Breakers appoint Braswell as head coach
The New Zealand Breakers have confirmed former point guard Kevin Braswell as their new head coach.
The 39-year-old replaces Paul Henare on a three-year deal – two plus an option.
The American arrived at the Breakers in 2010 and helped spur the club on a remarkable end of season run that all but earned it a playoff berth, before returning to help the club to its first NBL title the following season and being named ANBL Best Sixth Man and a reputation as one of the league’s best ‘‘closers’’.
The Baltimore native has since gone on a decorated run as a player and coach in the New Zealand NBL, firstly with the Southland Sharks (2010-15) and then Wellington, coaching the Saints to back to back titles in 2016 and 2017.
Braswell would coach Saints through this season, then join the Breakers, Saints general manager Fran Scholey said.
‘‘KB is definitely here for this season,’’ she said, adding she was certain his new job would not be a distraction.
‘‘Not at all. He’s professional enough to do it, plus he’s going for the much-loved three-peat.’’
Breakers CEO Matt Walsh is excited about bringing Braswell back into the fold at a club that has won four titles.
‘‘We are delighted to announce Kevin as our next head coach, someone who knows the club and has a strong association with the NBL, to lead our basketball programme in what will be exciting times for the club, the league and for the fans,’’ Walsh said.
‘‘His vision for the team and the style of play that he will bring fits with our vision as owners and he knows the club and the values we look to live and breathe every day.
‘‘We will play an up-tempo exciting brand of basketball, KB’s record as a player and more importantly as a coach fits that style, that track record and the interview process has convinced us that he is our man.’’
Braswell is thrilled at his appointment.
‘‘This is an unbelievable opportunity, I honestly am at a loss for words in a way,’’ Braswell said.
‘‘It wasn’t my plan to be head coach of the Breakers.
But the opportunity opened up out of the blue and suddenly it got exciting. I started talking with Dillon [Boucher] and Matt and we spoke about where the new owners are wanting to take the club and things they have planned, it sounded great and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
‘‘I am ambitious and considered applying for the Cairns job, but this is right for me. Matt and Dillon are talking about playing up-tempo, a style of game I am familiar and comfortable with. I know most of the players at the club and in the league, and I know the culture from my time here as a player.
Braswell knows how special the opportunity before him is, in a fulltime professional environment with such a successful club, but as always is ready for the challenge.
‘‘In coaching you always want to keep moving, keep progressing, for me this is the next step, there is nothing more I can accomplish in the New Zealand league, it is time to take my ability to a higher level.
‘‘I have played in the NBL with a lot of players who are still playing, I watch the NBL, I know the players, I know the coaches, I know the systems. Sure, it will be a challenge, but nothing really scares me.
‘‘I embrace every challenge, it will be fun, and I aim to get better every day.’’
Braswell will not waste any time in getting to work, with the NBL free agency opening yesterday and he and Walsh have already compared notes on potential signings.
‘‘It was part of the interview process, I had a list of players I wanted to sign, and I know Matt and Dillon have a list of players they are keen to talk to. That is our focus, that is the priority, I can’t wait to get to work.’’
The club will look to confirm assistant coaches to Braswell in the next few weeks, with high hopes that incumbents Judd Flavell and Mike Fitchett agree to continue in their respective roles.