The Breakers have confirmed the addition of promising Chinese guard Terry Li to their growing roster for the 2019/20 ANBL season.
The NZ franchise had reportedly been in a tussle with heavyweights Melbourne United for the promising 19-year-old, who's fresh out of the NBA Global Academy programme in Canberra - the league's hub for top male and female prospects from outside the US.
Described as a combo guard - meaning he's capable of playing at either point or shooting guard spots - the 1.98m Li will be the first Chinese player to appear for the four-time champions.
"I feel honoured as a Chinese player to have this opportunity, and my goal will be to break into the top team," said Li, who's penned a three-year deal.
Li had originally intended to go the college route in his quest to play in the NBA, but admitted that the decision of top NBA prospect RJ Hampton to instead head to the Breakers caught his attention.
"I was making plans to go to America to play NCAA college basketball. But during a three-day visit to Auckland to meet the Breakers, I immediately felt comfortable with the club’s management."
Li may be viewed as a replacement for departing point guard Shea Ili, who's joined a raft of former Breakers who've signed with Melbourne United.
Breakers owner Matt Walsh expects his new recruit to contribute immediately, despite his young age.
"Terry is a good outside shooter with basketball intelligence and athleticism," said Walsh.
"Physically he’s so gifted. He can windmill dunk. He’s not your typical point guard - he plays above the rim, he can shoot the three, he’s someone who we can put right into practice and compete with our imports.
"He is an excellent athlete who is strong playing both positions of the backcourt, with no fear of contact and it is those qualities we are looking for in a player to attract to this club."
The Breakers will open their ANBL campaign on Friday October 18 against the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena.
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