Former NZ Breakers point guard Kevin Braswell will taking the coaching reins on a three-year deal at the four-time Australian NBL-winning club.
The signing represents full circle for Braswell. The American arrived at the Breakers in 2010 and helped spur the club on a remarkable end-of-season run that almost earned them a playoff berth, before returning to help the club to their first NBL title the following season, when he was named NBL Best Sixth Man and earned a reputation as one of the league’s best ‘closers’.
The Baltimore native has since gone on a decorated run as a player and coach in the New Zealand NBL, firstly with the Southland Sharks (2010-15) and then Wellington Saints, coaching them to back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017.
Breakers chief executive Matt Walsh is excited about bringing Braswell back into the fold.
"This has been a tough process, with 'KB' winning out over a list of high-quality candidates," says Walsh. "His vision for the team and the style of play that he will bring fits with our vision as owners, and he knows the club and the values we look to live and breathe every day.
"We will play an up-tempo exciting brand of basketball. KB’s record as a player and, more importantly, as a coach fits that style
"That track record and the interview process has convinced us that he is our man.”
Braswell, 39, was almost lost for words upon being told of his appointment, after a process that he wasn’t even considering just a few short weeks ago.
"This is an unbelievable opportunity," he says. "It wasn’t my plan to be head coach of the Breakers, but the opportunity opened up out of the blue and suddenly it got exciting.
"I started talking with [general manager Dillon Boucher] and Matt, and we spoke about where the new owners are wanting to take the club and things they have planned. It sounded great and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
“I am ambitious and considered applying for the Cairns job, but this is right for me. Matt and Dillon are talking about playing up-tempo, a style of game I am familiar and comfortable with.
"I know most of the players at the club and in the league, and I know the culture from my time here as a player.
Braswell will not waste any time in getting to work, with the NBL free agency opening at 11.30am Monday (NZ time), he and Walsh have already compared notes on potential signings.
"It was part of the interview process," he says. "I had a list of players I wanted to sign, and I know Matt and Dillon have a list of players they are keen to talk to.
"That is our focus, that is the priority and I can’t wait to get to work."
The club will look to confirm assistant coaches to Braswell in the next few weeks, with high hopes that incumbents Judd Flavell and Mike Fitchett agree to continue in their respective roles with the club.
Newshub.
