KEY POINTS:
Andrej Lemanis might want his team to box out their opponents on D-Fence but the Breakers coach isn't overly keen on being backed into a corner himself.
The Breakers begin their fourth ANBL season against the much-fancied Cairns Taipans tonight in search of something that has comfortably eluded
them in their first three campaigns - a winning record.
Having seemingly recruited well in the off-season to bring in the likes of Tall Blacks points machines Kirk Penney and Phill Jones and Americans Rick Rickert and Wayne Turner, an optimist might suggest the good times could be about to roll.
Lemanis, however, won't commit to stating so on the record. As he points out, he could shout from the rooftops all he likes that the 07 Breakers will be winners - but that won't make it happen.
"It's always a boring interview but success for me is seeing the team get better day-to-day," Lemanis said.
Having leaked points far too easily last season, this year is all about the three Ds - defence, defence and defence.
"This year our focus is really on making sure our defence is solid so even if we are having an off night offensively, we are still in the game.
"If we hold our opposition to under 100 points on average and if we get everybody playing for the good of the group and sacrificing their individual games then the team can perform well. That success will lead to results."
The comment about everyone pulling together is telling. Last year star import Carlos Powell shot to fifth on the club's all-time scoring list in just 33 games.
Powell led the league in scoring average. But there is more than a hint of feeling at the Breakers that he played more for himself than for the club.
New US recruit Turner, who is set to start tonight at point guard, "pushes the ball well, runs the team well and can get in the lane and find some shots for his teammates," Lemanis said.
With Penney still sidelined by the calf injury he suffered on the first day of pre-season training, the Breakers will have their work cut out if they are to kick off their season with a victory.
Having been eliminated at the semifinal stage last season, a Taipans side boasting the star quality of Larry Abney, Martin Cattalini, Stephen Black, Darnell Mee are widely tipped to go one better this season.
Lemanis' caution on the bold statements front appears well justified.
Last season the Breakers posted a 9-win, 23-loss record. Even in the club's most successful season, their inception year of 2004, they went 12-21 - still five wins short of a winning season.
So Andrej, give it to us straight, is this year going to be any different?
"I'm really happy with the squad, the skill level is good and the chemistry is good.
"Offensively we are still finding our feet a little bit in understanding where to go and what our strengths are when we need a basket. That will come with time."
The clock is ticking.
