UTD-407-115_Gameday_Program_2018-19_RND_1_V2

On top of an array of new players, the
Breakers also have a new head coach.
Kevin Braswell has taken over the reins
for New Zealand this season and despite
not having coached in the NBL before, he
has years of experience in New Zealand
basketball leagues.
Whilst there is a sense of new life in New
Zealand, the likes of Tom Abercrombie, Shea Ili
and the returning Corey Webster are all
on board.
United enters the season with a large core
of their Championship squad back on deck,
and additions Mitch McCarron, DJ Kennedy,
Alex Pledger and Dan Trist will bring a new
dynamic to Melbourne.
The United backcourt treble of Casper Ware,
Chris Goulding and Mitch McCarron is going
to be one of the toughest covers in the
league. Each player can score in a variety of
ways and McCarron will quickly show United
fans that he is a force on both ends and
doesn’t mind throwing down a thunderous
dunk either.
The match-up between Chris Goulding and
Corey Webster at the shooting guard
position is a mouth-watering one.
Webster returns to the Breakers this season
for a third stint with the club and his offensive
game has long been considered one of the
best in the NBL. Both players are world-class
scorers and can distribute the ball with great
effectiveness as well.
It’s a match-up that will be crucial in the
outcome of the game.
Over the off-season, long-time United centre
Majok Majok crossed to New Zealand and
long-time Breakers centre Alex Pledger joined
Melbourne. There will be early bragging rights
on the line between the two and with both
taking on their old teams, there will be plenty
of motivation to perform.
In a night that will start with reflecting on a
Championship season, it will be full-steam
ahead as soon as that first-buzzer sounds as
the quest for back-to-back Championships
officially gets underway.