Young Kiwi guard returns on development contract

The BNZ Breakers welcome a familiar face into their roster for NBL27, with Tukaha Cooper (Ngapuhi) returning on a Development Player contract, as the club continues to build pathways for young New Zealand basketball talent.

A championship winner with the Southland Sharks in the 2026 NZNBL, Cooper spent the last NBL campaign as a Development Player with the BNZ Breakers, earning two appearances off the bench at the end of the season, in the process gaining vital experience at NBL level.

The 25-year-old guard secures an opportunity build on that experience and continue to learn his trade from one of the best in the business in Parker Jackson-Cartwright, as well as working under an elite coaching group led by World Cup winning coach Gordie Herbert.

BNZ Breakers President of Basketball Dillon Boucher described the significance of the opportunity for Cooper.

“We are delighted to bring Tukaha back into the fold and shape his continued development as one of New Zealand’s leading young guards.  The opportunity to immerse himself in BNZ Breakers culture and rub shoulders with experienced guards Parker, DJ, and Izayah and our coaching team is the chance to elevate and grow his game.

“He will also be expected to push those players every day in practice and be ready if the opportunity presents to step up to NBL level.”

Cooper is excited at the chance to return to BNZ Breakers colours and build on his championship winning season with the Sharks.

“I’m super pumped to be joining the BNZ Breakers again. I’ve always been a fan of the Breakers from a young age, so rejoining the squad is a massive accomplishment for me.

“Last year was a highlight for me in my career, so I’m super excited about being around the returning guys and the new talent and experience that has been added to the squad.”

Cooper will join the team in pre-season on return from his trip to China with the New Zealand select team.  Cooper is the second player signed to a development contract, joining Kael Robinson, there are a further two development player contract spots available. 

Tobias Cameron has also been signed as a training player for the season.

BNZ Breakers Roster:
Parker Jackson Cartwright (import)
Reuben Te Rangi
Sam Mennenga
Dejan Vasiljevic
Kouat Noi
Carlin Davison
Izayah Le’afa
Preston Le Gassick
Anzac Rissetto
Josiah-Jordan James (import)
Charles Bediako (import)

Development Players:
Kael Robinson
Tukaha Cooper (Ngapuhi) (a further 2 to be added)

Training Player:
Tobias Cameron

First home game

September 20

Spark Arena

5pm Tip off, Doors Open 4pm

v Illawarra Hawks

Tickets and season memberships available at www.nzbreakers.co.nz
 
For more information or for interviews, contact:
Andrew Dewhurst

Team Operations and Media 
022 164 9500
media@nzbreakers.co.nz

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