SKYCITY Breakers sign former NBA player

The SKYCITY Breakers have found the final piece of the puzzle to complete their 2018-19 roster by locking in former NBA player, Jerrelle Benimon.

Originally from Warrenton Virginia, the 6"8 player has signed a one-year deal with the club and head coach, Kevin Braswell, is confident that hes built a team destined for the championship title.

The strong and dynamic 27-year-old is a like a double-edged-sword, excelling both offensively and defensively on the court. Braswell believes that hell be a key player this season and will make a huge difference to the team.

"Benimon is a very adaptable player who can work both ends of the court. Not only is he incredibly skilled attacking and defending, he can score in the low post as well as shoot the ball from the outside for a stunning finish," Braswell says.

"Hes an elite passer as well, hes going to be great for our team thats for sure."

In 2014-15, Benimon played for Idaho in the NBA G-league where he averaged 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. He was also named in the NBA D-league 1st team and All-Star team the same year.

Benimon signed a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz in 2015 and has also played in the NBA Summer league for Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets. In 2015-16, he was signed in the Chinese CBA Guangzhou where he averaged 25 points and 11 rebounds. He then re-signed in China for 2016-17 with Qingdao, averaging 19 points, 10 rebounds across the season.

Benimon comes highly-regarded according to current Tall Black, Isaac Fotu, who played with him last season over in Ulm, Germany. While playing for Ratiopharm Ulm, Benimon averaged 8 points and 5 rebounds.

Braswell said that after speaking with Benimon he is convinced that hell slot in to the team seamlessly and quickly adapt to the kiwi way-of-life.

"He is very excited to get down here and meet everyone involved in the club. He lives close to where Im from and knows many of the people I do, so Im certain he will fit right into the culture that we have here at the SKYCITY Breakers," Braswell explains.

The SKYCITY Breakers have completed their 2018-19 team, and their first game of the season will be on the 11th October at Spark Arena.

Players signed: Shea Ili, Finn Delany, Tom Abercrombie, Jordan Ngatai, Jarrad Weeks, Tai Wesley, Corey Webster, Majok Majok, Armani Moore, Patrick Richard and Jerrelle Benimon.

Jerrelle Benimon:

- From Warrenton, Virginia

- 27 years old

- 6"8 (208 cm), 111kg

- Position: Power Forward

- Signed with Utah Jazz on 10-day contract (2015)

- Played in the NBA Summer league for Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets (2014-2016)

- Played for Guangzhou & Qingdao Double Star Eagles (Chinese Basketball Team) of the Chinese Basketball Association (2015-17)

- Signed with Ratiopharm, Ulm in Germany (2017-18)

- Signed with SKYCITY Breakers on a one-year deal (2018-19)

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