BNZ BREAKERS IMPORT RULED OUT OF OPENING ROUNDS WITH INJURY

BNZ Breakers American import Josiah-Jordan James has been ruled out for the early part of the season, with scans confirming a left hamstring injury that will keep the guard out of action for the foreseeable future.

James pulled up with the injury in the opening moments of the pre-season win over Melbourne United last week and has been ruled out of the club’s NBL27 season opener at Spark Arena this Sunday.

President of Basketball Dillon Boucher confirmed the news today.

“Unfortunately, the scan and reports confirm that JJJ will be out of action for the start of this season. Our first thoughts are with him; no player wants to be injured, but this is especially the case when you have travelled so far to a new club and are playing in a new league.

President of Basketball Dillon Boucher confirmed the news today. “Our priority right now is looking after JJ, he is in great hands withour medical and performance staff, who will be doing all they can to have him back on the court as soon as possible”.

“JJ has been fantastic for us in pre-season; since the day he landed, he has been nothing but positive and a credit to the BNZ Breakers for who we stand for and where we want to go on and off the floor.  

“He is obviously tremendously disappointed with the result of the scan and that he will miss several weeks but is already focused on his rehab and working with our incredible medical and performance team with the goal of getting back on the floor.”

The club is not putting a definite date on a likely return for James, other than to say he will be reassessed in 4 weeks' time into his rehabilitation and an update provided at that time.

With three games in the opening 6 days of the season, the club is already making moves for an injury replacement player, with anannouncement expected in the coming days.

Boucher says while everyone is thinking of James, there is also a strong ‘next man up’ mentality amongst the team.

“We showed in pre-season when we had several players out that the team does not dwell on who is missing, but sees opportunity for the next player in. That is the key: players stepping up and making the most of added minutes and the chance to take on more responsibility.  

“That will be the approach on Sunday; we are going to need our fans more than ever, but we are looking to put on a great show on and off the floor for game one.”

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First Home Game

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

Tickets and season memberships available at HERE

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