Gliddon In Awe of Breakers' Auckland Headquarters

He’s made 273 NBL appearances and worn the green and gold of Australia with pride at the international level, so when it comes to basketball, few things send a chill down the spine of new Breakers Shooting Guard Cam Gliddon.

That was until today when he opened a new chapter in his career by stepping onto the courts at Breakers’ Headquarters in Auckland for the first time.
 
Hanging from the rafters are the four championship banners and the retired numbers Breakers’ icons Paul Henare, Dillon Boucher and CJ Bruton – plus the banner acknowledging the Blackwell family’s colossal contribution to the club.

For a player who has played in the NBL for a decade for three previous clubs, and witnessed the Breakers win all their championships, seeing the banners had a profound effect on the Aussie recruited from the South East Melbourne Phoenix in the off-season.

“Looking at the banners right now, I am thrilled to be here,” Gliddon said.

“I’ve been around a long time now; I’ve been with the Boomers, this is my fourth NBL team, I’ve played for a lot of people, I’ve played a lot of systems, I know the game very well.  

“To see those banners every day coming into training will give me extra motivation to return the club to the glory days of the past.  

“I’ve got only a few more years left in this game; I want to get a ring before I retire, and this club can help me achieve that."

Gliddon and Will McDowell-White are the only two Australians on the 12-strong roster, and it appears they have already struck up encouraging chemistry before even suiting up alongside each other.

It turns out Gliddon gave McDowell-White tips during the recent Asia Cup tournament in Indonesia which he starred in – the two Breakers helping the Boomers defeat the Tall Blacks in the semi-finals.

McDowell-White produced a masterclass with 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists, with the Australians going on to beat Lebanon in the final to claim back-to-back Asia Cups.

“Cam has been at the international level before and was telling me how to manipulate the play style of international basketball, which was evident against the Tall Blacks!” jokes McDowell-White.

“He’s someone I’ve always wanted to play with, another shooter who can space the floor, his leadership is going to make a significant difference to the team, and his presence will make a world of difference to our roster this season.”

The “Aussie bromance” between Gliddon and McDowell-White is something to watch as the season unfolds.

“I’m looking forward to playing alongside Will,” said Gliddon.

“He’s a pass-first point guard, so that’s always great for a shooting guard like me, he’s a humble guy who just wants to get better, and if we can be a group of guys who do things like that, then we can go a long way.”

You would think with such a wealth of experience, the West Australian native would know all there is to know about NBL basketball.

But Gliddon is adamant he is in New Zealand to get better as well as provide leadership and advice to the younger players.

“Everyone in the league talks; it’s no secret everyone in the league highly respects Mody Maor’s ability to develop players, and being 32 years old I still feel like I can work on some things and get better!” he said.

“I can still shoot the ball; I want to be a threat on offense and play great defence.  

So on the court, I’m confident I can bring the same things I’ve been bringing my whole career, but off the court, I hope to make a difference in the locker room as well.”