Kiwi Isaac Davidson Claims Final Breakers' Roster Spot for NBL22

The hard work and perseverance have paid off for former Rangitoto College basketballer Isaac Davidson who grew up not far from the Sky Sport Breakers’ training facility in Mairangi Bay.

Today, the 24-year-old is confirmed as the 12th and final player in Dan Shamir’s roster for the A-NBL season, which tips off in December.

Davidson’s journey to the full roster should inspire anyone with basketball in their blood, a determination to chase your dreams and never give up.

His stint at Sonoma State in America was cut short because of the pandemic last February, and he returned to New Zealand disconsolate and unsure of his basketball future.

Initially, the Swingman walked into the Breakers to help them practice for the upcoming season in Australia.

“It felt like I was learning basketball all over again,” says Davidson.

“My first workout was with Finn one on one for 45 minutes, and that was when I realised it was a completely different level of basketball.”

“I worked hard, and after a couple more months of coming in and practicing every day, they offered me a development contract, and I ended up being on the game day sheets for 11 games – scoring my first points against the Wildcats in Perth.”

Davidson, who was entering the second year of a three-year development contract, was called into the office last week.

“I thought they were going to fine me for being late, he admits.

“A fine would’ve been a tenth of my salary, so when they told me what they were offering, my head spun. 

“I couldn’t believe they were giving me the opportunity.”

Head Coach Dan Shamir says Davidson has signed a one-year deal with a club option for an additional year.

“He’s doing a great job for us, and people don’t really see it because we don’t have many minutes for him, but he’s doing a fantastic job in practice, and he deserves the contract 100 percent,” he says.

“He’s very professional, he’s very positive, plays every position, got good IQ, and he’s just a tremendous teammate.”

Davidson will fly out to Australia with the rest of his Sky Sport Breaker teammates on Monday.