Breaking new ground: Why Koponen is all-in on new vision

Petteri Koponen is all in on the Breakers’ new direction, backing the club’s vision after a transformative off-season.

With a new ownership group and a strong message and identity that is epitomised by the new catch cry, 'Back in Black', New Zealand is pledging to get back to its roots.

“It’s something I want to be part of… you know, the core of the club moving forward and having talks with the management,” he said on NBL Now.

“We kind of found - let’s say - the same vision for the Breakers. And I like that vision of the management, where they want to go and what they want to do.”

Part of that next step was locking in dynamic guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, a move Koponen agrees was the most important one for his team and the club.

“It’s just huge for us," Koponen said.

“When we talked with the new management, he was the number one option for us… he would give us continuity. He loves the city, the fans love him.

“He’s the face of the franchise at the moment and he feels like he’s at home in Auckland.”

At the halfway mark of last season, the Breakers were sitting inside the top two heading into the FIBA break, before a roster shake-up sent their campaign off course.

It resulted in a tough finish to NBL25, with many expecting it to spell the end of Jackson-Cartwright’s time in New Zealand.

“He really likes the city. He likes the team. He appreciated the Breakers,” Koponen said.

“There was kind of a mutual feeling to continue together. And like I said, in the end, everything worked out and I’m really excited to have Parker with us.

“He’s a great building block for everything. He’s one of the best players in the league and he’s going to be our leader.

“Now we need to find the right pieces next to him.”

As it stands, the Breakers’ starting unit is strong, but has two key gaps to fill alongside Jackson-Cartwright, Karim Lopez and Sam Mennenga.

“We need to find two imports, and that’s the next step - to try to find the last pieces of the puzzle.

“We need one big guy and then one… combo guard, who’s able to make plays next to Parker.”