The SKYCITY Breakers have concluded their recruitment for the season, with the naming of four development players for the upcoming Australian National Basketball League campaign.

Breakers Academy head coach and SKYCITY Breakers assistant coach Judd Flavell today named Jack Salt, Luuk Witteveen, Duane Bailey and Alonzo Burton as Development Players for the upcoming season.

“First of all the club congratulates these young men on securing these opportunities,” said Flavell. “The competition was more fierce than ever and the depth of talented young players to choose from is growing year by year.

“All four players have great talent and have the potential to be fulltime SKYCITY Breakers in the future. The mix of positions works with our current roster but also as we project a few years down the track and look at key positions in the club’s long term planning. Alonzo and Luuk can both fill a variety of guard positions and that versatility is important at this stage of their careers.

“All have spent some time with us in the past, either with me and our coaching team in the Academy or in the NBL. They are talented basketballers but importantly for this club and our values, they are good people and will be the right fit for the culture here.”

Flavell spoke of the hugely competitive process this year, one that showed how highly regarded a place in the Breakers pathway is viewed.

“I was amazed – not with the large turnout (over 50 applications), but the way the players gave it their all and played like their lives depended on it during the two day try out. It was refreshing to see players diving on the floor, working hard on every little thing to impress and secure a contract.”

The Breakers will work closely with each player and their families to nurture their development as players and young men, assisting in their pathway towards a fulltime career in the sport. That may include helping them prepare for opportunities in the American college system, or as is increasingly an option, a pathway that includes tertiary education and basketball development with the Breakers, without having to leave home.

“Players have options now and we are happy to work with them to achieve their dreams,” said Flavell. “This can be through the American college system but we are also now very much a viable pathway to professional basketball while getting an education. We will sit down with the player and their families to discuss and plan the best way forward for them.”

Salt and Witteveen will take up non-nominated development player contracts, restricting them from travel to away games and any payment so as not to jeopardise a possible college role in the United States. Burton and Bailey will however be available to step up should any of the fulltime roster spots become available temporarily or otherwise during the season.

The players will join the club over the next week, with Salt and Witteveen mixing the final year of high school with their basketball commitments, with the priority on doing well in their end of year exams while easing themselves into the Breakers family.

All four players spoke with great delight at having secured the opportunity to either work again with the club, or for some get their first taste of the Breakers, their reactions are recorded below along with some biographical information.

SKYCITY Breakers Development Players 2013/14

Alonzo Burton

Hawkes Bay

2nd year with Bay Hawks in 2013 NBL

19 years old

Combo guard

NZU16 that beat Australia in 2009 (also included Jordan Ngatai, Steve Adams)

“At first I couldn’t stop smiling, I think it is the most I’ve smiled in my life, I have put the work into it though and was so happy to hear I had secured an opportunity. Coming into the SKYCITY Breakers with all their values and success, I am excited but nervous for the new challenges ahead of me.

“I aim to put in the work and get a fulltime spot at the Breakers, then go from there. Everyone’s dream is to make the NBA, that is dream of mine too, maybe go to Europe, but definitely to play professionally. For now it is all about working hard and learn all I can from the players.

“I just want to get better, develop, be a sponge and learn from the veterans. Short term is to get into the Breakers proper, but I know I have maybe 3 or 4 years in a development spot if I can take my opportunities, I will work hard and see what happens.

“Mum was in tears, happy tears, my parents are very proud, but happy for me to move on with the next chapter in my life”.

 

Jack Salt

2nd year Breakers Academy in 2013

NZ U20 2013, Tall Blacks 2013

Centre

Westlake Boys High School – last year at school this year

NBL 2013: Waitakere Rangers

Nike all Asia camp 2013

“I am really happy to have the chance to train with the team and hopefully get some game time on court, so just really happy to have been offered the chance.

“I am looking forward to developing my game, and learning from guys like Mika and Alex and learning from the coaches as well.

“I hope to go to college for basketball next year and after that either come back to play for the SKYCITY Breakers or the NBA or college basketball.”

Luuk Witteveen

3rd year Breakers Academy this year

Rangitoto College – last year of school this year

NZ U18 2013

Combo guard

Nike all Asia Camp 2013

“When Judd told me that the Breakers wanted me to be part of the SKYCITY Breakers as a development player I couldn't really believe it. It took me a few days to sink in. I would see the name of the Breakers team and still think of them as THE Breakers, not realising I was part of the team now! I couldn't wipe the smile off my face for a few days.

“As a development player I would want to develop a lot this year. Work on my own skills and learn from the older roster players. I also want to do anything I can to help the team win, even if it means just to train hard!

“In a few years I would love to see myself as a Breakers roster player. Where ever I go, I just want to be the best basketball player I can be and be in a team that I love.”

 

 

Duane Bailey

2008 Breakers Academy

21 years old

Power forward

Manawatu Jets, Auckland Pirates, Waitakere Rangers in past 3 NBL seasons

Mt Albert Grammar alumni

2008 Breakers academy

“When I found out I was very happy to be a part of the best team in the ANBL, I’m still shocked about it, I don’t thinks it's really hit me yet. I’m very excited to be a part of the team.

“I hope to achieve a lot as development player, develop my inside and outside game, offense and defensively. I expect to come in and learn a lot off the coaches and players, and also show people I'm capable of playing in this league.

“My plan is to continue playing professional basketball either in NZ or overseas.”