Basketball: Breakers' build-up falling into place

Dave Thomas. Photo / Getty Images

Two of the final pieces for the coming NBL season fell into place for the Breakers yesterday, with veteran Canadian forward Dave Thomas confirmed in an import slot and a new naming rights sponsor unveiled.

The 32-year-old Thomas has 34 international caps with Canada and two NBL titles, with the Melbourne Tigers in 2006 and 2007, to his name.

A league veteran, Thomas has been based in Australia since 2002.

Head coach Andrej Lemanis described his signing as another endorsement of the club's reputation and ambition.

"Dave is a highly credentialled and successful player," Lemanis said.

"He is also someone who will fit into our group and understand what we are about on and off court. He brings a great all-round game but will add some real strength to our front court and, most importantly, he finds a way to make any team he plays withbetter.

"He knows what it takes to win a championship, having done just that with the Tigers. He will bring yet more experience to our roster."

The club has just one roster spot left to fill, with the glaring hole in centre likely to be plugged with another import. Lemanis and the club's scouts would be monitoring the NBA summer camps for prospects.

Thomas began with the Canberra Cannons in 2002 and has also been with the Cairns Taipans.

He said he was looking forward to being part of an organisation that "I have heard nothing but great things about".

"I just had my first son and the Breakers' commitment to one team, one family aligns with own values and beliefs," he said.

"Most of the players have already reached out to us and welcomed us to the team."

With the club having gone without a naming rights sponsor since the foundation deal with Harvey Norman lapsed after five years, the deal with Burger King is a welcome development.

General manager Richard Clarke said the club's patience in finding a replacement had paid off.

Coming at a time when many sports were struggling to source sponsorship dollars, the deal was particularly pleasing, Clark said.

"We like anyone else have noticed the tightening of belts and are having to work that much harder to sustain or improve our revenue streams."

The Breakers' new season starts on September 24, when they host the Taipans.

- NZPA