Wetzell Headhunted By EuroLeague Team

Outstanding Sky Sport Breakers’ Centre Yanni Wetzell is heading to Europe after an incredible stat-stuffing season in Australia.

The 25-year-old has signed to play for Baskonia in Spain following a breakout year, averaging 17.7 points at 60 percent from the field and 8.2 rebounds.

Baskonia currently sits seventh in the 18-team Liga ACB.

Breakers’ owner Matt Walsh, who spent a year at the Spanish club himself during his eight years in Europe as a professional, says Wetzell’s opportunity is too good to ignore.

“This is an amazing opportunity that Yanni has earned, and we are excited to watch his career grow,” said Walsh. 

There is no doubt Wetzell’s game has grown exponentially under the Breakers’ tutelage.

Since signing with the Breakers at the start of the season from NBL rivals the South East Melbourne Phoenix, he averages 5.5 more points a game and 2.3 extra rebounds, on similar minutes.

“Yanni’s development this year has been amazing,” said Walsh.

Wetzell has mixed feelings about leaving the Breakers because it is the club he has supported since he was a kid growing up on Auckland’s North Shore.

He is particularly disappointed to leave players like Tom Abercrombie and Finn Delany, whom he has developed lifelong friendships with during his season with the Breakers.

However, Wetzell says everyone understands why he is moving to Spain.

“The opportunity to play in the EuroLeague has been a goal of mine since I was at school; it has just come earlier than I expected,” he said.

“I want to thank Matt Walsh and the Breakers for their incredible support and what I’ve learnt in my season with the club.

“This opportunity would not have presented itself without the unwavering energy the Breakers coaching staff have put into my game.  I am a Breaker for life.”

Walsh says the door will remain open for Wetzell to return, and he leaves with the club’s best wishes.

“We look forward to welcoming him back to the Breakers in the future.”