No place like 'home': PJC confirms citizenship bid

Over the past year, two NBL stars from the United States have been granted Australian citizenship.

First it was six-time MVP Bryce Cotton and then it was Illawarra's 2024-25 championship star Tyler Harvey, whose official swearing-in citizenship ceremony is expected to take place before the Hawks' season-opener.

Now Breakers star Parker Jackson-Cartwright has revealed he started the process of becoming a New Zealand citizen.

"I can't say too much, but I am definitely going through the process [of becoming a citizen]," Jackson-Cartwright said during the club's media availability.

"I'm not sure how far along it is, but I'd definitely like that opportunity if it presented itself."

The 31-year-old, who has 85 games to his name, is entering his fourth season in the Hungry Jack's NBL when the 2026-27 campaign tips off.

The electric guard, who has averages of 19.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, explained that New Zealand now holds a special place in his heart.

"Somebody asked me, what's it feel like being away from home and I said, you know, this is home to me, being in Auckland, being in New Zealand," he said.

"I feel like I came home from being in LA after all those months.

"It's bigger than basketball at this point. It's a special place to me. I love living here. My family loves it when they come to visit me, especially my mum."

A big part of that affection to the country is the team itself, which Jackson-Cartwright adores.

"I'm around great people, and when a club wants you back like this and I love it already, it's just a perfect reunion during these times," he said.

"I'm just highly blessed and filled with gratitude that the Breakers love me this much because I love them right back."

Jackson-Cartwright's Breakers open their season against Illawarra on Sunday, September 20 at Spark Arena.