Breakers get a man of character

Corey Webster’s name wasn’t mentioned, but his presence was felt at Breakers HQ yesterday when it was confirmed that American Paul Carter had signed with the club for the rest of the season.

Breakers coach Paul Henare said one of the reasons why they signed Carter was because of his good character and that he is a player met the team’s values.

Webster is facing three assault charges relating to a November 30 incident at a Takapuna bar and it’s uncertain whether he’ll play for the Breakers again.

When Henare was asked why they’d chosen to go with Carter as his replacement, Henare said: ‘‘The first part of it was from a character point of view.

‘‘Making sure we’re not having to explain that there are certain things we’re not going to put up with.

‘‘That goes back to making sure we do our background checks.

‘‘But also the strength of the group, in making sure that through their actions, probably more than their words, what the expectations are.’’

How much of that comment was in reference to Webster is a matter of debate, but Henare said they were able to check out what sort of person Carter is, through the team’s fellow American Akil Mitchell, who knew him personally.

‘‘Once his name came up, we found out pretty quickly that Akil played with him in France, so we were able to get a good character reference from Akil.

‘‘Then it was the same old thing of watching some tape and seeing if this guy could help us.

‘‘We think he can and we’re looking forward to getting him in the floor.’’

At 2.03m tall and the ability to play a number of roles, Carter could be a handy acquisition for the Breakers over the back end of the season.

The 29-year-old has been something of a journeyman and was most recently playing for Berlin in the German league. He had previously played in France, where he met Mitchell.

He arrived in New Zealand on Boxing Day and is set to suit up for his new club in Friday’s game away to the Sydney Kings.

Carter admits he knew little about New Zealand before making the move, other than it’s where Lord of the Rings was filmed, but he says he’s been able to settle in well.

‘‘I’ve had to learn a lot, but a lot of it is simple basketball principles, a lot of instinct,’’ Carter said.

‘‘So I feel like I’m fitting in, the guys are taking time with me, coaches are understanding, making sure I’m not throwing too much, so it’s going well.’’

Carter said he had only seen snippets of the Australian NBL before, but expected it to be at a high standard.

‘‘I’ve watched a few games in the past and known a couple of guys who’ve played in the league and they said it was pretty tough, pretty athletic.’’