Breakers’ slam dunk champion makes his mark

High-flying New Zealand Breakers import power forward Akil Mitchell introduced himself to the NBL in a most emphatic way with a win in the slam dunk competition at the Australian Basketball Challenge in Brisbane on Sunday.

In his first attempt he threw a high bounce, taking the ball between his legs in the air then dunking with his right hand.

The smoothness of the slam won over judges Cal Bruton, CJ Bruton, Sam Mackinnon and Ken Cole who gave it the highest score possible and that dunk set the stage for his win.

Mitchell backed up his opener by calling Breakers point guard Ben Woodside to assist on dunk two.

Mitchell ran from behind the baseline, caught Woodside’s pass off the back of the backboard taking the ball to in front of the basket and finishing with a twohanded reverse dunk. Again he earned all 10s.

Then on his final dunk he again went with the high bounce leaping from one side of the hoop to the other and slamming with a two-handed reverse. It didn’t get full votes but it was enough to take the title.

Mitchell’s win was one of the highlights in a disappointing preseason competition for the Breakers. The Breakers open their season against Melbourne United on October 7.