KEY POINTS:
Rick Rickert made an immediate impression when he joined the Breakers last season. What stood out wasn't his obvious height (a beanpole 2.11m) but his attitude.
Recruited in part by Kirk Penney, with whom he played in the same college conference in the United States, it was clear from his first moments in a Breakers singlet that Rickert was a battler, a tireless worker for the cause.
Despite being overmatched physically at times, mainly in terms of weight, Rickert finds a way to dominate the key and more often than not wins the rebounding battle.
The sight of a pumped-up Rickert pounding his chest and hollering as he runs back down the court having just turned another offensive rebound into a vital two points is one Breakers fans know well.
Last year the Minnesota native was enjoying a stellar first season with Breakers. He was leading the league in rebounding when he suffered a serious back injury. A disc had blown out and his season was over. Many would have been on the first plane out of town. Not Rickert. He underwent his treatment and rehab in Auckland, and helped out the team any way he could.
This year Rickert returned to the club as it sole foreign import, a lofty responsibility in a league where teams routinely field the maximum two foreign stars. His back injury never gives him a second thought and he has been putting up solid numbers on the court, with 8.8 rebounds (fifth) and 14.7 points per game (24th).
Last night the Breakers embarked on the second half of their regular season in clear second spot, and hoping to overtake South Dragons to claim the minor premiership and set up a shot at the championship proper.
Rickert answered the Herald's questions before taking on the Sydney Spirit.
What are your aims for the rest of the season?
Obviously we want to win as many games as possible. But we also want to come together as a group, show each other that everyone has trust in one another.
And we really want to make good on what we are building right now. We want to get one of the top two spots and go from there.
What inspired you to embark on a sporting career?
When I was young I had some height and some natural athletic ability.
My dad was a very good basketball player back in his day, a division one athlete.
So it just kind of fit. I've always loved basketball, it's something I've always wanted to do and I knew I could be good at it.
When you were 13 years old, what sport did you fancy yourself as a future star in?
Basketball.
Describe your job.
Stressful but rewarding.
What is the best thing about your job?
Winning. You know what, the best thing about it is my teammates. Coming to work with these guys every day, this is the best team I've been on since I've been a professional.
And the worst thing?
Probably having to travel so much. And Kirk Penney's guitar playing.
How much control do you have over whether your team wins or loses?
We all play a significant part in how the team does. It is not one individual that makes up the winning or losing, it is a whole group and everybody has to be on board for that to happen. I think I do play a big part, at least I would like to think I do, coming in and giving energy and motivating players on a daily basis to get to where we ultimately need to be.
What are the proudest achievements of your sporting life?
There have been a lot but the one that really sticks out in my mind is making it to the state championship game in high school. We ended up losing but it was a very fun ride.
Name the one career ambition that you want to realise before you retire?
An NBL championship.
If you weren't a basketballer what would you be doing?
Good question but I don't have a good answer. I don't know.
Who in the world do you most admire?
Jesus Christ.
Who would play you in a movie?
I'm assuming height doesn't matter because I don't know too many actors my height. I'd like somebody like Brad Pitt to play me.
What's your favourite venue to play in?
Williams Arena in Minneapolis. That's my home town stadium for the University of Minnesota.
What's your hobby to get away from your sport?
Fishing. I haven't had a chance to get out in New Zealand but I would absolutely love to.
Who was your childhood hero?
I grew up watching Michael Jordan play. I thought he was pretty sweet.
