Breakers Set To Surprise

The New Zealand Breakers have sent a message to the rest of the competition – underrate us at your peril.

Having spent the last five seasons in the bottom half of the ladder, it’s been a tough road for the Breakers. Add to that spending the best part of two years away from home during COVID, and it’s been a challenge to say the least.

But a new-look New Zealand outfit is desperate to prove the doubters wrong.

“Every game, we’ll surprise more and more people. They will realise this is really real,” Jarrell Brantley told the New Zealand Herald. 

“We have a lot of different tools and pieces. The best thing in my experience is just understanding what makes a team go.” 

With eight new faces in the roster, it may take some time to gel, but the signs were there for all to see during the Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz.

Despite dropping all three games, the likes of Tom Vodanovich, Cam Gliddon, Izayah Le’Afa all showed why they’ll be valuable additions to Mody Maor’s team.

Next Star Rayan Rupert, meanwhile, illustrated why he looks headed to the NBA next season, averaging 15 points and five rebounds a game.

He shot at an outstanding 62 per cent from the three-point line. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Next Star Watch ??<br><br>Rayan Rupert vs. the Hawks - 17 PTS 4 3PT 8 REB<br><br>Cc: <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DraftExpress</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NZBreakers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NZBreakers</a> <a href="https://t.co/7kqUPLBnk6">pic.twitter.com/7kqUPLBnk6</a></p>&mdash; The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1572159978307481608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Imports Barry Brown, Dererk Pardon and Brantley all had an impact, with the year-on-year improvement already clear heading into NBL23.

“Honestly, from the first day everyone came in, it was like we’d been together for months,” captain Tom Abercrombie said.

“It’s a team of hungry individuals who have a point to prove and a little chip on their shoulder.” 

Abercrombie is one player who won’t be on the court early in the season, having suffered an eye injury during the Blitz. 

The veteran is hopeful of a speedy return, but won’t be rushing back after requiring surgery in New Zealand. 

The Breakers tip off their campaign with a tough one on the road, taking on Melbourne at John Cain Arena on Sunday, October 2. 

For the full story head to >> Jarrell Brantley Ready to Make a Difference