The Breakers have confirmed the signing of their second import for the 2016/17 NBL season, American Akil Mitchell.
Mitchell is a 206cm power-forward who enjoyed an impressive four year college career with Virginia, before spending time with the NBA's Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets summer league squads, and most recently Olympique Antibes in France.
He was also a regular with the NBA development league's Rio Grande Vipers, where he averaged 9.8 points and 9.0 rebounds across 49 appearances.
The 24-year-old comes with a strong endorsement from former college coach and North Harbour player Tony Bennett.
"His time under Tony Bennett - who has a great connection with New Zealand, would’ve prepared him well for a long and successful career," said Breakers head coach Paul Henare.
"One of the things that impressed me most was his willingness to learn and do whatever it takes for the team to win.
"Through watching tape and talking to our US scout Jonathan Givony, I knew we were getting someone that can guard 1-5 if needed which gives us some great flexibility when it comes to our defence.
"Offensively he will bring a great energy and with his athleticism, will be a crowd favourite I’m sure."
Mitchell himself was eager to become a part of the side's winning culture and play his part in adding to its on-going success.
"I am super excited to be here, this is a good league with a lot of good players coming through," he said.
"From what I have heard it is a great country and I am looking forward to it."
"We were just in a room with all the championship trophies, I know this is a family orientated programme from ownership down, it is about family. I am looking forward to being a part of that, a team that wants to win and expects to win but is based on those great values."
Newshub.
