Breakers set sights on Hawks

Another week means another stern test of the SKYCITY Breakers ability and resolve in what is fast turning into the most competitive NBL season in years - perhaps in the entire time that the club has been a part of the Australian competition.

Friday night has Paul Henares team at home on Friday night against the Illawarra Hawks, with the North Shore Events Centre game notable for the inclusion of new American point guard David Stockton for the first time since his arrival.

Henare says the boys have responded well this week after the road win in Perth, taking a small amount of time to enjoy the overtime win but quickly refocusing.

"The boys have been great. We enjoyed that win as it was a tough game to grind out and any time you win in Perth is something you dont take lightly. Once we got back on the practice floor though its been about focussing on the Hawks. It always takes a few days to get that type of trip out of the system but the boys looked nice and fresh today."

Henare says the Hawks will challenge his team in different ways.

"They have good depth and a score in a number of different ways. They have guys that can shoot, guys that put the ball on the floor and attack the rim and big boys inside that present a good challenge."

Henare is keen to see Stockton in a Breakers uniform and for the American to start his work with the team in a competitive environment.

"David has now had 2 practices with the team so hell take some time to gel with the guys on court. However, he does have a great basketball IQ and has picked things up really well which will help with the transition. Im looking forward to seeing him on the floor."

The game is at the North Shore Events Centre and celebrates the 75th anniversary of the New Zealand Navy, with naval personnel from the nearby base at Devonport present. The expected visit of some of the American crew of the visiting US warship has been put on hold however, due to the diversion of the ship to assist in the earthquake recovery and evacuation in the Kaikoura region.

The team will then reassemble on Saturday for a flight to Aussie and a Sunday clash against the same opposition, as the two teams make up for not yet clashing this season with back to back matches.

Next Home Game

Friday 18 November

V Illawarra Hawks

North Shore Events Centre

7:30pm Tip Off

6:00pm Doors Open

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Basketball New Zealand