Breakers solve the Mays after star injury

The New Zealand Breakers have moved quickly to replace injured star Parker Jackson-Cartwright, signing Skylar Mays on Saturday.

Mays only departed the Phoenix on Thursday, after playing 11 games and averaging 11.7 points and 4 assists.

In the pre-season, Phoenix coach Josh King tipped Mays as a potential MVP candidate. Mays has more than 100 games of NBA experience and has spent time at high-level European club Fenerbahçe.

Breakers President of Basketball Dillon Boucher said the club was delighted to have secured a guard of Mays’ quality.

“To bring a player of Skylar’s experience and ability in at this stage of the season is something of a coup, even more so given he has knowledge of the Australian NBL and is fit and ready to suit up from day one,” Boucher said.

“He has impressed us in our conversations over the past few days with his obvious desire to make an impact in the NBL and we have no doubt he has all the skills to do that and become a valuable addition to our roster.

“He has 114 games of NBA experience, good size for a point guard, can shoot the ball, and plays with the calmness you would expect of a 29-year-old with his CV.

“We are excited to bring all of that to the BNZ Breakers and have him complement our current roster and offer a different look to our offence.

“The NBL has not yet seen the best of Skylar. We look forward to providing that platform and having him showcase all of his qualities to our fans in BNZ Breakers colours.”

New Zealand returned to the winners’ list on Friday with a win against the Brisbane Bullets.

The Breakers take on South East Melbourne in an Ignite Cup clash on Wednesday, with the prospect of Mays coming up against the team he departed just days ago.