Breakers sign Canadian big man as final import

The New Zealand Breakers on Tuesday unveiled Charles Bediako as their third import for the Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season.

The Canadian big man, with three years of experience in the NBA G League, arrives in New Zealand following a season in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) with the Scarborough Shooting Stars.

The 24-year-old, who has represented the Canadian team during their 2027 FIBA Americas Cup qualifying tournament, completes Gordon Herbert's roster for 2026-27, joining Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Josiah-Jordan James as imports for the Breakers.

"We are getting a young athletic big who brings a paint presence at both ends of the floor and an ability to influence a game at the defensive end of the floor, not just with shot blocking but through his size and wingspan; he is the sort of player who changes a lot of shots," Herbert said.

Across his three seasons in the G League with the Austin Spurs, Grand Rapids Gold and Motor City Cruise, he amassed 82 games, with averages of 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per contest.

Prior to turning pro, Bediako played three US college seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide, earning SEC All-Freshman honours in 2022 and SEC All-Defensive honours in 2023.

"Charles will bring genuine paint protection with his size and athleticism and is a renowned shot blocker and fan favourite already in his time as a professional and during his two-year College career," Breakers President of Basketball Dillon Boucher said.

"Don't be surprised to see him spending plenty of time above the rim or swinging on the rim at the offensive end of the floor as well; he likes to finish at the basket so will bring some exciting moments for the fans at Spark Arena this season for sure."

Rounding out Herbert's team for this season are Sam Mennenga, Carlin Davison, Izayah Le'Afa, Reuben Te Rangi, Preston Le Gassick, Kouat Noi, Dejan Vasiljevic and Anzac Rissetto.

Breakers Chairman and Owner Marc Mitchell is delighted to see the final piece of the NBL27 playing roster fall into place.

"This has been an exciting and productive recruitment process," Mitchell said.

"The roster is a great blend of experience and youth, with a core group returning to build on our Ignite Cup success last season alongside an injection of proven NBL champions in DJ Vasiljevic and Kouat Noi.

"Add the youthful promise of NBL1 All-Star Preston Le Gassick and Kiwi Anzac Rissetto, alongside two exciting new imports in Josiah-Jordan James and Charles Bediako, and we have a team that will excite the fans and can challenge for a championship."

The Breakers open their season against Illawarra on Sunday, September 20 at Spark Arena.