The rebuild of the SKYCITY Breakers roster took on more momentum today, with the return of shooting guard Corey Webster, with the 29-year-old signing a three-year deal to return home.
SKYCITY Breakers Head Coach Kevin Braswell has again got his man, just days after the club confirmed the return of
one of the leagues leading big men in Tai Wesley, he is able to tick another target off the list and take the club roster to 8 (of 11) for the coming season.
"I made no secret when I got the job, that Corey was a player we were keen to talk to and see if we could have him return to the club and I am delighted that we have succeeded in doing just that, with Corey coming home on a three-year deal," said a delighted Braswell.
"Quite simply he is world class, he has proven that throughout his career, most recently in Israel, but also with the Tall Blacks in two stunning victories in China and Korea. He is what every championship contending team wants and must have, an outright scorer, one who can hurt teams in a variety of ways. He can bring the ball up the floor, defend strongly and has shown an increasing ability to bring other players into the game with great vision and an astute passing game."
Webster departed the club in early 2017 and returns on the back of a stellar season with Ironi Nahariya in Israel, averaging 15.3 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4 assists per game. For good measure Webster also took out the three-point shooting competition at Israeli All Star weekend.
A former Westlake Boys High student, Webster has strong links with the Breakers, first appearing as a development player in 2008, going on to spend close to eight years on the roster, in the process helping the club to win three of their four championships.
Currently playing in China, Webster is excited at the chance to return home and help the club to more success, on and off court.
"I am very excited about returning to the club, I have done a lot of growing as a person and learned a lot about myself and what I want to be, so I think the timing is perfect for me to come back, not only as a basketball player, but also as a man and a father. And with my son being in Auckland, I am excited for the years ahead on and off court.
"I am back to full health and fitness. When I left I was battling injury and was scheduled to have surgery, but I overcame that and found ways to return to full health naturally without surgery, I am back to 100% and playing well. I am just in a better place all around."
Like Webster, Braswell does not shy away from the nature of Websters departure just over a year ago but has no doubt Webster has made significant changes in the way he manages himself off-court.
"I have no doubt Corey returns to the NBL a better player, and just as importantly a more mature person. He is coming to the Breakers with the expectation that he will lead us on and off court, and set the tone for others in the group, he is hungry for success and keen to show that increased maturity to everyone in his on and off court actions. I have worked closely and successfully with Corey at the Saints and look forward to teaming up with him again in SKYCITY Breakers colours."
Webster has kept an eye on the NBL while away and likes what he is seeing.
"The quality of players being attracted to the NBL keeps improving, the standard of competition is better than ever before, the front office of the NBL is doing a great job of expanding and growing the league overseas with big games in the NBA and all the other opportunities they are pursuing. The NBL is clearly getting better and better and I am excited to be coming home to be a part of it."
Webster always felt he would return and knows he must step up on and off court.
"I always thought that last year wasnt the end of my time at the Breakers. It didnt end the way I wanted it to, but I have done a lot of growing as a player and as a man and I think I have a lot to prove on and off court. It was always in the back of my mind to come back and prove that to all the people at the club, all the fans and my family, to leave a legacy behind.
"This is a great opportunity to do that and there is no other place I would want such an opportunity. The Breakers is my home club, where I grew up and learned the game, I am excited at having such an opportunity."
Webster reminded New Zealanders of his offensive skillset when playing for the Tall Blacks earlier this year, leading the team to critical victories over China and Korea in February, stuffing the stat sheet with 48 points, 5 rebounds and 11 assists in two world-class performances.
Webster brings to eight the number of players signed to fulltime contracts, leaving three spots open (including imports) and up to three development players.
2018/19 SKYCITY Breakers Roster: Shea Ili, Jarrad Weeks, Corey Webster, Tom Abercrombie, Jordan Ngatai, Finn Delany, Tai Wesley, Majok Majok,
- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Basketball New Zealand
The rebuild of the SKYCITY Breakers roster took on more momentum today, with the return of shooting guard Corey Webster, with the 29-year-old signing a three-year deal to return home.
SKYCITY Breakers Head Coach Kevin Braswell has again got his man, just days after the club confirmed the return of
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