Webster back for Breakers

sights after the pair had previously played together with the Breakers, and Webster had been his star performer in back-toback Kiwi NBL triumphs with Wellington’s Saints.

It is the second game-changing signing by Braswell, coming just days after the club confirmed the return of two-time championshipwinning power forward, and former Breaker, Tai Wesley. Webster’s addition takes the roster to eight for the coming season, with three spots still to fill (all of which could be imports) and the most glaring need at centre.

‘‘I made no secret when I got the job, that Corey was a player we were keen to talk to and see if we could have him return to the club and I am delighted that we have succeeded in doing just that,’’ said Braswell.

Webster last departed the club in early 2017 after an injuryplagued season that also saw him having to deal with off-court issues over an assault charge. He returns on the back of a stellar season with Ironi Nahariya in Israel, averaging 15.3 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4 assists per game. He also won the three-point shooting competition at Israeli All Star weekend.

The former Westlake Boys High standout first appeared for the Breakers as a development player in 2008, going on to spend nearly eight years on the roster, and helping the club to win three of their four championships.

Webster, currently playing in China, is excited at the chance to return home.

It enables him not just to be close to his young son who lives in Auckland but also to fulfil some major ambitions he still has at the club.

Webster also pledged he came back a different person who had learnt a lot from the lessons of the past.

‘‘Now’s the perfect timing for me to come back. I have done a lot of growing as a person and learned a lot about myself and who I want to be, not only as a basketball player, but also as a man and a father.

‘‘And with my son being in Auckland, I am excited for the years ahead, on and off court.’’

Webster said he returned in top fitness for the Breakers, and more immediately for the Tall Blacks in their looming World Cup qualifying games.