Import sure his ‘Philly swag’ fits bill for Breakers

Whatever DJ Newbill encounters during his latest pro hoops gig with the New Zealand Breakers, he figures it will be a little less wild than his experience in Turkey in 2016.

Newbill, a 1.93m shooting guard from Philadelphia, has just had his first week of practice with the Breakers as one of two new imports for the 2017-18 Australian NBL season, alongside point guard Edgar Sosa.

The 25-year-old Penn State graduate (in communications) is entering his third year as a pro, having played in Belgium (where he won a championship last season), Turkey and France, and has already experienced some of the more extreme elements of life as a globetrotting hired hand.

‘‘So far I’ve been blessed to be in places that have been very basketball friendly,’’ Newbill told Stuff. ‘‘My first game in Turkey [for Akhisar Belediyespor] was pretty interesting though. ‘‘It was a road game and we were down like 18 points in the fourth quarter and came back and won. The fans were going bananas, they started throwing stuff on the court, and it all got pretty wild. We had to get escorted My first impression is we have a lot to work with. out of the gym.

‘‘I loved it. I loved the passion they had. A lot of fans if the home team lose they just clap politely; these fans were really into the game the whole time, screaming and hollering the whole game, and it was just a good basketball vibe.’’

Newbill (the DJ comes from his given names of Devonte Jerrell) might find his new Breakers fans a little more restrained when the ANBL tips off in early October, but already he likes what he’s seeing from the squad coach Paul Henare has assembled at Atlas Place for the 2017-18 campaign.

The new Americans, Tall Blacks star Shea Ili and Kiwi hoops legend Kirk Penney cover off the backcourt options, Tom Abercrombie and Jordan Ngatai are the small forwards, and up front Alex Pledger, a reenergised Mika Vukona, Rob Loe and Finn Delany look set to share the minutes at the four and five spots.

‘‘My first impression is we have a lot to work with,’’ says Newbill.

‘‘We have a little bit of everything. We’ve got ball-handlers, wings, bigs who can shoot, bigs who can rebound, and guards who can do a little bit of everything. We are definitely going to have a good team this year.’’

For the new import, the preseason (the Breakers will host Melbourne United in Napier and New Plymouth and the Brisbane Bullets in Tauranga, as well as participate in the league’s annual Blitz tournament in Victoria) is all about familiarity – with his team-mates, coaches and systems.

But Newbill says he hopes to prove himself a versatile type capable of doing whatever his coach requires.

‘‘I’m a shooting guard, but I can defend all three positions, and I can handle the ball and play the point if that’s needed, and can go over to the three as well. I think coach is going to have a fun time moving me around and having that flexibility to put me anywhere on the floor.’’

And in terms of making his mark at his new home, Newbill pledges qualities that will be music to Henare’s ears.

‘‘Just being a tough, gritty player – one of those guys who is teamfirst always, plays hard defence, and just try to be myself. Coach told me whatever it is you do best, that’s all I want you do. As a player that’s all you want to hear from a coach.’’

Newbill is also eager to grow his relationship with Sosa who he met for the first time this week.

‘‘He’s really good, real talented, sees the floor well, is quick, and can really shoot it, which is going to help us stretch the floor. He’s going to be good for us.’’

And already he senses a reassuring veteran influence from the likes of Vukona, Penney and Abercrombie out at Atlas Place.

‘‘Their presence is felt every day in practice, whether it’s giving instruction, or just out there talking. Even in the locker-room they’re making sure we’re all on the same page.’’

And as a product of the Philadelphia hoops scene, Newbill comes with certain qualities.

‘‘In Philly everyone plays basketball, anywhere. In the playgrounds you’ve got to be tough, got to be physical, and you’ve got to be able to hold your own.

‘‘That’s the Philly when I’m playing.’’ swag I have