Breaking the ice: "Everyone likes each other" in NZ

Dejan Vasiljevic is relishing a fresh start in New Zealand, saying the tight bond within the Breakers' playing group is unlike anything he's experienced during his NBL career.

Speaking with RNZ, Vasiljevic opened up about the camaraderie that's defined his move across the Tasman.

"Takes me back to my college days. Everyone hangs out after in the locker room for a few hours. It's been awesome, I love it," Vasiljevic said.

"The vibe is just different. Everyone likes each other, we do team dinners without [it] having to be compulsory."

Vasiljevic was part of the Adelaide 36ers' team that finished runners-up last year, before making the move to the Breakers during free agency.

The two-time NBL champion said he and his teammates have reached the point where they just want to test themselves against someone other than each other.

That starts with the CODE Sports NBL Blitz on Friday night against Sydney, the club he enjoyed so much success with.

"Like we've been beating up on ourselves for the past three, four weeks, we just want to play against quality teams," Vasiljevic continued.

"Obviously we get to play against the reigning champs Sydney in the Blitz and obviously Tasmania who are projected in our top three, four teams, so it's exciting.

"Pre-season is used to get better, there's always going to be mistakes, nothing's perfect, so we're going to learn from that."

The Breakers have undergone an off-season of significant change, with just six players retained from their NBL26 roster.

Among the additions are Vasiljevic, former Kings teammate Kouat Noi and imports Josiah Jordan-James and Charles Bediako.

"I really feel like we've got a good balanced group, and certainly getting the opportunity to poke my head in at trainings, they play well together," the club's president of basketball operations Dillon Boucher said.

"The Blitz will be sorting out combinations and different things, but I expect that the minutes will be shared through the pre-season and as much as we're trying to win each game, we're not going to put a focus on winning at all costs."

New Zealand takes on the Kings on Friday night at 5:30pm, live on ESPN via Disney+, Kayo Sports and 9Now.

Read the full story here >> DJ Vasiljevic surprised 'everyone likes each other' at NZ Breakers