World Cup winner to "make a huge impact"

It’s been hailed as “one of the biggest signings in NBL history” and now the Breakers have explained the impact they believe new Head Coach Gordon Herbert can have on the club and New Zealand hoops community.

Herbert, who is also the current Head Coach of the Canadian Men’s National Team, comes to the Hungry Jack’s NBL with one of the most impressive coaching resumes, including winning the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Germany and multiple other trophies across Europe.

In a recent interview with The Post, Breakers President of Basketball Operations discussed how excited he is for the on and off-court presence Herbert will make in this coming season.

“If one of our football teams brought in a World Cup-winning coach, we’d be beside ourselves. This is the same thing. This is elite company he keeps with very few coaches. Will he be the best to have coached in this League? He’s certainly got the best credentials of any coach,” Boucher said to The Post.

“I’m sure he’s going to make a huge impact off the court as well. He wants to share his knowledge. He’s been around this game a long time, and he’ll really help us as an organisation as well. His presence is going to help attract players. There are not too many things you might call negatives.”

During the 2025-26 season, Herbert will have a revamped roster at his disposal, including Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Sam Mennenga, Dejan Vasiljevic, Kouat Noi, Reuben Te Rangi, Carlin Davison, Izayah Le’Afa and Preston Le Gassick.

“He’s an X’s and O’s genius, and he’s adept at coming up with game plans to win games with maybe less talented rosters. He’s proven he’s able to work with all types of players, and get the best out of them,” Boucher said.

“For me, the big one is he’s had a track record of working with guys who had under-performed or been seen as problems, and turned them into fantastic players.”

The Breakers, who will be looking to build on their NBL Ignite Cup win last season, open the new campaign on their home court against Illawarra on Sunday, September 20 from 3pm AEST.

Read the full story here >> How the New Zealand Breakers landed world class Gordy Herbert to be their coach