Breakers lock in coaching duo
It’s not all bad news at the Breakers as the battling Kiwi hoops club plans for tomorrow even while it is still trying to figure out today.
In a much-needed demonstration of continuity and stability the Breakers, who host Adelaide in Auckland today, have locked in new head coach Dan Shamir and his chief assistant Mody Maor for two more years beyond their current first terms.
Breakers owner Matt Walsh confirmed the contract extensions of both and intentions to make similar moves among the playing personnel as the club looks to establish some certainty among personnel moving forward.
The Breakers have battled injury problems and some notable off-court issues this season as they’ve struggled to a 4-9 record. But Walsh is convinced Shamir and Maor are the men to lead this club back into championship contention in a league that’s getting better all the time.
‘‘We knew we needed a lot of change [early on],’’ he said. ‘‘We missed the mark last year with our head coach and staff, and this has been a very difficult start to the season in terms of injury and that kind of stuff. But I believe in Dan 100 per cent, and if we could sign those guys for longer, I would.’’
The ambitious owner has experienced Tall Blacks forward Tom Abercrombie under contract beyond this season and confirmed high-scoring guard Corey Webster was also locked in for next season and by all accounts is keen to remain on board.
Walsh confirmed he is working on extending Webster’s deal.
‘‘When he’s healthy him and Chris Goulding are the best local two-guards in the league, and it’s not close,’’ said Walsh. ‘‘We want to back him. He’s been a leader of the team this year with Tom and has been everything we could have hoped for.
‘‘He wasn’t put in an easy situation. He had an offer [in Turkey] he wanted to take, but he 100 per cent bought in, and he’s told us he wants to be back and wants to play here. That’s amazing for us, and we’ll get it done.
‘‘We’re trying to build something here.’’
Finn Delany will be the other key local the Breakers will be desperate to nail down. The 24-year-old is fast emerging as the power forward the club always envisioned him as and his presence going forward will be high on its priority-list.
Walsh confirmed they were also looking closely at their imports with hopes of securing a longer commitment from at least one.
‘‘You don’t bring guys back just to bring ’em back, because continuity doesn’t win if it’s not the right continuity,’’ he said. ‘‘But there certainly are people on our team that are unsigned for next year we really want to bring back.’’
Outstanding American forward Scotty Hopson surely comes into that category, while big man Brandon Ashley has also impressed with his athleticism and energy.
The Breakers host Adelaide today with the 36ers coming in off the back of a classic 113-111 Friday night home victory over the South Melbourne Phoenix.
‘‘I believe in [coach] Dan [Shamir] 100 per cent . . .’’ Breakers owner Matt Walsh