Basketball: Breakers sign second import

Breakers coach Dean Vickerman. Photo / Getty

The New Zealand Breakers have signed a familiar name, yet an unfamiliar face as their second import.

Another C.Jackson has joined the fold - with 6'10" centre Charles Jackson joining star point guard Cedric to form the new Breakers import duo.

The 22 year old dreadlocked big man last season declared for the NBA Draft out of Tennessee Tech, forgoing his final year of college eligibility after averaging 12.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, as well as 1.1 steals and 1.3 blocks.

He went undrafted, getting a stint in NBA Summer League for the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 7.5 points and six rebounds in just 15 minutes of playing time per game.

Breakers head coach Dean Vickerman believes Jackson will fit perfectly with the Breakers, where he will likely start at centre alongside Mika Vukona, with Tai Wesley and Alex Pledger set to provide key minutes off the bench.

"Charles is a great athlete, he was a real presence at both ends of the floor. What impressed me the most were the hustle plays, diving for loose balls, competing for rebounds and making the extra efforts for his teammates," said Vickerman.

"Charles is a very active player, he is always in the game. He is a real presence physically and athletically. I'm excited to include him into our group, he really fits how we like to play.

"All the feedback we have on him is that he is a great fit for our culture too, someone that wants to work hard and help his team get better. Charles has legitimate NBA aspirations and part of his desire to join our club is that he knows we will work hard on helping him get better and get closer to that goal."

The Breakers begin pre-season training on September 1st, after their core Tall Blacks finish their Olympic qualifying series against Australia.