed with the Converge FiberXers of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as the team's import for the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup.{{cite web|url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/converge-brings-in-kiwi-ethan-rusbatch-for-govs-cup/258905|title=Converge brings in Kiwi Ethan Rusbatch for Govs Cup|work=Tiebreaker Times|first=Matthew|last=Li|date=29 December 2022|accessdate=29 December 2022}} However, he was released on 26 January 2023 after just one game.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.au/basketball/pba/story/_/id/35530312/converge-fiberxers-new-import-jamaal-franklin-makes-instant-impact-42-points-pba-governors-cup-debut|title=Converge FiberXers' new import Jamaal Franklin makes instant impact with 42 points on PBA Governors' Cup debut|work=espn.com.au|first=Sid|last=Ventura|date=26 January 2023|accessdate=24 February 2022}}

=Korisliiga=

On 31 October 2024, Rusbatch signed with Tampereen Pyrintö of the Finnish Korisliiga.{{cite news |title=Ethan Rusbatch Pyrinnön kokoonpanoon |url=https://pyrinto.fi/uutinen/ethan-rusbatch-pyrinnon-kokoonpanoon/ |access-date=24 December 2024 |work=Pyrintö |date=31 October 2024 |language=fi}} In 27 games during the 2024–25 season, he averaged 9.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.{{cite web |title=Ethan Rusbatch, Basketball Player, News, Stats - australiabasket |url=https://basketball.australiabasket.com/player/Ethan-Rusbatch/170945 |website=Eurobasket LLC |access-date=9 April 2025 |url-access=subscription}}

National team career

In June 2015, Rusbatch was named in a 22-man Tall Blacks squad to trial and be considered for selection for the Oceania Series against Australia in August.{{cite web | url=https://www.fiba.basketball/news/rusbatch-on-tall-blacks-radar | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624030659/http://www.fiba.com/news/rusbatch-on-tall-blacks-radar | url-status=live | archive-date=24 June 2016 | title=Rusbatch on Tall Blacks' radar | work=FIBA.com | date=20 June 2015 | access-date=18 May 2016}}{{cite web | url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11468815 | title=Basketball: Tall Blacks name extended squad for Australia series | work=NZHerald.co.nz | date=21 June 2015 | access-date=18 May 2016}} He attended a camp in Auckland in early July, but was cut prior to the team's European tour.{{cite web | url=https://www.fiba.basketball/news/henare-announces-touring-tall-blacks-squad | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731051201/http://www.fiba.com/news/henare-announces-touring-tall-blacks-squad | url-status=live | archive-date=31 July 2015 | title=Henare announces touring Tall Blacks squad | work=FIBA.com | date=13 July 2015 | access-date=18 May 2016}}

On 18 May 2016, Rusbatch was one of four debutants named in New Zealand's 14-man squad to travel to Asia in June.{{cite web | last1=Long | first1=David | last2=Egan | first2=Brendon | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/80113526/four-new-faces-in-tall-blacks-basketball-squad | title=Paul Henare looks local as Tall Blacks prepare for Olympic qualifying | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=18 May 2016 | access-date=18 May 2016}} He was later cut from the squad on 17 June prior to the team's European tour,{{cite web | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/81203928/derone-raukawa-continues-rapid-rise-as-tall-blacks-name-squad-for-olympic-qualifiers | title=Derone Raukawa continues rapid rise as Tall Blacks name squad for Olympic qualifiers | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=17 June 2016 | access-date=17 June 2016}} but did join the group as injury cover for Corey Webster in July. Webster pulled up lame with a calf strain during New Zealand's tour of Europe, leading to Rusbatch flying to Manila on stand-by ahead of the Olympic qualifying tournament. However, Webster recovered in time for the six-nation event.{{cite web | url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2016/07/corey-webster-fit-for-tall-blacks-rio-bid.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413153611/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2016/07/corey-webster-fit-for-tall-blacks-rio-bid.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=13 April 2017 | title=Corey Webster fit for Tall Blacks' Rio bid | work=Newshub | date=5 July 2016 | access-date=13 April 2017}}

On 16 May 2017, Rusbatch was named in an inexperienced New Zealand Select team ahead of their invitational tournament in China in June.{{cite web | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/92633143/inexperienced-nz-select-basketball-team-selected-for-china | title=Inexperienced NZ Select basketball team selected for China | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=16 May 2017 | access-date=16 May 2017}} Two months later, he was invited to a six-day Tall Blacks camp in Auckland, ahead of a final 12-man roster being named to travel to the FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon, via preparation matches in China.{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/News/players-invited-to-tall-blacks-camp-ahead-of-asia-cup|title=PLAYERS INVITED TO TALL BLACKS CAMP AHEAD OF ASIA CUP|work=Basketball.org.nz|date=12 July 2017|access-date=12 July 2017}} After a strong performance at the Asia Cup, Rusbatch was in the running to play for the Tall Blacks in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in November 2017 and February 2018.{{cite web|url=http://basketball.org.nz/News/henare-names-extended-tall-blacks-roster-ahead-of-opening-world-cup-game|title=HENARE NAMES EXTENDED TALL BLACKS ROSTER AHEAD OF OPENING WORLD CUP GAME|work=Basketball.org.nz|date=30 October 2017|access-date=31 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://basketball.org.nz/News/henare-names-roster-for-vital-games-in-china-and-korea-1|title=HENARE NAMES ROSTER FOR VITAL GAMES IN CHINA AND KOREA|work=Basketball.org.nz|date=12 February 2018|access-date=21 February 2018}}

On 16 March 2018, Rusbatch was named in the Tall Blacks squad for the Commonwealth Games.{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Niall|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12014017|title=Basketball: Tall Blacks name Commonwealth Games squad|work=NZHerald.co.nz|date=16 March 2018|access-date=16 March 2018}} He helped the Tall Blacks win bronze at the Commonwealth Games.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/commonwealth-games/103116573/tall-blacks-topple-scotland-to-capture-bronze-at-commonwealth-games|title=Tall Blacks take Commonwealth Games bronze with win over Scotland|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=15 April 2018|access-date=15 April 2018}} He re-joined the Tall Blacks for qualifiers in September and November.{{cite web|last=Rollo|first=Phillip|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/106655491/corey-webster-to-miss-tall-blacks-world-cup-qualifiers-as-he-settles-back-into-nz|title=Corey Webster to miss Tall Blacks' World Cup qualifiers as he settles back into NZ|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=29 August 2018|access-date=30 August 2018}}{{cite web|last=Egan|first=Brendon|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/108787532/tall-black-ethan-rusbatch-hangs-to-pro-basketball-dream|title=Tall Black Ethan Rusbatch hangs to pro basketball dream|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=27 November 2018|access-date=27 November 2018}}

In July 2019, Rusbatch was named in a 22-man Tall Blacks squad vying for a spot in the final World Cup squad.{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/114557064/ethan-rusbatch-tom-vodanovich-ride-hot-nbl-form-into-tall-blacks-contention|title=Ethan Rusbatch, Tom Vodanovich ride hot NBL form into Tall Blacks contention|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=28 July 2019|access-date=28 July 2019}} He went on to play in the World Cup, and in five games, he averaged 3.6 points per game.{{cite web | url=http://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019/player/Ethan-Rusbatch | title=Ethan Rusbatch | work=fiba.basketball | access-date=19 September 2019}}

Rusbatch played for the Tall Blacks during FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in 2021 and FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers in 2023.{{cite web | url=https://www.fiba.basketball/en/player/181208/Ethan-Rusbatch | title=Ethan Rusbatch | work=fiba.basketball | access-date=24 February 2023}}{{cite web | last=Egan | first=Brendon | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/131317891/fringe-tall-blacks-shine-in-saudi-arabia-rout-as-world-cup-selection-gets-tougher | title=Fringe Tall Blacks shine in Saudi Arabia rout as World Cup selection gets tougher | work=stuff.co.nz | date=24 February 2023 | access-date=24 February 2023}} He re-joined the Tall Blacks for qualifiers in February 2024.{{cite web|url=https://nz.basketball/tall-blacks-name-squad-for-asia-cup-qualifiers-in-february/|title=TALL BLACKS NAME SQUAD FOR ASIA CUP QUALIFIERS IN FEBRUARY|work=nz.basketball|date=26 January 2024|access-date=26 January 2024}}

Personal

Rusbatch developed his love of basketball through his uncle, former Ram and NZNBL stalwart Kenny Perkins. His cousin is NBA centre Kendrick Perkins, Kenny's son, who won a championship in 2008 with the Boston Celtics. Rusbatch's brother, Bede Marsters, played alongside him at the Rams in 2016. Rusbatch's father is a Cook Islander; Rusbatch sports tribal tattoos that stem from his Pacific Island roots.

References

External links

[https://nbl.com.au/player/3684/467273/ethan-rusbatch Ethan Rusbatch] at nbl.com.au
[http://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019/player/Ethan-Rusbatch Ethan Rusbatch] at fiba.basketball
{{2018 Commonwealth Games profile|basketball/athlete-profile-n6026007-ethan-rusbatch}}
[https://web.archive.org/web/20170406025029/http://rams.org.nz/player/ethan-rusbatch/ Ethan Rusbatch] at rams.org.nz
[https://web.archive.org/web/20181108144446/http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=194961545&client=11-8336-151868-402361-25074081 Ethan Rusbatch] at sportstg.com
[https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12087347 "Basketball: Ethan Rusbatch says Hawks to polish system for playoffs"] at nzherald.co.nz
[https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/108411966/ethan-rusbatch-set-to-feature-for-tall-blacks-in-front-of-canterbury-home-crowd "Ethan Rusbatch set to feature for Tall Blacks in front of Canterbury home crowd"] at stuff.co.nz

Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

Category:2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup players

Category:Basketball players at the 2018 Commonwealth Games

Category:Canterbury Rams players

Category:Commonwealth Games bronze medallists for New Zealand

Category:Commonwealth Games medallists in basketball

Category:Converge FiberXers players

Category:Franklin Bulls players

Category:Hawke's Bay Hawks players

Category:Junior college men's basketball players in the United States

Category:Medallists at the 2018 Commonwealth Games