Basketball New Zealand

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The Harvey Norman NZ Breakers have whistled up cover for American import Rick Rickert after learning the big forward will be sidelined for at least another three to four weeks.

Rickert has missed the last three home games due to a bulging disc in his lower back, depriving the Breakers of a hefty 17.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.

The Breakers have shored up their inside presence by signing veteran 210cm power forward Derrick Alston for the next month, pending approval of the contract by the Hummer NBL. The club has the ability to extend the contract until the end of the season if necessary.

An American who spent two full seasons in the NBA before heading to Europe to excel in tough leagues in Turkey, Spain, Croatia, France and Russia, Alston should land in Auckland next Tuesday and be available for the Breakers’ next NBL clash against the defending champion Bullets in Brisbane on Sunday-week.

Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis says the 35-year-old Alston only recently entered the player market after taking a break following the last European season.

“Once again, our scouting system has done well to identify that a player of Derrick’s quality is available because his resume speaks volumes for his ability,” Lemanis said.

“He is a very experienced player, but offers the benefits of that experience in addition to his physical skills. You don’t survive in those leagues unless you have the skill and personality and we believe he is perfect for the role we need him to play.”

A New Yorker born in the Bronx, Alston was a College star at Duquesne University, averaging 16.7 points per game over four seasons before being selected 33rd overall in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Alston played 137 games for the Sixers from 1994 to 1996 and added two more with the Atlanta Hawks before changing continents.

Lemanis said the club considered a handful of recent NBA players, but Alston stood out.

“It’s important to appreciate that there’s some tremendous leagues around the world and where Derrick has played is right up there,” Lemanis said.

“His experiences have made him the consummate professional and he is extremely aware and knowledgeable.

“He knows he has a tough job to do, making a real impact on a short-term contract, but also covering us for the full season if, in the worst case scenario, Rick can’t make it back.

“He is up for the challenge and also fully appreciates that we need him to fit into, and complement, the existing team environment.”