The NZ Breakers will get an early look at some familiar faces to start their pre-season.
The Breakers will face the Perth Wildcats, Adelaide 36ers and Sydney Kings at the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) pre-season Blitz tournament in the Gold Coast from September 7-14.
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The Wildcats feature former Breakers guard Tai Webster, along with Tall Blacks forward Hyrum Harris, and Otago Nuggets guard Dontae Russo-Nance, while the Kings include last year's starting guard Izayah Le'afa, who opted not to stay with the Breakers.
Perth are also coached by former Breakers guard John Rillie, with Auckland Tuatara head coach Aaron Young as an assistant.
The tournament will also be the first hit-out for new head coach Petteri Koponen, the Finnish legend and San Antonio Spurs Summer League coach, who has taken over from the departed Mody Maor.
His retooled squad will play the Wildcats on Sunday, September 8 (tip-off 5.30pm NZT), followed by games against the 36ers on Wednesday, September 11 (tip-off 7pm NZT) and Kings on Friday, September 13 (tip-off 9.30pm NZT).
The Breakers currently have just six full-time players on their roster, led by returning import point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, former NBA player Jonah Bolden and Australia Boomers guard Mitch McCarron.
Australian big Dane Pineau is also returning, while the Breakers signed Kiwi forward Sam Mennenga and NZ-born former ANBL 'Next Star' Mojave King. The Breakers also have development players Alex McNaught, Carlin Davison and Max Darling in their wider squad.
NZ BREAKERS' ANBL BLITZ SCHEDULE
Sunday, September 8: vs Perth Wildcats, 5.30pm NZT
Wednesday, September 11: vs Adelaide 36ers, 7pm NZT
Friday, September 13: vs Sydney Kings, 9.30pm NZT