Basketball: Jones splits from Breakers

The Breakers and shooting guard Phill Jones have agreed to part company, with the Tall Black seeking other employment in Europe.

Jones will be able to earn more overseas and has played in Italy and Scandinavia before but does not have a contract lined up.

That suggests the Breakers were not that keen to keep him, given his ordinary performance in their inaugural season and, more significantly, the fact that Aaron Olson has stepped up and looks like he could take over Jones' role.

"He leaves on good terms," said chief executive Peter Chapman.

Jones has played consecutive seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres plus the Tall Blacks campaigns and has looked tired.

The Tall Blacks train-on squad of 25 assembles in Whangarei today for their three-test home series against Australia, beginning July 9.