Basketball: NZ Breakers to play Melbourne in Napier

Breakers coach Paul Henare, of Napier, will be conducting coaching clinics and visiting eight school in Hawke's Bay before the preseason game against Melbourne United in Napier on September 17.

The New Zealand Breakers will play Melbourne United in a preseason game in Hawke's Bay next month.

The SkyCity-sponsored franchise, who compete in the Australia National Basketball League, will tip off at 2pm against Melbourne United at the Pettigrew-Green Arena, Taradale, on September 17 .

The Paul Henare-coached side then play Melbourne two days later at TSB Stadium in New Plymouth from 7pm.

The preamble will include players and coaches of both teams using basketball as a tool to engage children in activities outside the classroom.

Breakers general manager Dillon Boucher says the games play a vital part in the on-court buildup to the season, while also allowing the club to take basketball and Breakers values into the provinces.

"We have always been and always will be a community-focused club. Our players earn a profile through their basketball and on-court success and the club has worked hard to capitalise on that with quality time spent in our community, making a difference where we can," says Boucher, a former Breaker and Tall Black

In Napier, the Breakers' full roster of players and coaches will participate in community sessions with selected Bay age-group representative teams, conduct a development session for coaches and visit eight schools.

PG Arena chairman Craig Waterhouse says it was possible with the support of Napier and Hastings councils, Destination Napier and the Courage Trust to secure a Sunday afternoon for families.

"It is fantastic that the Breakers recognised the efforts and professionalism of PGA staff in last year's preseason event that they will again play host to an Australian NBL team in Hawke's Bay. It is great for the sport of basketball in the area," says Waterhouse.

Tickets go on pre-sale today with public sales available through Ticketek, including corporate packages, from Monday. They can be bought through the Ticketek website or the Napier Municipal Theatre.

It'll cost adults $25, child (14 year and under) $15, family (2 adults, 2 children; additional kids $10) $65, (+ service fees).