Breakers secure 'high IQ' import

The New Zealand Breakers announced on Thursday the signing of Josiah-Jordan James ahead of the Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season.

The 6'6" (198 cm) versatile wing will arrive in Auckland following an impactful time with Israeli Premier League powerhouse Hapoel Jerusalem, where he competed in both domestic play and the high-level EuroCup.

"Josiah-Jordan James is the exact type of import we wanted to bring into our system for NBL27," Breakers President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher said.

"He plays with immense physical toughness, defends multiple positions at an elite level, has a sweet shooting touch and brings high-level European and collegiate experience."

James brings an exceptional basketball pedigree and elite physical profile to the Breakers.

A former five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American coming out of high school, James went on to produce a strong five-year career at the University of Tennessee under head coach Rick Barnes.

At Tennessee, he became one of only two players in program history to accumulate over 1,250 points, 800 rebounds, 250 assists, 150 steals, and 100 blocks.

Following his decorated collegiate career, James made his professional debut in the NBA G League with the Indiana Mad Ants, before transitioning to Hapoel Jerusalem.

"Under Head Coach Gordon Herbert, we want relentless competitors who impact winning in every column of the stat sheet," Breakers Owner and Chairman Marc Mitchell said.

"Josiah possesses incredible basketball IQ, leadership, and motor.

"Breaker Nation is going to love the versatility and grit he brings to Spark Arena."

James joins Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Dejan Vasiljevic, Izayah Le'afa, Preston Le Gassick, Kouat Noi, Sam Mennenga, Carlin Davison, Reuben Te Rangi and Anzac Rissetto on the Breakers squad, who have one import spot left to fill.