Dave Gee: Life from Right Field

2007 has certainly been a turnaround season for the NZ Breakers. The Auckland-based ANBL team have given a kiwi basketball fans something to cheer about this year, with a uncharacteristic run of wins from an exciting lineup that has gelled together well.

The return of Kirk Penney to his home shores was a major coup, while the Breakers' scored two great team players in their American imports, centre Rick Rickert and point guard Wayne Turner.

Unfortunately, the team's rising fortunes were looking shaky after serious injuries to both the American players.
Rick Rickert is resting up for an extended period, after a disc problem that is affecting his lower back. Meanwhile Wayne Turner is out for the season with a torn quad (but staying on in NZ, in a mentoring/coaching role).

Coach Andrej Lemanis also admitted a number of the regular squad were also carrying niggly injuries into tonight's matchup at home against the South Dragons, but managed to keep up the pressure down the stretch for a 3-point win, 107-104.
The Breakers are looking forward to welcoming Turner's replacement, Orien Greene tomorrow. The towering 1.93m point guard has played 128 NBA games, and until a fortnight ago was with the Sacramento Kings.