Basketball: New Zealand Breakers sign Armani Moore as first import

Armani Moore. Photo / Getty

The New Zealand Breakers have locked in their first import for the upcoming season, signing 24-year-old American small forward Armani Moore on a one year deal.

Moore spent four years at Tennessee before beginning his professional career in Poland and Germany, and profiles as a defensive specialist.

In his senior year in Tennessee, he averaged 12.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks, and Moore hopes to bring that versatility to the Australian league.

"Being able to bring heaps of energy to the court, as well as being a team player in every aspect," says Moore, explaining the strengths of his game.

"I rebound and play very aggressive defence as well as knocking down open three-pointers."

Shooting is not going to be Moore's forte - he shot at just 26 per cent from deep in college and struggles at the free throw line, though has been better as a professional. That shouldn't be a major issue on a Breakers side with plenty of shooting, and it looks as if Moore will be asked to fill several holes as a utility for this Breakers outfit.

Breakers head coach Kevin Braswell likes how Moore will fit with the Breakers' style they hope to implement this season.

"We want to play at a faster pace, he will help a lot with this because he's a very good rebounder for his size, and can start our fast breaks well," says Braswell.

"He is also very crafty on offence and has many ways that he can fill the stat sheet. He's a great defender too who can guard every position on the floor."

While Moore's resume isn't overwhelming - he only averaged seven points per game in the middling Polish and German leagues - the Breakers are trying to find pieces that fit their system, with Moore (listed at 6'4") likely able to cover multiple positions and not be relied upon to do the bulk of the scoring.

It's not a name which will have Breakers fans sprinting to buy season tickets, but it is understood that the Breakers are targeting a decent chunk of their remaining salary cap towards a high-quality centre, with the other imports to be complementary pieces.

That's probably what Moore profiles as, but he does have some upside, and that's what the Breakers will be counting on.

Breakers roster: Shea Ili, Finn Delany, Tom Abercrombie, Jordan Ngatai, Jarrad Weeks, Tai Wesley, Corey Webster, Majok Majok and Armani Moore.