KEY POINTS:
Power forward Mika Vukona is parting company with the New Zealand Breakers basketball team.
Vukona is on the final list of free agents released today by the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL).
He has been with the Breakers since their inception five years ago and was named the third most improved player in the ANBL last season when the Breakers reached the playoffs for the first time.
Franchise general manager Richard Clarke today confirmed Vukona's departure as the player explores his playing options with other clubs.
"Mika assures us the decision isn't about money, it's a basketball decision," Clarke said.
"He wants to take his game in a different direction and feels he needs to look around at other opportunities."
Clarke said the Breakers were sad to lose Vukona.
"The disappointment is more acute given the progress the team made last season in reaching the playoffs for the first time.
"Mika made a telling contribution to our success and was an integral part of the coaching staff's plans for the team going forward.
"We believe he's been very effective in the role he's played for us and while we'd prefer he stayed, we understand he has to do what he thinks is best for his career.'
Vukona's departure means the Breakers will tweak the final stages of their recruitment plans.
With the six players already signed for next season to be complemented by two imports, two spots remain in the 10-strong roster.
Already committed to the 2008-2009 season are Paul Henare, Kirk Penney, Phill Jones, Oscar Forman, Tony Ronaldson and Tim Behrendorff.
Meanwhile, Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis has left for an off-season expedition to the United States where he is spending four days with the San Antonio Spurs, before attending the Final Four tournament and a symposium for coaches at the Portsmouth Invitational.
He will also catch up with the Breakers' US-based scouts and some New Zealand and Australian players in American colleges.
- NZPA
