Bruton embraces Breakers challenge 

Australia's premier point guard, CJ Bruton says he is joining the NZ Breakers because he feels he can help the team "become something special".

The signing of Bruton and Tall Black forward Dillon Boucher by the Breakers was confirmed today when the Australian NBL approved their new contracts after both obtained releases from the Brisbane Bullets.

Boucher has signed for two years and Bruton will in Breakers colours for the next three seasons, saying he didn't want "to come to New Zealand and then run away".

The 32-year-old former NBA player with the Portland Trailblazers brings the experience of 14 years in the ANBL, during which time he has won three titles, two with the Sydney Kings and another with Brisbane in the 2006/07 season.

Aiming for success

Now, the Kansas-born, Australian-raised son of ANBL Hall of Famer and championship-winning coach Cal Bruton is aiming for success on Kiwi soil.

"The Breakers have proved they're a play-off team and I'd like to help take them up to that next level," Bruton said.

"I've followed them closely since they came into the league and they're heading in the right direction. I like what Andrej Lemanis has done with the group he's got and I feel I can help them become something special.

"I've seen the Breakers change their team and their culture to become more competitive. They're serious about becoming number one and I want to be a part of New Zealand's first championship. You don't play this sport just to be in it."

Increasing competition

The NBL is becoming increasingly competitive and the off-season coach and player movement has left some teams, the South Dragons in particular, looking ominously strong on paper.

But Bruton, who averaged 18.8 points and 4.5 assists per game last season for the Bullets, has never been one to shy away from a contest.

"There was tremendous pressure when I first went to Sydney to take over from Shane Heal the season after they won a title, and I see New Zealand as a chance for me to enjoy another great challenge.

"When I first started playing in the league I never thought we'd be playing outside of Australia, so to be based in Auckland and get a feel for the country is something I'm looking forward to."

Bruton is also keen to link up with his Boomers co-captain at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, current Breaker Tony Ronaldson.

"I've known Tony pretty much since I first came into the league. He's a legend of the game and very classy on and off the court.

"I learned a lot off him at the 2004 Olympics. He's a great shooter and a great leader and I'm really looking forward to playing with him again."

Bruton v Boucher

Having locked horns with the Tall Blacks on numerous occasions since his Australian Boomers debut back in 2000, Bruton is now thrilled to be brothers in arms.

"I've enjoyed playing with Dillon Boucher in Brisbane and it's going to be great to have Paul Henare, Phill Jones and Kirk Penney on my side rather than kicking my butt! I see a lot of things that I can get out of their games and things they can help me with."

Bruton will shift to New Zealand after the Boomers' Olympic campaign in Beijing. Boucher, already back in Auckland playing for the Stars in the New Zealand NBL, will now undertake individual skills training and conditioning work at the club.

Just two spots remain to be filled for the 10-strong 2008/2009 roster, currently containing: CJ Bruton, Paul Henare, Kirk Penney, Phill Jones, Dillon Boucher, Oscar Forman, Tony Ronaldson and Tim Behrendorff.