The Breakers have confirmed the return of elite forward Tai Wesley for the 2018/19 NBL season on a one-year deal.
The American was one of the key pieces in Melbourne United's recent title-winning run, and brings a welcome dose of offensive firepower to a New Zealand front-court he terrorised during a semi-final series sweep of the Breakers in March.
Wesley was one of the NBL's premier forwards in 2017/18, earning All-NBL second team honours with averages of 11.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.
His addition also helps fill the void left by the departure of club stalwart Mika Vukona's for the Brisbane Bullets.
The 32-year-old began his NBL career on the North Shore and was a part of the team's championship run in 2015 before moving across the Tasman in 2016.
The Utah-native says he learned plenty from his two years in Melbourne, and returns to New Zealand with a more expansive skillset.
"I come back a better player, with two more years of experience in the same league which is always important," Wesley said in a statement.
"With the right preparation and a good pre-season, I know this can be the best season I have ever had."
Wesley has also played a season with the NZNBL's Wellington Saints under new Breakers coach Kevin Braswell and says he's eager to rekindle their relationship.
"I have a very close relationship with Kevin and we talked throughout the process so when things came in from the Breakers everything felt good…we just felt this is the best fit for us for this coming year."
Braswell believes the acquisition is a coup for the club and sets in place a cornerstone for his developing roster.
"The fact that we have secured one of the most sought-after players in NBL free agency says plenty about the Breakers and Tai’s understanding of who we are and the values we look to live and breathe, on and off court," added Braswell.
"This speaks to the championship aspirations of both us as a club, and Tai as a player. I am excited about the roster we are building and the style of basketball we are going to put on for the fans watching live in the stadium, or at home on television.
"Tai is another piece of our playing jigsaw for the new season as we reinvigorate our playing roster, he is one of many, but what a piece he is.
Wesley is the second player heading to New Zealand from Melbourne United, with the side having recently added Majok Majok, another from Braswell's Saints stable.
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