-
Rick Rickert - Source: Photosport -
Related
The NZ Breakers pre-season just got better with news that popular centre Rick Rickert has agreed terms to return to the North Shore based club as the second import for the upcoming Australian Basketball League season, rounding out Andrej Lemanis' roster.
It was thought that the big man from Minnesota would be beyond the Breakers budget this year but it seems there is more to life at the Breakers than money for the 6'11" former NBA draft pick at the Minnesota Timberwolves.
It is not as though Rickert did not have options; the new Dad was courted by other NBL clubs and at higher money than the Breakers could offer but he just couldn't see himself turning out for anyone else in this part of the world.
"For me, playing for anyone but the Breakers in the NBL just didn't feel right. I knew that the Breakers only had a limited budget for their final spot, but I talked with my wife and we just knew that this is where we wanted to be.
"We have a new daughter, and it was really important for us to be in an environment we knew, and with people that we are very comfortable with."
In news that will further delight not only the Breakers but New Zealand Basketball as well, Rickert has made it clear he is looking at New Zealand as a long term home.
"Part of our decision was definitely based on our long term plans. This will be our third season in Auckland, we love the place and the people, and we are looking into our options for making New Zealand home.
"Whether in the future that means pulling on a Tall Blacks singlet, who knows - but that's definitely in the big picture."
NZ Breakers General Manager Richard Clarke said the signing came out of the blue but is one that has put a spring in the step of everyone at the organization.
"This is a great result for the club. With the energy and skills Rick brings it is obviously great news for Andrej on the playing side of things but Rick is such a strong personality and so well liked around the place that this has got everyone buzzing.
"As was the case with Phill (Jones) we thought Rick was a player that we would reluctantly have to let go due to salary cap constraints and changes to the roster. For him though to be the catalyst to his own signing and for the reasons he has described is a great vindication of all the work the club has put in over recent years.
We are now a club that leading players want to play for; there can be no greater endorsement than that. It also shows the sort of person Rick is, and why we love having him here - it's not all about the money, being happy in the environment for him and his family is more important.
"His preparedness to commit to New Zealand and the Breakers long term is the bonus; we will be working with Rick on his options for becoming a kiwi once he returns."
Rickert will arrive in New Zealand on Friday to join his team mates for pre-season training and the upcoming pre-season tour of the North Island. The tour will take in Rotorua, Hawkes Bay and Porirua.
The roster to visit those venues includes returning Tall Blacks and CJ Bruton. Bruton will ease himself back into work however as he completes his rehab from elbow and ankle surgery in the off season.
Meanwhile it has been confirmed that import signing Dave Thomas has reluctantly had to withdraw from his one year deal to play with the Breakers due to injury. Thomas alerted the club to a reoccurrence of knee and back problems.
Coach Lemanis was disappointed to hear the news but confident a suitable replacement will be found.
"Dave would have been a great fit for us as a player and a person. However I appreciate his honesty and the speed with which he has acted, this will enable us to move quickly to find a quality replacement.
"The fact we have got Rick back on board means he knows our systems and people; this lessens the impact of bringing in a new face to replace Dave. Our scouts are already on to this and have provided a list of names that are exciting to say the least. While we can't make promises, I hope we can make an announcement in a week or so."
