Rupert Focused on Breakers' Championship Aspirations

Ever since he arrived in the NBL everyone has known Rayan Rupert is destined for the bright lights of the NBA.

The Breakers have established itself as a go-to team for Next Stars looking to get their first taste of professional basketball. RJ Hampton and Ousmane Dieng have both made their ways into the NBA from New Zealand, while Hugo Besson was successful in getting drafted at the end of NBL22.

Rupert is taking on a different experience in his debut campaign though. Unlike the other Next Stars to walk through the doors in Auckland, Rupert is competing for a championship.

With Rupert being ranked 17^th in ESPN’s most recent mock draft he says his focus is clearly on the present.

“What’s most important for me now is to help the team win a championship,” Rupert said. “It’s amazing in my first professional season to have the opportunity to fight to win a championship.

“It would be amazing and I can’t wait for it.

“I feel lucky to have played at this level. This season has helped me to grow as a player and as a person.

“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs with my injury, some good games and some bad games, but I’m very grateful for this experience.”

Rupert and the Breakers play the second game of their Playoff Series against Tasmania tonight at 7:30pm AEDT, live on ESPN via Kayo Freebies.