Basketball: Jones signs with Cairns

Phill Jones can show the New Zealand Breakers what they're missing in the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) season opener in September after signing with the Cairns Taipans.

The Taipans confirmed Jones, named the ANBL's sixth man of the year in 2008-09, as their new signing today after the Breakers told him he was surplus to requirements.

It means Jones will return to his old home court in Auckland with the Taipans for the round one game on September 24.

Tall Blacks veteran Jones, 35, played 29 games for the Breakers last season and averaged 14.7 points off the bench, as well as 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists.

He made 48 per cent of his attempts from the field including 42 per cent from beyond the three-point arc and converted 87 per cent of his freethrows to claim the ANBL's best sixth man award.

But it wasn't enough to convince the Breakers to retain one of their foundation players.

Jones and American import Rick Rickert were the highest-profile names cut from the Breakers' roster this season, leading Jones to express frustration at the ANBL's points cap which saw them promote young guard Thomas Abercrombie instead.

The Taipans said Jones would likely be their starting shooting guard this season.

Taipans coach Aaron Fearne welcomed Jones' arrival.

"We are looking to build a team with youthful potential, players near or at their peak and experienced veterans, having someone with Phills experience and leadership skills is outstanding," Fearne said.

"Phill has played on championship-winning teams, at the Olympic Games, and the knowledge and work ethic he can impart on our young guys can only help us as a club moving forward. " Jones is expected to arrive in Cairns on July 18 to start pre-season training.

- NZPA