Basketball: Breakers net axed American forward

The New Zealand Breakers have snapped up American forward Marcus Timmons at the expense of import Shawn Redhage.

Timmons was axed from the Cairns Taipans last week, and Breakers coach Frank Arsego said he could not turn down the opportunity to grab a player of his class.

Timmons was cut after eight seasons in the Australian National Basketball League, with the Taipans citing niggling injuries and lack-lustre performances as the reason.

Arsego said Timmons was regarded as a $100,000-plus player at the beginning of the season and was out of the ball park for the Breakers.

"With Cairns deciding to move him on and pay out his contract it opened the way for the Breakers to sign a top-flight import and stay under the salary cap at the same time," Arsego said.

He said he was sorry to see Redhage depart.

"It's unfortunate that Shawn has paid the price for his youth. We needed more experience and with Marcus Timmons we now have a wily veteran who's played more than 270 ANBL games.

"Added to that are two championship titles and numerous awards, including the Cairns Taipans most valuable player of last season."

Timmons, 33, has won two ANBL titles, the first with Melbourne in 1997 and the second with Perth in 2000.

The Breakers signed Redhage, 23, at the start of this season after he turned in impressive performances for Arizona State University.

Redhage has played in all 14 Breakers games this season, averaging 11.4 points at 47.7 per cent shooting from the field, and 4.3 rebounds per game.

The Breakers climbed off the bottom of the ANBL ladder with a 94-86 win over Brisbane on Saturday, their second win from their last three games.

- NZPA