Anonymous
Years ago

Breakers Imports

Obviously the Breakers haven't signed any imports, so what is Vickerman's plan in this regard?

With the signing of Bailey it seems unlikely that they'll go after a big man (unless for some reason they waste an import on a backup) and the only guard penciled in for this season being Corey Webster will Breakers fans be treated to a 2 import backcourt?

The current roster looks like this, if I'm not mistaken:

PG: ? - ?
SG: ? - Webster
SF: Abercrombie - Te Rangi
PF: Vukona - Bailey
C: Pledger - ?

It's almost a forgone conclusion that the Breakers sign an import point guard, likely a guy that Vickerman picks up in the summer league and that the backup guard slot either goes to a young guy who played well in the NZNBL this season past or Kevin Braswell, if he gets NZ citizenship. Bearing in mind that Corey Webster has shown the ability to play some minutes at the point, a SG could be an option.

Tai Wesley could be an option as our final big man, due to his Oceania citizenship. Although the signing would make the Breakers second tallest player only 201cm he average 9.4 rebounds in the NZNBL so he could play centre. This gives us an adequate backup big man without using an import.

The second import slot is harder, and the player will likely on be added after the world cup. Abercrombie and Pledger both have a Euro out clause, which means if they catch the eye of a team that will pay them more money the import will likely be used on their replacement. Another factor is Kirk Penney. If he signs (and no other starter leaves) the Breakers can afford to use their second import on a backup big man.

In my mind, if we don't lose any players, or sign Kirk Penney the roster will look like this come the start of the season.

PG: Import - Braswell/Young guy
SG: Import - Webster
SF: Abercrombie - Te Rangi
PF: Vukona - Bailey
C: Pledger - Wesley

What would you guys do in this situation? Also, who should the Breakers sign as imports?

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Anonymous
Years ago

They could sign braswell and Bartlett as back up guards and Wesley as the back up big?

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Geoff
Years ago

Will they keep Te Rangi after the brawl incident? Haven't heard where that's up to in the legal system.

Reply #483148 | Report this post

Isaac
Years ago

Apparently they signed Daniel Dillon, so there's another guard for their list.

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paul
Years ago

Pretty sure Corey Webster will start at SG. Penney was quoted last week saying he will be back in Europe.

Reply #483159 | Report this post

boxed out
Years ago

Cedric Jackson looking likely for a return.

Vickerman checking this guy out too

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/10241581/Opportunity-knocks-for-talented-Air-Braimoh

Reply #483168 | Report this post

NBomb
Years ago

Why is it seemingly such a guarantee that the import big man would be a reserve? Such a Kiwi way of looking at things "Oh, we have Mika and Pledge who are pretty good, lets get a guy who is ok to sit on the bench."

If they get a big who is a quality producer, I'd have no issue starting him and sending one of the two guys to the bench.

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paul
Years ago

I don't think it's a guarantee, but you won't get many guys better than those two.

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Anonymous
Years ago

Pledger is barely good these days. Never took it to the next level for mine. Jackson is a much needed acquisition as they dont look very good at this point.

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Anonymous
Years ago

How about these two rosters?

PG: Jackson - Webster
SG: Import - Dillon
SF: Abercrombie - Te Rangi
PF: Vukona - Bailey
C: Pledger - Wesley

Jackson, the second import and Webster play the majority of backcourt minutes, Dillon only gets garbage time to make room Webster and his instant offence off the bench.

The frontcourt will probably be straight switches, except if Vickerman wants to go small, then Te Rangi will slide over to PF (hopefully Te Rangi isn't dropped).

Or...
PG: Jackson - Braswell
SG: Webster - Dillon
SF: Abercrombie - Te Rangi
PF: Vukona - Bailey
C: Import - Pledger

Pledger's injury woes and inconsistency relegate him to a bench role, with a quality big man signed to start in his place. Webster starts at SG - despite being undersized for his position - and Braswell backs up Jackson - again, only if his citizenship is approved.

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Anonymous
Years ago

Braimoh could backup in your second lineup if Dean Vickerman still wants Pledger to start. Although he probably wouldn't be good enough to start.

Reply #483221 | Report this post

NBomb
Years ago

With Webster, Abercrombie, Vukona and two imports all able to score the ball I would want no part of Braswell and his low-efficiency, non-passing chucking game.

I'd be fine with just giving Dillon the majority of the back-up sixth-man guard role, along with maybe one other option, guys who are efficient and wouldn't necessarily look to get buckets first and foremost.

Reply #483238 | Report this post

Tyrell
Years ago

obviously would LOVE cedric to be back...kirk will be back next season from what i've heard. Would BIG G not want to come back for a bit less (the lifestyle should be enough to attract him!!!) leaving something like this

PG: JACKSONDILLON
SG: WEBSTERYOUNG DP (Webster could also play some 1 if needed)
SF: ABERCROMBIETE RANGI
PF: VUKONA BAILEY
C: WILKINSON PLEDGER

That is the title-winning team right there. If Wilkinson doesn't come back, get a hard-nosed rebounding type like Will Hudson to back up Vukona and Bailey could, this would push it though, back-up Pledger...THOUGHTS?

Reply #483244 | Report this post

Anonymous
Years ago

Whats with the Pledger hate? Had a great season the year they won the 3rd title and was having an excellent season last year averaging 13-9 57% fg before he had that massive fall against Adelaide which pretty much derailed his season since he couldnt move afterwards!! Played his first game in about 6 months last night for the TBs and though he was quite rusty was still very solid at both ends and will only improve as he gets in better shape. Not sure where the hate is coming from? One of the better bigs in the league when healthy IMO

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MACDUB
Years ago

Vickerman playing cautiously with the Te Rangi saga ongoing.

What about if this happens.

Te Rangi gets the chop (1 season ban). Ced Jackson, Braswell and Braimoh are signed. That would give us:

Jackson/Braswell
Webster/Dillon
Abercrombie/Bailey
Vukona/Wesley
Pledger/Braimoh

Love that lineup.

Reply #483287 | Report this post

Mystro
Years ago

Rob Loe may still end up a Breaker, if that happens Bailey may slip down in TeRangi's SF spot and then they can grab 2x import PG's.
I wouldn't be picking Braswell for the backup pg spot.

Reply #483324 | Report this post

Tyrell
Years ago

Definitely no Gary Wilkinson then? With/without Loe? Is Loe a Wilkinson type??

Reply #483459 | Report this post

Mystro
Years ago

Yup steps out and hits the 3 but rolled his sleeves up last season for the Bilikens and rebounded better and was more of a pest around the rim.

If they don't get Loe & he goes to Europe, they would then go for an import big. Would Will Hudson be so bad off the bench?

Reply #483465 | Report this post

Tyrell
Years ago

I said it earlier, Will Hudson or that type of player off the bench would be great, especially when (frustratingly opposed to if) mika get's in foul trouble.

Reply #483499 | Report this post

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Breakers Imports

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