Basketball: Breakers looking for more American class

By PETER JESSUP

The Breakers are looking at buying in another class American to help turn their fortunes around.

New Australian general manager Peter Chapman said a lot of the New Zealand players had been shocked at the standard of play in the NBL, and the travel, back-up games and relentless training requirements had ground some down mentally.

He said that the owners wanted the Breakers to be a top-four team next season and that he and the coach Frank Arsego were to build a squad capable of producing that result.

Michael Redman said that he and his fellow owners were committed to the club.

"We were always in it for the long haul. When we started everything was based on assumptions - every new road trip, every loss brings experience that we will apply in future."

Meantime, a roster review was continuing, Chapman said.

The first priority was extending the deal with Mike Chappell, who leads the scoring statistics. They want him for two further seasons.

"We would like to bring in another class American player, too," Chapman said. "We need some pure shooters, people who can deliver 20 points a game."

Only captain Pero Cameron, Tall Black Phill Jones and this season's most-improved player Dillon Boucher are signed for next season.

With the rest on notice, some extra effort seems likely against the Crocs at the North Shore Events Centre tomorrow night.

The Breakers beat the Crocs 93-79 on Wednesday.