SKYCITY Breakers set for NBA preseason

The SKYCITY Breakers have confirmed that they are one of the selected NBL teams participating in the NBA preseason this year with a game against the Phoenix Suns in Arizona at the start of October.

The Suns had first overall pick at the 2018 NBA draft last week securing stand-out player Deandre Ayton. Ayton has been compared to David Robinson and Anthony Davis, and Breakers Head Coach Kevin Braswell is ecstatic about the opportunity to go up against players of this calibre.

"Its going to be huge for our guys development because well be taking on the best of the best. Its exactly what we need in terms of growth. The style that they [Phoenix Suns] will play against us is the style that well play straight back at them and they play fast," Braswell explains.

The game will take place at the Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 3rd, and Braswell believes that the game is the perfect preparation coming into 2018/19 NBL season.

"Its going to be great for our team in terms of unity and building chemistry with each other. Well be going straight from the NBL Blitz to Phoenix Arizona which will be good practice and prep leading into our season."

The Phoenix Suns are a well-established NBA franchise and have produced some outstanding basketball players over the years.

"They have had some great guys on their team. My favourite player of all time played for the Suns, Steve Nash. Theyve also had Charles Barkley and not to mention one of our new owners, Shawn Marion. Theres a lot of history there," Braswell says.

SKYCITY Breakers CEO Matt Walsh is "over-the-moon" about the teams participation.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the team and the league. The ties between the NBA and NBL are strengthening, evident by the increase in teams playing in the [NBA] preseason this year, and the fact that we are one of the few teams selected is testament to the skills of our players."

Last year there were three NBL teams that took part in the pre-season match-up: the Sydney Kings, Melbourne United and Brisbane Bullets.

NBA Asia Managing Director Scott Levy is in full support of fostering the growth between the NBL and NBA.

"We are excited to build on our partnership with the NBL to expand the number of their teams participating in this years NBA preseason. Our fans can look forward to a tremendous slate of games showcasing some of the best talent the NBA and NBL have to offer."

To watch the full announcement live from Melbourne at 12pm NZT, head over to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nzbreakers/

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Basketball New Zealand