World Cup Winning Chemistry Reunited: Sebastian Gleim Appointed BNZ Breakers Lead Assistant Coach

The BNZ Breakers have made another massive addition to their coaching staff for the upcoming Hungry Jack's NBL27 season, officially appointing elite international tactician Sebastian Gleim as the club's new Lead Assistant Coach.

Gleim will reunite with newly appointed BNZ Breakers Head Coach Gordon Herbert. The powerhouse duo previously masterminded one of the greatest achievements in modern basketball history, working on the coaching staff of the German National Team to capture the Gold Medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He has also worked with Gordon Herbert in Frankfurt and was Head Coach in the German BBL, in Frankfurt and Crailsheim. 

Gleim brings an extraordinary global resume, and an intricate, firsthand understanding of New Zealand basketball to the BNZ Breakers' bench. He served as the Head Coach of the New Zealand National Basketball League’s (NZNBL) Franklin Bulls for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. After successfully completing his two-year coaching assignment in New Zealand, Gleim returned to Europe to become the Managing Director of Basketball Operations for his former club, the Frankfurt Skyliners, in the German Bundesliga.

The addition of Gleim, alongside recently announced assistant Quinn Clinton and the retained Matt Lacey, gives the BNZ Breakers a sophisticated and diverse coaching staff.

"Securing a coach of Sebastian's standing as our Lead Assistant is another big piece for our Club," says Marc Mitchell, BNZ Breakers Owner and Chairman. "We are building an elite, world-class coaching staff to lead our talented roster.”

President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher said, “Sebastian knows exactly what it takes to win at the highest level of global basketball, and crucially, he already has an intimate understanding of the New Zealand basketball landscape."

"The innate chemistry and mutal tactical trust that already exists between Gordon Herbert and Sebastian is an invaluable asset," Boucher added. "They will lead our hunt for the NBL27 championship."

Statement from Lead Assistant Coach Sebastian Gleim:

"I am incredibly excited to return to New Zealand and join the BNZ Breakers organisation. “My time in the NZNBL highlighted the passion, grit, and talent that exists within Kiwi basketball, so when the opportunity arose with the BNZ Breakers, it felt like a big privilege for me.”

"To reunite with Gordon Herbert is fantastic. We have achieved a lot together and share a belief in establishing a winning culture. We have an immensely competitive roster for Hungry Jack’s NBL27, and I cannot wait to get to Auckland and help bring a championship back to the BreakerNation."