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NZ Breakers (National Basketball League)

 
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NZ Breakers website: http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latest News & Results

 

USA BASKETBALL TEAM TO PLAY AUSTRALIAN BOOMERS IN MELBOURNE

18/03/2018, Australia, Basketball, National Basketball League, Article # 26117945

 

 
 
USA BASKETBALL TEAM TO PLAY AUSTRALIAN BOOMERS IN MELBOURNE
  
 
                     
Basketball Australia and the National Basketball League have welcomed today’s announcement that the Australian Boomers will play the USA Basketball Men’s National Team in Melbourne next year.

The games will be played at Etihad Stadium on Thursday 22 August and Saturday 24 August 2019 as part of both nations’ preparations for the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.

NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman said: “This will be the biggest basketball event ever held in Australia and a wonderful endorsement of the sport.

“The NBL has worked closely together with Basketball Australia to bring this event to Australia on the back of the relationships formed with NBA over the past six years including historic games between the NBL and NBA last October.

“I congratulate the Victorian Government, Basketball Australia, USA Basketball and TEG.and we will work with them to deliver what will be an amazing event for Australia and take our game here to the next level.

“Basketball is booming in Australia and we have enjoyed strong collaboration with Basketball Australia and everyone associated with the sport from the grassroots to the elite level.

“The NBL has enjoyed record crowds this season and there are now over million Australians playing the sport and many more following the game. The NBL is a world class league and entertainment product and the game is flourishing at all levels.”

The Chair of Basketball Australia Ned Coten said: "Under Larry Kestelman, the NBL has gone from strength to strength and the league is deservedly ranked as one of the premier competitions in the world. 

"The engagement with the NBA in the NBL v NBA three-match series late last year was a game-changer for the league and showed Australian sports fans just how competitive the NBL is.

"It is a credit to Larry and all the NBL clubs for the way they have embraced the Boomers in the new FIBA World Cup qualifying system as well. Our Boomers, featuring NBL athletes, are currently unbeaten in FIBA tournament play in Asia at 10-0 and have advanced to the second round of FIBA World Cup qualifiers."

Fans can register their interest in buying tickets to the Boomers v USA matches ahead of the ticket on sale in July. A limited number of corporate hospitality packages are on sale now. To join the waitlist or purchase corporate hospitality packages go to www.teglive.com.au
NEXT GEN CAMP TO UNEARTH AUSTRALIA’S NEXT BASKETBALL STARS

NEXT GEN CAMP TO UNEARTH AUSTRALIA’S NEXT BASKETBALL STARS

16/03/2018, Australia, Basketball, National Basketball League, Article # 26093149

 

 
 
NEXT GEN CAMP TO UNEARTH AUSTRALIA’S NEXT BASKETBALL STARS
  
 
Australia’s future basketball stars will converge on Melbourne on May 21-22 for the NBL’s Next Gen Camp.

The intense two-day camp will unearth the best young players from around the country under the watchful eye of NBL talent scouts at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

It will be the second instalment of the Next Gen Camp which brings together the NBL, Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence and the Australian Basketballers’ Association.

For the first time athletes from the NBA Global Academy based at BA’s Centre of Excellence will also take part in the camp.

It will also feature four players from China after winning the Sina Golden League 3x3 national championship in China.

NBL Chief Executive Jeremy Loeliger said Next Gen provided a pathway for young players into a professional basketball career.

“It is a key pillar of our relationship with Basketball Australia, giving us an annual fixture to connect the best young players with the NBL in an organised setting,” he said.

Working in partnership with all of the major bodies will ensure delivery of Next Gen’s objectives. Highly respected Patrick Hunt, President of the FIBA World Association of Basketball Coaches, will again act as Camp Director.

Next Gen will begin soon after Free Agency commences, which will ensure players stand the best chance of being recruited by NBL clubs.

It is anticipated that 80 participants in total will take part in Next Gen. These will include returning US college players, SEABL players, state league players, national U18 and U20’s representatives as well as invitees from the BA Centre of Excellence, NBA Global Academy and China.

“This will help to solidify Australia as the hub for basketball both in terms of development and professionalism within the region,” Loeliger said.

The two-day camp will employ the same testing techniques as the NBA’s event including physical testing, skills testing, offensive/defensive breakdowns and game play in order to give players the best opportunity to showcase their talents across all facets of the game.

Importantly, it will provide a great chance for NBL representatives and coaches to assess young talent. Rookie Me, the AFL’s national testing partner, will carry out all testing and will assist in the recording and distribution of all results.

Next Gen was first run and operated by the NBL after obtaining the rights from W Sports & Media who will again co-manage the event in conjunction with the NBL.

Participants can register to be a part of the Next Gen Camp at nbl.com.au/nextgen
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UNDER ARMOUR CALLS FOR NBL FANS TO BALL LIKE A PRO

UNDER ARMOUR CALLS FOR NBL FANS TO BALL LIKE A PRO

14/03/2018, Australia, Basketball, National Basketball League, Article # 26074505

 

 
 
UNDER ARMOUR CALLS FOR NBL FANS TO BALL LIKE A PRO
  
 

Under Armour is celebrating the start of the Hungry Jack’s NBL Grand Final Series by giving NBL fans the chance to win up to $5,000 worth of high-performance gear.

As part of `Ball Like A Pro’, fans simply need to post videos or photos of their basketball skills to be eligible to win. Additionally, the lucky winner will get a one-on-one training session with an NBL pro.

The NBL’s Official Compression and Preferred Footwear Partner, Under Armour provides a performance experience unlike any other sporting brand. Worn by some the world’s best athletes including Steph Curry, Lindsey Vonn, Dwayne Johnson and Patty Mills, Under Armour is delivering on its brand vision of empowering athletes everywhere.

NBL Chief Executive Jeremy Loeliger said: “This is a great competition to get fans into the spirit of what promises to be an incredibly exciting Grand Final Series between Melbourne United and Adelaide 36ers.

“I want to thank Under Armour for its fantastic support of the NBL. It’s a premier producer of high-performance apparel and footwear and this is great way to engage basketball fans.”

Fans can enter by publicly posting on their Instagram using #UAxNBL #StartYourStory or by visiting the competition page (www.nbl.com.au/UAxNBL). The competition will run from March 14 to April 4.

Fernando Reani, Managing Director of Under Armour Australia and New Zealand, said "The ‘Ball like a Pro’ competition provides a great opportunity to engage with NBL and basketball fans. We’re excited to see the entries and fuel the growth of basketball in Australia.

“Under Armour’s mission is to make you better, and we are proud to provide NBL players with cutting edge on-court compression and footwear,” said Fernando.

The Hungry Jack’s NBL Grand Final Series will start this Friday March 16 when Melbourne United plays Adelaide 36ers at Hisense Arena at 7.30pm.

Tickets can be purchased at Ticketek. The game will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS 503.
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AUSTRALIAN BASKTEBALL SET TO HUSTLE

AUSTRALIAN BASKTEBALL SET TO HUSTLE

08/03/2018, Australia, Basketball, National Basketball League, Article # 26010014
   

 
AUSTRALIAN BASKTEBALL SET TO HUSTLE
  
 
A new chapter in Australian basketball will begin this week when the 3x3 Hustle officially tips off.
 
With 3x3 a major player on the international sporting landscape and an Olympic sport for the first time in Tokyo in 2020, the 3x3 Hustle will provide a pathway for aspiring players to go from the suburbs of Australia to competing on the world stage.

It will begin in Adelaide and Perth with the first of the Big Hustle events this Friday and Saturday(see details below)
 
In 2018, there will be eight Big Hustle events staged around the country including one in each state and territory. Male and female teams from the Big Hustle circuit will qualify to play in the Pro Hustle series.  
 
There will be $2,500 on offer for each of the winners of the open age men’s and women’s competitions and for the younger age groups.
 
In 2018, there will be three Pro Hustle tour events held in Australia. These are Pro Hustle 1 on April 21/22, Pro Hustle 2 on May 5/6 and Pro Hustle 3 on May 12/13.
 
NBL Chief Operating Officer Andy Crook said the 3x3 Hustle was an opportunity for Australians of all ages to enjoy the game.
 
“We want to attract not just the best athletes to the sport but males and females of all ages around Australia who can enjoy the newest form of the game,” he said.

“The recent growth of the NBL has been all about entertainment and people having a good time.  The 3x3 Hustle will give us an entirely new platform to take the entertainment factor to another level, while also making the game more accessible than it has ever been. 

“It’s a sport that has its roots on urban streets but has become truly global.  We now have a unique opportunity to put on an incredible show, but one that will lead all the way to the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020.”
 
The Big Hustle will be held in Adelaide this Friday March 9 between 5pm and 9pm andSaturday March 10 from 10am to 7pm at Park 15, Wakefield Rd, Wakefield.
 
It will also be held in Perth this Saturday March 10 between 10am and 8pm at McCallum Park Basketball Courts, Garland St, Victoria Park.
 
For more information about these and forthcoming events go towww.3x3hustle.com/bighustle
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MELBOURNE UNITED CLEAN SWEEP NEW ZEALAND

MELBOURNE UNITED CLEAN SWEEP NEW ZEALAND

06/03/2018, Australia, Basketball, National Basketball League, Article # 25985757

 

 

 
MELBOURNE UNITED CLEAN SWEEP NEW ZEALAND
  
 
Melbourne United will host the first game of the Hungry Jack's NBL Grand Final Series after a thrilling two-point win over the New Zealand Breakers at Spark Arena.

With less than three seconds left on the clock in overtime, Josh Boone hit the buzzer beater for United to steal a 88-86 win and take a clean sweep of their semi-final series.

Boone was the hero for Melbourne finishing with 33 points and 15 rebounds as the visitors fought back after New Zealand had out muscled and out played United in the first half.

After a disappointing loss to Melbourne in the first Semi Final, New Zealand seemed to have United on the back foot, but were unable to stop the United outfit in overtime.

Dj Newbill played inspired basketball to keep his team in the hunt, scoring 21 points and seven rebounds. Veteran Kirk Penney almost pulled off a fairytale finish to his Breakers career scoring 17 points.

Penney was given an emotional farewell after his last game with a stirring version of Tall Blacks traditional haka on court.

The Perth Wildcats will play the Adelaide 36ers at Perth Arena in the second game of their semi-final series on Friday night as Melbourne waits to see who its opponent will be in the best of five game Grand Final Series.

A date for the first game of the Grand Final Series in Melbourne will be announced shortly.


Box Score

Game Highlights

New Zealand Breakers Press Conference Audio (Paul Henare and Robert Loe)

Melbourne United Press Conference Audio 
Melbourne United Press Conference Vision (Dean Vickerman and Josh Boone) 
 
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MELBOURNE UNITED DRAWS FIRST BLOOD

MELBOURNE UNITED DRAWS FIRST BLOOD

05/03/2018, Australia, Basketball, National Basketball League, Article # 25978531

 
MELBOURNE UNITED DRAWS FIRST BLOOD
  
 
A brilliant performance by Casper Ware has helped Melbourne United to a thrilling 11 point win over the New Zealand Breakers in the opening Hungry Jack's NBL semi-final at Hisense Arena.

Ware dropped a massive 33 points as Melbourne overcame a slow start to win 88-77 and take a one-nil lead in the best of three series.

All eyes were on Ware and his New Zealand counterpart Edgar Sosa leading into the game after their fiery clash at Hisense Arena last month. But it was Ware who quickly stamped his authority on the contest in an even first half.

But New Zealand's gruelling recent travel schedule seemed to catch up with the visitors in the second half as Melbourne began to control the game. DJ Newbill (19 points) and Shea Ili (16) keeping the Breakers in the contest.

New Zealand fought valiantly as the intensity lifted again in the final quarter before a clutch three pointer from David Barlow sealed the game for Melbourne.

The teams will now face off at Spark Arena on Monday night with New Zealand needing to win to keep its championship hopes alive. 

Box Score

Game Highlights

Melbourne United Press Conference Audio (Dean Vickerman and Tai Wesley)

New Zealand Breakers Press Conference Audio (Paul Henare and Edgar Sosa)
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NBL TO FAST TRACK NEXT STARS OF THE NBA

NBL TO FAST TRACK NEXT STARS OF THE NBA

02/03/2018, Australia, Basketball, National Basketball League, Article # 25946059
   

 
NBL TO FAST TRACK NEXT STARS OF THE NBA
  
 
The National Basketball League (NBL) has launched an innovative new player development program to fast track future stars of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
 
Under its ‘Next Stars’ program to be introduced for the 2018-19 season, the NBL will contract overseas players and develop them in Australia to give them the best chance of being drafted into the NBA.
 
The initiative follows the drafting of Terrance Ferguson by NBA team Oklahoma City Thunder after he elected not to go to college in the US, instead spending the 2016/17 NBL season with the Adelaide 36ers straight out of high school. He went on to be drafted number 21 in the First Round of the 2017 NBA Draft.
 
NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman said: “Unlike other countries where players and agents deal with clubs, the NBL will directly contract the players. We will make sure the players get the development they need as part of the program with our clubs, giving them the best chance of success.
 
“The NBL provides strong visibility back to the US. Our league is closest to the NBA in terms of style of play and game day presentation. We will work to build a program to provide the right access to NBA teams and scouts alike.
 
“While they are in the NBL we will work with the players to help them develop an acute understanding of the life of a professional basketballer on and off the court and ensure they are equipped to make the transition to their professional careers. “
 
Next Stars players must be eligible to nominate for the NBA Draft, and will be hand-picked by a panel of experts to be appointed by the NBL.  Once selected, the pool of Next Stars players will enter into a contract with the league which will then place the Next Stars in NBL teams. Further details of how they will be placed will be announced shortly.
 
Those players selected will play at least one season with an NBL Club before nominating for the NBA Draft the following year (or potentially the season after).  
 
Kestelman said the program would be funded by the NBL in its first year, so that clubs could add an extra player to the 11 players currently on their rosters without any significant burden on them financially.  Any transfer fees that may be payable would be shared between the league and the relevant club.
 
NBL Chief Executive Jeremy Loeliger said: "The NBL is considered one of the best leagues in the world – it’s a grown man league and Next Stars will give these up and coming players an opportunity to create a name for themselves on the way to being drafted into the NBA.
 
"As Terrance Ferguson demonstrated, there are guys coming directly out of high school who have NBA aspirations and are good enough to be drafted. This will give them the chance to develop in a world class league in the NBL and push their claims for the NBA."
 
 “The system affords players who do not wish to go to college or cut their college careers short, the opportunity to demonstrate to international scouts they have what it takes to play professional basketball against fully grown men in one of the best professional leagues in the world where there is a long history of developing young, up and coming stars destined for the NBA,” Loeliger said.
 
“Importantly we understand that these are young adults who need to develop their life skills as well as their basketball skills. We will ensure they are equipped with the skills needed to succeed on the big stage while also having the chance to earn a professional living and pursue other endorsements that wouldn’t be available to them as college athletes.
 
“And they can do this in a familiar culture and with an attractive lifestyle – and all during an Australian summer. For a young athlete looking to prepare themselves for an NBA career it doesn’t get much better.
 
"We have a record number of Australians playing in the NBA right now and Australian basketball is probably more highly regarded around the world than it has ever been," Loeliger said.
 
"We see this an opportunity to further strengthen the talent pool of the NBL and enhance its standing both domestically and globally."
 
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BRYCE COTTON CROWNED NBL MVP 2018

BRYCE COTTON CROWNED NBL MVP 2018

28/02/2018, Australia, Basketball, National Basketball League, Article # 25926955
   

 
BRYCE COTTON CROWNED NBL MVP 2018
  
 

The Perth Wildcats' Bryce Cotton has won the Andrew Gaze Trophy for the 2017-18 Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the NBL Gala Dinner in Melbourne.
 
Cotton capped off an outstanding season to claim his first NBL MVP with 117 votes ahead of Illawarra's Demetrius Conger (94 votes) and the Sydney Kings' Jerome Randle (79).
 
Cotton, who won last year's NBL Finals MVP, was also named in the NBL First Team. Melbourne United's Dean Vickerman was awarded the Lindsay Gaze Trophy for the Coach of the Year after leading his team to the minor premiership. 
 
NBL Chief Executive Jeremy Loeliger congratulated Cotton. "Bryce has been an outstanding performer since he joined Perth and is a thoroughly deserving winner of this year's MVP," he said.
 
"I want to congratulate all of our award winners who have once again demonstrated that the NBL is a world class league that continues to go from strength to strength.  We recorded our highest ever regular season attendance this year and I'm sure we're going to see more big crowds for what promises to be an exhilarating finals series starting this weekend."
 
The list of award winners:  

  • Most Valuable Player – Bryce Cotton (Perth)
  • Coach of the Year – Dean Vickerman (Melbourne)
  • Rookie of the Year – Isaac Humphries (Sydney)
  • Best Sixth Man – Ramone Moore (Adelaide)
  • Best Defensive Player – Damian Martin (Perth)
  • Most Improved Player – Shea Ili (New Zealand)
  • Fans MVP – Mitch Creek (Adelaide)
  • Referee of the Year – Michael Aylen
  • Most Outstanding Media Coverage - Matt Logue (Daily Telegraph)
     

All-NBL First Team:
·         Casper Ware (Melbourne)
·         Bryce Cotton (Perth)
·         Demetrius Conger (Illawarra)
·         Daniel Johnson (Adelaide)
·         Josh Boone (Melbourne)
 
All-NBL Second Team:
·         Edgar Sosa (New Zealand)
·         Jerome Randle (Sydney)
·         JP Tokoto (Perth)
·         Mitch Creek (Adelaide)
·         Tai Wesley (Melbourne)
 
Top 15 – MVP Voting:
1.       Bryce Cotton – 117
2.       Demetrius Conger – 94
3.       Jerome Randle – 79
4.       Casper Ware – 77
5.       JP Tokoto – 74
6.       Edgar Sosa – 70
7.       Mitch McCarron – 66
8.       Rotnei Clarke – 65
9.       Josh Boone – 65
10.   Perrin Buford – 59
11.   Travis Trice – 58
12.   Perry Ellis – 58
13.   Cam Gliddon - 55 
14.   Mitch Creek – 55
15.   Tai Wesley – 55
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NBL MVP SET TO NAMED

NBL MVP SET TO NAMED

26/02/2018, Australia, Basketball, National Basketball League, Article # 25910118

 

 
 
NBL MVP SET TO NAMED
  
 

The National Basketball League (NBL) will announce the winner of the Andrew Gaze Trophy for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for 2017-18 tomorrow, Tuesday February 27.
 
The announcement will be made at the NBL Gala Dinner presented by Hungry Jack’s and Chemist Warehouse at Crown Palladium in Melbourne.
 
Over 1,000 guests will attend the black tie event and will be entertained by chart topping Australian singer Ricki Lee Coulter and the world famous Harlem Globetrotters.
 
Players will be available to media on the white carpet at Crown from approximately 6pm. Media are asked to contact Nick Johnston at the NBL if they want to attend the white carpet.
 

WHAT: NBL GALA DINNER INCLUDING PRESENTATION OF MVP
 
WHERE: CROWN PALLADIUM
 
WHEN: 6PM, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2018
 

The NBL Finals will begin this Saturday March 3 when Melbourne United play the New Zealand Breakers at Hisense Arena and the Adelaide 36ers play the Perth Wildcats at Titanium Security Arena.
 
 
NBL MVP SET TO NAMED
  
 

The National Basketball League (NBL) will announce the winner of the Andrew Gaze Trophy for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for 2017-18 tomorrow, Tuesday February 27.
 
The announcement will be made at the NBL Gala Dinner presented by Hungry Jack’s and Chemist Warehouse at Crown Palladium in Melbourne.
 
Over 1,000 guests will attend the black tie event and will be entertained by chart topping Australian singer Ricki Lee Coulter and the world famous Harlem Globetrotters.
 
Players will be available to media on the white carpet at Crown from approximately 6pm. Media are asked to contact Nick Johnston at the NBL if they want to attend the white carpet.
 

WHAT: NBL GALA DINNER INCLUDING PRESENTATION OF MVP
 
WHERE: CROWN PALLADIUM
 
WHEN: 6PM, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2018
 

The NBL Finals will begin this Saturday March 3 when Melbourne United play the New Zealand Breakers at Hisense Arena and the Adelaide 36ers play the Perth Wildcats at Titanium Security Arena.
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NEW OWNERS FOR NZ BREAKERS

NEW OWNERS FOR NZ BREAKERS

26/02/2018, Australia, Basketball, National Basketball League, Article # 25910116
   

 
NEW OWNERS FOR NZ BREAKERS
  
 

The National Basketball League (NBL) has welcomed the new majority owners of the SKYCITY NZ Breakers announced today.

The Auckland based club will be led by a consortium including two former NBA players and a co-owner of EPL Club Swansea City.

Romie Chaudhari is a part-owner and director of Swansea City, with former NBA player Matt Walsh also a shareholder of the Welsh EPL club.

Shawn Marion enjoyed an illustrious career in the NBA, winning the 2010/11 NBA Championship alongside Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki at the Dallas Mavericks, as well as being a four-time NBA All-Star and likely future Hall of Fame inductee.

NBL Chief Executive Jeremy Loeliger said: “This is a huge vote of confidence in the NBL and its direction as a league. The new owners will bring a touch of NBA and EPL to Australia’s own NBL.

“It’s further proof of the NBL’s standing as one of the premier basketball leagues in the world that a team like the Breakers can attract such experienced and high calibre investors.

“The NBL is continuing to go from strength to strength. We’ve just recorded our highest regular season attendance in 40 seasons of competition and we are about to start another exciting finals series.

“It bodes well as we look to privatise the Brisbane Bullets and continue to grow and expand the league in the seasons to come.”

Long time club owners and directors Paul and Liz Blackwell announced that a newly formed company, Breakers Basketball Pty Ltd, will take control of the club from March 1st 2018 as the club prepares for the NBL Finals.

The Blackwells will stay on at the club they have owned for 13 years, as minority shareholders, with Paul Blackwell retaining his seat on the Board and influence over key aspects of the organisation’s future.

SKYCITY NZ Breakers New Owners

  • Matthew Walsh - Former NBA and European Basketball player for ten years.  Minority owner of Swansea City and Principal at LewaverAcquisitions. 
  • Adam Goodman- Partner at Goodman Properties
  • Romie Chaudhari- CEO and Managing Principal at Chiron Investments.  Owner and Board member of Swansea City 
  • Dan Katz, Henry Lockwood, and PFT Commentator of number one sports podcast on iTunes, Pardon My Take presented by Barstool Sports 
  • Shawn Marion - NBA Champion and future hall of famer
  • Paul and Liz Blackwell, former majority owners of the Breakers
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