Why PJC holds key in Breakers' rise

The Breakers have locked in Parker Jackson-Cartwright for another season, and according to Derek Rucker, he’s coming back with something to prove.

“I think he wants to come back and show that he’s one of the top three players in the competition ...and lead his team to a deep playoff run,” Rucker said on The Marketplace.

Before the FIBA break last season, the Breakers were sitting second on the ladder, thanks largely to the outstanding play of their lightning-quick floor leader.

But after a roster move during that break, things quickly began to unravel, and their season was all but over.

“I think Parker Jackson-Cartwright gets a chance to kind of redeem himself,” Rucker continued.

“If we look at the first third of the season, I thought he was the best player in the competition.

“Then they had the much-documented change in their roster, and the frustration it led to - not only for the playing group, but for PJC as well.”

With that chapter behind them and the Breakers heading in a new direction, Pete Hooley sees nothing but positives ahead for the organisation.

“If we fast-forward seven, eight months from now and he’s (PJC) a contender for MVP ...it would surprise no one,” Hooley said. “That’s just what he’s capable of.”

“I can’t wait to see him alongside the version of Sam Mennenga we’re seeing right now as well. Those two, plus what Karim Lopez brings on the wing ... this is a really exciting group.”

The next piece of the puzzle for the Breakers is to round out their starting unit with two high-quality imports to complement what they already have.

“Now, there’s no talk about these names coming in, but imagine the types of players like Barry Brown Jr. in that combo guard role, and a Jarrell Brantley type at power forward,” Hooley added.

“If you get players like that alongside PJC, Mennenga and Lopez - if that’s your starting five- that top-end talent can compete with anybody. We’d absolutely be expecting them to be a top-four team.”