Core revival: Breakers call on legends to guide the way

The New Zealand Breakers were a powerhouse through the early and mid 2010s, and now they are determined to bring that dominance back. Opponents used to fear facing them, and the club is vowing to reignite that same energy.

Owner Marc Mitchell and a refreshed front office are leading the charge. The Breakers are going back to their roots, back in black, and chasing a return to their championship-winning identity.

“We want to build for New Zealand. We love New Zealand,” Mitchell said on NBL Now.

“I’ve spoken to people who used to play the Breakers who admitted they were scared. That says something. They said we played differently, like we were playing for more, for the country. That’s what we’re trying to restore, and you can already see it in our initial signings. And it will continue.”

Izayah Le’Afa, Rob Loe and Reuben Te Rangi are among the Breakers who have returned to New Zealand, as the club commits to a deeper presence in the community and stronger fan connection than ever before.

“I am happy with the start, but there is a lot more to come. This is a long-term proposition,” Mitchell said.

“We want to be successful on and off the court. This isn't just about now. We are the cornerstone club in New Zealand, and that is a responsibility we take seriously.”

The Breakers captured titles in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015, but have found consistent success harder to come by in recent years, aside from a Finals run in the NBL23 season.

“That is what we are trying to get back to. Four championships, it is hard to win one,” Mitchell said.

“But that success comes from more than just on the court. It is about how the organisation is run.

“I had conversations with former players, and we are trying to implement those philosophies, updating them so the place feels like a family and a winning culture. That includes the front office, not just the players. I think we are capturing that. People are excited. We are off to a good start, but there is still much more to do.”

Dillon Boucher has been appointed President of Basketball Operations, with the Breakers turning to some of their most respected figures to help guide the club's future direction.

Liz and Paul Blackwell, along with Tom Abercrombie and Corey Webster, are among New Zealand’s most iconic basketball figures and bring invaluable insight and experience to the club's mission for success.

Likewise Kirk Penney, one of the Breakers and Tall Blacks’ all-time greats.

“I had to learn and understand what this club means to the people of New Zealand. We are working closely with the community and special individuals to get back to those roots,” Mitchell continued.

“We have a unique culture in the country and I see it as an advantage.

“They are great people, busy, but they want the best for this club.

“They are not in the day to day, but they are advisors. I would be foolish not to call on people like Paul, Kirk, Dylan, Tom, Corey, people who have been part of this journey. We are tapping into that.”

While Mitchell entrusts basketball decisions to the experts, he played a pivotal role in securing the return of Parker Jackson-Cartwright, a cornerstone the Breakers are eager to build around.

“I will never meddle in basketball decisions. I am a fan, but that is their domain. With this one though, there was no way I was letting him go. He represents what we want. Tough on the court, fun to watch, smart, a leader,” he said.

“We did not just want him back. We wanted him long term. Signing an MVP candidate is a no brainer, but we had to do whatever it took.

“He has a passion for the country, and he is a great person. We are lucky to have him.”

The Breakers are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of a return to those glory days.

Now it is over to Petteri Koponen and the players to light up Spark Arena in NBL26.

The 2025 NBA Summer League starts from July 11, Australian time, with exclusive interviews and insights available on the NBL App and NBL.com.au.