Basketball New Zealand

NZ Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis (Photosport)

NZ Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis has commenced pre-season training in earnest with the majority of the roster now together in daily training sessions at the Atlas Place gym.

Shooter Kirk Penney arrived home last weekend and has slipped smoothly back into the swing of things on return from the Tall Blacks Olympic qualifying campaign and a short holiday.

Penney is refreshed and revitalized after the break and while wishing he was playing for his country in Beijing, is enjoying the prospect of a solid pre-season with the Breakers.

“The silver lining through not being in Beijing is having plenty of time to settle in for the new season and to have time to sort out the personal stuff that is often taken for granted, like where am I going to live!

“Already there is a relaxed, yet focused and determined feel about the team and the club as we prepare for a big season. With the majority of the roster returning from last year and running a similar system, we are further advanced compared to the same time a year ago.

“I think fans are in for a treat.”

The only remaining players yet to be involved in pre season are American Rick Rickert and Aussie CJ Bruton. Rickert arrives from the States on August 21, while Bruton will meet up with his new team-mates before the training camp in Australia later this month, or as soon as his commitments with the Boomers are over at the Olympic Games, whichever is the sooner.

Lemanis is looking forward to a relatively long pre-season with his players.

“Obviously from a NZ basketball perspective and the players personally it would have been great for the Tall Blacks to be in Beijing, but given they haven’t qualified, we have our Tall Black players with us for a longer period, which helps our pre season preparations.

“Rick and CJ will have some catching up to do on arrival, but both are experienced players, and in Rick’s case, he knows the club and the environment so won’t have any issues settling straight back in. We are in regular contact with CJ.”

The NBL this week confirmed the final season schedule, one that features 11 home games for the Breakers, including five in a row at home to commence the season.

Breakers general manager Richard Clarke is pleased with the season and suggests fans are in for more great thrills and great basketball.

“At a time when all sports are searching for quality, the NBL has achieved that through the condensing of the league down to 10 teams.

“This has seen all rosters improved with leading players vying for places at a reduced number of clubs. You will see this in results with just about every club capable of beating any other and qualifying in the top six for post-season play.

“Our home game schedule includes two visits each from South Dragons, Melbourne Tigers and Cairns Taipans, all tipped by most commentators to be amongst the leading contenders. Truth is, though, every game is shaping as a thriller, something that will delight our season ticket holders.”

Given the five in a row at home start, coach Lemanis is aware of the need for a ‘fast start’, but isn’t about to put any long term pressure on the team.

“The draw is what it is. You play 15 games at home and 15 on the road, so it all works out over the course of the season.

“What we have to concentrate on is that which we can control. We need to come in and get better every day.

“If we focus on defence, rebounding and playing as a team then we will put our selves in a good position no matter who or where we play. I think we have a group of players who will all play for each other – sacrifice for the good of the team – and that’s an important place to start.

“With the reduction in teams and the resultant filtering of players from the league, I have no doubt the standard is going to be higher across the board. If anything I feel the challenge to qualify for post season play is tougher under the new format.

“But that is the challenge we face, it’s an exciting one and one that the coaches and players are looking forward to.”

NZ Breakers Home Game Schedule

September 18 Wollongong Hawks
September 25 Melbourne Tigers
October 2 Adelaide 36ers
October 9 Cairns Taipans
October 16 Gold Coast Blaze
October 30 Perth Wildcats
November 6 Adelaide 36ers
November 20 South Dragons
November 27 Perth Wildcats
December 4 Townsville Crocs
December 18 Sydney Spirit
January 15 Townsville Crocs
January 22 Melbourne Tigers
January 29 South Dragons
February 12 Cairns Taipans

All home games played at North Shore Events Centre, Thursdays, 7.30 pm tipoff.
The final and full draw for the NBL, including the NZ Breakers home season draw can be found at: www.nzbreakers.co.nz