The Burger King NZ Breakers will this weekend celebrate the club’s 200^th game in the Australian National Basketball League when they suit up against the Wollongong Hawks west of Sydney. The Saturday night milestone is a significant one with the club having come a long way since opening night on October 3^rd 2003.

Breakers General Manager Richard Clarke remembers that night well; Clarke, Debbie Carpenter from the front office and Paul Henare from the playing roster are the only foundation Breakers left at the club.

“As with any new sporting organization, just getting to the start line was an achievement in itself and there was a real buzz around the North Shore Events Centre that night against Adelaide, made all the better for the full house given we won by one point in a thriller,” said Clarke.

“Since that time the club has evolved into a community focused organization based on strong values that players, coaches and staff all live every day. But we are also proud to be a championship contender and it is largely through those values that we have recruited a roster capable of contending for the title.”

Those values are emblazoned on the Breakers training and office facility at Atlas Place.  ‘One Team + Courage + Integrity = Champions’ is the glue that binds the club together. ‘Team is Everything’ is the slogan that the club lives by, and the unselfish, do-it-for-team attitude has become the club's playing style and image.

Basketball Australia CEO Larry Sengstock sent his best wishes to the club from across the Tasman and was glowing in his praise.

“The Breakers have established themselves as the most successful team ever from New Zealand to play in an Australian-based professional league.  They have not only proven to be a formidable opponent on the floor, but have underpinned that success with strong community programmes that have helped grow the sport of basketball in New Zealand.  They have added a whole new dimension to the NBL and the trans-Tasman rivalry they bring to the competition has been a boon to the league.  Their participation in the NBL has been a huge factor in the continued improvement of the Tall Blacks and New Zealand has every reason to be proud of the Breakers.”

Point guard Paul Henare is the only ever present foundation player, clocking up a personal milestone of 192 games for the club, an amazing testament to the ability and commitment of the point guard.

“I have seen it all in my time with the club and I have a sense of pride when I think about what we stand for now. It was a shaky first few seasons on and off the court as we struggled to find our place in the NBL. But to get to where we are now - a respected team and a club that others aspire to be like is fantastic.

“It is an often used cliché but this club truly is a family, from the players to the front office to the back room support for the team, everyone is recognized and valued. It’s a great place to come to work every day.”

Similarly, Dillon Boucher was a foundation player and returned to the club last season after time away winning a championship with the Brisbane Bullets. The former Tall Black says the growing maturity of the club was obvious on his return.

“I was lucky enough to be part of the Breakers first 2 seasons and then ended up playing for 3 seasons in Australia before returning home.  The many changes in that time have all been positive, with incredible growth both on and off court. The club has fantastic owners who have a love and passion for the basketball and the community. 

“The team has had its fair share of players come and go but in recent times the coaches have recruited and developed a good balanced team with a great feel to it. This goes beyond on court action though; we all play a full part in the community programmes. Every week players are in schools as well as having schools coming to training to watch and then receive expert coaching tips.”

In the 200 games the NZ Breakers have changed ownership and seen a number of changes in playing staff, coaches and management. However for the past four years consistency has been a key element at the club with the same owners, same Coach, same General Manager and a growing band of loyal (and vocal) supporters behind the club at every home game.

Richard Clarke says this too has been significant in the club’s growth.

“We believe in our people, our systems and our long term plans. This has not been about a quick fix or a desire to ‘buy’ success with immediate results. What we are building is sustainable into the long term and is as much about the development of New Zealand talent as it is the recruitment of some of the best players available. It is through that commitment to our coaching staff and players that we have reached the point of contending for the championship. We are in this for the long haul, not any overnight sensation that can just as quickly be gone tomorrow.”

For further information and interviews, players, coaches and General Manager Richard Clarke will be available following practice on Thursday morning at Atlas Place. The team departs for Sydney on Friday morning for the Saturday night game against Wollongong.

Thursday 15^th October

9am to 11am

Atlas Place

Friday 16^th October

Travel to Australia

Saturday 17^th October

Burger King Breakers v Wollongong Hawks

Live commentary on Radio Sport, visit www.radiosport.co.nz

Score updates and live stats at www.nbl.com.au

For all other enquries please contact:

Andrew Dewhurst

Media Manager

Burger King NZ Breakers

021 535501

Next Home Game

Burger King NZ Breakers v Townsville Crocodiles

Thursday 22^nd October

North Shore Events Centre

6.40pm Team Entry