Basketball: Breakers release American import

The Breakers have released ex-NBA player Awvee Storey after just nine games. Photo / Getty Images

The New Zealand Breakers have released American import Awvee Storey, with the Australian National Basketball League club saying today that "things weren't working out".

The Breakers, who have a home fixture against the Perth Wildcats on Thursday, have also brought in former Australian representative John Rillie to bolster their roster.

Storey, who had NBA experience with the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks, was in his first season with the Breakers and had appeared in all nine of their matches so far.

Coach Andrej Lemanis said Storey had acted like a true professional during his time with the club and wished him the best for the future.

"But from time to time you are faced with making tough calls and this was one of them," he said.

"Things simply weren't working out and we needed to make a change."

General Manager Richard Clarke said the decision to sign Rillie, who arrived at the club last night, was made before Storey was let go.

With star guard Kirk Penney still out injured and back-up centre Alex Pledger sidelined for at least a further three weeks with a knee problem, Clarke said the club simply needed another body.

He said Rillie, 38, brought a great deal of experience and had stayed fit since being released by Townsville.

His role in the side was yet to be determined.

"Our priority right now was just to get him on the plane," Clarke said.

"We are fortunate that at such short notice a player of his ability and experience was available."

In his five years with the Crocodiles, Rillie averaged 16 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.65 assists.

He was instrumental in the Crocodiles' upset win over Perth in the playoffs last season, hitting a stunning 10 three-pointers in the 103-96 result in February.

- NZPA