Breakers: New signings bolster roster heading into NBL27
The Breakers have bolstered their roster and coaching staff ahead of the NBL27 season, with one more development signing expected in the next few days.
Kazlo Evans jnr, 22, is the latest addition, with the former St Kentigern College guard joining as a development player.
The Kiwi has spent time in the NZNBL and NBL1, becoming the team’s fifth signing since August 11.
Canadian centre Charles Bediako took up the team’s final import spot after joining from the NBA G League, where he played for the Austin Spurs, Grand Rapids Gold and Motor City Cruise.
New Breakers coach Gordon Herbert had worked with the 24-year-old while in charge of the Canadian national team.
“We are getting a young athletic big who brings a paint presence at both ends of the floor and an ability to influence a game at the defensive end of the floor, not just with shot blocking but through his size and wingspan – he is the sort of player who changes a lot of shots,” Herbert said.
Josiah-Jordan James was brought in after a strong stint with Israeli Premier League powerhouse Hapoel Jerusalem and five years in college with the University of Tennessee.
Other key players confirmed include guard Preston Le Gassick, who had been with Australian NBL1 side the Gold Coast Rollers, two-time champion Australian guard Dejan Vasiljevic, while Sam Mennenga has re-signed on a two-year deal.
Breakers chairman and owner Marc Mitchell was positive about the team’s chances after the announcement of Bediako’s signing.
“This has been an exciting and productive recruitment process,” Mitchell said.
“The roster is a great blend of experience and youth, with a core group returning to build on our Ignite Cup success last season alongside an injection of proven NBL champions in DJ Vasiljevic and Kouat Noi.
“Add the youthful promise of NBL1 All Star Preston Le Gassick and Kiwi Anzac Rissetto, alongside two exciting new imports in Josiah-Jordan James and Charles Bediako, and we have a team that will excite the fans and can challenge for a championship.”
Kael Robinson has returned to New Zealand and signed with the Breakers as a development player after his stint with NCAA Division I team Northern Kentucky University.
Southland Sharks’ 2026 NZNBL champion Tukaha Cooper joins Robinson and Evans jnr as a development player, with the 25-year-old having said he was hoping to build on an impressive personal season.
“Last year was a highlight for me in my career, so I’m super excited about being around the returning guys and the new talent and experience that has been added to the squad.”
Tobias Cameron has also been added as a training player after runs in the NZNBL with the Taranaki Airs, Franklin Bulls and Southland Sharks.
One more development player will sign in the coming days, joining a squad already bolstered by off-season signings.
On the coaching front, Gordon Herbert’s staff is taking shape with Sebastian Gleim and Josiah Maama confirmed as assistants.
BNZ Breakers Roster: Parker Jackson Cartwright (import), Reuben Te Rangi, Sam Mennenga, Dejan Vasiljevic, Kouat Noi, Carlin Davison, Izayah Le’afa, Preston Le Gassick, Anzac Rissetto, Josiah-Jordan James (import), Charles Bediako (import).
Development Players: Kael Robinson, Tukaha Cooper, Kazlo Evans jnr.
Training Player: Tobias Cameron.