"We had never seen them play before, so it was a chance for us to get a look at their players and just get used to their playing style."
He said the US team would be adjusting to the Kiwi's physical style of play and international rules, which have fewer types of foul than in allowed in US college play.
Fitchett said the Breakers picked for the game included seniors and current Tall Blacks Mika Vukona, 35 - who went to Bethlehem College - and Thomas Abercrombie, 30. Alex Pledger was also a possible addition.
"For us it is about using the games as an opportunity for Mika and Tom to get back into game shape after a long off season ... to shake off a bit of rust," Fitchett said.
"It's also a chance to evaluate some of the younger players that are coming up."
Those included players coming through the national basketball league, and one - Cruz Perrott-Hunt, 17 - from the Breakers academy, which develops high school players.
Not playing was New Zealand basketball legend Kirk Penney, who played basketball for Wisconsin University from 1999 to 2003 and still features in the list of their top 15 point scorers at number 12.
Tauranga City Basketball general manager Mike Rogers said it was a great opportunity for Bay basketball fans to see first class
For local players aspiring to play for a US college, it was an opportunity to see the level of fitness and skill they needed to work towards to make it.
Mr Rogers said there were more than 100 young Kiwi players in the States on basketball scholarships. More than 4000 Tauranga people play basketball each week in winter "and growing".
"Our biggest issue is finding space."
He reckoned the Wisconsin visit to Tauranga was the first made by a United States college team to the Bay.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Breakers Select in Tauranga
Where: Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre
When: 7pm
Cost: $10 Adult, $5 Student (general admission). Tickets from TCBA or on the door.
