Breaker Baker rises in first outing

New Zealand Breakers import Rob Baker II announced himself in Breakers colours with a standout pre-season debut, racking up 26 points and 11 rebounds against Japanese team Nagasaki Velca.

The 208-centimetre forward, who recently suited up for Alba Berlin and the Indiana Pacers at the NBA Summer League, was a commanding force in the Breakers’ tight 93-90 victory.

While Parker Jackson-Cartwright was rested, Sam Mennenga impressed with 25 points and 5 boards, while Carlin Davison added 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in a strong all-around effort.

There was a strong New Zealand flavour in the building, with Nagasaki head coach Mody Maor and assistant Paul Henare both former Breakers coaches.

"We are progressing well having won the pre-season NBL Blitz in Canberra against all other NBL teams, but this is a chance to tune up ahead of the season proper," Breakers head coach Petteri Koponen said.

"The Japanese B.LEAGUE is an incredibly competitive competition, and we know these games will be a real test for us. We continue to test our plays and combinations, but I am pleased with how the team is coming together as a unit."

The Breakers will play one more warm-up game, before heading back to Auckland for their NBL26 season opener against the Brisbane Bullets at Spark Arena on Friday, September 19.