Yanni Wetzell Signs with NZ Breakers

The New Zealand Breakers have signed rising kiwi star Yanni Wetzell following his breakout rookie season in the NBL with the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Wetzell averaged 11.1 points and 6.0 rebounds over 36 games for the Phoenix in NBL21 following a college career that concluded at San Diego State.

Breakers Head Coach Dan Shamir says Wetzell practiced with the Breakers during the long off-season last year and should fit into the club with relative ease.

“Basketball is a dynamic business, and we were very open and genuine about the fact we didn’t have the right situation for Yanni last year,” he says.

“The dynamics have changed this year, and Yanni has also had a phenomenal season which has made things a lot different.

“He really fits the way we want to play, with his speed and energy.”

“Even though we had a tough season, and Yanni had a great season in a different place, he still has decided this is where he wants to be.  It tells you a lot about Yanni Wetzell as a person and tells you a little bit about us and his trust in us.”

Breakers owner Matt Walsh believes the signing also says a lot about the respect Shamir has within the basketball fraternity.

“Yanni deciding to come to the Breakers to further his development is testament to the club’s culture and phenomenal programme Dan Shamir has in place here,” says owner Matt Walsh.

“It says a lot about what we are trying to achieve when a player of Yanni’s calibre decides not to extend his contract in Melbourne.

“It proves the Breakers is home for the best kiwi basketballers.”

The signing of Wetzell follows the Breakers acquisition of New Zealand NBL MVP Leader Sam Timmins as a development player on Wednesday.