KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Breakers are looking to change their playing style to be more competitive in the Australian National Basketball League, coach Andrej Lemanis said today.
The move will mean a shake-up of the roster, as the Breakers aim to go slightly smaller but quicker.
Lemanis said the first task in the planning that would take place over the three months was to settle on a playing style that would allow his players to match it against the opposition week-in and week-out.
He said one feature of this season's competition was the pace of the game and how the top teams used a strong bench to maintain intensity for the full 48 minutes.
"The top-ranking Brisbane Bullets only had one genuine big man," he said.
"Other play-off teams, like the Sydney Kings and the South Dragons, didn't suffer from a lack of truly tall timber because they used speed to unlock defences and create intense pressure when the opposition had the ball.
"We will be looking to change our style of play a little bit and go slightly smaller, but a whole heap quicker."
The Breakers have re-signed shooting guard Aaron Olson and forwards Mika Vukona and Oscar Forman, and are finalising contracts with back-up guard Brent Charleton and centre Tim Behrendorff.
However, centre Ben Pepper is being let go after three seasons with the club.
"Unfortunately, we don't have room for two seven-footers, so we've given Ben Pepper permission to talk to other clubs," Lemanis said.
"He's been of great value to the Breakers and it's sad to see him go, but he's a true professional and with his talents I'm sure there will be plenty of options open to him."
Another to depart would be Adam Darragh, who was back-up point guard to skipper Paul Henare, while the club was continuing to talk to Henare about his future.
With American Carlos Powell, the league's top scorer, certain to be plying his trade in the American NBA or in Europe, the hunt was on for a replacement.
Lemanis said the selection of the two imports will be determined by the make-up of the eight locals in the squad.
Lemanis is also on the lookout for an assistant coach to take over from John Dorge, now the head coach of the Harbour Heat in the New Zealand NBL.
- NZPA
