The Timaru Herald

Breakers find winning recipe

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to none. It started with Mody selecting good people, good teammates, and the skill level comes with that. It wasn’t instant. The pre-season we were terrible ... from then on everyone has bought in and embraced their roles and enjoyed playing with each other.’’

A good example of that is the backcourt, with Le’afa and Aussie Will McDowell-White starting and explosive import Barry Brown Jr coming off the bench in a finishing role he’s excelled at. It’s a dynamic reaping rich rewards.

‘‘Barry is one of the top players in the league and could start on any team,’’ notes Le’afa. ‘‘He plays big minutes and is our go-to guy down the stretch, but credit to him for buying into his role. That’s what makes us great – everyone buys into the system.’’

There’s a growing swag about Le’afa’s game as he gets more and more comfortabl­e in Maor’s system, and his coach loves it. Yes, turnovers are too high (his assist to turnover ratio is close to 1:1 and that needs to come up), but neither player nor coach are unduly concerned about that.

Of course, he has plenty of guidance from his father, long-time Saints Kiwi NBL guard George, who along with mother Dana is a constant presence at all Breakers’ home games, even though they live in Wellington.

‘‘He’s always telling me things, good and bad, and I always listen to him because he’s been through it and his experience is amazing. I love picking his brains on the game. It’s what’s helped me grow into who I am,’’ says Le’afa.

‘‘It’s a blessing to play in front of my parents. The last two years they didn’t get to watch when I was with the Phoenix. Life’s too short not to have them watching.’’

And the Phoenix at Christchur­ch Arena tonight has special resonance. The Melbourne outfit gave Le’afa his first crack in the pro game, as he emerged in two years there from a little-used developmen­t player to a genuine starter in one of the premier leagues in the world.

‘‘It’s always special to play a team who took you in when no one else really would. I had a great experience there, alongside some greats with Creeky [Mitch Creek], Gibbo [Adam Gibson] and Reuben [Te Rangi]. It was amazing to pick their brains. We had a great import in Keifer Sykes who also taught me a crazy amount.’’

Ata glance

What: ANBL

Who: New Zealand Breakers v South East Melbourne Phoenix

Where, when: Christchur­ch Arena, Christchur­ch; 7.30pm tonight

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 ?? GETTY IMAGES ?? Inspired by a new pre-game meal of chicken and rice, Izayah Le’afa and the Breakers have silenced their critics in the ANBL so far this season.
GETTY IMAGES Inspired by a new pre-game meal of chicken and rice, Izayah Le’afa and the Breakers have silenced their critics in the ANBL so far this season.
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