Kiwi Max Darling's hard work as an NZ Breakers' development player last season has been rewarded with elevation to the full roster for the 2024-25 Australian National Basketball League (ANBL).
The 23-year-old has signed a two-year contract, with a third-year team option.
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The 6-foot-6 Darling returns to Auckland fresh off sealing back-to-back championships with the Canterbury Rams in the National Basketball League (NBL) and takes the final 'local' spot in the roster.
"It's an amazing feeling to be elevated to a full roster spot," he said.
"Reaching this position has been my number one goal, and I'm looking forward to getting started with 'Coach Kop' and our team this season."
The small forward saw court time once for the Breakers last season but has the experience of 14 previous ANBL appearances for the Illawarra Hawks under legendary Australian Coach Brian Goorjian.
At a young age, Darling has also previously played in Croatia and Romania and represented New Zealand at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
"Max's work ethic and determination were key reasons we have elevated him to the full roster," said head coach Petteri Koponen.
"The Breakers will always be a primary pathway for the best Kiwi players to secure full-time professional contracts."
In total, Darling has played six seasons with the Rams and averaged 9.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 15 games this season, including nine points in the grand final against the Auckland Tuatara.
The signing of Darling means the Breakers' roster is almost complete, with one import spot still to be filled and Koponen can still sign an ANBL 'Next Star', who sits outside the roster, if he desires.
The Breakers assemble on August 12 in Auckland, with the 2024-25 season tipping off on September 21 against the Brisbane Bullets at Hoopsfest in Perth.
The first home game is September 29 against the South East Melbourne Phoenix at Spark Arena.