LACEY LOWDOWN

DARNELL LAZARE

Darnell Lazare played last season for the Sydney Kings. The 28 years old power forward from Louisiana averaged 11.3 points and 7.2 rebounds helping the Kings to the semi finals of the ANBL last season. Ironically, his most productive game of the season was against the SKY CITY Breakers back in February when he scored 25 points and snared 11 rebounds. His 7.2 rebounds per game placed him 5^th in the NBL leading rebounder category last season.Expect Darnell to share the power forward spot with Mika Vukona but he is also capable of helping cover the centre position if required. He will excite fans with his shot blocking and rebounding – has the potential to be the best 6^th man in the league.

Darnell graduated from Louisiana State University in 2007 and had professional stints in Sweden, Ukraine, and the D League in the USA before linking up with the Kings.

Most points in a single game, 25 for Sydney Kings v Sky City Breakers, 9.2.13

REUBEN TE RANGI

Reuben Te Rangi has spent a number of years in the SKY CITY Breakers coaching set up progressing from the Academy to a Development player and now to his first season as a contracted player. In 2011 Reuben was a member of the 3on3 team that won a gold medal at the Youth World Championships in Rimini, Italy. In 2012 he was voted Rookie of the Year in the New Zealand NBL after averaging 8 ppg for the Harbour Heat and shooting 44% from behind the 3 point arc. Later in 2012 he captained the Junior Tall Blacks in their three game series against Australia before making his debut for the Breakers against Townsville Crocodiles in November. Still only 18 years old Reuben will provide cover for swing man Tom Abercrombie.

Club Statistics;

11 Appearances

20 Points at 1.8 ppg.

Most points in a single game, 13 v Melbourne Tigers, 14.3.13

JEREMIAH TRUEMAN

Jeremiah Trueman rejoins the club having played a season in Breakers colours back in 2009-10. Since then he has been an important cog in the Perth Wildcats team, helping them to two Championship Finals series against the SKY CITY Breakers. A current Tall Black, Jeremiah is currently playing in the New Zealand NBL for the Palmerston North Jets. A hard working, no frills operator, Jeremiahs character and skill set are perfect for the club’s requirements – he will provide back up for Alex Pledger at centre.

Club Statistics;

11 Appearances

33 Points at 3.0 ppg

Most points in a single game, 14 v Townsville Crocodiles, 15.2.13

SKY CITY Breakers players past and present are making their mark in the NBL as the competition passes the half way stage. Last Sunday the Waikato Pistons got their first win at the eleventh attempt. Led by 27 points/7assists/4steals from Tai Webster the Pistons overcame the James Blond Super City Rangers 94-80.
The Otago Nuggets (10-1) are still top of the league but it took two free throws from Mark Dickel in the final six seconds to secure a 95-93 victory over the Jets. BJ Anthony was once again prominent scoring 17 points.
Former Breakers favourite Rick Rickert is back in New Zealand. Rick has teamed up with the Wellington Saints as they bolster their stocks for their tilt at securing the championship. The big American made 73 appearances for the Breakers and with 600 rebounds remains in fifth place on the club’s all time rebounding list. The Saints now boast a very handy “Breakers’ five. Lindsay Tait, Corey Webster, Dillon Boucher, Casey Frank and Rickert would give many a team in the Australian league a run for their money.
The Saints (9-2) are second on the table closely followed by the Nelson Giants (8-3). Mika Vukona, not renowned for his points scoring recently scored 25 points for the Giants in their win over the Jets.

Bad luck for Breakers Development player Morgan Natanahira who faces a long lay-off after sustaining his second ACL injury inside twelve months. Likely to require surgery, Morgan faces a long period of recuperation. Good news for his team, the Southland Sharks is that they have moved up into fourth place on the ladder. The Sharks (6-3) are of course coached by new Breakers assistant coach Paul Henare.

Henare’s fellow assistant Judd Flavell is in China this week. He is accompanying Academy players Jack Salt and Luuk Witteveen who are attending the prestigious Nike All Asia Basketball Camp. The invitational camp, attended by a number of NBA scouts and coaches is a wonderful opportunity for young players to showcase their skills. Rob Loe, Reuben Te Rangi, Tohi Smith-Milner and Isaac Fotu are Academy players who have benefitted from invitations in the past.

Talking of Isaac Fotu, he will head a team of current and former Academy players as they take on the Australian College of Basketball in a couple of games this week. Come along and support the lads – the games are being played on Wednesday and Thursday this week at Atlas Place. Games tip off at 7.30pm and entry is free.

Congratulations to Andrej Lemanis who gained his first win as the Australian Boomers coach last week. The Boomers won the second test against China 85-50 to tie the four game series 1-1.