BNZ Breakers add Canadian defensive steel to NBL27 roster

The BNZ Breakers have quite literally saved the biggest splash for their final dip into the player recruitment pool, welcoming 6’11” Canadian centre Charles Bediako as the final piece in their full playing roster for NBL27, subject to final clearance from the NBL.

The Ontario native brings extensive G League experience to the BNZ Breakers, averaging 8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1 block per game across 45 games in 3 years of action. In that time Bediako suited up for the Austin Spurs (San Antonio Spurs), Grand Rapids Gold (Denver Nuggets), and Motor City Cruise (Detroit Pistons).

Bediako has also suited up regularly for the Canadian national team in FIBA 2027 Americas Cup qualifying, having represented his national team in multiple FIBA age group events, and has most recently been playing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League with the Scarborough Shooting Stars.

Prior to turning professional and declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft, Bediako played two seasons of college hoops with the Alabama Crimson Tide, earning SEC All Freshman honours in 2022 and SEC All Defensive honours in 2023, helped by a significant 7’3” wingspan.

That ability to influence shots in the paint was a big factor as BNZ Breakers President of Basketball Dillon Boucher went about recruiting the former Alabama standout.

“Charles will bring genuine paint protection with his size and athleticism and is a renowned shot blocker and fan favourite already in his time as a professional and during his two-year College career,” said Boucher.

“Don’t be surprised to see him spending plenty of time above the rim or swinging on the rim at the offensive end of the floor as well, he likes to finish at the basket so will bring some exciting moments for the fans at Spark Arena this season for sure.”

BNZ Breakers Head Coach Gordon Herbert knows of the 24-year-old Canadian through his work as Canadian national team coach and can’t wait to have him suit up wearing a BNZ Breakers singlet.

“We are getting a young athletic big who brings a paint presence at both ends of the floor and an ability to influence a game at the defensive end of the floor, not just with shot blocking but through his size and wingspan he is the sort of player who changes a lot of shots.”

BNZ Breakers Chairman and owner Marc Mitchell is delighted to see the final piece of the NBL27 playing roster fall into place.

“This has been an exciting and productive recruitment process. The roster is a great blend of experience and youth, with a core group returning to build on our Ignite Cup success last season alongside an injection of proven NBL champions in DJ Vasiljevic and Koaut Noi.  

“Add the youthful promise of NBL1 All Star Preston Le Gassick and Kiwi Anzac Rissetto, alongside two exciting new imports in Josiah-Jordan James and Charles Bediako, and we have a team that will excite the fans and can challenge for a championship.”

The BNZ Breakers are two days into their pre-season programme, building towards the NBL Blitz in Bendigo from September 2nd, and their opening game in NBL27 at Spark Arena on September 20 against the Illawarra Hawks.

Charles Bediako
Age: 24 years old
#8
Height: 211cm/6’11”
Wingspan: 221cm/7’3”
College: Alabama 2022/2023
Nationality: Canadian

BNZ Breakers Roster:
Parker Jackson Cartwright (import)
Reuben Te Rangi
Sam Mennenga
Dejan Vasiljevic
Kouat Noi
Carlin Davison
Izayah Le’afa
Preston Le Gassick
Anzac Rissetto
Josiah-Jordan James (import)
Charles Bediako (import)

Development Players: (Up to 4 to be added)

First home game
September 20
Spark Arena
5pm Tip off, Doors Open 4pm
v Illawarra Hawks

Tickets and season memberships available at www.nzbreakers.co.nz