Hoops

NZ Breakers sign Shane McDonald

Dear Jarrod Kenney's Mum,

It's lovely that you still rate your son highly. Give him a cuddle and a pat on the back for everyone and tell him maybe next year.

Love

Everyone Else

How do I know what Vickerman wants?
I read a statement he made in regards to why he picked Shane.

I'm not an assistant at the Breakers, merely someone with the ability to read.

"Mystro

Life is full of trade offs. Sure he can't shoot but can defend and drive better and is imo a better player..."

With the rest of the squad they have the Coach wants to be able to space the floor so Abercrombie has room to cut and Vukona and Wesley have room to isolate defenders on the block.
Having a ball handler that is no threat to blow by anyone or pull up from range doesn't help that strategy. Dean Vickerman trusts him to run his offence how he wants him to and find the open guys with his passing game and knock down shots when required, hopefully he can do this.

Jarrod Kenney has played in front of Paul Henare and Judd Flavell countless times, not to mention Dean Vickerman. They know his abilities and limitations.

"Would jarrod Kenny. A former dev player for the breakers, a tall black, could he not have come in and played 5 to 10"

Jarred Kenny is no threat from outside, Shane McDonald apparently goes ok from range.

Shea Illi is likely to continue to be a development player.

He'll do what he's told or he'll get cut, it's that simple.
Breakers have been holding trials for the development spots.
The Breakers staff know who's out there locally and their abilities and still decided to go with Shane, I'll trust them on this one. I like that he's older as Bailey and TeRangi are still pretty young but only time will tell.
Look how many of you thought Melbourne had a hope in hell last season.....

The NZ academy continues to produce very talented players.

But as is a common problem in NZ basketball, we can't produce high quality point guards.

The academy has assisted in the development of a lot of talented players - i mean Tai Wynyard came through and he is what..a top 15-20 high school player in the world.

I do see your point though - we have a really good PG coming through named Ili - he is just as good if not better than McDonald save for 8 years of age.

But i wouldnt be so quick to blame the academy given they can lay claim to a player like Wynyard. PG is a major issue and NZ hasn't produced a world class PG ever(?).

I have my own thoughts on why that is - Mr. Paul Henare. With all due respect, i am not so sure that he has the tools to develop elite PG talent (and same with Flavell). Learning the PG position from a guy like Henare would have massive benefits (defense and reading the game) but so many limitations as well and perhaps thats why they never kick on to the next level (Bloxham a prime example).

NZ basketball has proven its ability to develop big men with good fundamentals, solid skill sets and a great understanding of the game. Unfortunately, they haven't quite mastered the formula on developing PGs - which IMO requires greater technical learning and even more polished skill sets. No question its harder ti produce a Patty Mills than a Steve Adams. A Mills players has to be refined and polished in every facet at 19 to make the next level. An Adams player doesn't quite have to be. Still a helluva effort in any event.

So they shouldn't have signed him because he's not from NZ?
Rhys Carter wasn't from NZ last time I checked yet no one was offended by his inclusion...