Ken Tuffin already had a stable career in the New Zealand NBL playing for the Wellington Saints but there was some unfinished business he wanted to settle as he finally listed his name as one of the aspirants in this year’s PBA Rookie Draft.

Tuffin, who played for FEU in college, was in fact invited by the Tall Blacks to join the national team pool for the FIBA Asia Cup but he rejected it knowing that he wanted to come back to the country.

“I feel like I have some unfinished business,” said Tuffin during the PBA draft combine.

“I didn't get to play in my last year in FEU because of the pandemic so I feel like it was a bit sayang. I didn't get into the draft right away,” he recalled.

Tuffin ended up playing in New Zealand professionally – a stint he believed prepared him well for the PBA.

“I feel like my three years in New Zealand playing professionally obviously with the Wellington Saints does really good for me. That's why I want to come back here and showcase my skills and contribute to any team that is willing to give me an opportunity,” Tuffin shared.

Playing in New Zealand exposed Tuffin to different styles of play which converted him from being a stretch four when he was playing here to a big 6-foot-4 shooting guard and small forward.

“I kinda left here in the Philippines as a four man in FEU because we didn't have any bigs. Going to New Zealand the system was very European style, it's very systematic and I really like playing that way and obviously I transitioned to two and a three,” said Tuffin.

“Shooting guard and small forward are my natural positions but I can also handle the ball and contribute wherever the team needs me as well,” he added.

More than basketball, however, Tuffin believes the Philippines is where he belongs which prompted him to join the PBA.

“My fiance's family is also here so just coming back and getting to spend some time with them impacted my decision but ultimately trying to set myself up for the future as obviously I’m not getting any younger,” he said.