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CJ Bruton celebrates a three-pointer - Source: Photosport
Here is a summary of the Breakers roster, including comment from head coach Andrej Lemanis on each player.
NZ Breakers Roster
2009/10 Australian NBL
AL: (Andrej Lemanis)
Tony Ronaldson
Age: 37
Country: Australia
Position: Power Forward/Centre
AL: Tony has been an integral part of the progress of the club, both on and off the court - so I'm very pleased that he is back. He is a natural leader that helps give the group a focus and confidence that we can succeed in any situation - in fact, he has seen more situations then most, so he speaks from experience. He also brings an on court game which nicely complements the rest of our team. He understands what it takes for teams to win and that is a quality you just can't magically re create.
CJ Bruton
Age: 33
Country: Australia
Position: Point Guard/Guard
AL: Showed last season why he is considered the best point guard in the competition. Makes those around him better and is a true winner. He plays with a confidence that inspires his team mates and fans alike. I think the NZ public saw just what CJ brings to the game - he loves the competition, he loves interacting with the fans and he is a genuinely nice guy - Breakers fans I'm sure are looking forward to watching him play again.
Kirk Penney
Age: 28
Country: New Zealand
Position: Guard/Small Forward
AL: The league MVP returns for his third season in a Breakers singlet. Another player I'm sure the New Zealand fans will enjoy watching ply his trade once again. He is the ultimate professional, and like his team mates, is extremely humble and always plays in the best interests of the team.
Oscar Forman
Age: 27
Country: Australia
Position: Small Forward/Shooting Guard/Power Forward
AL: Had a break out season last year and started to realise the impact he can make on this team. Taking that knowledge and confidence, combined with his off season work, the team will be expecting Oscar to continue to add to his game and continue to raise his level of performance. Every one is well aware of his ability to shoot the 3, but his improvement at the defensive end and his contribution on the boards have been the most pleasing things for me and the team will need him to continue to deliver in those areas.
Paul Henare
Age: 30
Country: New Zealand
Position: Point Guard
AL: A true stalwart of the Breakers and it is great that he is back again to apply his hard nose approach to the game. He is a true competitor and loyal to the core - I think he is great example of what can be achieved with hard work, belief and determination. The team is in a great place when we have the luxury of bringing a player of Pauli's skill and experience off the bench. His commitment to helping the team win in any way he can is truly an asset for us.
Dillon Boucher
Age: 33
Country: New Zealand
Position: Power Forward/Small Forward
AL: It is only when you get to coach Dillon that you truly appreciate everything he does for the team. He finds a way to help the team win and every good team needs a truly selfless, hard nosed competitor like Dillon - we're very happy that he is again on our team rather then wreaking havoc against us.
Tom Abercrombie
Age: 22
Country: New Zealand
Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward
AL: An exciting prospect. Tom showed some of what he can do in the public arena towards the end of last season - we, of course, had been witness to it on the practice floor for much of the year. Now that he is in the ten, Tom can no longer sit in the comfort zone of a limited responsibility player - he has to deliver consistently night in and night out for the team to achieve what we want to achieve. The great part is that we believe he has the ability to not only hold his own, but to be a very good player over the ensuing years. It is always exciting when you get young talent into a team and you watch them go through the highs and lows as they grow into a professional player. And I think the NZ fans will enjoy watching Tom continue his journey this season.
Jeremiah Trueman
Age: 20
Country: New Zealand
Position: Power Forward
AL: Another young New Zealander who I'm really looking forward to seeing grow. He has spent the last 4 years and college developing his game. Whilst I have watched plenty of tape, you never truly know what a returning college player will give until you see him in your environment. What I am certain of is his work ethic and personal qualities fit perfectly with our values and this is a great place to start. Given these attributes, what I have seen of him play and the experience he has on the team from which to learn, I'm confident Jeremiah will grow into a quality player and another long term Breaker.
Corey Webster - Development Player
Age: 20 years
Country: New Zealand
Position: Point Guard/Shooting Guard
Returning from last season, Webster is one of the leading players in the current NZ National Basketball League playing for the Harbour Heat.
Alex Pledger - Development Player
Age: 22 years
Country: New Zealand
Position: Power Forward/Centre
Pledger is a 2.13m centre who has spent two years in the States at Belmont Abbey College. Pledger made his first appearance for the Tall Blacks in 2008.
