Basketball: Powell posts best average

Carlos Powell's presence will be severely missed by the New Zealand Breakers, judging by the Australian National Basketball League regular season statistics released yesterday.

American import Powell was easily the most accomplished offensive player in the league, averaging 28.2 points a game, nearly three better than nearest rival Martin Cattalini of the Cairns Taipans.

Powell, who is seeking an American NBA contract next year and almost certainly won't return to the Breakers, played 39.6 minutes per game, the fourth most in the ANBL.

He was ranked sixth on the steals list (1.7 per game) and 11th in defensive rebounds (5.5).