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Australia's premier basketball point guard CJ Bruton says he's joining the New Zealand Breakers because he feels he can help the team "become something special".
The signing of Bruton and Tall Black forward Dillon Boucher by the Breakers was confirmed yesterday when the Australian National Basketball League approved their new contracts after both were cleared by the Brisbane Bullets.
Boucher has signed for two years and Bruton for the next three seasons, saying he didn't want "to come to New Zealand and then run away".
The 32-year-old former NBA player with the Portland Trailblazers brings the experience of 14 years in the Australian league, during which time he won three titles - two with the Sydney Kings and another with Brisbane in the 2006-07 season.
Now, the Kansas-born, Australian-raised son of Australia NBL Hall of Famer and championship-winning coach Cal Bruton is aiming for success on New Zealand soil.
"The Breakers have proved they're a playoff team and I'd like to help take them up to that next level," Bruton said.
"I've seen the Breakers change their team and their culture to become more competitive. They're serious about becoming number one and I want to be a part of New Zealand's first championship. You don't play this sport just to be in it."
The Australian league is becoming increasingly competitive and the off-season coach and player movement has left some teams, the South Dragons in particular, looking ominously strong on paper.
But Bruton, who averaged 18.8 points and 4.5 assists per game last season for the Bullets, has never been one to shy away from a contest.
"There was tremendous pressure when I first went to Sydney to take over from Shane Heal the season after they won a title, and I see New Zealand as a chance for me to enjoy another great challenge."
Bruton is keen to link up with his Boomers' co-captain at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Tony Ronaldson.
"I've known Tony pretty much since I first came into the league. He's a legend of the game and very classy on and off the court."
Having locked horns with the Tall Blacks on numerous occasions since his Australian Boomers debut back in 2000, Bruton is now thrilled to be brothers in arms.
"I've enjoyed playing with Dillon Boucher in Brisbane and it's going to be great to have Paul Henare, Phill Jones and Kirk Penney on my side rather than kicking my butt. I see a lot of things I can get out of their games and things they can help me with."
Bruton will shift to New Zealand after the Boomers' Olympic campaign in Beijing. Boucher is already back in Auckland playing for the Stars in the New Zealand NBL.
Two spots remain free in the Breakers' roster, currently containing CJ Bruton, Paul Henare, Kirk Penney, Phill Jones, Dillon Boucher, Oscar Forman, Tony Ronaldson and Tim Behrendorff.
- NZPA
