BNZ Breakers

Official Page of the BNZ Breakers.
Four-Time NBL Champs 🏆
NBL26 Ignite Cup Champions

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

World Cup-winning chemistry, reunited.

The BNZ Breakers have appointed elite international tactician Sebastian Gleim as Lead Assistant Coach for Hungry Jack’s NBL27.

Gleim reunites with Head Coach Gordon Herbert after the pair helped guide Germany to gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup — one of the greatest achievements in modern basketball.

He also brings strong knowledge of New Zealand basketball, having coached the Franklin Bulls across the 2024 and 2025 Sal’s NZNBL seasons.

His appointment, alongside assistant coaches Quinn Clinton and Matt Lacey, gives the BNZ Breakers a globally experienced coaching unit with proven chemistry, local insight and one clear ambition.

Bring the championship back to New Zealand.

Welcome to the BNZ Breakers, Sebastian.

#BNZBreakers #NBL27

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

The BNZ Breakers would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Assistant Coach Mario Dugandzic. He will not be returning to the club next season as he embarks on an exciting new appointment within the Deutscher Basketball Bund (German Basketball Federation).

Mario has been an invaluable asset to our bench over the past two seasons. He injected his world-class tactical knowledge, showed a tireless work ethic, and brought an elite development mindset into our squad. While we will miss his energy on the North Shore, we are thrilled to see him advance his international coaching career with such a prestigious national programme.

"Mario's dedication to our players and his sharp basketball mind have left a lasting impact on the BNZ Breakers," says Dillon Boucher, BNZ Breakers President of Basketball Operations. "We want to thank him for his exceptional service to our whānau and congratulate him on this well-deserved appointment. The Deutscher Basketball Bund is getting a phenomenal coach!"

Statement from Mario:

"I am extremely grateful to have been part of the BNZ Breakers family over the past two seasons. I want to thank everyone for making this such a truly amazing experience. New Zealand is a remarkable and special place, but what I will remember most are the people and the relationships built along the way. I wish the club nothing but success moving forward. I will always look back on my time with the BNZ Breakers with immense gratitude and pride."

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

The BNZ Breakers have strengthened their coaching bench for Hungry Jack’s NBL27, with current Canterbury Rams Head Coach Quinn Clinton officially joining the club as Assistant Coach on a one-year deal.

Clinton will work alongside newly appointed Head Coach Gordon Herbert and retained Assistant Coach Matt Lacey, forming a powerful coaching unit as the club sets its sights on bringing NBL silverware back to New Zealand.

Widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s sharpest young basketball minds, Clinton has built an impressive pathway from Junior Tall Black standout and BNZ Breakers Development Player to NCAA Division I athlete, Sal’s NZNBL champion, assistant coach and head coach.

“Quinn is an exceptional addition to our coaching staff,” says Dillon Boucher, BNZ Breakers President of Basketball Operations. “He possesses an elite basketball IQ, unbelievable work ethic and has proven himself as a natural leader and winner at every level of the game.”

Club Owner and Chair Marc Mitchell says investing in New Zealand talent remains a core pillar of the BNZ Breakers franchise.

Welcome back to the BNZ Breakers, Quinn.
#BNZBreakers #NBL27

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

WORLD CUP WINNER. NEW BNZ BREAKERS HEAD COACH.

The BNZ Breakers are proud to announce Gordon Herbert as our new Head Coach on a two-year deal.

A FIBA World Cup-winning coach. A world-class strategist. A proven builder of championship-calibre teams.
Herbert joins the club after leading Germany to an undefeated 8–0 run and gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, followed by a top-four finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

He now takes the reins of a roster featuring Sam Mennenga, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, DJ Vasiljevic and Kouat Noi as the BNZ Breakers enter a new era.

“This is a club with a prestigious history and a clear ambition for the future. We want to play a fast-paced style of basketball that delivers winning results.” — Gordon Herbert

Welcome to New Zealand, Gordie.

#BNZBreakers #NBL27

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

KOUAT NOI IS A BNZ BREAKER

Subject to final approval from the NBL, the BNZ Breakers have signed two-time NBL Champion and former Sixth Man of the Year Kouat Noi for NBL27, with a mutual option for NBL28.

A proven winner, elite offensive spark and versatile defender, Kouat joins the club fresh off a championship-winning season with the Sydney Kings.

“I am coming to Auckland to win. Look at the roster we are assembling — we are going to be the most entertaining team to watch. Personally, my mindset is locked in on an MVP-calibre season,” said Kouat Noi.

“I’m ready to fully embrace Aotearoa. I’m hyped to embrace the culture, the fans, and the whānau. Strap on your seatbelts, BNZ Breakers fans!”

He’s a powerhouse forward with energy, experience and serious shooting power.

Welcome to New Zealand, Kouat.

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

https://t.co/lFY2uhp8tX

Karim López being discussed by @MarcJSpears as a possible No. 11 pick by the Warriors says everything about the talent and upside he brings.

A proud moment for Mexican basketball, and another reminder of the calibre of young talent developing through the BNZ Breakers pathway.

Big future ahead.🔥

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

Where he belongs 🇳🇿

Carlin is back for NBL27

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

Carlin is staying home.

The BNZ Breakers are excited to confirm that Kiwi forward Carlin Davison has re-signed with the club on a new one-year deal for NBL27.

From Development Player to main squad impact player, the proud New Plymouth native and current Tall Black continues to show exactly what homegrown talent can bring to this club.

Athleticism. Defence. Energy. Highlight-reel dunks.

We’re excited to have Carlin back in a BNZ Breakers jersey as we build on the momentum of our Ignite Cup win and look ahead to NBL27.

Welcome back, Carlin

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

OUR NEW YOUNG GUN

The BNZ Breakers are excited to welcome Preston Le Gassick to the club for NBL27, with a team option for NBL28.

Born on the Gold Coast to an Australian father and Kiwi mother, Preston brings a strong New Zealand connection and serious scoring power to the BNZ Breakers backcourt.

After averaging 21.3 points and 5.8 assists in NBL1 with the Gold Coast Rollers, the sharpshooting guard now joins the club ready to make his mark.

“I’ve always felt a strong connection to New Zealand,” said Le Gassick. “I’m ready to bring my energy and my shooting to help this team win a championship.”

Welcome to the BNZ Breakers, Preston.

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND, VASILJEVIC!

We are thrilled to announce the signing of two-time NBL Champion Dejan “DJ” Vasiljevic for the NBL27 season. A proven winner, an elite marksman, and the newest member of the BNZ Breakers. 

Welcome to the team, DJ! 🇳🇿🔥

#NBL27 #BNZBreakers #BreakerNation #DJVasiljevic #NewZealand

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

In case you needed another reminder… Sam is here to stay.

Big plays, big presence and plenty more to come from our Big man in a BNZ Breakers jersey 👊‼️

#nzbreakers #nbl27 #sammennenga

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

He’s not going anywhere!!

From a career-high 32-piece, to taking home the NBL26 Next Generation Award and the Tangerine Dunk of the Year, Sam Mennenga has officially reached BEAST MODE. 🇳🇿

We’re stoked to announce Big Sam has re-signed for TWO MORE YEARS. The Ignite Cup was just the beginning. Let’s get it, 🏆

#BackInBlack #NBL27 #SamMennenga

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

@ChemistWhouse gave the boys a chance to go shopping for their teammates 🛍️

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

@ChemistWhouse gave the boys a chance to go shopping for their teammates 🛍️

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

At the Breakers Academy, our athletes train with intensity, discipline and purpose, and we’re proud to have Musashi backing that journey.

From preparation to recovery, Musashi supports the next generation as they chase higher standards every session.

Helping athletes train for the game.

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

NZ Breakers Associate Head Coach Judd Flavell to take International Role

The BNZ Breakers have confirmed that current Associate Head Coach Judd Flavell won’t return for the NBL27 season.

Flavell is undertaking a new chapter that aligns with his international coaching ambitions, having secured a head coaching contract prior to the conclusion of the current NBL season.

"I was approached regarding an international opportunity as a Head Coach during our recent season. After careful consideration of my long-term goals, I felt I couldn’t turn it down,” said Judd Flavell.

Flavell, a four-time championship-winning coach with the BNZ Breakers over 13 seasons had re-joined the club for the 2025/26 campaign as Associate Head Coach.

“I am proud of what we have achieved as a team at the BNZ Breakers this season. The Breakers will always be a part of who I am, and I will remain a staunch supporter from afar.”

“I wish the club nothing but success and leave knowing the foundation is now in place for them to reclaim their place at the top of the NBL.” Said Flavell.

The BNZ Breakers are continuing their search for a new Head Coach for the NBL27 season.

"Judd is a legend of New Zealand basketball, we are incredibly proud to see him take this next step on the world stage," says Dillon Boucher, President of Basketball Operations.

"Judd’s dedication to the Breakers has been absolute throughout his tenure, and we always recognised that his success both locally, and as the Tall Blacks Head Coach would eventually command international attention.

“He follows a path that reflects his growth as a world-class leader. Having committed to his new opportunity, he leaves with our full blessing. We are excited to see him pursue his new challenge.” concluded Boucher.

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

Twenty pieces all around 😎

@theonlyizb with his first NBL double-double ☑️

[BNZ Breakers @NZBreakers]

Took care of business in North Queensland 🙌